Between The Covers it's Man up or Clam up

We need confidence and courage to seize an opportunity and run with it; persevering and not losing faith takes guts. “A ship is always safe at the shore, but that is NOT what it is built for.” — Albert Einstein.

People are fascinating, and if you’re a little more aware and have an inquisitive streak, you’ll meet the most unexpected people doing fabulous things. These are the souls who inspire us, ignite our passions, and ultimately encourage wimps like me to “give it a go”! The older I get, the more I realize that being passionate equals success.

There are unlikely people in unlikely places; in Tofo, someone with waist-length dreadlocks might’ve climbed Everest solo or kayaked the Amazon.

I met an Italian farmer who makes fins (the parts that fit into surfboards) and who is featured in Surfing magazines. An architect with grand designs floats on a board, waiting for a wave.  

A paediatrician specializing in a rare children’s disease would flip-flop past our house every day in a bikini to buy eggs at the market, and she’s “done Africa on a motorbike”! Some kids study the movements of humpback whales and count the tiniest seahorses.

Michelin-starred chefs have supper in a tin shack and rave about the food. Our French neighbor swings in a hammock all day, but he’s kind, tender, and attentive when he plays games with his small son; his two guesthouses and his restaurant are always chock-a-block.

The small, wiry Zimbabwean with the friendliest smile kissed me on both cheeks and held my hands as my son introduced us at his restaurant. There’s a story there; I wish I knew it.

We’ve met Merchants, Millionaires, Moegoes, Movie Makers, and Madelein, an exceptionally talented young woman who designs and crafts leather handbags and other leather accessories. Her artistry is precise, intricate, and highly professional.

Being a leather smith of this calibre takes years of practice, and owning one’s own business takes passion, drive, and courage. Madelein sources her products from various locations, selecting her raw materials with care, and only the best quality will pass her discerning eyes and fingers.

Hides used vary; styles constantly evolve as her expertise grows. I’d be proud to own one of her exclusive MANDARA handbags, maybe when my ship comes in one day! Should you meet this charming, enthusiastic girl, let her tell you her story and journey; it’s fascinating. 

At school, our English teacher battled to keep us inspired and interested in her subject, forcing us to read 10 books a term. This eventually paid off. Most of us are avid readers, but writing a good story is a talent; having the gift of the gab and being able to pen it must be fabulous.

Although I’d love to write a Booker Prize winner, I enjoy reading them too; my booklist for the holidays included:

Like Frank Zappa, I too say “too many books, too little time,” but this goes for travelling too: too little time, too many countries.

No matter how old, how wise, how rich or poor, if you're "given to fly," take up your wings (could be a Harley) and live passionately.