Kindred Threads in Embroidery, Old Turkish Attire and Calligraphy

Recently I discovered kindred threads between Greek and Romanian embroidery, Romanian blouse IA and a red and black Greek needlework

Recently I discovered kindred threads between Greek and Romanian embroidery and marveled at old Turkish attire and Arabic calligraphy. My daughter invited me to attend the Threads of Tradition: Turks, Turbans and Artistic Innovation exhibition curated by Professor Raita Steyn from the University of Pretoria, with a live calligraphy demonstration by Master Refik Carikci.

08/09/202408/09/2024

The Role of Storytelling in Literacy, Chatting with Twinkl South Africa on International Literacy Day

role of storytelling in literacy Twinkl SA Patricia Furstenberg

To celebrate International Literacy Day I had the joy of chatting with talented Magret Botman, Segment Manager: Intermediate Phase Twinkl Ltd, about the Role of Storytelling in Literacy.

We also discussed early memories of reading; my writing process; why is storytelling important in the context of literacy education; using storytelling as a tool in the classroom; how digital age impacts children’s storytelling and reading habits, and what changes I would you like to see in the way literacy is taught in schools:

23/07/202423/07/2024

Unexpected Friendships In Children’s Books, My Interview With Twinkl

The Cheetah and the Dog, The Elephant and the Sheep, The Lion and the Dog, diversity stories

Recently I had the pleasure to chat about the unexpected friendships encountered in my children’s books with lovely Ciske Momberg, the Content Executive for Twinkl South Africa.

Twinkl is an online educational publishing house founded in 2010 and headquartered in Sheffield, England, producing teaching and educational materials and providing educators and parents across the world with high quality, trusted teaching and learning resources. Twinkle South Africa is aligned with CAPS.

21/07/202401/08/2024

Hollie Davidson, First Female Referee in Men’s Rugby Test Match, Historic Breakthrough

frozen pink rose in close up photography

As a woman first, a mother and a wife, and as a writer too, I cheer for Hollie Davidson who made rugby union history as the first woman to referee world champions South Africa in a Test match.

But why is Hollie Davidson as first female referee in men’s rugby a historical breakthrough?

11/07/202401/08/2024

Dilmah Extra Strength and Premium Black Tea, Beautiful Floral Pick-me-up

Choosing between Dilmah Extra Strength and Premium Ceylon black tea, a review: aroma, taste and color. Caffeine content, best pairing of black tea, secret tips.

Choosing to brew tea daily was a bold infusion for me. As someone who cherished the robust, invigorating punch of daily coffee, I was skeptical about finding a strong tea that could match that intensity. But then I encountered Dilmah Extra Strength black tea, a blend so rich and full-bodied that it left me smiling. It’s not just tea; it’s an experience.