The Big Four-Oh Approaches...



This is me, about 38 or so years ago

 I turn 40 this year.

Hard to believe.

Technically, I am already in my fortieth year and my next birthday is really a celebration of the conclusion of being 40.

And I've noticed a few things. At first, some of the things made me think that perhaps I was turning into my mother, but upon closer inspection, it seems that I am returning to myself.

I noticed that I had begun to listen to Classic FM in the car. And classical music at work. My mother used to do this, but so did I, as a child. For some reason, I loved classical music when I was a kid. Which is admittedly weird for a child, but I was no ordinary child.

The music soothes me. 

At home, I listen to Lotus FM. Yes. Lotus FM. I know, right? Caucasian girl listens to Indian music. When I was a little girl, we sometimes went to Tempo curtains, which was run by an Indian family. They were always playing Radio Lotus. I loved it. Rinky-Tinky music, I called it. I have fantastic memories of ducking through swathes of curtain material while tablas and sitars played and women sang in unusual high pitched voices in a magical language. And the day I discovered the radio station for myself - oh, the joy! Needless to say, my mother was far from impressed.

Picture Credit: Germaine de Larch

I listen to my mod-jazz, afro-jazz, vintage jazz and it fills me with joy. The thought of taking up singing again fills me with joy. My eccentricity and love of floppy hats fills me with joy. It is as though I have no time or space in my life for those things that do not fill me, create joy or resonate with my soul. I have no time for crazy-makers, psychic vampires or people who are black holes that try to suck out my soul. I have no time for cheap and nasty wine or chocolates or cake.

I have become more vocal and more eccentric. I want to create art, perform and tick off the items on my bucket list. I want to live a life that is full, passionate and meaningful.

I still wonder where the decade went between 30 and now. I lived that time in a fog. At 29, I remember being on my knees in the bathroom, crying my heart out and asking the Universe to let someone live my life, that I was unable to do so myself. That I couldn't. And a part of me, deep down, took over for a while. And it lived out ten years in a mostly dissociative state.

Now, though, I have a strong desire to live fully and authentically. Eccentrically. With floppy hats and strawberry daiquiris and jazz and cuban music and Lotus FM. It feels good to be on the brink of 40.

What Have You Got Lined Up for 2013?

My friend Kerry, over on Ginger and Spice asked, at the end of one of her blog posts, "What have you got lined up for 2013?"

Well, 2012 was... interesting... I wouldn't say it was THE worse year in the history of Tam, but it was amongst the most challenging. Also not THE most challenging, but in the top ten. Not that challenging years should have a top ten, mind you. People like recapping top tens. Like the top ten hits of the eighties or some such. Bottom ten, maybe?

We got off to a shaky financial start in 2012 and lost three furbabies in the space of four months. My health was ridiculous. And not ridiculously good. Ridiculously bad. The plus side, though, our business flourished, we gained lots of new clients and bought a second car. Not to mention that our challenges were opportunities to grow closer to each other. I began to transform myself into a healthier being and Madelein and I celebrated four years of marriage in a country, which can be silly about a lot of things, is not silly about same-sex marriage. However unAfrican it may be.

So. What have I got planned for 2013. Let's see:

*  Somewhere in 2012, I lost my ability to tolerate bullshit and fakery. Long may it continue!

*  I have a lot of studying to do. Maths and Science matric - old curriculum. Higher grade. I need tutors. LOTS of them.

*  To finance abovementioned tutors, I have taken on some proofreading work and will be selling my paintings (that I painted, not that I had acquired).

*  Having rediscovered my voice, I would like to put some tunes together and put on a show. A drag king show. A drag king JAZZ show. Just because it's on the bucket list.

*  I intend to do all three Sleek Geek challenges and continue the good work started last year with transforming my health. Yay! And just to be on the safe side, I found a personal trainer who can help me (not all the time - personal trainers cost more than tutors so I can't have a whole one at once). See above financing ideas.

*  I am writing a saga. Bitterhoek. Those who know about it will know about it.

*  A collaboration of words and image with Germaine de Larch.

*  Presenting at least 3 creative writing workshops

*  Meeting my friends in Jozi in the real world more often.

*  Madelein and I are planning a spiritual ceremony for towards the end of the year to celebrate five years of marriage.

There you have it,

What have YOU got lined up for 2013?