Invictus by William Ernest Henley

Just a short poem by an amazing poet, William Ernest Henley, written in 1875. It is said that this poem was written as a demonstration of his resilience following the amputation of his foot due to tubercular infection. While incarcerated on Robben Island prison, Nelson Mandela recited the poem to fellow prisoners and was inspired by it's message.

  Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

Summer Salad

It has been a cold and wet winter this year. Capetonians are impatiently waiting for spring to rear its flowery head and to reassure us that it has not forgotten us. Living in this city, we know full well how unpredictable our weather can be. Sometimes all four seasons make an appearance in one day and the weatherman can never be trusted in the Mother City. Nevertheless, we are always looking forward to those warm and sunny days and balmy nights.
I have been browsing through my old summer pictures, and one in particular caught my eye: The Summer Salad. It reminds me of brunch with family and friends at Kirstenbosch Gardens, the warmth of the summer sun beating down on our backs, and just feeling the love and friendship being passed around.
I first tasted this salad at my sister-in-law's birthday brunch many years ago, and I had to have the recipe. Been a must-have for any summer's day since then.

Summer Salad

As you can see, it's a very quick and easy salad to make, but oh, so tasty.....

It requires the following vegetables: Mixed salad leaves, cherry/rosa tomatoes, cucumber, julliene-style carrots, avocado, baby corn, pineapple, green/red/yellow peppers, mixed sprouts.Cut all the vegetables into bite-size pieces and layer in a large platter.
Saute` some chicken fillet cubes in a BBQ sauce (I use Mrs. Balls chutney and a little chilli sauce), season with salt, and allow to cool. Layer the chicken over the salad, then the feta on top and sprinkle with some sesame seeds. And lastly, drizzle the whole salad with a good honey and mustard salad dressing.

A great tip for brunches outdoors, is to pack individual lunch boxes for everyone. So each person can tuck into their salad without the fuss and hassle of dishing from a large container.

So, dear summer......please make an appearance soon. We would really like to feel your warmth again....and I want to make that salad!!!!!

The Inspired Soul

Ar-ruh Al-Mulham........I guess that's what I am. Yes, many can be inspirational, which is a favour bestowed on them by Allah,Alhamdulillah. But when I look around me, at the beautiful creation of Allah, at the intellect humankind was granted, at the colours and textures of food and art, I feel inspired. Inspired enough to try my hand at new things. When I read my friends' profiles and see all the beautiful things they have created with their hands, I can only then feel wonderment at their accomplishments. I guess I got this creative streak from my mom. You know moms can do that wonderful magic trick of creating a feast from a humble little chicken. So, this here, my first blog post goes out to my mom,known affectionately as "Ummee", "Mamam", and last but not least, "Maryam Jattiem"(another story all on it's own,but at another time,lol).........and to all the moms out there who have passed on the secrets of life and success to their daughters and loved ones. Ummee, You inspire me........