07/10/2021
I have loved words, art, and creativity since... well, since as far back as I can remember.
I grew up with mentors, and people that inspired. although, it is only now clear in hindsight. I had a grandfather who had formal education up to the age of 12, but the library of an educated contrarian. The other grandfather was a writer. wrote the most beautiful poetry on the back of used cigarette boxes, envelopes, and other paper supplements. Oh, and he had a genuine love for stationary... yes, pens, papers and books. In fact, I recall him buying a new book form the CNA, and sticking his nose right into the random page, where he happened to open it... then taking in a deep breath. Although he did not say a word, I could in my 6-year-old mind only but tell myself, that one has to sniff up words and pages... before you read them. Today, I find myself doing the exact same thing when I acquire a new book. Take a good whiff of the pages, before settling down on the couch to submerge myself in that read.
Yes, I am a traditionalist... no electronic books for me thanks, I want it tangible, flexible object, and the best part... I want to smell the set ink on new print, perfectly preserved by a new book on a shelf.
I lost track now... Oh, yes, in addition, my father was artistic, precise, hardworking and downright a "doer" and a "thinker". He worked on various mediums. He was a humble Sign Writer by trade, spray painter for extra income, and then painting South African landscapes and wildlife for relaxation. He smelled of paint, and his hands were always soiled with evidence of creativity. Paint, thinners, or some sort of creative aftermath.
From the first time I held a Crayola Wax Crayon in my hands, I wanted to make creative stuff. Pretty pictures, that looks nice. Later, as I grew older, I did experimental art, that made me think and explore from Degas to Bridget Riley. In addition to this, I have always played with some form of drawing or photography.
The nature of my career in my 20's and 30's allowed me to travel through Africa, Europe and I even went to Russia. So, a new love emerged. The love of travel. This gave me the chance to mingle with locals, wanna be locals, visiting tourists, and people from all walks of life. From the humble housekeeping staff at lodges, to passionate rangers who love Africa, and then the intellectual travellers or fun-loving honeymooners that could afford a superbly overpriced safari to Africa. So many people, so many faces, and so many conversations. So many memories.
I was in no space for remembrance the other day. When filling my dishwasher with plates from the dinner we just enjoyed an hour ago, something sparked a memory. I was placing an amber coloured glass in the rack, when a blade of an African sunset, dashed over the glass and then haloed a glow for a Nano-second. It triggered a memory from more than 15+ years ago, A tender memory, that imprinted somewhere in the misfiled section of my left side brain.
It took me back to the plains of the Serengeti, in Tanzania. I smelled in my, "mind of memory", the unique faint but scent of the African Potato Bush as the sun sets, and the Fiery Necked Nightjars melodizing, as they do at sunset. Followed by a memory of a grand old man, from the UK, a barrister. I remember his eyes, but not his face. They were staring into the setting African sun. He was nursing his G&T and looked forlorn for a moment. We had a spectacular view over the Western Serengeti, at a camp called Klein's Kamp (where Hemingway used to hunt, I believe). We were overlooking the Serengeti plains, dotted with Wildebeest trekking along the migration route. It was a mid-stop on our afternoon-into-evening game drive. Customary on safari, is drinks stop to enjoy the panoramic views and the majesty of Africa. I struck up a conversation with this elderly man. I don't recall the detail. I do remember his last few words before we got back on the Land Rover. It was something along the lines of how life takes you where it takes you, and if you want, you can choose happiness, fulfilment, or contentment. He asked me how old I was, and back then I was about 24. At that time already, I have had the pleasure of experiencing some of the best Luxury Lodges in Africa. This was such an educational experience to the AndBeyond camps. He said something like. " I would give anything to have had the opportunities you have. Here I am aged 70. I had to work my whole life to afford this experience, and you, at age... what, about 24, have had so many of these experiences".
So, I had to write this whole long prelude to make my point. Which is this. Do what you do and do it well. Do what you love if you can. I have wanted a career that combine my love of words, writing, strategy, art, and creativity all my life. When COVID hit, I was a manager at a specialist agency that booked luxury 4,5- and 6-star cruises abroad. 22 years of a career built on hard work, no study leave, and sacrifices. I loved my job, loved my life, and loved my existence. Initially, we thought we'll be heading for rough waters (pardon the expression) when Covid hit. We had no idea, did we now. It turned into months, and months turned into retrenchments. I was devastated.
But the universe had a plan and I had ambition to survive and surmount the obstacles. I have never been lazy. Oh, I can feel terribly sorry for myself at times, but I always get back up, and dust myself off. In lockdown, I started upskilling myself to Digital Marketing, Web Design, and such. To kill time mostly and to scratch an itch of curiosity about these fields. And I realised that the lovely 22 year chapter was about to close. I fell in love with Digital Marketing instantaneously. I could mix and match my natural and learned skill sets and apply my academic learning and undergraduate learning to a discipline that requires multifaceted skills. It was like someone scratched a 44-year-old itch! I found hope, out of ashes. I found passion, perseverance, and productivity.
I am fortunate indeed, to have "arrived" at my happy place, miserable as it may be outside in the cold world, right here in my home office I am fulfilled and hopeful. And I want to pay it forward.
My wish is that you all find this.
