Book: Real Magic, Creating Miracles in Everyday Life, Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

As they say, when you are right for it, the teacher comes to you. I bought this book many many years ago. Dr Dyer's book on "Your Erronous Zones," (zooming in on dealing with worrying, guilt, anger etc.), was one of the first books I read in the realm of self enrichment, so was eager to read "Real Magic". When I first started reading it (many years ago), I didn't quite "get" it and didn't make it too far into the book. The other day it caught my eye on the bookshelf, and I thought I'd give it another go.

Am so pleased I did, this time I think I was ready for it. 

It's about realising that we are not humans having spiritual experiences, we are spirits having a human experience. He incorporates different religions. He also focusses on the importance of meditation as well as realising that we are here to serve each other, and ultimately provides a guide on living a more purposeful driven life. 

Book: Peter Pan In Kensington Gardens, J.M Barrie

 

This is one of the first books on my #40for40 reading list. The only thing that I knew about Peter Pan and Wendy is that there are statues of them at Magnolia Dell in Pretoria, which was always such a treat to go and visit. 

Wendy does not feature in this book, so I will work through the other Peter Pan books too.  

What a fabulous, imaginative book, no wonder it is Richard Branson's favourite book. 

Book: The Boer War, Thomas Pakenham

The art of storytelling is so important, especially when it comes to history. It can so easily become incredibly boring to just relay dates, names and facts. Thomas Pakenham gave a very comprehensive, colourful overview of the Anlgo Boer war including the English, Boer and African perspective. 

Personally, my deduction is that this was an incredibly unnecessary war. A war dreamed up by Milner where everyone suffered massive losses. 

It was very interesting to get insight into this war, as I knew (embarrassingly) very little about it. I know that my great grandmother was in a concentration camp. Whenever I think of my grandfather, I remember him reading this book. I think we would have had a wonderful conversation about all the characters and this part of our history; I would have loved to get his take on it. 

It was good to meet all the characters, now when I drive to Stellenbosch and I see Baden-Powell offramp, I can immediately place him. 

The only thing that I found a bit frustrating with this book is that the author would take us on a journey, and then all of a sudden jump two / three months back

Book: The Book of Joy, Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu and Douglas Abrams

In my mission to complete #40for40 things this year, I broke it down into different categories; ten activities I've never done, ten places I've never been to; ten people to meet and ten books to read. I put a call out on Facebook for suggestions, recommendations and challenges. Someone said that I should meet the Dalai Lama [why not!]. My lovely neighbour, Shona,  then suggested meeting Archbishop Desmond Tutu (that would be incredible!). Then the next thing I knew, Tim and Shona (said lovely neighbours) brought over "The Book of Joy", recently co authored by both the Dalai Lama and the Archbishop! 

What a wonderful read; I have such deep respect for both of these leaders and their worldviews. The book is written in such a way that you it feels as if you form part of the conversation. [I love the fact that it was authored and put together by someone from the Jewish faith.] 

The crux of joy, which is a lot more than happiness, is about helping each other, being compassionate, education and laughing more, even (especially) if it is at ourselves.

Race: Nutribullet Bay2Bay, 15kms

The first race of the year. I definitely was not fit enough for the 30kms this year and opted for the 15kms. Still my absolute favourite route in the world!

Book: Treasure Island

What an adventure! This year is about getting up to speed with classics, such as "Treasure Island". This specific book has been in our family library for years, I see it was published in 1950. As they say in the intro, the purpose of this version was not to 'edit' or revise' the Stevenson classic. Rather, to recapture the dramatic form of the screen pay [hence it indicates Walt Disney on the spine]. 

It was absolutely wonderful to 'meet' Jim Hawkins and Long John Silver, and reading about the betrayals and adventure of finding hidden treasure!

Restaurant: Atlantic Express Restaurant, Sea Point

I've often walked past the old train coach along Regent Street in Sea Point and never got as far as going in. When the team were in Cape Town and staying in Sea Point earlier this year, I thought it a perfect opportunity to 'suss' it out as it was also walking distance from where the team were staying.

What a quaint, charming restaurant. There were seven of us and we were seated in two compartments adjacent to each other. The food was delicious; we were treated to a few tasters before ordering. The portions were also quite generous. They make all the Halaal food for the Protea Fire & Ice. 

The only thing is that I am not a fan of garlic and there was A LOT in my prawn curry, with that said, it was incredibly delicious.