Ruth's Real Life

I’ve had a blocked tear duct for at least two weeks. It looks a little like I’m keeping a giant Easter Egg under my eye. I’ve checked, there’s no Lindt or Geldhof surprise waiting for me, which is a pity. I refuse to visit the doctor for something as puny as an eye duct. When I go, I like to tick off things like back ops, neck fusions, foot reconstructions or the odd skin graft on the troublesome head. Eye will not admit defeat to something the size on a pin prick. I have tried various methods to unblock the duct. Using my powers of deduction (see what I did there?) and Google, I set about finding a solution. Dr Google suggested a hot compress. I heated up a face cloth and reclined on the couch in a tragic pose, calling faintly for tea. The compress did nothing. I’m still hoping for the tea. The next was to try an eye solution. I poured drops into my eye. Nothing helped. Julia did mention that the drops were so past their expiry date that Noah may have dropped them of...

Madiba 9 It’s Human Rights Day in South Africa today. Around the country, those who fought for our freedom have been honoured and remembered. I could say many things about South Africa in 2013 but all I really want is for us, one by one, to follow the path beaten out for us by our beloved Nelson Mandela. Madiba leaves an indelible legacy. I would like to walk on the path that he has made. I commit to doing just one, small thing that will lift someone else every day. Perhaps you will join me. Madiba 9 You could buy a pair of shoes (size 9), That would fit the feet of this man, But you will not walk in them. You will not smooth the quarry stones Into the long road of forgiveness, Or write in blood words of love. This man’s foot shifted the dyingdust, Lifted from lost, tiredtattered Hope, This man unravelled the blackness To free the barbed-bound wounded rainbow, Held it high and wonder-wide for all to see. If you would dare to wal...