Keep it simple ....

If you are an avid reader like me, one is often confronted by copy, which although compelling, is so complicated and academic that it challenges your patience. And then, if you persist, you realise that the author could easily have simplified the subject matter.

After having edited some academic documents, and shortened it by almost 70%, I was congratulated by the author on the effectiveness of my edit. I then asked about why he used such difficult language? “It is the way of us academics,” he replied. Be that as it may, if one wants readers of all to access your writing, you have to simplify it.

Research has shown that people don’t read anymore. With the event of computers and the internet, people have become scanners. Copy has to be short, to the point and engage the emotion of the reader or you will lose them before they have completed the first paragraph.

Mike Tooley suggests the following methodology: “One should aim for clarity, simplicity and intelligibility. One way is to always consider how a secondary school student, who knows nothing about the topic, would experience the essay/article. Will he/she read the copy without difficulty? And then, having read it, would they be able to present it comprehensively for others to understand? If you can say yes to both these questions, then all is well. If not, you need to rewrite the essay/article in a simpler and more straightforward way. “

Me - I write words and pictures from heart to heart – it is my unconscious conscious intention.

Humility

“Humility is limiting oneself to an appropriate amount of space whilst leaving space for others. This space can be physical, emotional, verbal, or even metaphorical.”

This is a truly serious statement which begs for contemplation. In our modern meme world where everyone is out to claim, and even go to war for their space, one needs to meditate on how this is manifested in your immediate environment.

Commercial enterprises refer to and are constantly on about its environmental footprint. Have you thought about your personal footprint?  I do – often …

Let’s just skip the philosophical elements of the topic for a moment and ground everyone’s immediate thoughts with some practicalities.

Some examples of claiming space:

• When you “double park” your car/bakkie half/half over two parking bays
• Groceries shopping – one half of your trolley takes up half of the isle while you occupy the rest of the space next to it
• Wrenching open and shutting doors/drawers instead of opening and closing it
• Making a mess of your immediate (office/room) space and then expecting someone else to clean up
• Driving across white lines to pass where you should not or, because you are on your darn cell phone and not paying attention
• Sitting at a traffic light with your sound system loud enough to entertain a full Loftus stadium
• Having an office all to yourself while it can in fact comfortably accommodate 5 more people
• And one that will tip the apple cart (for the best). There is a school of thought  suggesting that the owner/MD/CEO of any company not earn more than 7x that of the lowest paid employee

I think you get the picture. The list is absolutely endless and we are all guilty of claiming more than what is appropriate.

Are you thinking about how you claim your space? I am …

How about the space you claim by verbally abusing people – employees, family and the rest?

Is your claim legitimate? Sometimes it may well be, but if you carefully and with intention investigates this question; more often than not your claim may actually be illegitimate.

A friend of mine always says: “never argue, quarrel or fight”. If the situation requires you to state your point or position, do it with dignity and respect. Everybody is entitled to their opinion, but if you insist yours to be the one and only way – you are in trouble – your claim to this space, may be invalid and driven by fear.

Life is not as complicated as we make it out to be. Simplify and limit your occupation of space to what is appropriate and legitimate.

“Being humble doesn’t mean being a nobody - it just means being no more of a somebody than you ought to be” – A Morinis

Nuff said …

© Matthys Ferreira

Kaapsehoop Horse trails is about "joining" - so much more than breaking-in...

Annalize and I stayed in the Stable House at Kaapsehoop Horsetrails some weekends ago and yes – I think it is time to go back there.

 This is a place where they "join" the horse - they do not "break them in" and it is a phenomenal process to watch. It is gentle and non-egotistical.

The rustic-ness of the place is a demonstration of mindfulness in its most subtle form. Junk in any shape and form, suddenly becomes pieces of value – practical pieces of art and throughout the establishment every piece fits as if someone somewhere gave some serious thought about its placement and influence it will have on the viewer’s emotional state.

The Stable House where we stayed is simple and adequately furnished. The only element lacking, is a fireplace. The simplicity is wabi-sabi by nature and it allows for contemplation, not just about all the stuff we own but also its true practical value. We cannot take it with us when we pass over which begs the question – why the hell do I have it? Do I need it for practical reasons or just to beautify my space – (nothing inherently wrong with the latter)?

And then – if we are supposed to live a life motivated and supported by inner peace and beauty – then why has the external become such a powerful influence on our lives?

We went for a long walk along the escarpment on the Saturday morning and then followed some horse paths through the plantations on our return to the village – half way stopping for a rest and to enjoy a fresh fruit snack. And whilst we sat there among the trees, nature wrapped us with gratitude and beauty – and as our senses became slightly more attuned to her presence, our bodies relaxed to the healing quietness of what was …

It is during such moments – in physical contact with mother earth – that the soul expresses itself within the inner realms of ones beingness and you relax – healing and rest happens within the moment – this moment – now – nature’s perfume infuses one and it stays within your DNA and every now and then – after ones return to the business of being busy, one can, in one brief moment, return to this place for a minor service to your system.

During midday I walked among the horses – some were grazing and others sleeping? On our next visit it is my intention to in fact follow them out early morning and stay with them throughout the day till they return late afternoon. I believe it will offer wonderful photo opportunities. I respectfully kept my distance at this time but one horse walked over and allowed me to touch and talk.

Sunday morning was seriously chilly and we decided not to go for another walk instead we joined Mike Kay at the Gypsey Caravan. Mike is an encyclopaedia of local stories – ex business owner/travel guide/champion jockey and horse breeder/chef and then some. We chatted and also watched while Mariska was working with a horse in the circle. It was fascinating – quiet – gentle and it gave new meaning to the concept of breaking-in horses. A teacher by trade, but one  who has found her calling by working with horses.

Horse Trails was founded by Christo Germishuys in 1994 and he has access to 17 000 hectares of Berlin forestry plantations. Christo has worked with and trained horses for more than 30 years.  Mariska and Mike confirmed that although they consider themselves more than just well-versed with this environment – to watch Christo work with a horse or horses is something to behold. Christo will, without exception, come and greet every horse in person every morning – it is like a sacred ritual - but then again – with many exceptional experiences with horses – some that proved lifesaving – one can only but admire and respect his rare gift and ability to work with and “join” the wildest among them.

There is much more to say – if that is what you prefer. For us, it was about the energy of this place and simply observing it is action. The people – they are soul people – their religion, as Christo put it in a book about his life, is nature – and with this I conclude.

An ancient people - referred to as the Essene’s – also encourage one to take your lessons from nature – not from the written word because they believe that the written word is dead. Nature is alive – God is nature – and we should take our lessons from that which/who is alive.

Visit www.horsebacktrails.co.za for more info and do add staying there to your wish list.

A green challenge that has millennials wheel-spinning

Matthys Ferreira and Mellissa Bushby

If you did not attend this year's Electric Vehicle Challenge (EVC) you will regret it by the end of this article. If you were there, you will once again experience that warm fuzzy feeling which the event gave you.
The EVC has proved itself totally inspiring on all levels and it restores ones trust in millennials' ability to be innovative and persistent in ways that demand to be respected and nurtured.
This is the crux of this challenge: Learners have to design and build a battery-powered vehicle they will be able to drive around a set track for a full hour. There are different classes and the overall winner is determined by a combination of points scored for a full presentation of their project before the event, and the number of rounds completed at the actual race.
Entrants came from all over Mpumalanga and some schools were so inspired by previous events that they entered more than one team.
The specifications for these vehicles are quite extensive and also open to strict scrutiny before and on race day. Each class has to work within a set budget and produce receipts and invoices for every expense on the project. And, considering that some of these cars can reach speeds as high as 70km/h, safety is paramount.
This year, almost 30 schools took part, specifically the science and maths departments, and a few celeb teams were included in the fray to provide a lighter and somewhat less competitive mood.
Business owners should consider building and entering their own cars or become involved in sponsoring one of the many schools who really struggle to complete their cars for the event.
The EVC presents learners with many challenges: technically, scientifically, mechanically, mathematically, interpersonally, emotionally, physically, and many more, but whatever their individual challenges, they always come away from the experience enriched and feeling blessed for the opportunity to participate.

Strolling around the pits on this bright morning was a busy and upbeat affair, as everywhere you looked cars were being checked, last-minute embellishments were added, and any unnecessary bits were removed. These cars were being streamlined and prepared for this very important event.
The camaraderie and enthusiasm was palpable, the teams' cheerful banter and light-heartedness belying the fact that underneath, each of them had a gritty determination and intention of winning. Fun and games the entire business certainly is, but even more so, the fact remains that this is a competition. An edge, even a slight one, is what sets the challengers apart.
Some of these contestants were competing in the EV Challenge for the first time, but there were also a number of veterans. Paris Nzima, grandson of Sam Nzima, the photographer who took the iconic shot of Mbuyisa Makhubu holding the body of Hector Pieterson in his arms at the 1976 Soweto riots, with his car PariN GT was one of the newbies. Paris’ teammates Surprise Khoza and Prayer Makhubele were also competing for the first time and looked forward to the race ahead with eager enthusiasm. Their car took around two weeks to build, and Paris was already bursting with ideas for new and improved vehicles.
Also competing for the first time was Dasha, with their car Dash-It. The team, called The Dashers, were in full force, boasting bright colours and abuzz with excitement and joy at their achievements so far. For many of these learners, reading and writing is a challenge, so getting a licence to enter and then to take part in the actual race is a dream come true.
Other participants included car number 16, called Fast Dogs, a bright red-and-white striped vehicle which certainly looked the part. This team was focused and determined as they made their last-minute checks, and the Uplands cars Ghost Rider 2 and Short Circuit also geared up for a successful morning on the track.

Then there were the Vyfster Bakbouers with their sleek and professional-looking car, Bergvlam’s Amakiti and Ippitombi, Barberton High School’s Nitro, The Flash and Rolling Roland, Flamboyant’s green Electron and Blue Viper, among others.
Worth a special mention was one of the three Uplands entrants, Shiftwell, which was both built and manned by an all-girl team. This team were somewhat of a law unto themselves and often-times took the road less travelled.
Another special edition was Imagine Scholar’s Sputnik, held together entirely by glue and hessian, no welding in sight. A revelation, this car held on tenaciously and touched the hearts of everyone present on the day. Smoking Axels was another team which put in a reappearance. Last year their car was named Princess of Fear, but as these things go, they encountered a few challenges, such as the car being a little too heavy at the back. They addressed these issues and were back with a vengeance this year with a new and improved vehicle, also called Smoking Axels.
Curro’s vehicle called Lectric, built by Nicola Botha, is four years old and with her and her four co-drivers looked set to whip up a storm on the track.
The concept behind the EV Challenge is quite simple and so rewarding for the participants. Speed is not necessarily the most important thing. Staying power is imperative because once your battery energy starts to run out, you are in trouble. It truly is a case of slow and steady wins the race.
And so the anticipation and excitement that had been building up from the early hours came to a culmination, and the countdown began. The onlookers joyfully joined in and a loud cheer erupted as the flag went down and the race was officially under way. The contestants sped around the track, with very few mishaps between cars. A few of the drivers, such as Mbuso Ndlovu in Fast Dogs, cheerily tooted his horn at onlookers each time he passed by, and many of the celeb teams had the crowd roaring their approval at their outrageous clothing and laid back style.

By the time the race was over, everyone could heartily agree that saying the 2017 EV Challenge was a fun and informative day was indeed understating the obvious - it was absolutely fantabulous! Next year it will be even bigger and better, and with ever more teams taking part, who knows what is possible on the race track. This event is racing towards adulthood! We will keep you up to date with info on the upcoming night race in October.

We conclude with some post-mortem comments from parents and team leaders:

Ashleigh Trichardt:

"I got involved as a parent in the 2016 event as my son is part of the Flamboyant team, Blue Viper that won the Class B last year and this allowed these learners to realise that they can compete on the same level and on a fair and level playing field with learners from mainstream schools. Flamboyant may not be the strongest school at sport but the EV Challenge gave these learners and especially my son, an opportunity to see the potential they have in other areas.
So, this year I got involved in the committee and enjoyed putting this event together. I found that this allowed me to see and experience so much more. Instead of being in just one team, I felt part of all the teams as I got to know of the teams during scrutineering, all the emails, phone calls and being aware of all their challenges just to get their car race ready.

Klasie Botha: Organiseerder/hoofingeneur/karbouer/Dr Phil en meer: "Fantasties - die kwaliteit van die voertuie het so verbeter dat ons die reëls selfs strenger kan begin toepas. Die waarde wat die kinders uit die projek put, is onskatbaar. High five aan al die vrywilligers en borge."

Mark Schorman (organiser): "Awesome - no major hick-ups and yes, we are ready to take this to the next level. Don't miss 2018."

Richard Purdon: Dash-It - "Well organised and a wonderful experience all-round especially for the kids - a finish at their first involvement. Yes, we are there for the Oct night race as well as 2018."

Helene Botes: Protec - Uitstekende praktiese blootstelling vir die kinders aan baie en soms, oënskynlik abstrakte konsepte wat hulle op skool leer. 'n Kind wat aan die eerste EVC deelgeneem het en nou 'n 2de-jaarstudent op universiteit is, het onlangs opgemerk dat daardie deelname, steeds vandag, waarde en kennis in haar lewe vergestalt."

Tiaan Kruger: Curro - Fantastiese projek wat kinders 'n nuwe perspektief gee oor stroombane ensovoorts. Hulle moet navorsing doen, toets en weer toets voor finale sukses behaal word. Dit is beslis 'n projek wat langtermyntoewyding dikteer en aldus ook langtermyngevolge het. Dit is asof dit die kinders af rond met meer vaardighede en kennis as net meganies en wetenskaplik."

Is it left, right or straight down the middle?

I am right and rear-brain dominant, what are you? Brain profiling teach you about you. And many would suggest that it is more accurate and insightful than psychometric testing.

But let’s focus on the brain. Is it an organ like any other? Yes and no and the reasons for this conclusion should be obvious. Organs - the whole body - require to be exercised to ensure successful and consistent mental and physical performance. This is only partly true, though.

According to Manus du Toit from Performance Boosters, optimum brain performance is achieved by a balanced multi-element approach which includes, among others: diet, exercise, stress release techniques, attitude and correct sleeping patterns.

At a recent workshop he illustrated some physical exercises which one can do to stimulate left and right brain function and equilibrium. The audience was invited to participate and well, some got themselves into a twist - but it did illustrate the point. Synchronicity between the two halves of the brain can be improved upon and stimulated.

It is important to remember that stress often shuts down either the left or the right brain depending on your dominance. This leads to incapacity - even if only for a brief period or moment which, in itself creates even more stress and anxiety. If you experience these moments - drink water and breathe deep and slow.

Connecting with nature - and barefoot if you can - offers wonderful relieve from the disconnection that we often experience as a result of demanding life styles - priorities that are not prioritised and the belief that multitasking is the best thing since peanut butter. The latter is completely counterproductive. And if you don't believe this - Google it, like the millennials will tell you.

Every brain cell - not unlike the other cells in one’s body - is interconnected and negativity builds barriers (inhibitors) between the cells. Doing that which makes you feel alive and invigorated, builds neuron transmitters which allow for the sharing of serotonin and dopamine chemicals between cells. This enhances physical health.

I studied lymphology and it is suggested that one generates 50 000+ thoughts per day - every one generates a physiological response in the body and every thought or intention that is not fully executed, dumps toxic chemicals into one's system. This then becomes a source of disease and dis-ease. Exercise, and in particular, rebounding on a small trampoline, balances the right and left hemispheres of the brain and clears the body of toxins because it generates G-force (acceleration/deceleration and weightlessness) which squeezes every cell in the body. Read more on www.reboundsa.co.za.

The brains behind the Performance Booster program: Cobus and Melody Tomlinson and Manus du Toit 

And then, concluded Manus: "Be clear about, and set goals (small, medium and long term goals), visualise success and reward yourself every time you achieve a goal - step out of your comfort zone - socialise more - develop a positive attitude about your positive attitude and remember that 60 per cent of success depends on your attitude and nothing but! And that is the truth …

And of course, if you intentionally align the above mentioned elements, the universe will conspire to support you.

Steering a life filled with alluring automobiles.

I believe that every person has a story to tell and before you judge - you should always remember this. However, when that person also collects cars - there will be plenty more stories to tell and sometimes the stories that they cannot or will not tell, are the most interesting of all. Some may go like this: "I just hope that when I die, my wife doesn't sell these cars for the same price I told her I bought it for. It will be an absolute travesty".

Well, fortunately, the well-known Herman Nel does not have a story like the latter - at least this is what he assured me and despite him being quite a naughty bugger - I believe him - hmmm - reconsider - yes, let's leave it at that.

His adult life started as a bywoner on a farm where he was given a small piece of land to utilise at his discretion. As time went by he rented more land to keep sheep and because of the drought in the Freestate - this was in the early 60's - he often bought ewes with lambs for one pound ten. He later moved to Griekwaland East to find better grazing but the long and the short is that through the years he bought various farms, and with government money on the boil too, eventually settling in Komatipoort.

Herman in his 1912 Model T.

"There was no-one in my family - except my own son - who had any interest in things mechanical," says Herman. "I could however never get enough of playing with and collecting dinky toys. I never played outside with any of my toys and I still have every single one as part of my collection in the museum. I studied them in detail which eventually gained me extensive knowledge on cars in general. My dad drove a Chev and I loved Chev's but that was because of, if I look back, stupidity,” he says and that far-off-look comes across his face.

But then he married his wife Marie. Her dad loved Ford's. And a German teacher of his drove a 1957 Ford which he considered "just the most beautiful thing he has ever laid eyes on" and he still does. So, other than being a Ford fanatic, and naughty by nature, he also loves tractors and he does have a few in his museum just outside of White River.

He used Ford bakkies on the farm and this also stimulated his love for Fords. And then we sort of explored the Ford Kuga issues of the moment. He holds an interesting, and not too far-fetched theory about this, but let’s just leave it at that.

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His first car was a 1960 Beetle – “a car with a good heart” and the first and the last successful German car ever built,” he says. Next was a 1964 Zephyr 6 Sport fitted with a Lambons front suspension? “It was affordable and very popular in those years”. And then he tells me about six young girls (ages 17-21) – in a restaurant in Chicago and their love for Chevy’s Nova’s and Cadillac’s - sugar daddy’s and the rest. These large cars were considered safer than smaller cars but what he loved most - besides the girls (I thought that - I did not say it), was the massive chrome surfaces on these cars. “Ek’s mal oor chrome”, he chirps.

We reminisced a little about a Jaguar Mk11 with gold plated spokes on the rims - “it was a special edition,” he says. Yes, he also loves Jaguars - owned a number of them and have some in his collection.

His favourite 1957 Ford Fairlane 500.

His first restoration was a 1957 Fairlane (part of his collection) which he built from five different carcases, three of which he which he salvaged from previous road administration/maintenance camps. The restoration took four years to complete. “It is important to me that all restoration projects render an authentic and as close to original as possible, product. For example, I import all the spark plugs because the small cup on the tips of these, carry the Ford logo. I import all the parts required for restoration. One can also source most through a local company called Import it All. Parts for English brands - except Jaguar, are very difficult to find. Interesting to know is that Henry Ford 3rd was nuts about Jaguars - but he could never admit to it".

More Fairlanes.

Then we got sidetracked by a story about American visitors building a church in South Africa - visited his museum and the relationship which has developed since then. One of these visitors and an employee of Ford, told Herman that Henry Ford the 3rd loved the Jaguar brand so much that he instructed his executives to go and buy the Jaguar manufacturer. Yes - well travelled and connected Herman certainly is. Herman also owned an E-Type which proved not to be a favourite with his wife though. The S-Type’s parts carry the Ford logo - the XK comes with a four litre Ford engine - the man is a walking encyclopaedia of motoring knowledge and insights.

After his first Zephyr, which he bought new, Herman drove seven Mercedes Benzes, inclusive of a 350S in a row - but he prefers not to talk about these. Then came a Rambler, a Kombi and two Sierra station wagons – a 1993 model with which he did 380 000 trouble-free kilometres. It was serviced on the farm. Then there was the Falcon and a 1967 F100 bakkie fondly referred to as the Green Mamba. A Peugeot was followed by an absolutely useless Chev C10 and from 1977 onwards he only owned Ford bakkies.

A Fiat 1500 which spend more time at the dealership - received more new engine installations than the letters in his names and is hated by his wife, is also still part of his collection.

But as is part and parcel of any interaction with a collector of Herman’s stature, there is always another story that just needs to be shared. Once he registered his disdain with Ford’s executive management about them not having a car that can compete with Mercedes and the rest. On Sunday's he had to park his Sierra a few blocks away from the church as all the good parking spots were taken by those other cars. This did not sit well with him. Ford introduced him to a car only available in Australia at the time and to be imported at a cost of R800 000 but of course this “was somewhat ridiculous and I declined”,

A1923 Lincoln; a car for presidents and even the Mafia, and sporting some interesting features like twin rear-view mirrors. 

We spoke about his long-time relationship with Colin Lazarus of Lazarus Ford in Gauteng and yes, of course, there some stories to tell also.

Herman, if I force your hand about your favourite favourites in your collection or otherwise, which cars would that be? “He became very quiet - my three 1957 Ford Fairlane’s inclusive of the Thunderbird and the Club Victoria. Then there is the 1936 Roadster, a 1980 Thunderbird which was released to celebrate the brands 25th birthday and which carries a nameplate on the dash with his name on, the 1940 Ford bakkie, his Model T and A and the 1923 Lincoln of which there are only three in the world.

And then the stories really started to filter through - too many for the scope of this article - about some cars that were hidden - so-called raffle winnings - Model T’s bought for R7000 - a Thunderbird for R23 900 - a 1963 Lincoln with Mafia connections - a Bible quote about Babel and the pursuit of money/greed and so forth. “Collecting like this is an illness - only you don’t become sick or die because of it,” he says.

The 1936 Roadster and one of my personal favourites in the collection.

And the strategically placed chairs around the museum? “Those accommodate my quiet time. I sit there and observe the cars - the collection totals 70. No, I am not doing nothing - I am busy with strategic planning. There are project cars among the completed cars. Every car - even those that one initially considers ugly, offers specific beauty elements and in time, one learn to love and appreciate these,” he concluded.

Herman does accommodate visitors to the museum in small groups of 6 and by prior arrangement only. You can contact him on 084-577-8681 and visit his website at www.oldcarhaven.co.za for more on the history of this collection. And in case you are wondering - it rained cats and dogs on the day I visited thus the reason for not being able to photograph the cars outdoors.

A1934 Airflow De Solo.

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