It is World Book Day today. Happy Book Day. What an extraordinary book “Things Fall Apart” is. Chinua writes a harsh but tender story about the life of the Igbo tribes in the mid-nineteenth century through the eyes of a proud, uncompromising warrier and leader. We learn about their daily way of life, about their culture and their mores and then without sentimentality Chinua describes the breakdown of their society when the Anglican Missionaries walk in and f*ck it all up. The African story told in it’s purest form. Shameful.
We all had a lot to say about the book last night and with much support from my African blisters (that’s a combination of “sisters” and “bloggers”) I provided an authentic African meal. I cooked “Foo foo and Yams” (thanks Karen), spinach and peanuts (thanks Miranda) and maize meal (thanks Janelle), and spicy yam soup and Biltong. I think we ate enough for an Igbo tribal celebration for the whole village. That maize meal is extraordinary stuff isn’t it? Or did I just cook it wrongly? It was like playdoh or wallpaper paste and you could fashion it into any shape you liked. It seemed totally waterproof and would keep no doubt keep you warm too. I’m sure I could have made a house out of it or certainly some fairly impressive breast implants or a pair of solid shoes.
I am feeling bad today though. I didn’t sleep very well (partly because I had eaten a house, two breast implants and a pair of shoes) and partly because we had Skyped my lovely missing friend who’s somehow found herself (through no fault of her own) sitting in a house in Melbourne and she joined in our discussion, but it felt all wrong – I wanted her to be in the same room not a pixelated brown face on my computer.
Dumdad
March 5, 2009Don’t be too hard on yourself. Stress and tiredness and frustration make us say things we don’t mean. I’ve been there. That trickle of evil thoughts seeps into the brain when the red flag’s up and horrible words spew out.
You apologised and explained why you said what you said. Yes, they’ll remember you said it but they’ll also know you didn’t mean it.
P.S. Your 8 year old will obviously become a great writer in the future!
Dumdad
March 5, 2009I’ve just noticed in your blog list that you list Dumdad’s Blogs (actually, just the one) and underneath it states my last post was two years ago! I know I don’t post every day but still…
Frankofile
March 5, 2009They haven’t said it to you yet? Wow, what a mum!
family affairs
March 5, 2009Thanks DD for those wise words – and sorry about that blog thing – I’ll change it Lx
I know Frankofile – not bad eh? Doesn’t mean they don’t mumble it under their breath all the time. lx
Mud in the City
March 5, 2009Lulu – they know you adore them.
They know you were having a moment.
Don’t dwell on it and make it into a big deal, just be the mum they know and love.
Fat, frumpy and fifty...
March 5, 2009well l wish l could say that’s all my teenage daughter and l have said to each other at times, forgive yourself, we forgive you…let it go friend!!!
love the hat by the way..not the best look l feel…au nateurelle
Janelle
March 5, 2009pure unadulterated Lulu In The City…riotous. oh. the kids will get over it. i once locked myself in my room (in the old house – no doors in the new one…) while they wailed and scraped from the otherside “maaaammmmmmaaaaaaaaaaaaa!” to which i retorted, “JUST ALL FUCK OFF WILL YOU?” purpled faced…and they have said many times we hate you. but i know they don’t. it’s emotional honesty. how else are they going to learn it? and we ALWAYS say sorry afterwards…you are fabulous lulu… love toujours xxx j
Claire
March 5, 2009Ahh don’t worry – you never know, it may have the effect of preventing them from doing that kinda thing again.
karen
March 6, 2009great that you did all the African food items, most impressed!
Don’t worry, the kids know you didn’t really mean it! And you spoke to them about it, too. I’m sure it’ll be fine! As a stepmom (much worse than a mom, remember), I often feel I may have done/said terrible things when they were younger and naughtier, that would scar them for life, and guess what – I recently found out that they don’t even remember any of the things I was obsessing about!
family affairs
March 6, 2009Yes you’re right Mud, I think they know I was only having a mad moment….
I know! That hat! It is NOT a good look is it FFF?
Claire, lets hope so…
That is most reassuring Karen – it’s true though – kids remember the things we forget and vice versa! Lx