First edition published August 2007; layout and design by Barbara Mueller; Printing by MegaDigital, Cape Town.

About the Book:

In this anthology I have included a short story about one of my early memories of my Granny. I wish for nothing more than that my granddaughters remember me, the way I remember my grandmother.

I started writing poetry at a retreat in Ireland a few years ago given by a dear friend who challenged me knowing I would resist owing to my dyslexia. It was a creative field I had always shied away from. Many of my early poems were written during a period of struggle to make the decision to leave Israel and return to South Africa.

Some of my drawings, mindless doodles, and special photographs are included in this book.

To visit Ilana's website click here - http://www.ilana-slomowitz.com

"Creativity personified is possibly the best way to describe Ilana.
A friend of some 28 years, I can only compare time spent with her as being a rare gift. A red-head with a volcanic lava persona, Ilana has barreled through life, singing out her mantra, “If you’ve got it – flaunt it” and flaunt it she has.
Can I speak of her as a ceramic artist? Or a dancer? Maybe as a writer and poet, or perhaps as a counselor? Can I laud her talents as an aroma-therapist whilst beckoning you to see a little exquisite wooden box, decorated in mystical colours, shells and bits of polished sea-washed glass? Or would you prefer to stand in awe at her murals which cover the walls of famous buildings and homes? Perhaps you would like to be indulged by a reading of her poems and enjoy her drawings? Whatever you choose – you will not be disappointed."

Gill Katz

“I don’t care what the weather is, as long as I’m out in it!” said Christopher Robin. Ilana and her inimitable creativity says to me: I don’t care what the field of creativity is, as long as I am expressing myself through it. Art, poetry, dance, humor, creating exquisite space, conversation, cooking. This collection of her poems and sketches is a perfect example of her appetite for life and her generosity to share her unique life view.
“Come to Ireland,” I said in the long-ago, with a hint of challenge I knew she could not resist. I had no doubt that she would emerge a prolific and courageous writer. Her writing table soon became an altar of scoured beach treasures; she amazed us with the way she transformed the simplest little shell or stone into an artistic statement. Her poetry reflects this ability to see the treasures in the ordinary. This book is a gift not only to her “girls”, but to all who will have the joy of reading it. I am touched to be one of them."

Merle Levin

About the Author:
I was born in Johannesburg and lived there for 46 years. I moved to Israel in 1988, with my daughters. My longing for South Africa never left me. After 17 years I came back to live in the Cape. Yet the torment of leaving my daughter and my granddaughter Zohar was painful. My connection to her is as deep and intense as every grandmother understands. Knowing that I would not be able to share in her daily life, I realized that some day, when older, I needed her to know and perhaps cherish my innermost feelings through this book of poetry. It is the form that allows me to express things simply and truthfully. And it is something that will be there long after I am gone.

The seeds of my joy in writing were sown on that magical trip to Innes Chrone in Ireland. This little book of poems grew out of my overwhelming love for my then only granddaughter, the pain of moving away from her and the events that followed.

I dedicate this book to my now two precious granddaughters Zohar and Arad who have taken my heart to a place of loving far deeper than I can express. Also to my three very special daughters: Debbie, Judy and Danielle who bless my life, enrich it and challenge me to be the best mother I can. I ask forgiveness for the times that I have failed. I also give thanks to all those who have so richly touched my creative and event-filled life, who have added brilliant colors to my life’s pallet.

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