Yvonne Shapiro on Miriam Makeba, a sense of justice, and forgetting about umbrellas
An information specialist, author, copy editor, proofreader, mentor and dancer writes about piles of children’s books, a high-maintenance furkid, knitting temperature blankets, and dancing “just waiting to emerge.”
Yvonne with her “chemo curls”
1 What unforgettable qualities did your parents have?
My parents shared many qualities, even though they were very different people. Some of the qualities they shared were kindness, a sense of justice, and a deep commitment to doing their absolute best for their family, which included being non-directive when we were each finding our way in life. My father, Gershon, was gentle, compassionate, musical; he loved language and reading. My mother, Gaby, was an irrepressible activist for social justice; she was creative and loved making things and fixing things – including clocks, watches and small electrical appliances.
2 Which childhood experiences shaped passions that have enriched you throughout your life?
One of my earliest memories is my father bringing piles of children’s books home from the library to read to us, which led to my love of reading. Another is hearing Miriam Makeba records on our radiogram (and believing that the beautiful woman in the painting that hung above the radiogram was singing to me), which led to my love of Miriam Makeba’s music and all similar music.
Yvonne with Julia, Marjorie and Gail at circle dancing
At age 10, I discovered my love of dancing, thanks to two simultaneous experiences at my school: Scottish Country Dancing was offered as an extramural activity, and “gym” classes in the last term of that year consisted of learning folk dances. It was as if dancing had been there inside me all the time, just waiting to emerge. When I discovered circle dancing at age 31, that too felt like it had been waiting to emerge. So that has been my dancing passion for more than half my life.
3 How did you meet your life partner, Gail?
Through circle dancing! We have both been doing, and teaching, circle dancing for more than half our lives (and we’ve been together for 26 of those years).
Also listen to Yvonne’s thought-provoking conversation on her journey with breast cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
4 You and Gail have much-loved housemates …
Neria the miniature Schnauzer (age 5) is a total princess. We discovered, the hard way, that miniature Schnauzers are ‘high maintenance’ and not really advisable for two women in their mid-sixties, but we make it work, largely through Gail’s efforts! Layla the calico cat (age 8) is extremely loving towards us but shy with strangers. Neria and Layla get along well. They are the current furkids in a series of wonderful ones with whom Gail and I have shared our home.
5 What makes a house a home?
Love and kindness are the most important: “Love is as love does.” If at all possible (and I realise that this is not the case for everyone all the time), there should be nourishing food that does not break the bank; places to have gentle times comfortably; enough warmth when it’s cold. And, for me, a furkid or two.
6 You love knitting – especially unusual projects. Please show and tell.
My most recent completed project was knitting temperature blankets (see the image above) and sky blankets. (See my blog post: https://yvonne-bulelwa-just-for-fun.blogspot.com/2023/09/an-unlikely-combination-of-favourite.html )
I have also knitted several knitted knockers – a couple of spares for myself (after someone else made my first one for me), plus some for other people. Knitted Knockers South Africa welcomes volunteer knitters! (See www.knittedknockers.co.za )
7 And how about those mini flower arrangements?
These are great fun! Shortly after I retired, I made my first one from flowers in the garden. This started me on a quest to spot small flowers and plants, including weeds, and arrange them in mini vases. I soon discovered that I had to photograph them really quickly, because many of them wilt almost immediately.
I have included my favourites of these photos in my book (more about Yvonne’s book here - just scroll down.)
8 Recently, Cape Town has showed her wild and tempestuous side. What is the best approach to living joyfully in this iconic city?
Gail, Yvonne and Neria at Secret Cafe, Tokai
Holidaying in Cape Town and living here are very different experiences!
One of the most important things to do is to keep up with home maintenance during good weather, in order not to have unpleasant surprises like leaks or swollen doors. Another is to dress for all weathers, every day. Layers work well, in Cape Town! And umbrellas often don’t work (they turn inside out in the wind), unless they are very sturdy. My father used to wear galoshes over his shoes to walk to work in winter – very sensible, but I wouldn’t know where to find such things now! Talking of shoes, wear sturdy, closed shoes when climbing the mountain or hiking.
Sometimes the wind blows relentlessly for days or even weeks at a time. So when it isn’t blowing, do something that makes the most of it. Also, learn which places are more sheltered, especially if you have a dog who must be walked. One of these is Tokai Forest. Although it’s actually a plantation of non-indigenous trees (which means that some people dislike it), it is good to know about it; both dogs and horses are allowed there – and there’s no entrance fee. If you’re someone who swims in icy water all year round (I’m not!), find out which are the safest tidal pools or other expanses of water for the various weather conditions.
And if it’s cold or windy or raining and there’s no real reason to go out: stay home! (If you want to do some dancing while home, see www.youtube.com/ytshapiro )
About Yvonne
Yvonne Shapiro dances. She dances with life, with learning, with research, with data and information, with activism … and circle dancing is her passion. Yvonne is also an information specialist, copy editor, proofreader and mentor. She loves teaching circle dancing, computer skills, data analysis, earring-making and other skills.
Since she was 60, in 2017, Yvonne has been on a cancer journey, dealing with both breast cancer (which is ongoing) and non-Hodgkins lymphoma (which was successfully treated in 2023). At times, she has been unable to dance. Other than those times: On with the dance!
Email: at funkyhats.hope.love@gmail.com
A collage of Gaby and her daughters - Rosemary, Yvonne and Julia - each photo taken when they were in their early 60s.
Thumbnail image: Origami made by Gail Howarth, with a rainbow from a suncatcher
All photographs: supplied