Thorngate Website is LIVE

For those of you who live under a rock - here it is - I have finally published my NOVEL!! !! !!

Enough exclamation marks? Yes.

I have been assigned my ISBN and the barcode on my book looks soooo purdy!

For the history of the book, reviews, sneak previews and links for purchasing the book - check out www.thorngateseries.blogspot.com

Like right now.

Thanks : )

Sandy Bigara

Government Websites and IT Guys

I am not going to rant. I am not going to rant.
I am trying to sort out the issue of registering my Domestic Worker (for the second time as they now don't seem to have registered her the first time well over 4 years ago)
I decided to go to the Government website to show my maid the process … I clicked on about 3 of the required informative links to read up on the process, where to go, how to register etc… and the above image is what I found on 3 of the 3 pages…

International Women's Day

Today in South Africa we smile proudly,
As we think back to those Women who stood up,
Stood together,
Crossing racial, area and age gaps to shout out:
WE ARE WOMEN WE HAVE RIGHTS!!
Thank you to those who marched,
Who were beaten,
Ridiculed,
Ostracised,
Jailed and worse.
We as 'Modern Women' have freedom,
Because of YOU.

Happy Women's Day everyone!

Do something special for the women, daughters, sisters in your life today - show them that you value them.

Sandy Bigara
Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom - let your email find you!

School Statistics Shocker

I read these startling statistics in The Mercury Online today http://www.themercury.co.za/shocking-state-of-schools-in-kzn-1.1113821 :

[SOUTH AFRICA- KwaZulu Natal]

A Report released by the Basic Education Department last month revealed that out of:
- 5 931 schools in the province,
- 4 732 did not have libraries,
- 5 212 lacked laboratories,
- 4 939 were without science laboratories,
- 1 580 were not connected to power,
- 2 834 used pit latrines and,
- 320 did not have internet connections

What is wrong with this picture? Where is the money going? Why are private companies and individuals getting on board?

I believe that even the 'have-nots' are able to get involved, volunteering time to clean up the schools, volunteering specialised service, (cleaning roofs, setting up toilets, polyfillering and painting walls, cooking hot lunches) hand on action does not have to cost money. If each neighbourhood 'adopted' the schools nearest to them (I'm talking specific neighbours adopting the school of their choice, nearest to them) stick with me here. Then surely there would be improvement?

In my field of work I have stepped over broken ground, performed near open sewers, seen the devastation and ruin in the KZN schools - but I have also witnessed the sheer will and tenacity of the teachers and principals. They all say the same thing: Parents don't pay. Parents don't support. Parents don't attend. Parents don't care.

I have seen schools that are situated literally two blocks way from one another, and yet they are in two very different 'places' economically speaking. The difference is definitely in the attitude and drive of the school's Principal and Staff. They have chosen to break the 'hand-me-down' mentality, have stopped waiting for the dysfunctional municipality to 'come to the rescue' and are working incredibly hard to build up their schools.

How can YOU or YOUR business get involved? Make an effort, pay for a sign board if you know of a school that doesn't have one (we have at least 70 schools on our database that have asked for SIGNAGE - just ask us - it will cost roughly about R2000 per sign) buy some colourful paint and deliver it to a school outside of your comfort zone - or drop it off with us in Durban North and we'll get it to a school with bare concrete walls... MAKE A CHANGE. Read the statistics above and find a place to assist. We have the schools - call us, email us and DO something (even if you are overseas you can assist through us).

I hope to feedback on this issue.

Sandy Bigara
Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom - let your email find you!

My Romance Novel - NOW ON SALE

Here it is! My very FIRST HISTORICAL ROMANCE NOVEL... The first of the Thorngate Trilogy!
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A beautifully scripted Historical Saga, written by a second-generation Author from South Africa, following the lives and loves of a family, spanning generations, the story reveals that the strength of a woman is only known when she is tested greatly. The first of three installments, Thorngate is a pocket-sized love story of classic proportions...a "can't put down" read, followed by "Thorngate: Esme's Child"
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This book, the first of three installments, took me 10 years to finish, writing whenever I could find a spare moment, three books - one incredible family saga.

I lost the entire manuscript to a trojan virus last May... but babycakes, I didnt give up! I spent a week on tranquilizers and then dove right back in. My previewers have loved it and I KNOW that you will too. I will release the second novel at the end of November... in time for Christmas stockings : )

It is selling for a limited time only for $9.50... thats R66.00... The price will be going up at the end of the week so come on! Yay!

http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/thorngate/11049872 - Click here to order!

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"Impossible to put down…this steady paced story of life, loss and love ignites deepest passions; and strums the hearts strings from the first page to the last…"
Tanya van Agthoven Marais
Greenbox Productions and Artist Management

"A lovely story, charming characters, full of insight the relationships of the characters are woven together beautifully. An unexpected gem of a book"
Francis Martin Doherty-Bigara
Flexithink Quality Consulting

"I could not put the book down. I can't wait to see your book in print! So honoured and proud to have been able to read the whole story!"
Belinda Hellerle
A Cut Above The Rest – Designer Wedding and Corporate Stationary

"Captivating from the very first word, by chapter two couldn't put it down… I'M LOVING IT! It's really easy reading and I'm hooked!"
Leilani-Jeannette Truter
The Animal Anti-Cruelty League
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Sandy Bigara

 

My Advice Email Address

Firstly to those who have already contacted me via Facebook inbox - I will answer shortly a maximum of THREE cases per article.

 

Apologies for the incorrect email adress for my new advice column:

If you would like my opinion or advice on any subject please email myadvice@hotmail.co.za

 

And please remember I will NOT use your real name or the names of any people you mention in your email to me - I will change names.

Your privacy will be respected.

 

Thanks and have a GREAT day!

 

 

 

Sandy Bigara

PS Find me on Facebook <- let's connect!

My Advice - New Column

I am a married mother of two who has survived incredibly difficulties; I have always found myself on a couch somewhere sipping cappuccinos and giving advice.

  

This is not my day job (I am a theatre producer) but it would be fun to see where this goes. I am an encourager so let me hear about your troubles! I can't promise to publish every letter but I will answer as many as I can weekly.

 

I studied practical ministry and did two years of counselling - if I can't help you I will at least point you to someone who can!

 

If you would like my advice - email me at myadvice@hotmail.com I will not reveal names or identities of yourself, or the people mentioned in your emails. Your privacy will be respected.

Have a great day!

Sandy Bigara

Friday Night @ Vmacs Roadhouse in Pinetown

FRIDAY 5TH AUGUST

Sandy Bigara with Raiken English and Keith Naidoo opening for TONI ROWLAND.

 

8pm

R50 

 

 

Our Broadcast: This Week! Sandy Bigara will be opening for Toni Rowland @ Vmacs Roadhouse. Friday 5 Aug, 19h00, R50pp, 95 Goodwood Road, Mahogany Ridge, Pinetown. Awesome venue, awesome music. Keith Naidoo on electric guitar, Raiken English on acoustic guitar & Masanga extraordinaire on sound. GUARENTEED TO ROCK!

 

There will be drink available. Awesome venue!

 

Yay!

 

Sandy Bigara

Work Blogs and Show Dates

Hi guys,

 

Please check out our work related blogs – www.pawpawsa.wordpress.com and www.thetalentfactory.wordpress.com we're currently having a ball doing our AACL road show across KZN Durban, and are reaching about 3000 - 4000 children a week with our messages about Animal Safety – awesome! We also have other shows lined up that are making us drool with anticipation, …cant wait to share them with you!

 

• I am performing this Friday night 5^th August at VMACS ROADHOUSE www.vmacs.co.za at 8pm, R50 pp there will be drinks available – the venue is gorgeous and has a great vibe.

 

• Then on the 14^th August Sunday night – we will be @ Zack Attack www.zacks.co.za with Steve Fataar of The Flames and Avatar fame for a nice gig. I will be playing with Raiken English and Keith Naidoo… Hope to see you there.

 

Have a great day and steer clear of condescending trolls who wear pointy shoes.

 

 

 

 

Sandy Bigara

 

 

Dear Anonymous

This response is to a troll who harassed me over a Fashion post about Pointy Shoes. As a result I changed my commenting permissions and in the end, the troll revealed their name and apologised.

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Dear Anonymous,

Seeing as I know first-hand what a mission it is to actually post a comment on blogger - I commend your effort. Choosing a profile, typing a comment, reading and re-typing a blasted captcha all so that you could have your say.

Good on you.

Your comment:
"You obviously have no idea of what is aesthetically pleasing, or any sense of style. This comes through in both your inane drivel, and your appalling fashion sense."

Just love it. So succinct.

Unfortunately, there are a few issues with your comment. As an artist, designer and woman. I have a very clear understanding of what is aesthetically pleasing or not - the gag reflex that rises in my throat each time I look at one of these elongated elvin rejects is sign enough that they are, in fact, NOT aesthetically pleasing. One day when you finally give your 6 pairs away you will receive hate-mail from the poor guys who find that they, in turn, cannot turn around comfortably in narrow passageways while at work.

Style is that which leaves the wearer looking 'Trendy' and 'Attractive' (please re-read the gag-reflex portion of the above paragraph) Now, most women like to enjoy having their men look 'attractive' - these shoes are not fulfilling this purpose. I have yet to hear of ONE woman who actually likes these shoes. Imagine trying to slow dance? May as well just step on up and dance it all out while riding the boats. Also, there should be guidelines - short legged med with paunches wearing skinny work pants and elf boots look utterly ridiculous.

Inane drivel - fortunately for me I happen
to know the specific monetary value of my 'drivel' I happen to be paid quite well to write 'drivel'. Per A4 page Times New Roman 12pt 1 1/2line spacing I am paid quite handsomely, and have received numerous compliments about my humour and character. So if my free and fun expression upsets you, the just slap a little swastika on your long elf shoes and start a campaign. Do it. Email me a picture of it.

Fashion sense - you got me there. I am anti-fashion. The fashion industry while filled with hardworking designers and promoters is a business - no more no less - a business. Profit is the bottom line. There have been countless 'Fashionable Pieces' in history that have been utterly ridiculous. I'm too bored with this rebuttal to quote any.

Anyway, if you wish to respond, include your name Anonymous. That way we can mention you in person when we laugh at your ridiculous obsession with pointy little elfin boots.


Sandy Bigara