I don’t know what to write
about the passing of the heroic figure of Nelson Mandela. What I wil most remember of him is his infectious smile, ever-present despite his years of suffering. I pray that his insistence on reconciliation will continue to bear fruit.
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We have Joyeux Noel in mirror writing strung across the kitchen window, because I wanted it to show outside.
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Jock has just finished his embroidered portrait of our Dutch friend Wiebe – Jock thinks he has aged him by 10 years, and is thinking of destroying it after 2 months of work. They are the same age!
Vivinfrance's Blog 
It would be shame if the beliefs and hopes of Mandela died with him.
You tell Jock, he cannot destroy such a stunning piece of art.
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As someone who spends a great deal of time in South Africa and has done for decades the decline is already evident and Mandela’s death is most likely to remove the last shred of caution from the politicians. The crazy talk will get crazier and may turn into actions. I hope not but Mandela’s presence did make a different. Of course he had to go and it was time but South Africa is at a critical crossroads.
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So talented. Just sell it.
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About Tata Madiba a dear Afrikaner blogfriend just titled her post:
‘The Magic will live on’ ~ I concur . . .
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The portrait of Wiebe is amazing: What does Wiebe think? x
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I emailed a photograph, but no reply yet: ominous!
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Love the embroidery! Don’t put a needle in my hand.
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A very distinguished-looking gentleman! He reminds me of a friend.
You’ve gathered I don’t mean Mandela. For him, I’m just happy that there’s peace at last. For his country- who knows! 🙂
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I pray with you that Mandela’s ideas come to fruition.
It would be a real shame if Jock destroyed the portrait. I hope he will at least let Wiebe decide if he likes it.
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Wow! Both you and Jock are very talented.
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If I attempted to embroider anyone’s portrait, I’m sure it would end up looking like embroidery thread still on spools. I’d consider it a major victory if it even resembled anything human.
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Please don’t let Jock destroy this work of art. Its fantastically realistic. What a talent
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I’d hide it rather than let him destroy it. Some years ago he destroyed many pastel portraits before I could stop him.
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That is a striking portrait, and it would be a criminal act to destroy it.
If he doesn’t think it does Wiebe justice, then name it Johan Smit!
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This is a work of art. I’m astounded at Jock’s ability and insight to do this. Joyeux Noel, inside and out, ah, warms the heart.
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