Moving on and looking forward!
Ranked #2,497 in Squidoo Community, #195,746 overall
A bit of everything and not much of anything
Let me start by saying I am a devoted mother, I have 6 (yes, that's half a dozen) children. Only 3 of them are at home, they are little ones. The older ones have fled the nest to take up position and control of their own lives in other parts of the world. Each one of them will tell you that I am SO proud of them that I have been known to embarrass them :)
I live and work at home with 3 of my babies, Sav, River and HRH Aiden Daniel Mark, and my fiancee, Craig.
I have a son "D", my oldest, whom I absolutely adore, and who is engaged to the love of his life, Candice. They will be married on 12 December 2012.
And next I have a daughter "JR" whom I absolutely adore. I then have my namesake whom I absolutely adore. Then comes "S" who is - well she's a little odd - she wears tablecloths and size 8 shoes that don't belong to her - she's 11. Then there's "River" who is 8 and has a little pug nose, with lion eyes. And then I have "HRH ADMD" who is my miracle, the love of my life and was computer literate by age 2. He has both a laptop and a desktop.
We travel a lot, we have traveled a lot, and "J" lives in the desert on the other side of the world and rides camels in her free time. "D" loves Ferrari, "S" as I say is most loveable, but most peculiar, and "River" the gentlest-natured child - but the strength in that little body of Goliath.

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What you'll find on this page...
*~A bit about what I do.......~*
Having been a single mother most of my adult life, I quickly learned the responsibility of having to look only to myself to provide for my family, their well being and their education. I had never really been employed by anyone and went into the property business at age 20, where things were really booming and business was great. For 10 years that is, till things changed somewhat! I changed business direction and went into law and legal admin where a working day entailed nothing less than 14 - 18 hours (a day). Given that one needed to look after one's family, long working hours were necessary and given the fact that I have insomnia it really just assisted in producing the goods!
A failed marriage or two later I was blessed with my "S" and "River" and "HRH ADMD" who are and always have been my sole responsibility, and one which I take extremely seriously. I elected to start homeschooling a number a years ago after the situation in South Africa became so volatile and unsafe for children (and educators) in public schools, with classes of up to 50 children, that it made no sense to pay the ridiculous school fees that we are forced to pay in this country. In 1996 the SA Constitution made homeschooling legal and although it is still frowned upon and disliked INTENSELY by the authorities there is little they can do about it.
Out of homeschooling our website was born, a need to create and share resources with the thousands of other families who could no longer afford to send their children to school, one because of the lack of safety and security, two, the lack of quality edication and three, and very importantly, the ridiculously exhorbitant prices we had to pay to try and keep our chldren safe in an environment where learning became impossible.
St Aiden's Homeschool was born.
See our Squidoo Lens
~My Reasons for Living~
Okay I have SIX kids, 6 - that's half a dozen - MORE than a handful, JIC people get confused... Derek, Jessie, Doey, Savannah, Clarissa and Aiden. I am and have been a single parent for most of the older kids' lives and all of the younger kids' lives. No more confusion there.. They are my heartbeat, the sun in my sky.. my passions and obsessions... There is no greater love...
The pics in this slideshow video are between 2008 and 2009 and were taken in UAE, UK and Africa.... The li'l babies chose the pics for this video :)
Great Reads on Single Parenting
Give yourself and your children the best of YOU
River
~My Beeeg Babies~
Always my Babies, Derek, Jessie and Dow (and friends) ~ Living & Loving every minute of life, wherever in the world they are at the time....
My Amazing Children on Earlier Flickr Albums
A random selection of earlier photographs ( 2006-2008) taken of the chlidren mainly by the children in various forms and poses.... They are all odd and quirky and they are my all.
I Can Have Fun :)
It's not all about books, research and computers but they do help!

6 page Readers' Digest Article October/November 2007 featuring myself and "S".
My Miracle Baby "HRH ADMD"

Passions.. um obsessions :P
I did say this page was very selfishly about ME! :)
I love Ireland, I love the Irish people, the Irish culture, the country, geography, the history, the triumph over the tragedies. I love my Irish family and friends, and I loved my late Irish grandfather. I adore my Irish son "HRH ADMD". I love Irish music, Irish actors, irish authors, Irish Literature - everything is steeped in a culture so fascinating and diverse and I listened in wonder on my first ever few trips there (4 the first year) as my great friend took me from one end of Ireland to the other pointing out places of historical or religious Interest - he even took me to Sligo, bless him, so I could be a full time Groupie of my Westlife boys :)Over years my passion for Ireland and Irish history has grown. I love Saint Patrick's Day but have never celebrated it in South Africa because they haven't heard of it! When we started homeschooling St Patrick's Day was something new and special and exciting and even now we love the excitement of creating and researching and watching.
Dis-Chem Marathon & 5KM Race Jan 2011
Did I mention Ireland?

I have so many 1000's of pictures from every corner of the country - for some reason this is one that remains in my memory... I HAVE NEVER WALKED SO MUCH IN ONE DAY IN ALL MY LIFE!
Single Parenting - Becoming the Best Parent for Your Child/ren
"The transition and new circumstance - journeying down the path of the single parent"


$4.95
"The transition and new circumstance - journeying down the path of the single parent"
You are also growing and changing throughout this process. You will realize it, your kids will know and see it, as will others. This is another change you and everyone around you have to deal with as well, on top of everything else. You might also feel anxious, lonely, and angry or evoke these emotions in your child/family. Again this is quite normal and natural behavior.
"Seeing things from the child's point of view"
This is not only all about you either. Try and see things thought the eyes of your child sometime and whole new worlds of understanding and possibilities will open for you.
This beautifully presented, and informative eBook, comes with Master Resell Rights. That means once you have purchased it you may re-sell it for a profit from your own website or blog.
Donnette Davis
$4.95
Social Media Marketing, Setup and Coaching
I was absolutely thrilled to be working with the dynamic team at Strategic Book Publishers, New York, as their Social Media Specialist & Coach. I learned a lot and got to meet fantastic individuals from all walks of life. My Blurb :)I am experienced at online communication and internet marketing trends. I am positive that together we can successfully use this medium to announce your terrific book to the potential hundreds of thousands of online readers and buyers!
Please view the following video if you need to see how a marketing campaign using social networking sites actually works:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a_KF7TYKVc
If you wish my assistance, I will personally show you my secrets for making effective use of your social networking sites and also instruct you step by step on how to participate in the online communication there.
My time is billed out in three hour blocks at $192 for the three hour block. Of course, we can add more blocks of time as you need them, or if you anticipate wanting me to "work" "your sites" for you on a more long term basis we can certainly discuss that, too. Just let me know.
~United Kingdom~
Sandra, she is my best friend in the entire world.. I am blessed to have her in my life..... Thousands of miles make no difference, nor does the time between seeing or speaking to one another...
This patricular trip to UK was amazing... Driving to Paris with the Sports Car. and the rest of it... :)
Social Media Marketing and Coaching
- I tweet and retweet great links and resources.
- Marketing & Recommended Publications : Donnette Davis
- Being an ardent blogger (and webbie for educational sites, author of educational books), I found myself coaching friends on how to market their new books, records, companies and products through their social profiles, then researched which SM sites would be best suited and beneficial to their topic.
- Aspiring Authors & Writers - Are you one?
- Be Your Own Literary Agent and Get PublishedSo you're one of 30 million Americans who want to write a book. If you've already written a manuscript, chances are you're looking for agent representation. Sadly many manuscripts were inadequate because the author did not follow a few, very simple guideli
- Donnette E Davis SM Coaching Services
- Do you own or operate your own website? With the rising popularity of the internet, there is a good chance that you do. A large number of internet users run their own personal websites, but others run their websites as a way to make money. Of course, any website owner wishes to promote their online
in 2011
Random Photos of Those People I Love
My Favourite Blog
Where I blog about everything and anything
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byMy Interest in World Affairs and My Passions about Injustice
I'm often asked why.... Here are a couple of reasons..........
Although born in South Africa, I was raised and educated for the most part in what was then Rhodesia. Attending 11 schools in 7 years, and always being the "new kid on the block" meant having to adjust to new situations, circumstances and institutions constantly. My father, a professional, traveled throughout Africa and was often away from home for long periods of time, leaving the raising of the children to my mother. (never realized then what working full time and raising a family alone meant for a woman!)
We were raised in Rhodesia during the height of the African Terrorism Bush War, and lost many friends and family to this war. From a young age we were exposed to terrorism and the consequences of it on a large scale, with having curfews, having to travel in convoys, rations for petrol, food, shortages of simple things in life that often we take for granted. A few of the things that automatically come to mainly seem to begin with P (What's up with that?) Paper, pepper, paint, petrol. I remember having to write on recycled newsprint paper at school when ordinary paper was no longer available - out with fountain pens and early introduction to the ballpoint pen - which in those days left blotches everywhere - oh my work looked like a dog's breakfast! The ballpoint took some time to master.
I used to sneak into dad's Magic Cupboard where he kept Brandy, after telling my parents constantly that I had the most chronic toothache, and needed to dip a cotton ball in brandy to ease the pain. There was actually nothing wrong with my teeth - I had lovely teeth. *Big Smiles* What was contained hidden in the cupboard with the Brandy was of more interest to me. It was the time that I was 11 to 13 years old. Inside the Magic Cupboard were books, leaflets, pamphlets, magazines - many of them. Not for the eyes of the sensitive, and certainly not for the eyes of children. I knew where to find them.
My "favorite" publication was called Anatomy of Terror. It was a small magazine that was printed on an issue basis, highlighting the plight of the victims of terrorism in Rhodesia, and pointing out ways of protecting your family, new ways that terrorists would infiltrate the cities and towns and generally what was happening in the more rural areas of the country. It was sickening. Like an accident, we don't want to see pain and suffering, we don't want anyone to experience it, but drive past an accident and natural curiosity gets the better of you. I would read and re-read these publications. I will not go into graphic descriptions of what the content was, save to say that I would often find myself throwing up reading about and seeing the pictures of what one human being could do to another. The children seemed to be not only the casualties, but very often the targets and the weapons. We left Rhodesia in 1977, and traveled (in our really ugly Peugot 404) having sold everything the family owned to take out the $1000 we were allowed to take to leave and returned to South Africa, giving away anything and everything that took us above the $1000 limit. 4 daughters to raise, the parents decided it was time to return to our home country.
In 1977 my parents decided that the situation was that bad, and deteriorating. We left.
South Africa was a difficult adjustment, also moving around a lot in order to finally find somewhere and settle which we did after about 3 years. At that time the South African Defence Force was actively involved in the Bush War and it was compulsory for men from the minority ethnic groups to undertake 2 years military service, or spend their 2 years in prison. While removed from the immediate dangers of the terrorism that we were faced with on a daily basis in Rhodesia, the whole country was involved in this bush war, regular trips to the train station seeing off friends and loved ones, all packed up, some as young as 18 years old, watching the 8 o'clock news every night diligently for updates.
We lost many, casualties and fatalities were high. Our men, although well trained were no match for those who were trained in bush warfare. Commando Units were formed where we were to volunteer our services, to protect our cities and families if the need arose and as a result many women became members of the Commando Units, undergoing military training. We became adept at dismantling and putting together an R1 rifle, leopard crawling through mud along with some other really Bruce Willis-type manoevures that if I attempted now I would probably end up breaking a bone or putting my back out - the shooting range became a regular gathering spot on Saturdays and we were ready to protect and serve our communities.
Sending care packages and parcels to our friends and family was a source of great joy to many, and we did so as often as possible, knowing that the conditions were difficult and that the men in uniform would appreciate any little piece of home.
Sadly we lost many close friends. The first I knew that I had lost a dear man whose family was very close to ours was while watching the news one evening in May 1985 and seeing through a haze the headlines "Killed In Action : Mark Anthony Pond". The irony of Mark is that he was never conscripted to the SADF. He was a Rhodesian citizen. He actually volunteered to do 2 years' military service when he moved to South Africa from Rhodesia. He was trained to become and became a highly competent tracker and led his men with pride, safety and valour - until 2 weeks before his stint was over, he was caught in an ambush in Angola and he gave his life to the service of a country he had yet to experience as a regular resident.
So I read a lot, I write a lot, have watched many videos and movies and I have an intense interest in the war on terrorism, human rights, International Military, particularly the USMC, who are said to be the "Best FIghting Force in the World"... It seems to me that this cannot be and is not often argued. I am not a political person, just a simple person with an interest in the world that my children have to grow up in.
Savannah
Just things, people, places and Lenses I love
- Frank McCourt
- It is no secret to anyone who knows me or knows of me that I have a passion for Ireland - anything Irish. I love the Irish people, the nation, the geography, the country, teh traditions, the sense of humour, the history, the triumphs, I love Irish Music, Irish actors (Liam Neesom here I come), I lov
- Frank McCourt, Favourite Author of Irish Fact
- Francis 'Frank' McCourt (born 19 August 1930) is an Irish-American teacher andPulitzer Prize-winning author, best known as the author of Angela's Ashes. Brotherof author and actor Malachy McCourt .He received the Pulitzer Prize (1997) and National Book Critics Circle Award(1996) for his memoir Angel
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- Donnette E Davis - EzineArticles.com Expert Author Bio
- Single mother of 6, 3 of whom are still with me at home... Home? Where's home? South Africa presently but this year has been UAE, UK and Ireland, so a lot of travelling and education on other cultures. I write educational books, mainly for children and mainly for my website which I offer for free do
TwitterVerse Updates
Okay so I wasn't ever convinced I would become a Twitter User.... ummm.. I changed my mind, it's fast, fun, quirky and you get to meet some awesomely dynamic people
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byI'm a Music Junkie
Amongst the artists I really enjoy are Westlife, Ronan Keating, U2, Blue October, Damien Cripps Band, Pink Floyd, Queen and Freddie Mercury - oh way too many to mention...
~Love to have you visit these lenses~
As with anything I do I am fanatical. Woman and child abuse are very close to my heart - human rights in general, animal and environmental conservation, Children - anywhere, everywhere are a passion... I have a serious issue with injustice which is something we see far too frequently throughout the world, but because it affects us adversely directly every day of our lives, moreso in Southern Africa. One day I'll write the book people pester me to write :)
The causes I have featured on this page are all situations where one person can make a difference. When a child's life is falling down around them, that tiny little glimmer of hope, that light in the distance can give them hope.
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Share your stories, sightings, thoughts, rants, raves...
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davenjilli
Jan 11, 2012 @ 7:45 am | delete
- You epitomize the saying that if you want to get something done, give it to a busy woman. You life is so interesting! Thank you for doing this lens. I love to meet other people and live a little through their eyes. I look forward to reading more about your life and adventures. And you have some really cool kids.
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flycatcher
Dec 26, 2011 @ 11:52 am | delete
- What a remarkable woman you are! And such gorgeous, interesting children, too. I can't believe all the things you find the time and energy to do, especially as a single mom. Thank you for sharing your photos and stories - you're downright inspiring, Donnette!
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Wednesday_Elf
Dec 20, 2011 @ 10:46 am | delete
- You have certainly lived an interesting life and endured more than most ever would in a lifetime! Thanks for sharing your story.
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baby-strollers
Dec 6, 2011 @ 12:45 pm | delete
- Wow! You are super mom. 6!! I thought I was busy with three!
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Ramkitten
Aug 12, 2011 @ 4:40 pm | delete
- Thank you for sharing. You have a beautiful family. *Blessed*
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Donnette
Aug 23, 2011 @ 7:41 am | delete
- thank you so very much for your blessing!
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vivekbhan
Aug 12, 2011 @ 8:10 am | delete
- very touching lens. nice share
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Donnette
Aug 23, 2011 @ 7:41 am | delete
- Thank you for reading :)
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BoobBomber
Jul 24, 2011 @ 8:21 am | delete
- Its good to read this lense.Thanks for sharing it.
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seanjennin
Jul 22, 2011 @ 4:11 pm | delete
- You did good, real good!
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Quick, what do you think of Donnette Davis?
Hmmmm my 5 seconds of fame... About me - QUICKLY!
Jessie
Let's Link Up
I have profiles on the following sites, many of which allow for embedding of documents, sharing of contents and where I have expert author status on parenting, education and homeschooling. Please link up with me. I love the sites I am with and try to keep them updated regularly with interesting content, favourite videos, news (good and bad) about everything, anyone and anywhere... Please connect with me, would love to stay in touch...
- Donnette E Davis - EzineArticles.com Expert Author Bio
- Single mother of 6, 3 of whom are still with me at home... Home? Where's home? South Africa presently but this year has been UAE, UK and Ireland, so a lot of travelling and education on other cultures. I write educational books, mainly for children and mainly for my website which I offer for free do
- Donnette Davis
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- Single mother of 6, 3 of whom are still with me at home... Home? Where's home? South Africa presently but this year has been UAE, UK and Ireland, ...
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- Twitter is a free social messaging utility for staying connected in real-time.
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- I am a Social Media Marketing Specialist and love to see my clients making the most of themselves on You Tube.. Also a great place come to watch & source really fantastic videos for my websites and blogs.
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- hi5 Profile page for donnette davis (makhathinitown,South Africa). donnette davis is ø%u0192%u0192%u03B9¢%u03B9%u03B1%u2113%u2113ÿ %u03B9%u0438 %u2113ø%u03BD%u03B5 %u0432%u03B5%u03B5%u0123 %u03C4%u03B9%u043C%u03B5. donnette davis has 36 friends and 6 photos. Join hi5 and become friends with donnette davis. hi5 is a social network that helps you find friends from your hom
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THANK YOU....
for taking the time to stop by and read my ramblings...
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Wednesday_Elf
Dec 20, 2011 @ 10:48 am | delete
- Wonderful photos sprinkled throughout your life story. Congratulations to "D" on the wedding! May the New Year 2012 hold all you want it to be for you and your lovely family.
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TeacherRenee
Nov 9, 2011 @ 7:32 pm | delete
- My dear Donnette -- I am participating in a lovely quest that asks me to (during this holiday of Thanksgiving) find the one Squidoo member who really inspires me. You, my dear, are that person! Congratulations on your many wonderful lenses and thank you so much for your encouraging words and fantastic support as I navigate Squidoo. All my best to you!
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dvpwli
Sep 22, 2011 @ 4:02 am | delete
- Hey Dear Donnette - You are your kids are fabulous, I really love your all pics, You are really great and Fit, You are looking hot! - Your husband is really lucky person Thanks I prey to god for your happiness.
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mrducksmrnot
Aug 29, 2011 @ 1:34 am | delete
- A beautiful lens. I can see know matter what, the love of life and family is number 1 for sure. That is the most important thing about life. Thanks for sharing.
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vivekbhan
Aug 12, 2011 @ 8:16 am | delete
- wow what a compilation. beautiful
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by Donnette
Proud Squidoo Rocketmom and Giant Squid :) I am me, first and foremost mom to 6 blessings, a HUGE fan of REAL people... passionate about my children's... more »
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- Winner of 29 trophies!
- Top lens » Blue Ribbon Against Child Abuse~Does Anybody Really Hear Them?
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