—Sonja Denton, South African expat
By Aney Mathew
Introduction
I go by the name Anna Susonja Elizabeth Denton — a mouthful I know! In everyday life, you can stick to Sonja. I’ve always found it interesting how we all go by a name chosen by someone else. In my nearly 50 years, I’ve only known one girl who stood her ground and bristled, “Nope! I don’t like the name my parents gave me.” She went right ahead and changed it — for the better or not, was fortunately something she had to decide. Fortunately, I like the name my parents chose for me. I’m from South Africa.
What are your hobbies?
Art, gardening and fiddling with wood work — preferably, the restoration of old/antique furniture. It gives me huge satisfaction to bring back to life the former glory of a beautiful piece of wood. And lately, it seems I’ve become a collector of cats. “Sjoe!” (Afrikaans exclamation of surprise) so many cats in Doha in need of love and good homes!
Your favourite pastime/activity?
Without a doubt, that would be spending time with my two very handsome grandchildren. Those two boys have changed me totally. As someone wisely said, “You only know real love when you’ve become a grandparent.” I’m in complete agreement.
Tell us your dream…
My one dream that outranks all my other dreams is to fulfil and complete the race and destiny that is placed before me. As a matter of fact, I could write a book on the journey that has been accomplished thus far, but it’s not time yet! All I can say is that it’s been remarkable and I’m looking forward to the rest.
What is your dream destination?
It would definitely be Crete in Greece; living in a little stone house with an olive grove in the mountains, overlooking the Mediterranean. Mmm…perfect! I can smell the earth and the olives!
And your dream car?
In Doha, it would have to be something big. My choice would be a Super Duty F250 in bright red. On Doha’s roads, you have to stand your ground, right? The other option would be a Metallic Powder Blue MG — rooftop down and the wind in my hair — somewhere on the Mediterranean. Yes, that will do just fine!
What is your idea of a dream job?
I am a hairdresser, and that suites me perfectly. I get to be in a creative environment all the time, making people look better and get paid for it. But the more superior currency is the love, appreciation, trust and instant job satisfaction I get. I also get to be a friend, listener, stylist and counsellor at the same time!
What is your favourite cuisine?
I love food and my figure shows it! What to do? Greek cuisine wins this round, hands down.
Which is your favourite joint in Qatar?
It’s a no brainer — the Mykonos restaurant at the Inter Continental Hotel, where they serve Greek cuisine. Yum! Yum!
Who is your favourite actor?
For me, it’s the Scottish actor Sean Connery. He’s talented, handsome and successful; moreover, he kept his vows to his wife; at 85, he is still as charming and handsome as ever.
Your favourite movie would be?
Oh my, there are so many to choose from. I think I’ll go with August Rush — a story that shows how ties of true love and destiny can never be stopped.
What scares you?
Not being truthful. I always want to be in a place of transparency — be it to my own detriment or for good. God is always our witness in what we do or say; so I have no space or liking for grey areas.
What was the scariest moment of your life?
That was fairly recent, actually. It was the day I saw my mother not wanting to fight for this life anymore; the pain of cancer became too much for her to bear. Although I knew she was ready to go, it confronted me with the reality of leaving loved ones behind. This vacuum that is left in our lives is indeed a real life changer.
What about your most embarrassing moment?
Well, without calling it names or being too descriptive... I’ll leave it up to your own imagination! But the whole story started like this; a very good friend decided to trick me with what was supposed to be diet pills that were nothing but laxatives. Well, she gave me six in the morning and six in the afternoon just before lunch. I was wearing very tight jeans and it was in South Africa, where of course there are never public facilities in the city!
Share with us something funny that happened to you…
It would be the above story — looking back, 10 years later and living in a different country where nobody knows me!
Your retirement plans?
Having enough zest for life, with excellent health and money to have a blast.
What will you do with a million dollars?
For sure, that little stone house in Crete will be on the top of my list. I will do further investments and trading to double or triple it at least; it sounds greedy I know, but it would put me in a better place of helping people and loved ones in need.
What is your greatest achievement?
Being a mother and friend to both: my daughter and son. It always was, and still is, my most rewarding achievement. Now my son-in-law and two stunning grandchildren are included in that circle. You know, the history of my relationship with all these special people in my life, is the legacy I will leave behind one day. I want to make it count as great, fun and loving.
Describe your life right now…
I would say that my life right now speaks volumes about contentment and hopefully, some level of maturity. However, I am also in expectation of wonderful new journeys up ahead.
Your attitude to life?
Seriously, that has changed as I got older, about every 10 years. What I used to think was important once does not even count anymore right now. However, I would say the golden rope that you will see through my life, would be a dependence and an awareness of God’s Holiness; therefore I should always be truthful and in awe of Him. That is the only attitude that has never changed.
Lessons learnt from life
To live every day to the fullest and not allow the small, insignificant nonsense to steal your joy, time or friendships. It is not worth losing precious relationships in order to be right!
Anything else you would like to add?
‘Remember to do unto others as you would like them to do unto you’ — a golden rule to a gentle life. Be blessed.
