Shirley Corder
Photography in Port Elizabeth

Shirley M. Corder's cyber home page forms an index to her work, family information, editor samples, writing links, writing tips, blog, photographs and contact details.

Shirley Corder offers Inspiration and encouragement to writers and readers. She was born in Scotland, grew up in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and has spent most of her life in South Africa. In 1997 she underwent a life-changing occurrence when she was diagnosed with breast cancer which had already spread to the glands. As a result of her experiences in the cancer valley, she experienced a U-turn, changing her life's direction from that of registered nurse (RN) to published author. She is also contributing author to a number of other books. Hundreds of her articles and devotionals have been published internationally, both in print and on the Web.Her mission is to write to inspire and encourage. Rise and Soar is another website owned and run by Shirley with the sole purpose of inspiring and encouraging people in the cancer valley, whether as patients or as those who care for them. She currently lives in the beautiful Eastern Cape of South Africa with Rob, her husband since 1967, plus a lively Jack Russell terrier who answers (sometimes) to the name of Zoё. Her home is only six-and-a-half minutes to the beach, door to sand. When the wind blows up from the sea, which it often does, it sounds as if the waves are outside the front door. One of Shirley's favourite verses of Scripture is the one that saw her through her cancer treatment, and the key verse behind her book, Strength Renewed, Meditations for Your Journey through Breast Cancer: Isaiah 40:31: those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. The southern coast of the continent boasts the picturesque beauty of the Garden Route, and the fascination of the small Western Cape towns. Perhaps the biggest drawcard of all of course is the world renowned Kruger National Park. They will leave family and friends for the sport they love. As each of the nine host cities gears up to meet with the challenges and excitement of the FIFA World Cup, overseas and even some local football fans must choose the city they will visit. Where each city has its draw card, only one can boast the amenities and entertainment of a metropolis, while maintaining the friendliness and vibe of smaller cities. For us, one of the great benefits of living in Port Elizabeth is the number of places we can go that we’ve never been before. One clear, sunny day, a group of over 30 of us, all pensioners, walked the Aloe Trail at Blue Water Bay, outside the city. One of the groups we have linked with here in Port Elizabeth is SAARP, the South African Association of Retired Persons. Depending on the season, there are often remarkable displays of dune vegetation and wild flowers.