OYSTERHOOD is reclusiveness or solitude, or an overwhelming desire to stay at home.

— @HaggardHawks

Another long, weird night, and it is difficult to pinpoint what exactly is causing all this restlessness. But, the morning had coffee in it, and Alma Café buttermilk rusks. I have been avoiding rusks for quite a long time now, but I felt the need to return to them again. Another little step in healing beyond grief.

The restlessness still allows me to do my work, but my leisure reading has suffered in the last while. This morning, however I had the huge joy of completing my trip Around the World in 80 Words. Salieri catssisting, of course.

And guess what!? The author of Around the World in 80 Words, who runs @HaggardHawks – one of my favourite Twitter accounts – has followed me back today. Coincidence? Some would say that there is no such thing. One way or another – I am very happy. I have been a fan for years. I love his books and the wealth of knowledge he shares with us about words.

I went to Kalk Bay today to see Dawn Garisch and discuss the next book we will be publishing together (it is beautiful and I can’t wait to start working on it) and was hoping to visit the newly reopened Kalk Bay Books, but the shop will open only next weekend. Such a relief that we won’t be losing this book world treasure. Kalk Bay was busy today! And the traffic impossible. It felt like a summer day in the famous seaside resort.

During my walk in the area I found a R5 lucky coin. I find coins all the time, but R5 doesn’t happen often. We are in dire need of good omens, so I am grateful to the universe for this one.

The wonderful broadcaster and author Sara-Jayne Makwala King celebrated her fortieth birthday today. And Mika du Preez turned nineteen. You might not know who Mika is – yet – but it is only a matter of time. And I can’t wait for the world to discover this talented, super-intelligent, funny, kind young man, who plays the accordion, writes inspiring poetry and prose, and wants to be a Waldorf teacher one day. He is the kind of person who will make a real difference to others’ lives – he already manages to brighten any day with his mere presence. It is easier to be optimistic about the future when one knows young people like him, and I feel fortunate to know Mika and to be able to call him and his family my own.

Another good day. Now, for one good night. Tomorrow is, after all, Karina Day.

Be kind. Wear a mask.

“Physical distancing remains one of the key strategies to curb this pandemic.”

— NICD

A sexy feline strikes a pose on Topolino.