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

— @HaggardHawks

I had a lunch Skype date with my brother today. After hearing about my last few days, he said that I am like one of those one woman/man bands. I thought it was the most fitting image for how I feel at the moment. I just don’t make music, I make books.

We had our cover reveal today, and judging by the comments received, Monique, Joanne and I did not do ‘too badly’. I love it. And the book’s content is just as exquisite. At a time of loss for nearly everyone, to read Joanne’s journey through several gigantic losses in her life, to follow her footsteps through a period of intense grief and suffering, and to see her emerge more resilient and still being able to smile and encounter life and people with generosity of spirit is beyond inspiring.

Knowing Joanne and being able to call her my friend is one of the greatest treasures in my life. To publish her memoir is a privilege I am immensely grateful for. We have worked together before – last year, we co-edited HAIR: Weaving & Unpicking Stories of Identity – and it has always been a joy, but working on this book took that inspiring cooperation to a new level. And to have other amazing creative people be part of this project – Monique Cleghorn (designer), Joanna Cooke (artist) and Helen Moffett (editor) – made every step of the way precious.

Today, I was at my computer for most of the day again, but with this cover reveal my professional week ended on an absolute high.

And my personal week ended with a delicious dinner with my love at Grub & Vine.

It is time for bed now. Salieri is waiting. And I forgot to mention that I finally had the TV – the most reliable sleeping pill for me – in the bedroom fixed!

Good night.

Be kind. Wear a mask. Support local.

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

— NICD