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

— @HaggardHawks

We launched Dawn’s book – Disturbance – on the patio of the Chartfield Guesthouse tonight. Liesl Jobson did a beautiful interview: the two poets read and engaged and inspired. The audience was kind and understanding about us not serving any refreshments, so that no one would have an excuse to socialise without masks. One lucky poetry lover won the main giveaway prize: a one-night luxury stay at the guesthouse. Ten others went home with a bottle of wine – to be enjoyed in the comfort and safety of their homes. Almost everyone present bought a book, which is such a blessing during these impossible times. Thank you to all who attended! Probably our last live event for quite a while to come as the second wave of infections officially reaches our shores …

I tested negative – twice (huge relief!) – and so: off I go with my love beyond our borders on an adventure of a lifetime … There will be no Oysterhood posts for a while, but I will be back to continue writing when I am home again. I am taking my paper diary with me on this trip!

Please take care, dear Readers!

Be kind. Wear a mask. Support local.

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

— NICD