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

— @HaggardHawks

A new orchid – a gift from Qarnita Loxton. And she did not even know that I am the Orchid Whisperer. We met at the Book Lounge today. It is impossible to gather in large numbers to celebrate, but at least I could hand over the Philida Literary Award certificate to Qarnita and congratulate her in person. A happy encounter!

A visit to the Book Lounge is impossible without buying a new book. My choice today was the latest from a new local independent publisher, Burnt Toast.

In the evening, I went to my love’s, and we had a simple pasta for dinner. We are both battling to keep smiling in the face of it all, but it is always easier to battle together.

Today, seventeen years ago, my brother and I arrived in Cape Town for the first time. It was J. M. Coetzee’s birthday. He celebrated his eighty-first today! And Krystian and I took a trip down memory lane.

Krystian and I during our first trip to Cape Point, 2004:

We travelled together around the country for three weeks and loved it. I stayed for another few weeks to do research for my PhD, and Krystian returned home to Austria, but he has been my most regular visitor ever since I moved to Cape Town permanently in 2005.

I always thought that the picture Krystian took of me on the rock said it all: I was where I belonged.

I am where I belong, no matter how challenging it is right now.

This day was once again filled with work and responsibilities, but for a brief time this morning, The Cats and I watched Rafa play at the Australian Open and we were content.

(I don’t want to think about the disheartening sales reports and crushing January returns – i.e. Karavan Press’s shaky future … Tonight, I will be Scarlett and think about it tomorrow.)

Be kind. Wear a mask. Support local.

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

— NICD