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

— @HaggardHawks

A good day. Work in the morning and rest for the rest of the day (word repetition intended). James Leatt had a book signing at EB Somerset Mall today and I went to make sure that he had company between the signatures. I met friends for coffee beforehand, and while at the bookshop, I found The Sol Plaatje EU Poetry Anthology Vol VIII on sale: in it, poems by Lester Walbrugh and Luthando Dlamini, among others, but I bought the book because of these two poems, both stunning. I feel honoured to be working with the two writers who wrote them. And I look forward to the rest of the anthology.

My friend Debbie came to visit in the afternoon and could be persuaded to stay for a simple braai on my stoep in the evening. As a gift, she brought me the beautiful wire bird pictured above. And as always, she also brought a lot of wisdom and kindness into a few hours of our conversation. People like her are the greatest treasures in my life.

And talking about treasures: my love is coming home tomorrow.

But first: I intend to spend Sunday morning being super lazy. That’s the plan.

Good night.

Be kind. Wear a mask. Support local. Get vaccinated, please.

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

— NICD