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

— @HaggardHawks

How to survive a pandemic? Together.

Monday. Early start to the day. I was at my computer just after seven, and then, all over the place for the rest of the day – deliveries, shopping, PostNet, post office, distributor, Liberty Books, admin. But it all worked out as planned and I had a good time, especially at the Peregrine Farm Stall. I have new books and a fabulous new book bag, my favourite Viennas, and two bottles of lovely wine from the area.

At the end of the day, I met my love for sushi at HARU. And we spoke about our next trip to Oudrif. Because it is important to dream good dreams and have lovely things to look forward to.

After so much loss and suffering and stress, the festive season can feel totally overwhelming. For me, this was a very painful time of the year for quite a while, and I am only beginning to get into the mood for Christmas again. But the pandemic – and LIFE – are not making things easier. In two or three years, I might want a proper Christmas again. But for now, I need to be kind to myself. This year, we chose to celebrate in an oysterhoodish way, just my love and I. It feels exactly right, and I am really looking forward to the feast of it.

I don’t want to deny the miracles of 2021, because a few of them were beyond miraculous, but I also have to acknowledge that this has been a very hard year and it has left quite a few scars behind. I am grateful for all the kind people I have in my life. I would be so lost without you …

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

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

— NICD