Tonight, while putting Charlotte to bed, we were talking about crying (she’d had a little cry in the bath). I told her, “It’s okay to cry. Sometimes, we cry when we’re happy. And we cry when we’re sad.” To which she added, “And we cry ‘cause onions.” 😂 I mean, she’s not wrong.

I’d like you all to know that my daughter has adopted my habit of saying, “Look, the Moon!” whenever she sees the Moon in the sky and it’s a source of endless delight.

Remind me again how a bad day (read: long weekend) doesn’t make me a bad mom (I hope?!). That was hard for multiple reasons. And tonight, I am so heartsore.

I must admit to being endlessly intrigued by our neighbour, who is something of an eccentric enigma, but also just one of the loveliest people. He sent me this today 😂❤️ how sweet?!

Somehow, I find myself on the eve of Charlotte’s second birthday, awestruck at what a magical, brilliant human she is becoming, and uncertain as to where the time has gone. I am the luckiest that this girl made me a mama - and all the more so that I’m HER mama ❤️😍

A book in the hand is worth two on the shelf (she whispers as she adds five to cart and checks-out)

While I am still not 100%, my mental health called for a run - so I took myself off the trails around Delta Park and basked in Jozi’s autumnal magic. The cosmos is in full force and forever a reminder of my magnificent parents ❤️ I love this city.

Can’t talk I’m cultivating my whimsy

My morning cuppa has a question.

Louis Theroux’s documentary on the “Manosphere” is wild. W. I. L. D. A large number of men are clearly *not* okay and these extreme male influencers are just cashing in. What a truly terrifying time to be raising a daughter.

In honour of International Women’s Day, what is your favourite quote by a woman?

This day in history. 2023. World Seagrass Day was declared by the United Nations you see seagrass ecosystems have a greater capacity to sequester carbon and mitigate climate change than terrestrial ecosystems you really can't buy excitement like this can you.

“It is quite possible to leave your home for a walk in the early morning air and return a different person – beguiled, enchanted.” – Mary Ellen Chase

Lately, I’ve felt this deep desire to escape the city and opt for a life of quiet, of wide open skies, and horizons that stretch as far as the eye can see. It’s simply not a possibility, and besides, I love Jozi. But something in me is restless.

I’ve just finished re-reading Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” the 1818 text. What a gut-wrenching final page. “Awake and find no baby.”

“Only bring the essentials.” Me packing:

— Franz Kafka, from "The Diaries of Franz Kafka"

More than 50 heat records were broken across Australia in the last week of January, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. This is climate change, and it can be lethal.

The book I’m reading was bought on a whim (so unusual for me). Reviews touted it as reminiscent of “The Secret History” (which I loved). But so far? This gal is wildly underwhelmed. This is why I don’t whim-buy books. I’ll give it a little longer, but I’m not hopeful. Le sigh.

Tonight, my toddler insisted on falling asleep with a book in her hands. No genetic testing needed. That’s my gal 🥰

England's right wing print newspapers were doing disinformation long before the platforms came along. A key example of why ownership matters - and how corrupting elites can wield media to their own ends. Talk about a country in need of media ethics and standards.

Nothing quite like completely changing the narrative of your novel a couple of months after you have begun to write it.

My mum heart is aching. I won’t see my babe until Wednesday next week!

In case you were confused.

How do we shift from simply being in attendance at gatherings to being in community? What defines the notion and reality of being in community for you?

“You seem happier.” Thanks, it’s @thebookerprizes.com longlist announcement day.

I greet you all in the name of @thebookerprizes.com longlist announcement today! 🥳

Let’s talk about books you’re convinced people pretend to like 👀

Kindest and most respectful people I’ve ever met.

Today two years ago. “Snow” in Jozi. That was fun.

You can always dream. At least.

In a world so full of terror, hatred, and suffering, you always have the opportunity and the chance to show another person kindness. Why would you ever choose not to? Have you known what kindness can feel like? It can feel like a lifeline.

Home

When I say “Africa”, what is the first thing that comes to mind?

More and more I’m learning that it is a significant privilege to have your children in close proximity to you.

It irks my English nerd heart that the em dash is now considered the trademark of generative AI, rather than one of the punctuation tools at a writer’s disposal in the artful crafting of a well-worded work. Ugh.

I, a bibliophile, once walked out of a bookstore without buying a book. Please clap.

Nothing I’ve done has humbled or nourished me quite like becoming a mother. It’s a constant breaking and building. Unlearning and moulding. Heartache and raw beauty. Vulnerability and strength. Every. Single. Day. It’s my whole world held in the tiniest pair of hands.

The Vietnamese word for a ladybird, bọ rùa, means “turtle bug.” The Ukrainian word, сонечко (sonechko), means “little sun.” And the Norwegian word, marihøne, means “Mary’s chicken.” But my favourite word for a ladybird will always be the Welsh buwch goch gota, which I’d translate as “stubby red cow”

I’m thinking of getting the chop. The hair chop. Going from long locks to a lot less. Husbae is hesitant. Talk me out of it?

One year. We made one year of breastfeeding. And I don’t mark the moment because I believe that I’m better than anyone else. When it comes to mums and their babes, and the wellbeing of both, fed IS best - whatever that looks like.

Okay, I'll bite: someone explain to me why diversity, equity, and inclusion are "very bad things" (as per Trump's criminally limited vocabulary)? And use the full words when you share your explanation.

I'm working on an article about workplace sexual harassment (in South Africa, specifically). If you have experienced sexual harassment or worked in an organisation where accusations of sexual harassment were made, I'd appreciate the chance to ask some questions. All interviews will be kept anonymous

We've been saving this little pup for when we thought you all might really need a gold star. And, given the current circumstances, here she is. 13/10

So, how are you... really?

For no reason whatsoever and in particular no reason that has anything to do with the leaders (official and otherwise) of the US, or the white men twirling for them here in South Africa, here’s a book recommendation:

My Vote Counts wants all political donations disclosed, no matter how small.

One upside of the Musk-Trump Administration is the ease with which the veil fell away from those racists who for so long have been hiding in plain sight. Business leaders Clients Suppliers Friends Family(!) Neighbors