Putting it in words
It’s hard to put our experience at the Franschhoek Literary Festival (FLF) into words. It was an explosion of the senses. Perhaps I could liken it to biting into just-baked puff pastry made with fresh farm butter. You breathe in the warm, buttery aroma. You hear the crisp crunch as you bite into layers of golden-brown goodness. When you are finished eating, you are tempted to ask for another serving.
The people of Franschhoek had somehow managed to sweep away the devastation caused by the rain and winds of the previous days. They and the organisers embraced festival goers with a warmth matching the sun that chose to shine throughout the weekend. The atmosphere was alive with expectation and passion. And all because of words.
Words were everywhere. Books cradled in eager hands, nestling on shelves, proudly displayed on stands, on the lips of groups of people as they chatted, in the hands of panellists. There was an unspoken sense of understanding that everyone would find one or more stories that would touch their hearts and make their souls sing.
Words from First-time authors
Sheryl and I, being first-time authors, were honoured that our book Unbridling was chosen to feature in one of the sessions at the festival. Africa Melane, who interviewed Sheryl in the session, was gracious, warm and engaging. Thank you Africa, for making us feel comfortable and welcome.
Words and conversations
We’ve had a few events back to back over the last few weeks:
- Moms, Memoirs and Meringues at The Roaming Goat in Louis Trichardt (https://www.instagram.com/p/DYM08KeDG5R/?img_index=1).
- The book launch at Exclusive Books Cavendish a few days before the FLF (https://www.instagram.com/p/DYQMY7WjCZr) and (https://www.instagram.com/karavanpress/p/DYrtRDWDZZ3/).
- Two visits to schools in the Cape (https://www.instagram.com/p/DYUlP1qjGCt/?img_index=1).
- And then Sheryl’s session at the FLF. I have noticed a common thread – one shared ingredient. No, it’s not fresh, farm butter. But it’s just as good. Or better. It is the sincerity of the people who come and listen, engaging with us and the interviewers/moderators about our book and journey. We cannot help but be stirred by the deep conversations that open up around Unbridling.
Words of thanks
Sheryl and I are touched by the support and encouragement we have received on our book journey. We certainly would never have been at this point without the expertise and energy of a number of people, including Karina Szczurek and Kerry Hammerton from Indeed Books (Karavan Press), author Gail Gilbride, and Jo-Anne Richards and Richard Beynon from All About Writing. A huge thank you also to Linda McCullough at Exclusive Books Cavendish. And to the organisers of the Franschhoek Literary Festival and Africa Melane for our unforgettable experience over the weekend of 15 to 17 May. There are more names – too many to mention here. But we thank every one of you for the conversations, warmth, support, and for embracing our story with such passion. Most importantly, daily, we thank our Lord Jesus Christ for His grace.
Words from our special companion
My mom, Sheryl’s ninety-five year old granny (Denise Fourie pictured above), flew to Cape Town to join us at the FLF. Weaving her way down a street in Franschhoek, she said, ‘There isn’t a good English word to describe this. But there’s an Afrikaans word. It’s a “belewenis.”’
Yes, I thought. That’s the word I’ve been looking for.
On the last day of the festival, after enjoying a final memorable meal on the sidewalk of a quaint street in Franschhoek, I pushed my chair back and reached for my rucksack. ‘We need to get to the airport.’
Mom reluctantly rose from her chair, softly placing her hand on Sheryl’s shoulder. ‘I wish it didn’t have to end.’
In that sense, I suppose the FLF was a bit like a good book. Even when the words end, the story lingers.
Beautiful!
It was an honour and a pleasure to be part of your journey 💞