The Joy Scribbles

Although I’m perpetually single every year since forever a friend of mine asked what ideas I had for dates in Gaborone that didn’t include food. This single girl may not be having a valentine date, but I do have some dope ideas on how you can take your partner out for a little fun and different romance in this small city of hours. Some of these activities do cost a little bit of money however, remember that romance is not just about money but rather about thoughtfulness. For valentines my advice is to pick a gift or date that shows your partner you pay attention to them, listen to them, and put thought into making sure they are happy. This list does include some food ideas because my personal preference is to be well fed on dates. So, in no order, here are my valentine date ideas for 2018: 1. Bounceland Although the place is considered ideal for families, bounce land is a great active date idea for you and your partner. It’ll allow you both to get in touch with your inner child,

In 2017 we saw some amazing books come out of the African continent. Spanning across Fiction, non-fiction and poetry, African authors made it a point to push their literature to the forefront writing books about Africans in Africa for Africans, and Africans received them well. Towards the end of the year the Abantu Book Festival hosted their annual festival for celebrating books by African Authors through a seven day festival, with some of our favorite authors being part of signings, panel discussions and even poetry nights. However, one thing cannot be denied while African authors have been at the forefront African female authors particularly have been giving us gems, writing books relevant to the African Woman’s daily plight. If you’re looking for inspiration from some of these authors to understand consent and the African feminist wave, these five books by African women are a great way to start out; 1. Pumla Dineo Gqola’s Reflecting Rogue: Inside the mind of a feminist Reflect

What if I can't forget you? You won't my love.  I'm not the kind of woman you forget.  Just remember,  don't let the smell of me linger in everything.  Don't let my touch haunt you.  Don't let the color of my eyes taint everything.  Forget.  The way I break sometimes.  But you will not forget that when my storms were over.  I was a warm summer day.  You were a child in a meadow.  I was filled with adventures.  You were a curious cat.  I was a comfortable couch.  You were an old soul.  I was a new book. Fresh of the print.  You were a teenage nerd.  I was an old book.  With dog ear pages and tear stains.  You were a collector.  But then I was nothing. and you were something.  But.  I know I'm not the kind of woman you forget. 

No one is the victim here.  Except her.  But not me and definitely you.  Its unfortunate that she has to live the rest of her life being the girl you settled for when you realised I'm the kind of fire that doesn't burn out.  I hope she one day finds the courage to ask if she tastes like me.  I hope you say yes. everything tastes like her.  I hope she leaves you. 

Why do you find the unavailable so alluring? Where did it begin? What went wrong? and who made you feel so worthless?…And what about the others that would do anything for you. Why did you make them love you until you could not stand it? And how are you both of these women – both flighty and needful? Where did you learn this, to want what does not want you? Where did you learn this, to leave those that want to stay? —   Warsan Shire

Dear lover, I'm 22 now, I've made a home out of myself. Maybe one day I'll let you in.