“Nothing beats kindness.” said the horse. “It sits quietly beyond all things.”
Easter Sunday means different things for different people. For some, it’s about faith. For some, it’s about family. For many, it’s about finding hidden treats left by a wild creature when you weren’t looking. But today, for me and for the whole Londolozi family, Easter is about hope. And kindness. And friendship. All things you will find in the extraordinary writer Charlie Mackesy‘s book The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse – our inspiration for this year’s annual Easter Breakfast on the Varty Camp lawn.
This book has consistently and persistently shown up in many of our lives over the past year. Members of the Londolozi family (me included) have received it, and given it, as gifts. They have caught our eye at bookstores and on coffee tables and Mackesy’s powerful illustrations have been causing a storm of kindness and empathy on Instagram.
The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse is ultimately about friendship – not only between the four enchanting characters (in which I believe many people could see small parts of themselves) but also with the natural world. The simple yet powerful lessons from the animals that he shares in his book speak of kindness and of empathy – to others and to ourselves. He connects us with our inner child and reminds us that life, while it may be stormy, is an incredible journey worth sharing with those we love.
Mackesy shows us that there is much beauty in the world that we all need to look after. And he reminds us that life isn’t about reaching the end (of a goal, of a pandemic, of journeys, of all of our struggles) but rather about taking stock of how far we have actually come and for being grateful for the many lessons that we have learned along the way. He reminds us that home isn’t always a physical place, but a way of being in our own hearts. And, most importantly, his book inspires us to reconnect with our own inner child, to live courageously, and to ask for help when we need it, which is always a brave thing to do.
Just some of the wares on offer at this year’s Easter Market
We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate Easter with our guests than to be inspired by The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse. As is tradition, our talented team of Chefs produced the most sumptuous array of Easter treats – from rustic scrambled eggs to waffles drizzled in maple syrup and topped with crispy bacon… treats that the mole would surely find utterly irresistible.
Chane Devonport, Londolozi Chef and one of the creative minds behind this year’s Easter Menu, plates up the most delicious waffles at ‘The Waffling Boy’.
“Doing nothing with friends is never doing nothing, ist it?” asked the boy. “No.” said the mole.
Image courtesy of Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, the mole, the fox and the Horse.
While this is in no way sponsored or endorsed by Charlie himself, I wholeheartedly encourage you to purchase a copy of his book . As it has in my home, it will become a treasure on your coffee table or next to your bed. It will be something you find yourself paging through when you’re feeling a bit low, and it is a wonderful book to read with children. May these three animals and their small human friend bring you many blessings today – from the entire Londolozi Family to yours… Happy Easter!
*Just a note… all staff have completed at least a 10-day quarantine and all COVID protocols were adhered to.
Thank you for introducing me to this book. It’s the just the best!
Amanda, I loved all photos
Happy Easter to all!
I love that you love what you do. What a wonderful theme for Easter! And to get us all through this strange time.
We just ordered a copy of The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse and look forward to reading it to our twin great grandsons! Happy Easter everybody.
What a lovely storie and event Londolozi put up for easter weekend. I am sure all the guests had a wonderful day with all the treats from the chefs. All the foto’s show how kindness and empathy were present there. I would love to get a copy of that book, it would be a good read would certainly change a persons outlook on life, situations and ask for help when in need. However a person celebrates easter, lets not forget that Jesus was crucified for our sins, and by His stripes we are healed. On the third day He was resurrected from the dead. Thank you Jesus!!! Thank you Amanda for a wonderful story on friendship and kindness and empathy.
I wish you all cake!
This is a really thought provoking blog Amanda. Loved reading it and, now that you have mentioned that book, I will go and buy it – as soon as our lockdown has ended and we can move freely. To all at Londolozi, I wish each and every one of you a very Happy Easter. Take care, be well and stay safe. Thank you.
I wish I had been there (except for the bacon – eat less meat)! And I also appreciated the note about Covid safety. Happy Easter! Happy Fall (there) and see you in the Spring (there)!
It surely is a beautiful book Amanda, ours has been well thumbed for sometime now and never fails to bring inspiration 🙏🏻. Wishing you all a wonderful Easter, together with the rest of the animals that show us the way to appreciate the simple things in life
Love this post Amanda, thank you – a friend lent me the book, and I found it so profound in its simplicity. Really enjoyed the photos of the Londo’s team and the lovely Easter theme. Will be back with you all soon.
obviously I need to find that book!! Also another lovely Easter Sunday at Londolozi. Hope everyone had a fabulous Easter!! Victoria
Talk about a moment to disconnect from the outer world, so to re-connect within. – This has been a wonderful Easter blog to hold within beyond the holiday. –
Thank you Amanda.
A belated very Happy Easter to you and the rest of the Londolozi family, Amanda!! I very much loved your post, and as a chef, I loved the inspiration for and pictures of the menu. And, you inspired me to pick up Charlie’s book… as a matter of fact, I picked up three so I can make gifts of them. I have a strange feeling that this will become a repeat order!! Thanks again!