the 5th blog of Christmas - my not-so-wicked step-grandmother

My mother married a man with 6 siblings. Their mother turned 80 today. It's been a long happy day full of food, drink, laughter, short heartfelt speeches, long rambling conversations. It was a wonderful gift to suddenly become part of a large and close extra family.

To cap it all off, tomorrow we put aside our party clothes and go fishing!

3rd blog of Christmas - hurrying towards peace

Today we drove North for 5 hours to reach my Mum's home on Doubtless Bay. It's beautiful here and of course I have already got salt in my hair, and sand under my toenails.

It's incredible how fast the holiday effect kicks in - energy to do stuff I couldn't usually be bothered with, combined with peacefulness and patience that seems effortless.

2nd blog of Christmas - honoring Bethli

Yesterday, Christmas Day, Bethli passed away after a long and hard-fought illness.

I did not know her well, but what I did know, personally and professionally, was admirable. She was a person of great energy, intelligence and integrity.

Bethli did not live enough years to express her whole potential, but all the time she had, she made the most of - learning, travelling, working and playing.

I'm grateful to have known her.

1st blog of Christmas

This Christmas is a scrap quilt. 


The background changed several times, and each part of the day brought together partial family groups. 

All unified by the common threads of courtesy, generosity and love. 

Scrap quilts are always the warmest.