Barefoot...

The 4th blog of Xmas is also day 4 of 17 days of shoelessness, my annual summer holiday practice.

I love shoes. My darling often refers to me as 'Imelda', especially when I have commandeered a greater share of the wardrobe. Most days, my outfit is selected from the foot up. So it seems strange to choose to be shoeless.

Barefoot is about change of style, lack of style, complete relaxation, being natural. It's also about slowing down - the automatic way to help winter-tender feet cope with the textured world. At the same time, I'm resetting my mind to a greater degree of tranquillity.

By the time i wear shoes again, my holiday time will have toughened my soles, and desensitised my soul.

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.