Each year my mum, my sister in law and I, with all the kids make a Christmas cake in memory of Nanny. We wrap it in brown paper and newspaper, and place it in a tin, ready for unwrapping on Christmas Day. My Nanny loved pressing flowers, doing crosswords and being busy. There is something special about being able to pass on traditions through generations and enjoying that time together.

Time to settle down again after the excitement of the weekend. In tap dancing this week we did the Shim Sham, another step that looks fabulous when you get it right. I hope to one day! There will be lots of tapping over the next few weeks in preparation for Lucky Thirteen!

We had our busy launch this morning at Readings. Thank you to all those who braved the stormy weather and joined us in celebrating the publication of All Through the Year. It was such a lovely morning. Leigh Hobbs launched the book and gave a heartwarming and funny speech, even with jet lag!  Jane and I were delighted with the event. Thank you! xa

PS. For those who enquired about buying prints from All Through the Year, they are available here.

In book club recently we read a great book, 'One Day' by David Nicholls. When I came to the passage written above something clicked and I thought it was worth sharing.

This painting 'The Journey' was created for the 9x5 Untold Stories Exhibition in Melbourne put on by Illustrators Australia. I like penguins. The show has now travelled to Brisbane where the sunny people there can see the works.