Christmas has been and gone in its usual rapid blur. I once read a poem that stated ‘Christmas morning comes too soon. Anticipation’s best.’ I agree with the writer. The best part about Christmas, for me, is the delicious expectation of it. Once the day itself arrives it is over in a rush and we’re left full of food and trying to find something to do on Boxing Day, apart from spend more money at the sales or (if you’re in Australia) watch the cricket. Of course, immediately after Christmas, the year begins its last week, treading inexorably towards a […]

Christmas Day is almost upon us and that means that our family is finally having a well-deserved break. My husband has finished work for the year so the past few days have seen the last of the Christmas preparations and also some fantastic day trips on Queensland’s Gold and Sunshine Coasts. If you ever have the opportunity to visit Queensland, each coast has its own delights and features something for everyone, so I can heartily recommend them. This time of year also means I am having a break from book promotions. I think I’ve done a good job this year […]

I read not long ago that blogs by authors should steer clear of comments on social issues. I was going to write about something frivolous this morning, but I find that’s impossible. I live in Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, Australia. Yesterday in Sydney, the next closest capital city, a man took several men and women hostage in a cafe. I was watching the drama unfold yesterday, praying desperately that everyone would get out unscathed … physically, at least. Tragically, overnight two hostages and the gunman were killed. I have to admit, this result made me feel guilty about […]

I love Christimas and I always have. I was one of those kids who always woke up early (sometimes really early!) and usually woke up the rest of the house. I enjoy everything about Christmas. I can remember at time when, as I became a young adult, the magic did tarnish a little for a while there. It didn’t seem as special anymore, as our family was small and unlike many families, our Christmases didn’t involve catching up with relatives we hadn’t seen in a while (I know for some people this would be a good thing!). That changed when […]

Christmas is a busy time of the year for anyone who celebrates it. There are houses to decorate, presents to buy and food to prepare, and this is all usually accompanied by lots of rushing around, particularly in the week before Christmas. Being one of those annoyingly organised people, I usually have all my Christmas shopping and other things done early (I have only two presents left to buy this year). This is because I don’t like to feel rushed, especially at a time of year I enjoy, like Christmas. I want the chance to simply sit back and take […]