February 2026

The end of February caught me off guard. Such a short month with many things going on! “Back to school”, I repeat. My daughter corrected me when she was a secondary student, telling me that it was back to school for her, but back to work for me. Absolutely right.

I think about the teacher/learner, work/school, dichotomy. I love teaching because it’s eternal learning. I love my job because I learn and connect. I have a privileged opportunity to make a difference. So many new things to learn in all kinds of ways: new students, new curriculum(I’m teaching art!), new leadership role (Marrung Lead– so humbled to take on this role) and a new team in our office. I miss having Peter in our office. My son-in-law is one of the best men I know. I’ve been so lucky to have him in my office for the last couple of years. When I recollect what’s happened in the past month, moments of such variety, I feel overwhelmed by the constant change. The overload of input and output and the range of feelings. I have noticed a shift in my energy levels and capacity to get things done. I have cried a lot about the losses that have rewarded me with this time and energy.

I went to my grandson’s first market stall. I bought a necklace he made and have received plenty of compliments about it. I feel so pleased that he is learning these entrepreneurial skills at a young age.

I could get ai to improve this writing for me, and the reader would likely appreciate it. I want to be considerate, but this is a space that has never been well read, so I’m just doing it for me.

The best thing I’ve read this month: https://tommydalts.substack.com/. It’s inspired me to write more words, rather than just sharing what I’ve been into.

This review was a good read. I never liked the novel. I love the Kate Bush song, as the introduction to enjoying her music for a lifetime.

December 2025

I turned 60 this month. It feels ridiculous.

It will be our first festive season without Dad. His past presence is felt deeply in his absence. I’ve been thinking about the great care we received at the end of his life. Some places are a soft place to land when life feels particularly heavy. At O’Mara House, we found a true community of care at a time when my dad needed it most.

The Conversation: What can trees teach us about resilience and loss? A grieving daughter reflects. “She asks “what would the world look like if care became our organising principle?””

The Conversation: How charitable are Australians? “Evidence shows that both giving and receiving from others is associated with better mental health.”

Rune Soup: The Purpose of Ghosts

I’m pleased to finish this year. Amongst the challenges, there have been good things. I feel closer to my siblings. I appreciate the loving support from my family and friends. I’ve experienced joy as my kids and grandson grow and live good lives and share them with me. I have made home improvements, getting my fence repaired (thanks Peter) and bought furniture I love in the bedrooms. I achieved the VIT registration, as much as it annoys me that I had to do it. My collegues at work have been fun to work with and I couldn’t ask for more a more supportive workplace. I have continued learning astrology and Portuguese. I read 31 books, according to Goodreads; I think there were more, but I haven’t kept it up to date. I’ve donated money to causes that I care about.