carve diem

I used to dislike skiing, every trip felt like a painful and frustrating struggle. I stuck with it for my family, knowing how much they loved the sport and the joy it brought them. But for me, skiing showed how much I’d changed with age. The fearless adventurer I once was, racing down trails and attempting wild stunts, was long gone. I miss that version of myself, the one who wasn’t afraid of falling. Despite my challenges, this winter sport has become a great way for my family to bond and carve lasting memories. 

Skiing reminds me that I’m not as young or invincible as I once was. The days of carefree risks have passed, replaced by the responsibilities of family. I miss the reckless freedom of youth, but there’s a deep satisfaction in being needed, even if it means approaching life with more caution.

When I first learned to ski in Queenstown, I was stressed and rigid, overwhelmed by my instructor’s directions. The steep hill ahead felt impossible, and I genuinely thought one wrong move would send me tumbling to my doom.

But this time, something shifted. It wasn’t just what I’d learned, it was that I stopped overthinking and leaned into what felt natural. Drawing on my rollerblading experience, I trusted my body to guide me. Suddenly, I moved with a fluidity I’d never felt before. The fear was still there, but it no longer paralysed me. I wasn’t impulsive, just confident, and for the first time, I felt in control. My turns aren’t perfect, and I’m nowhere near as fast as the skiers speeding past me, but I feel happy and at ease. Skiing has helped me rediscover a part of myself I thought I’d lost.

my girl

The first day of kindergarten feels like just yesterday, yet here I am, watching you walk across the stage in 6th grade to receive the Academic Prize. I can still picture the first time your bright newborn eyes met mine, I knew then, with a quiet certainty, that you were bound to become someone extraordinary. Now, here you are, in your final year of primary school, making us all so proud, Amelia! You are everything I dreamed of being at your age, my special girl.

cousins come in dozens

I grew up surrounded by a pack of cousins, with my brother, the eldest, at the helm. He was our fearless leader, babysitting a dozen of us at a time, and his creativity knew no bounds. Whether it was inventing games or orchestrating epic role plays, he always kept us entertained and close.

I always dreamed of my daughters having a similar experience, but times have changed. With family scattered across the globe, the close-knit cousin group I hoped for didn’t quite materialise. Even so, some of my cousins remain my closest friends, and I wanted my girls to have that same lifelong connection.

Though my sister’s family only visits Australia once a year, and the time is fleeting, it’s heartwarming to see how our children’s bond remains unshaken. Despite spending just a fortnight together each year, they pick up right where they left off, their friendships as strong and natural as ever. The dynamics between them, the way they interact, and the deep-rooted ties they share are a testament to the enduring power of family.

a tail of two sons

I once pictured a life filled with sons, but God had other plans and blessed me with daughters. So, I decided to adopt two male dogs to bring a little balance to the mix. I had even chosen my favourite boy’s name long before any pregnancy, Anakin, but my husband vetoed it, worrying our child might be teased at school. Little did we know, it turned out to be the perfect name for a dog, earning compliments on every walk.

As for Logan, he was named after a TV character I had a major crush on from Veronica Mars. True to his namesake, Logan is a reformed bad boy, charming, mischievous, and with a soulful gaze that helps you forget he’s ever been naughty. He’s got that undeniable charisma that makes it impossible to stay mad at him, no matter what trouble he stirs up. 

And so unfolds this unexpected tale: of a girl mum who found her sons in two furry companions. These two are my boys, and I love them more than I ever thought possible.