Christmas Day

Christmas Pudding made by Jon

Seafood Paella made by Lisa

Remarkable Queen of the Night plant grown by Lisa over the last 5 years

Mc Carrs Creek at sunset on Christmas Day

Jon

Lisa and Richard our hosts

We were fortunate to spend Christmas Day at Lisa and Richard's this year. Their two sons Freddie and Felix played with Nick, all close in age together, and Tom and Alex went fishing, boated in the kayaks and then had their own boating adventure on Pittwater with Richard. It was a relaxing day centred around food and conversation. Finally close to midnight we drove home. Thanks Lisa and Richard for a great Christmas.

Carols at the Haven Amphitheatre Castlecrag

Each year on Christmas Eve, Carols by Candlelight are held at the Haven Amphitheatre in Castlecrag. Everyone comes together in this beautifully cared for public space and sings traditional carols as well as some popular seasonal songs. So many of our Crag kids end up overseas at the start of their young adult lives that we also sing "I still call Australia home" by Peter Allen as well. This year Nick and I went together, with our tinsel and chocolate almonds.

Alex's Year 6 Graduation

Year 6 performed a rap music farewell then sang Firework arm in arm. As they exited the hall they went through the traditional tunnel of all of the students in the school until finally they were free of primary school. It was emotional and I could see Alex was really happy.

Paul at Picasso NSW Art Gallery

Dora Maar - Paris - 1937

Paul and I went to the Picasso exhibit. It was my second visit. This time I was less overwhelmed by the diversity of the chronological grouping and more in tune with the individual works. The sculptures are still the best part of the show for me. As I move through the rooms looking it is the sculptures bringing the paintings to life inhabiting the three dimensions of Picasso's perspective and his unique way of seeing the world. The portraits of Dora Maar are the resilient masterpieces of his love for women. We spent two hours in the rooms of the exhibit discussing philosophy, The French, friends and art. One day I hope to revisit these works and the many others not shown in Sydney at the Musee d'Picasso in Paris. Until then....

Sunlight

At the start of Summer in Sydney we can only hope for sunlight and this song is sending out some needed rays, Sunlight by Bag Raiders is a enjoyable track made with minimal instrumentation and these two techno musicians,
Jack Glass and Chris Stracey rock.

Blessings

I have had a wonderful year. I went back to Alexandria Park Community School and taught the Yr 12 Indigenous students, reconnecting with my training through the Koori Centre at USYD. I have seen Tom, Alex and Nick my three sons grow and change, taking on new challenges at school and in their young lives. I have travelled north and south, east and west, continuing my involvement with community for the environment as well as in wellbeing through the Crag and SANE Australia. My writing has continued to diversify and experienced a new fluency. Friends and family have rallied around me when I have needed support. I am looking forward to 2012 with a new spirit.

Tarzan and Jane

The Janes

Nick as one of the Tarzans

The Christmas Concert is always one of the highlights of Term 4. This year Nick's class performed a dance to a song called Tarzan and Jane. Nick performed all the moves and had a great time. He is not one of the most outgoing and starlight seeking kids however he had a great time participating in the act with his classmates.