Santa Clause has been to town

It's that one special day of the year when children wake up at 5 am because they are so excited about Santa and all the presents he has left behind. That time when everyone is just a little bit happier and more generous. I often think about those spending christmas alone, or those who have nothing. I feel happy because I too am celebrating with my family, getting lovely presents, eating incredible food and spending time at the beach just generally being merry.

I think about those people who have nothing and I feel sad for them. I feel like I want to help them. I think about Somalian refugees and old people with no family left. I think about those who are sick and in need,  who have lost loved ones and those who have nowhere to go. There is a lot of sadness and despair in the world, and I see that all the time, but at this time of year it can be masked by merriment. I often wonder how I can help, and where I can even start, but I do know that it makes me appreciate what I have so much more.  So today I will be merry, enjoy my presents, and spend time with the people I love, but I will spare a thought for people less fortunate because that is what christmas is about to me.

Merry Christmas!

Germany.

It's this tiny little country, that likes to steal my friends. I know saying goodbye to people is hard I expect it. I make friends with people from overseas, and I know that eventually they will leave. I think maybe it will get easier but it never does. Not even a little bit. That final hug, that final kiss, that urgency to make known how much you are going to miss someone, and how much you love them. All the conversations you have ever had, pop into your mind, all the great times you had together, blur by, everything blurs together and the next thing you know, you are driving off, down a dreary highway, rain pelting down, with "Never let me go" blaring out of the radio and you just can't fight the tears anymore, even though you so desperately want to. 

I just want you to know though, that you always make me smile. I have never felt safer than when I was in your arms for cuddles, and I have never told anyone half the things I told you. I will miss you more than I can really stand to think about and the night I told you not to come to close because I smelt like sunscreen and tasted like saltwater and you said "Yes, but that's just you", was the most important thing anyone has ever said to me because at that moment I knew that I never had to fake anything about myself with you because you just appreciated me the way I am. 

You are so very important.

Homebake baby!

It's that time of year again. Festival season, summer, the festive season. It's all happening. To kick off these general festivities on Saturday was Homebake. The all Australian music/comedy/film festival. It was a perfect, summers day in Sydney, lots of bikinis and short denim shorts.

The day kicked off with the Rubens, triple J unearthed winners, and continued with such classy Australian acts as Housos, and some fantastic Australian music with Drapht, The Jezabels and the awe inspiring Eskimo Joe.  Ladyhawke, our sweet as NZ cousin also  rocked the stage, pleasing fans with My Delirium as her final song.

What made this day even more special, was when it was all over, and everyone was walking back through Martin place, the Christmas tree and all the decorations reminded us that it is Christmas time.