2024 in Review

NEW BEGINNINGS, HEARTBREAK, AND TRAVEL

As 2024 comes to a close, I am reflecting on a year as unpredictable as it has been amazing. There have been moments of unhinged happiness and deep sadness in the past 12 months. I have embarked on new beginnings and said the saddest, most unexpected goodbyes. Doors have opened to new opportunities, and I returned to my heart home, Italy. It’s true; you can call two places home, even if you have only ever visited one of them twice.

Throughout the year, I have been reminded of one thing. Life’s beauty lies in its contrasts. My best days often followed the darkest, and the strength to face the saddest was found in the love I shared with those I have lost and those still here.

Life can be tough, but can be wonderful and exciting at the same time, and is what I make of it. It doesn’t always turn out how I imagined or even hoped. I don’t have that much control. But it turns out. And if I’m here, I can make it different and change direction if I want to.

I’m a fan of the direction I’m currently moving.

My Year in Review.

January—I enjoyed a fun summer break at home with the kids and Oti. Beaches, cafes, cocktails at home, and a quick getaway to the Gold Coast.

February—I committed to opening a new book and lifestyle shop in Old Bar. I was so excited and possibly a little nuts, considering we were heading into what was widely predicted to be a tough retail year, especially for start-ups. I was having a midlife creative. I spent most of this month processing stock, and trying to keep Oti from pinching our new teddy’s. He and I spent lots of time outside playing.

March—We got the keys to the shop. Tyz, Bades, and I spent the next six weeks renovating with the help of Deb and Andy. Along with many other family and friends, who popped in and helped when they could. I was grateful for the support and the results are amazing.

April—Kalico opened. Life got busy again, and the shop was and still is so much fun that it can’t really be considered work. Oti was the only one not particularly happy about the change. He missed hanging with his mum at home, all day every day, especially cuddling up for our daily midday movie.

May—I turned 59! What, when did that happen? My last year in my 50s was already a big one, and I wasn’t even halfway through. A belated Mothers Day lunch with Margaret. Just the two of us. It was lovely.

June—a devastating month. I lost my gorgeous childhood friend, Bin. We shared almost 50 years of friendship. No words, just heartbreak.

July—another heartbreaking month when we lost our gorgeous, good boy Oti – our heart. And then two days later, Bren’s Mum, Margaret. Our only solace was that they were now with Bren, and he would look after them for us.

August—Greif.

September—I spent the entire month in Italy, one of my favourite places in the world. It was a month of mixed emotions as I did my best to enjoy a trip I had been looking forward to for a year while struggling with feelings of loss, and guilt at being far away from my kids while we were all still struggling with our loss.

October—home again. It was good to be back with the kids and at the shop. Kombi festival time. And most important – this month we celebrate Bren. He would have been 53.

November—Tyz and Bades turned 21, and we partied. It was a weekend-long celebration, and we enjoyed every minute of it. We were grateful to all those who travelled far to be here and those who have always been here. You all made it a fabulous weekend for two of the most amazing people I know. Thank you. We love you.

December—For us, Christmas is always the highlight of December. It starts when Tyz gets home from Uni. She bakes, and we put up the trees and lights. And we watch a Christmas movie each night until Christmas Eve. The shop was crazy busy, which truly brought the Christmas spirit to life. Christmas was capped off with lunch and dinner with Dad, Deb, Andy, Lu, Tyler and Gregg at Deb and Andy’s house on Christmas Day. This year was extra special as Andy’s brother, sisters, and their families shared their day with us as well.

2024, you kicked my arse, but you were fabulous too – I promise I’m going to make the most of our last few days together!