We need to practice writing the new year so I am making a start. The day dawns bright in Brisbane. It is 29C – the two boys have gone to Sydney for late night revelry to bring in the New Year while G is enjoying the snow covered peaks of Verbier with friends.

The house is quiet, dusty, crumby, but those jobs will have to wait. How do I start ? Ironing is my go to. No podcasts or music just the gentle fizz of the iron gliding over many bedsheets, creating a smooth and silky feel to them. Thoughts for the blog come and go. I fold and put away ready for the next visit.

Yesterday I had the chance to sit down with the family and watch a small documentary film produced by the Public Information Office in Cyprus, (PIO) which was made principally by my niece Katerina Attalidou and a few close friends of my late sister Niki Marangou. Mostly in Greek but interspersed with some English. Here is the link for anyone who might be interested.

https://www.facebook.com/PIOCy/videos/2654964088021758

She was 11 when I was born and we grew up in this busy and loving household. To her though, I can attribute an infinite tenderness and her gentle direction in educating me about the arts and literature. My parents were simply too busy with their professional lives. She was at once revolutionary and fearless but always calm. Talented beyond words – words were her thing, but painting, poetry and iconography were also mastered as were the growing of roses and the making of sublime food.

To her I owe my curiosity of all things around me and my thirst for more. While lacking her depth and knowledge, there is no doubt that writing, and the joy of it, runs through our collective veins – so here is a toast to sisterhood Niki, Anna and I, for the magic of words in our lives. Now to answering some of the lovely messages from friends far and wide.