The waiting

I can't think of a prettier place to await a baby's arrival than Airlie Beach, Queensland.

Jesse

My one-eyed pirate boy has grown into a rugged songwriting sailing man with a generous heart and a wicked way with words.

What a cool son.

Jai

Jai. Grandson #1. Funny, smart and handsome. He'll go far, for sure.

Tui

I had a wonderful couple of days with Tui; it was more just-the-two-of-us time than we've had for decades. We painted and sewed and photographed; we drove up into the mountains to walk in O'Reilly's treetops.

We talked about what is in our hearts, our struggles to be better people, and our hopes for the future.

My brave, beautiful firstborn makes me proud.

Lorraine

Lorraine and I were both Girl Guide leaders on Tamborine Mountain in the late 1980s. We were a great team. Even though we hadn't seen each other for more than a decade, we've kept in touch over the years.


She and hubby Noel hosted me overnight in their waterfront home in Runaway Bay, and fed me delicious food while we caught up. It's such an easy, comfortable friendship we share. So nice.

Rebecca

I met Rebecca about 20 years ago when she joined the small ad agency at which I worked. A few years later I started my own company, and Beck came to work for me. I'm ashamed to say that I 'let her go' via fax one day. Yep. Not my finest moment. Luckily she's forgiven me.

Now she and her husband Joe have their own successful design/ad agency, and two delightful daughters.


Oh, and a LOT of pets.

I love to stay with them when I visit the Gold Coast. The girls get so excited, and Leia is delighted to vacate her bed for me. They are endlessly welcoming, nurturing, and entertaining, and I'm honoured to count them among my friends.

Lizzie

 Lizzie and I met at Hawker College in Year 11 biology, in 1976. Our desks were arranged in a U-shape around the room, and she sat directly opposite me. She was cheerful, smart, and participative, engaging Mr Hoy in banter and obviously having a good time while knowing her stuff.

After the first 2 weeks, I figured I was going to do better in the class if I sat next to her, so I moved my seat. Thirty-five years later, we are still friends.

Through boyfriends, marriages, kids, divorce, grandkids, through cancer, travel, sewing, and food, our friendship buoys us both. We always have a bed in the other's house, and know there is a loving heart always ready to listen and support.

Friendship. It rocks.