Research suggests that driving in the car with your kids is a great time to have open, unhurried discussions. This was obviously before every mother received a colouring book and pack of pencils last Christmas.

The act of colouring-in is meant to put you in a quiet, meditative state, but every time I open my book, my kids will sit down beside me and talk for hours about all sorts of things going on in their lives. Not very zen, but incredibly informative and entertaining.

Had an absolute riot yesterday doing a swimsuit photo shoot down the beach and around the pool. My enthusiastic model was my 85 year old neighbour Vera who has appeared in a few earlier blips. I wish every photographer could share a day with Vera, for the pure joy of working with a gorgeous, confident and energetic model.

Half the fun was driving around in our 1975 Kombi listening to music fromThe Big Chill soundtrack. I thought we might have to do all the shoot in the car, as she was quite keen on staying.

Good to see the next generation of Mother’s Groups out enjoying the sunshine and blue skies. Sydney definitely knows how to host a Summer.

My Mother’s Group kept me sane during the early years with two very young children. They were also responsible for making me laugh, drink too much wine and gave me a firm sense of belonging. It was heartbreaking for us all when one of the mums passed away from cancer.

Her family had a seat installed on the headland with a plaque to remember her. This is her view. It’s good to come here and put life into perspective.

My son has chosen to do some photography for a school assignment, so we spent some time tonight playing with torches and sparklers and matches in the backyard. All good, homework done AND nothing caught fire.

I didn’t think it was so long ago that I had been attending all my friend’s 21st birthday parties. The reality hit home last night when we attended the first of our friend’s 50th birthday parties. OK, so maybe I’ve aged a little more than I thought.

A Hawaiian themed party, so lots of innovative uses for leis, as modelled by one of the guests.

Not particularly sure how safe it is to be driving at 70km/h into oncoming traffic while balancing a camera on the steering wheel?

Courage? My son has it in spades.
Intelligence? A complete science and maths nerd.
Humour? Black.
Ability to take on the world? Unlimited.
Hair? Doesn’t every mother love a blue mohawk?