It’s the silly season and I’m on holidays until just before New Year. 2013 has been a difficult year in many ways and I’m sure when I look back upon it in years to come, it will be a blur.

As a family, we’ve faced the challenge of the middle child gaining his driving licence and of him and his big brother leaving the nest. Alternating between fear and pride seems like a permanent state for me. Now that two of our sons are living thousands of kilometres to the south we’ve had to find new ways to keep in touch and to support them. It’s a big deal for teenagers living away from home. Lucky they have an extended family close to hand.

There have been the inevitable financial hardships that most families face and it has been difficult to have the boys away and not be certain we can give them that extra financial help if required. Needless to say, we have all made ends meet.

We’ve also adjusted to being three instead of five and forging a closer relationship to the youngest son who has lived his life in the shadow of his older brothers.

And then there is the issue of impending ‘empty nest’ syndrome. Most parents would relate to the struggle to keep the focus on their relationship as children demand so much time and attention. In the closing weeks of 2013, we can see an exciting future for us after children- the bucket list is getting longer.

Personally, I have published my second book – The Lady’s Choice– and as was the case for Princess Avenger, I learned so much in the editing. Writing is a delightful life and an amazing escape from reality. I’ve learned so much about myself through my writing as well. My reading pile is ever growing and in it lie the books of many new friends.

In a week’s time my husband and I travel south to Brisbane to watch our youngest son take part in a week of cricket, a rite of passage his older brothers have already participated in. We’ll spend Christmas with our extended families and then take the long drive back to Townsville for New Year where the five of us will be reunited for a few days.

I’m sure 2014 will also be a year full of challenges and change- that’s the reality of being human.

I hope you can look back on 2013 with a sense of achievement and pride and that you can look forward to 2014 with optimism.

Happy holidays!