I miss the snow so much. It changes the winter season into something magical.

I had two friends staying with me last Christmas, one of them is Australian and had never had a white Christmas. She prayed so much before-hand, but it looked bleak and more like a green Stockholm Christmas for all of us. Then, on Christmas day afternoon, we saw the first flakes coming down. It literally didn't stop until the end of March. Jules had some effective prayers! (And some, who had to shovel the snow for three months, even hoped she would pray the snow would stop!)

After six years in London I have finally been to see a West End show (something about being a tourist in your own town?)

As thousands of people before us have discovered, Phantom of the Opera was completely amazing.  I hadn't seen the film, or read the book, and basically had no idea about the storyline so everything was a surprise. 

The best sunsets, only in the desert... the Arizonians are obsessed with the sun. I guess it completely dominates their lives in every way.

Sun City (retirement village only for residents over 55), Sun Devil Stadium (home of the Arizona State Sun Devils - a fairly decent American football team, if you like that sort of thing, and Cuba Gooding Jr's Jerry Maguire character), Phoenix Suns (the once glorious local NBA team, who once held the once mighty Chicago Bulls to a 6-match championship final).

Well, this is where I'm from Randomworkshop. My family lived here for generations, although I grew up in the city so only spent summers, and the odd snowed-in winter holiday...

My flatmate works for the Cool Bananas and Cool Amarula farms in Zambia. They also run a community project called Luyando. This is a hugely exciting project so do have a look at the website!

So, I spent a few days with the Alpha Hong Kong office last week, and had the great pleasure of staying with Messrs Nick and Al in their very HK-esque flat on the 28th floor.

I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains?
No, my strength comes from God,
who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.

He won't let you stumble,

Someone pointed out to me that my blog is full of things about travel and moving and never staying in one place. He is right.

But when I think about it, I realise that actually I love being in one place, not having to go anywhere.

Although travelling is very exciting in many ways I just LOVE to be at home. To have a relaxed evening in with loved ones, good food, good wine, great conversation.

I love this. It's so sad and so sweet at the same time...

JUMBO JET

I saw a little elephant standing in my garden,
I said 'You don't belong in here', he said 'I beg you pardon?'

And a poet said, "Speak to us of Beauty."

Where shall you seek Beauty, and how shall you find her unless she herself be your way and your guide?

And how shall you speak of her except she be the weaver of your speech?

The aggrieved and the injured say, "Beauty is kind and gentle.