Mira Matar

Feeling chill. Feeling glee. Feeling reflective. Your grandparents arrived at lunchtime. And we lunched whilst you rested. You were met with some grapes, soon after your daytime nap. Consumption of them waited until after lunch. Indoors: opening presents! Outdoors: opening new horizons. Running Mum, leading the way. A moment of stillness. 💖💖💖

Runny noses, plus a temperature of -8 outside, led to the day being spent indoors. To a speedy return to full health! 💗💗💗

You two! Synchronized. Connected. A stop at 'Aunt' Natalia's. The Queen of our home. Chance run-in with the artist and art teacher 'Aunt' Larisa. 💗💗💗

Just like your sister's birth, your birth, and your brother's birth, The birth of a new year, Is the birth of new hope. The tradition of sharing gifts at this time,  I translate as: Here and willing to give. And we for you and your siblings are certainly: Here and willing to give. Giving knowledge is part of that. Giving time & attention is part of that. Giving support & love is a part of that. Reliable friends are part of life's backbone too. Each of us must go forward alone. Yet each of us alone, Is made by those with whom we associate, and with whom we choose to build. Think closely, it's a fascinating paradox. I hope that 2025 see you and your siblings flourishing. A little more. Every day. 💓💓💓

This year is transitioning into the next. One looks back. Learns, and appreciates. One looks forward. Envisions, before executing. Taking heed of learnings from those who live how you want to, can help fast-track your path to such outcomes. Seriously. Ending this year, And beginning the next, With inordinate appreciation. First of all, for my life partner Ulyana. Equally, for the three blessings: Dunia, Mira, and Adam Karim. Simultaneously, for the family (included here are the in-laws of my siblings), for the genuine friends, and for the clients whom I have helped (& who've inturn shaped who I have become). The opportunity to even be alive is exactly that: An Opportunity! 💗💗💗 PS: It was your Uncle Coyne's birthday today. An exceptional human being, with a deep care for the welfare of others, my brother-in-law's is a contributor to both family and the community. He assumes leadership in both contexts. Coyne is go-getter. And he's always taking others along with h...

The Lindy Effect doesn't apply to humans.  We expect to go on, and on, and on. Unfortunately it doesn't work that way. Life is not eternal; and that it what makes the opportunity to be alive so precious. 💓💓💓 Mum and I went on our first date 5 years ago today. Our song has continued to be sung since then. And plan for many an anniversary to come. No day can ever be taken for granted though. Birthdays are special individual milestones in life. And today was your maternal Grandmother's birthday. Whilst we weren't in the same physical space today, connection was made virtually... And the beauty of shared moments from recent times, are reflected in the below snaps with you, your brother, and with all of us... News came in today of a less positive note than the above. It was the flipside of the upside in life. One of your Great-uncles passed away today. Muhammad was one of your paternal Grandmother's two younger brothers. And he was someone that she adores, and felt e...

Soon after waking. In the lounge room. The only light, apart from the two of you glowing, came from the New Year's tree. You soon began interacting with it. Before heading outdoors.. Strolling with Mum. Beautiful Bro. Back indoors.. With vivaciousness alive and well. Halves of the halves that make up you and your brother. That handsome little fella woke up as the burgers arrived. Once at a new location, And once again needing to get rugged up, You insisted that this time you'd wear my beanie! Looking solid! Having been told that this mannequin was a man who'd fallen over.... You went over and offered help, And you suggested that he first get up. Us.  Next to Lenin Square. 💗💗💗