For the most part, my 2014 was awful. My Mum passed away at the end of June. She's now with my Dad, who passed away in 2008. It was both expected and unexpected - we thought we would have her with us for much longer. I'm very grateful, though, to have my two sisters. Our family is small now, but still very close.

I hope that 2015 is a good year for all of us. There will be sad memories, as my sisters and I continue to do what we need to do with my parents' estate. There will be new memories to make too. I hope they're happy ones.

I'd like to start writing and sharing again. I'd like to tell people about my parents. I'd also like to share with my friends what I've been doing and seeing in the world. And I think I'm ready to do that again now.

Best wishes to all of you for a safe, happy and healthy new year.

Mum and Dad's wedding day