Like my favourite fictional character, Anne Shirley (of the L.M. Montgomery series, Anne of Avonlea), I was taunted mercilessly as a child about my red hair and freckles. Unlike Anne’s nickname of ‘Carrots’, or my aunt's nickname of ‘Blue’ (Aussie humour), I gained the nickname of ‘Jaffa’ (referring to the lollies and my childhood initials) and then ‘Towering Inferno’ (referring to the Hollywood blockbuster of the time). Isn’t it funny how life changes? Now people like my complexion. Go figure!
Christmas is past nigh. Presents have been given, the advent calenders lining the hall have been packed away until next November, and decorations reboxed. The precious memories remain.
Walking on the beach near Torquay in southern Victoria, Australia, I found a festive-looking garland of seaweeds being lapped by the gentle waves.