Hi my friends,

Thanks for all the love and messages from last week! It’s been rainy and cold in Sydney, and it feels so strangely wintery. I’m ready for swimming season, summer dresses and relaxing into Christmas, but the weather is definitely not co-operating.

But last night we had dinner with friends, and their house was so lovely and inviting. I’m a big believer in having people over, and here’s why. I love the day of a dinner party — the early morning clean that makes me appreciate the home we have, the choosing of a menu that I hope people will love, making the dessert, and my favourite part: setting the table, putting out the ‘good china’ and too many tea lights, using the crystal, making everything beautiful.

Of course nobody cares how clean the floor is, or whether our homes are lovely. It’s about being invited in. And last night reminded me of another truth. I believe this one with my whole heart.

Last night, the lesson was to be more fun.

I have been so bogged down and busy with the demands of my new job that I haven’t even remembered who I am or why I’m here.

But being in my friend’s home truly reminded me of FUN. Because she’s a person who embodies joy and celebration and interest and curiousity.

She’s unafraid to reinvent herself. Last night, I watched her shine and I listened to her speak. She was a lesson for me.

Every person is a lesson just for you.

The fabulous lesson. The frustrating lesson. The ‘I Wish I Didn’t Have to Learn This’ lesson. The lesson that says, “Oh, I want more of what she embodies.”

I love this about life: I love the learning.

And on we go—whether we intend to or not—inspiring each other along this path, until we walk each other home.

I hope you have a beautiful day!

Love, Catherine x

P.S. The Fun Stuff!

• This shirt is a great basic. Flowy and easy and perfect for work. (Sorry, the photo is not that great, but go try it on and see what you think.)

• Want to walk a million miles in a pair of heels? Try these classic ones. Seriously, you can stand and walk for 10 hours, no problems.Also perfect for outdoor events if you’re on grass.

• Christmas is coming — I’ve been listening the new Stella Cole album called SNOW!

• One of my favourite poems of all time. Oh, the last line! Do you remember this one? America is many things right now, but she has also always been her poets. Published in 1923. Still gives us a shivers of recognition a hundred years later.

• My friend’s lemon ricotta cake from last night’s dinner party. Yum!