Juliette Gold

OK, this one isn’t really mine, it’s Peter’s (the hubby).

He had this impulse to buy a unicycle last summer. He already has a bicycle, and I figured that for the low cost of a unicycle, it was worth it to let him enjoy himself.

Unfortunately, he never really got the hang of it! He practised hard, but all he got were bruised shins.

Our older son got hold of it, and within a few days, was whizzing up and down the street confidently. I know Peter doesn’t mind, and is actually very proud of him, but I wish he could ride it as well!

Maybe it’s because I’m a mother, but I get great satisfaction from helping other people. I don’t mean to sound goody-goody, I’m no angel!

Bringing up kids is a long process of helping others, but whatever you do, you always have some skill or asset that others want. With six kids, we have a big car, so I’m always in a position to give lifts. You’d be amazed how much you can help by giving lifts.

So I guess this is a bit of a “I’ve done this,” coupled with a “I want to do more of this” as well.

Is it selfish to want to help other people because you feel better about it? I mean, you still end up helping…

I guess my life revolves around my family, being a full-time Mum, but it’s not always quality time.

Someone once asked a famous architect if he felt it was below his professional dignity to sharpen his own pencils. He said no, it was an important part of his job. Whilst not as glamorous as presenting impressive plans for grand buildings, it was something fundamental that underpinned everything else.

That’s how I feel about changing nappies (diapers), washing clothes, etc. I’m sharpening pencils.

Still, I’d like to spend more time drawing than sharpening!