The official teaching journey begins. Life really does take you down unexpected roads. #doodleaday

Of course, in the grotto I WILL be wearing Santa trousers! #doodleaday

Now the big decision - which one next?! #doodleaday

The skilful art of dense packing… it’s like Thor’s hammer! #doodleaday

And being on stage with such a fab bunch of super talented people… the buzz is glorious. #doodleaday #lovetheatre

At least I’m old and jaded enough not to be influenced by social media pressure. That must be horrible… #doodleaday

…and very funny. Can’t wait to see them in action now. #doodleaday

Plus I finished writing a Christmas script this morning… I think it’s fair to say I’m pretty keen on theatre! #doodleaday #lovetheatre

The dad/husband taxi is a 24/7 service… #doodleaday

…but I still love my van, despite the need to shower and change as soon as I get home!!! #doodleaday

Making special memories. #doodleaday

Reminds me every time of just how important art is for mental health. #doodleaday

Just chatting rubbish and hanging… I love it. #doodleaday

This ‘relaxing’ thing is actually kinda fun - I should try and do it more often… #doodleaday

It’s SO neat in there now, and a good space for a bit of a workshop for Ben and me. Hope we keep it that way… #doodleaday

I do love it when the memory of how it felt to have them with us happens. Just for a moment the years disappear… #doodleaday #loveneverdies

Memories of the summer holidays when they were little, having to organise things for them to do… now I occasionally see one when they emerge for food… #doodleaday

Culmination of a very theatre-based weekend. Brilliant dance show. It’s so lovely when we see them share a stage. #doodleaday #blendedfamily

A day late as it was a looong day yesterday and a very early start today - but as ever, the wheel turns. The harvest is gathered… #doodleaday #wheeloftheyear

A day late as it was a looong day yesterday and a very early start today - but as ever, the wheel turns. The harvest is gathered… #doodleaday #wheeloftheyear

It’s always a struggle. The willpower is the tough bit. I figure one battle at a time… maybe next week I’ll find the strength to stop snacking… I live in hope. #doodleaday #fitnessjourney

Writing my Story Grotto script and the play for the elves. Tying the two together this year for a challenge! Love my Tilgate Santa gig - hard to believe in just 4 months I’ll be donning the red and white again! #doodleaday

Just scratching the surface really today but already getting so excited about opening the doors to this world for the students… #doodleaday

I’m now around 80% pate and cheese… #doodleaday

Love watching the kids work out who they are… clothes, hair etc. Memories of my own childhood and teens… (oh the Brylcreem and the quiff!!!) #doodleaday

Genuine life savers - I’d be cut to ribbons without them! #doodleaday

Some actors make it look so effortless. Paul Chahidi is one of them. Finally got to meet in person after many online exchanges - one of the wonderful things social media can do. #doodleaday

I could happily have a wardrobe full of variations on that theme… takes the thinking out of getting dressed! #doodleaday

I’ve never built one before but having him helping gave me the confidence to go for it! It was fi. And what’s more, it looks great! Having your in house handyman is… er… handy! #doodleaday

Really loved the new adaptation. Very modern but kept all the poetic lyricism. And it’s a funny, exciting and very moving production. Girl next to us was sobbing her heart out at the end… #doodleaday #lovetheatre