As local readers will be all too aware, Victoria – my home state, born and raised – has just experienced its worst bushfires, with the highest death toll, on record. Some towns have been so devastated as to have effectively been razed to the ground – a tragedy staggering to even contemplate. While my family are largely rural, they have – so far as I’m aware – fortunately been unaffected. I can only hope that the cooling weather aids the authorities in getting the fires under control, avoiding any further death or damage.

On a much less sombre note, my calendar for February seems to be rather full: there’s my minor thesis, which is really heating up; wedding planning – tailoring, catering, photographing, decorating, cake…ing!; and there may even be some fresh work on the horizon, fingers crossed. I may, resultantly, be a trifle inattentive over the coming weeks – I can’t entirely guarantee that my brain will be in residence, even when the rest of me is moving about and making noises. I have some FrillyShirt posts tucked up my sleeve, and I may draw a few favourites from the archive. And, naturally, reader submissions are welcome – if you’d like the chance to sound off about something, or perhaps have a question of decorum for Teacup In A Storm, feel free to drop me a line.