Leaf: Christmas with Brendan's family always involves cricket; indoors and outdoors. (Barrington, Australia)

Rae: Our Christmas Eve gathering was sweet and beautiful, with lights and flowers and lots of food. (Pai, Thailand)

Leaf: Noticing the changes in the natural world as I walk with 'Loved One' (Taran's new name for her) in the mornings. (Yarramundi, Australia)

Rae: Just a little wedding photography in the intersection. (Pai, Thailand)

Leaf: Our beautiful neighbours! Brian was adding to his mosaic while Jules explained all the different parts of it. They adore each other, you can tell. (Yarramundi, Australia)

Rae: Lovely Lisu lady and her beautiful wares. (Pai, Thailand)

Leaf: This is the path I walk down in the mornings talking to God. This morning the 3 of us walked and prayed (we prayed for you guys as well). (Yarramundi, Australia)

Rae: Well, this was surprising. I can't say that I've ever seen anyone peddling paintings of the Virgin and Child in Pai before. I bought one for the meditation center. (Ha! Kidding!) But anyway, the man selling them was delightful. (Pai, Thailand)

Leaf: Wildflowers and a clear sky after the rain. (Yarramundi, Australia)

Rae: These three dogs! Just look at them! They're so ridiculous and silly and cute. (Pai, Thailand)

Leaf: Around this time each year Aussies start preparing for the possibility of bush fires. (Bulli, Australia)

Rae: I think what this shop is trying to tell us is if you are looking for a something special for a loved one for Christmas, a fan might be just the thing. (Pai, Thailand)

Leaf: Two gentlemen in beige, chatting in the market behind the stall. They were a bit grumpy, but I found a way to make them smile. (Glebe, Australia)

Rae: How I love making chai. (Pai, Thailand)