ONe PhOtO a DaY jAnUaRy 2026

 

JANUARY 1st SOMETHING FRESH: Fresh from the provinces and on sale in the capital. One of my favourite types of mobile vendors and the kind that most often tempts me. Handmade, eco friendly, rural enterprise empowering and employing rural women and men in timeless traditions 

JANUARY 2nd  MY WORD FOR THE YEAR: is HOPE and I so often begin and end messages, letters, blogs even posts with “I hope …” I do, I genuinely hope not just for me and friends and family but for the world. 

“May your choices reflect your hopes not your fears” 

Nelson Mandela 

JANUARY 3rd A NEW HABIT: has become hibernating indoors and recharging. I haven’t been out at all today and possibly won’t. I haven’t been feeling myself at all recently. Not exactly sick but lethargic and ill at ease so I have decided to look after me more and spend more time simply allowing myself to be. Reading is not a new habit but one I increasingly spend more time on

JANUARY 4th MORNING LIGHT: from the terrace of the Aerie this morning moments after I opened my eyes 

 JANUARY 5th A QUIET MOMENT: late afternoon playing crapette, which is a bit like double handed patience, on the terrace 

JANUARY 6th MY SHOES TODAY: are my well worn and well loved Birks.  In the market it often pays to cover one’s toes 

JANUARY 7th SOMETHING INSPIRING: for me will always be words. I have always kept a book of quotes, over half the two hundred plus notes in my phone are quotes or my own writing, I write blogs about other people’s words and have inspirational phrases displayed at home. This is a favourite and the background photo is one of mine taken in our early days with the original class of the little monks of Kep 

JANUARY 8th A GOOD START: to today was a healthy breakfast, which included Ian’s homemade sourdough and a poached egg

JANUARY 9th A SHADOW: of us out walking in the afternoon for a change 

JANUARY 10th OUT THE WINDOW: in the living room, where we spend much of our time and through the window in the guest bedroom to the terrace where we spend even more time. I love flow of the space in this

JANUARY 11th SOMETHING I BOUGHT: to celebrate new year having recently tasted Aperol Bianco at a local pizzeria. Somehow on the night we were more inspired to have a Poinsettia cocktail (Cranberry Mimosa). Looks like an impromptu celebration is set to occur

JANUARY 12th A FAVOURITE PLACE: of mine has always been in the pool, swimming for sanity: my movement mediation, exercise and happy place 

JANUARY 13TH SOMETHING COLOURFUL: This beautiful tote bag adorned with an indigenous design for which the artist was acknowledged and rights paid

JANUARY 14th WHAT MADE ME SMILE: today was this street side shoe repairer’s chair, still very much in use. He’s got his spending priorities right because that’s his brand new fixed-wheel bicycle in the background and he is very proud of it 

JANUARY 15th IN MY HAND: the Tibetan Singing Bowl I bought in Bhutan which I absolutely love

JANUARY 16th A CORNER OF MY HOME: My cosy little corner of the bedroom

JANUARY 17th SOMETHING SOFT: The soft, fuzzy, new growth of the sword fern, we always refer to as a Mr Curly, in the garden bed

JANUARY 18th TODAY'S VIBE: is Spritz Bianco at twilight after quiet domestic day at home. The good life ….

JANUARY 19th MY DESK: is more of a collection point than an actual desk since I almost never sit there 

JANUARY 20th MY REFLECTION: in the review mirror of the electric tuk tuk we were in this afternoon 

JANUARY 21st A LITTLE CHAOS:  A typical corner in Phnom Penh with moto parking, street side vendors and a cafe with pavement tables behind that ensures all

pedestrians must walk on the road to avoid the chaos

JANUARY 22nd A SNACK: Mini toffee donuts in the local style on a tray, in the street and in the sun but a favourite snack of kids here 

JANUARY 23rd LOOKING DOWN: through the jumble of wires to the mobile vendor serving the young women taking a break from working in the bar below our apartment

JANUARY 24th A PLANT: Some cuttings from a stunning hibiscus I got to day and hope I will be able to successfully strike

JANUARY 25th A FAVOURITE THING: The city views from a favourite watering hole around sunset 

JANUARY 26th IN THE KITCHEN: We had a breakfast guest and I requested my favourite breakfast so Shakshuka in the making in our kitchen

JANUARY 27th SOMETHING TINY: the gaggle of new cacti that are appearing at the base of what is already the smallest potted plant I have ever had 

JANUARY 28th THE SKY TODAY: was grey and overcast without even much colour at sunset so I’m going with an archive shot taken a couple of weeks ago with moody end of year vibes

JANUARY 29th A MOMENT OF JOY: phone in hand, munching on birthday cake his smile says it was a moment of joy 

JANUARY 30th A GOAL I'M WORKING ON: adding variety to my exercise routine colour coded records help me see what’s missing - first yellow addition this month, today thanks to this prompt 

JANUARY 31st A FRUIT: breakfast for us today and there was yoghurt added too

*This one even made it into the Fab Four on Facebook 

PROMPTS 

2026 new year a new beginning….

The New year began more optimistically than I imagined it would with the release of Cambodian captives. 

This has been a long term dispute and I  am not a political analyst. However, I have read more local news and taken a more active interest in regional affairs in an attempt to reassure myself these past few months. 

 I’ve also felt much more ill at ease. It took a while for it to dawn on me that is because this is a country drawn into conflict and aggression against all instincts. Land borders are closed and have been for several months. 

Whilst we are not in any immediate danger, the awareness that this is escalating and that air strikes would cripple this kingdom, sits uneasily in the back of your mind, gaining credence. 

After accusations, delays and declarations that “we do not have to listen to anyone” some compromise, better negotiators and greater willingness on both sides to acquiesce, appear to be possible right now. Maybe having China in the mix at the negotiating table will actually help, as they have huge sway in the region and vested interests on both sides of the border. 

Whilst since then, deadlines have been missed and a stalement has been reached, it is evident that the Thai government has delayed to ensure the viability of the election slated for February 8th. Now that Thai public have been assured that the election is able to proceed and sufficient measures are in place, hopefully negotiations can recommence. 

In the words of Arnaud Darc, who is a much more knowledgeable analyst than I will ever be,  “Thailand kept its February 8, 2026 election on track amid border tensions with Cambodia by sequencing institutions carefully: the Election Commission secured legal contingencies in advance, security agencies framed risks as manageable, and legal complaints against Cambodian leaders were introduced only after electoral viability was affirmed.”

Recent history inclines the Cambodia people to hold their tempers and remain resilient and respectful to each other: road rage is unheard of, mixed racial, national, religious and ethic groups reside harmoniously in local communities. Even in these uncertain times they are strong  and unified. People from all walks of life, status and financial backgrounds are rallying to bolster morale but also to support those forced to flee and those committed to defence. Displaced communities are being housed in monasteries and temples and the local communities are rallying and offering both support and resources. Across the country donation stations proliferate and fund raising is evident. School supplies, food, shelter and blankets, hygiene products and other essential items and resources are being forwarded by international aid agencies and individuals’ efforts.  

We remain hopeful and feel the tides are turning. May 2026 be the year we see less divisiveness and more harmonious relations between nations and within them. 

One PhOtO a DaY DeCeMbEr 2025

 

DECEMBER 1st THE SKY: Now that the monsoon has finally bid us farewell we are back to cloudless, blue, blue skies and bright sunshine here in the Kingdom of Wonder 

DECEMBER 2nd SOMETHING JOYFUL: A tuk tuk full of smiling monks, after a day trip to the beach. It’s not everyday they get to play. An archive shot for me today 

DECEMBER 3rd LOVE: How much street art and graffiti revolves around love?

DECEMBER 4th PEACE: The Tied Gun Monument - symbol of Cambodia’s commitment to Peace and our walking destination today due to this prompt

DECEMBER 5th A CHRISTMAS TREE: A tiny version on the counter of a roadside stall we wandered past today. This is not a country that celebrates Xmas to any great extent so I was happy to spot it and the stall owner wished me “Merry Xmas” when she saw I was taking the photo

DECEMBER 6th GIVING: Though Xmas isn’t really my thing, ‘tis the season for giving and today is the first gifting of cakes and shortbread over celebratory lunch. Sometimes the prompts exactly match the activity for the day

DECEMBER 7th DECORATIONS: Almonds are always the decoration used on traditional Xmas cakes and we just finished baking our second batch for this year moments ago 

DECEMBER 8th FESTIVE FUN: Today I made my first attempt at an edible Xmas tree in the tropics. The wrapped baubles are homemade chocolate chip shortbread the only item that remains the same as the many I have made in Australia over the years - my idea of festive fun 

NOVEMBER 9th SPARKLE: When you accidentally move the camera taking nightlight shots you get a rainbow sparkle 

DECEMBER 10th SOMETHING SWEET: A street side vendor with honey still in the honeycomb. It doesn’t get fresher than that 

DECEMBER 11th TOGETHER: celebrating a dear friend’s birthday, with cocktails for the third year in a row 

DECEMBER 12th CELEBRATION: When you are having an extended birthday celebration with a chocolate fiend in Siem Reap, don’t overlook the Wat-Temple of Cacao. Today we indulged in chocolate ice cream and locally flavoured bonbons: lemongrass and ginger, peanut butter and pepper and espresso. This one is espresso and my choice 

DECEMBER 13th BUBBLES: This afternoon’s pick me up latte with love and bubbles 

DECEMBER 14th STOCKING: We travelled back home from Siem Reap today early to catch the one time only  Xmas Market at Sofitel and this is just about the only stocking I’ve seen this year. I didn’t buy it but I did appreciate it. Xmas is pretty low key in Cambodia and this year more so than ever 

DECEMBER 15th FAVOURITE ORNAMENT: The Endless or Eternal Knot a symbol denoting the interconnectedness of the universe. Appropriately enough it is a significant symbol in Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism 

DECEMBER 16th SANTA: Siem Reap style saxophone playing Santa 

DECEMBER 17th A GIFT: of nuts and snacks that arrived with our dear friend from America and the gifts of homemade traditional Xmas cakes that will return with him on Xmas Eve

DECEMBER 18th LIGHTS: No lights compete with the way nature lights the skies at sunset. This was our view  across the rice fields from tonight’s special dinner spot in Kep  

DECEMBER 19th A TRADITION: Since moving from Kep to live in Phnom Penh every return visit requires a selfie with the crab. A newly minted tradition 

DECEMBER 20TH FESTIVE COLOURS: There really is just one combination for this season 

DECEMBER 21st FESTIVE FOOD: A veggie platter for three and samosas for lunch ticking all the boxes to get those taste buds tingling on an eat a rainbow diet 

 

DECEMBER 22nd WRAPPING: When you consistently say “no plastic” in the market, the vendors quickly learn to use lotus leaves as the wrapping for our fresh veggies

DECEMBER 23rd HOLIDAY MODE: This is the season to be merry and well we five were certainly enjoying that holiday tipple 

DECEMBER 24th MAGIC: The magic of snail mail in a world addicted to digital efficiency and instant gratification, this arrived today 

DECEMBER 25th FESTIVE OUTFIT: The prize goes to this three year old who was thoroughly enjoying today’s Xmas Party thrown by the Sisters Missionaries of Charity in Phnom Penh.  It’s my favourite volunteering gig 

DECEMBER 26th GRATEFUL: for the opportunity to live where we do and contribute in any small way possible for a better future for Khmer people

DECEMBER 27th FAMILY: each person represents a vulnerable family in need carefully vetted by the Sisters Missionaries of Charity. They all received a complete set of emergency supplies today - oil, fish sauce, soy sauce, 5 cans of sardines, sausages, sugar, salt, instant noodles packed in a plastic trash can, a blanket, a bar of soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, washing powder, a mosquito net, 10kg of rice and a lunch pack with fried rice, an orange, and a bottle of water. 500 families will be happier tonight than this morning and still there was not enough to go around. Thank you to the Sisters and Singaporean donors

DECEMBER 28th SUNSHINE: Blue skies and sunshine as Cambodia wakes to a fragile peace and the ceasefire holding. May this be the new beginning the whole region desperately needs. “All we are saying is give peace a chance…”

DECEMBER 29th A MEMORY: of WOMADelaide 2025, when I first heard and saw Elisapie perform. She has been a permanent fixture on my playlist ever since and no doubt will continue to be long into the future

DECEMBER 30th GOODBYE 2025: A year of challenges, triumphs, disappointments, adventures, aggression and achievements but also a year of enduring friendships, a sense of belonging and a deep gratitude for the lives we are able to live. Bring on 2026 with new beginnings, the prospect of peace and hopes for harmony 

DECEMBER 31st A NEW YEAR WISH: I take better care of my own physical and mental health in the coming year. A final selfie taken on timer while playing TT this morning 

PROMPTS