Update: the world of Holden
2011 was a year of mixed blessings.
We lost my beautiful sister Jennifer to pancreatic cancer in 2011. She had just been given the 5 year all clear from breast cancer the year before when she was struck down again and lost her battle earlier this year.
I was so proud of her husband Hock and son Lachlan for the loving way they cared for her. She only spent a few nights in hospital and the rest in her own bed thanks to the untiring efforts of Hock and Lachlan.
I will always remember Jen's beautiful smile. I was touched when Jonathon Welch asked me to perform at the Sing for a Cure concert at the Melbourne Town Hall in October. I sang a song I wrote for Jen and Peter Threlfall who also died of cancer - the song is called Old Friend.
It also marked to the first time I had sung publicly since my own brush with cancer and the neck surgery that left my voice at only 20% of its former range. On the positive side I was given the all clear as being cancer free this year so that was a big relief.
We also moved into our new house finally after 2 years and some hassles. Its great to be back in Elwood - what a blast to have a new home!!!!
My episode of Sea Patrol went to air in 2011. Working with Lisa McCune was a real pleasure. I loved playing the part of a slightly sozzled doctor - some might say it was type casting but I really was acting!!
Life at the Victorian Bar as a barrister has been really great in 2011. Its hard to believe its been 2 years now since I signed the Bar Roll and began practising as a barrister. I love it. I appeared at 2 committals this year , one as a junior to my senior mentor Phillip Priest QC and the other on my own. This was a break through for a new barrister. Lots of legal aid work and crime this year which I really enjoy and some interesting copyright work too.
The ABC has been very generous in 2011 giving me numerous fill-in shots at local radio in Melbourne and nationally. In January 2012 I will be filling in for Tony Delroy on Nightlife from 10pm-2am weeknights for 3 weeks. Its going to be a blast - I'm having a musician on every night including old friends Ross Ryan , Mike and Bill from Spectrum and Judith Durham.
The Hoff is coming to Australia for Celebrity Apprentice early in 2012 so I'm sure my role as the Hoff-sider will get an opportunity to come to life again - get ready Australia!
I wish you all the very best for 2012 - good health , the love of your family and lots of good times.
Mark
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