Meine Schwester

Funny how five freezingly-sunny days can turn perspective on its pretty little princess head. But mostly, it's clear that a cross-Atlantic flight to the land of beer and bratwurst is as magical as swaying stars and purple moon-beams.

She's 30 and blonde and brilliant. She's patient and kind and perfectly coordinated. She glitters and sparkles and never leaves a soul untouched.

Clara. My middle sister. Here's but a sliver of her wisdom, which hopefully will osmosis-ti-cally stick with me.

• Persist. Never relent. Finish what you set out to do.
• If you're thinking it, speak it. At least most of the time.
• Always include.
• Stay true.
• Inquire. Figure out. And understand.
• Believe.
• Only do that which makes you feel like a princess.