She’s been a fixture of so many Australian lounge rooms over her long career, but Jennifer Keyte has a simple ambition for her own space.
“I think in my past life I was a cat,” the Channel Seven weekend news presenter says with a laugh and a stretch.
“Comfort and warmth are the two things I crave.”
Certainly today the sunlight is streaming through the huge bay window of the rented Brighton home she shares with sons James, 16, and Zander, 13.
Jennifer and the boys moved bayside 18 months ago at the urging of family members.
“We decided to rent first to see if we liked it and we love it,” Jennifer says.
“So much so I have just bought a much smaller, modern townhouse with a sunny courtyard a few streets from here.
“I want to downsize a bit and simplify, but a few favourite pieces will always travel with me wherever I go.”
JENNIFER’S FAVOURITE THINGS
Tea cups
My boys know one of my favourite things in the world is a cup of tea.
I could give up anything except tea.
I have a collection of cups bought for me over the years for Mother’s Day.
There is one funny one with a duck because they call me Mother Duck.
Family photos
There are some favourite photos of me with my dad John, who is 91, and my beautiful late mum Dorothy.
People ask “who is your role model?” It has always been mum and dad – the people I go to for advice – who are my mentors.
Books
I love books.
I grew up with Dr Seuss books.
I remember as a kid they made me laugh, they made me happy.
As soon as the boys were born it was Dr Seuss … and they still get read sometimes.
I have the wonderful Elena Ferrante series on the go at the moment.
Wink chair
This has been my chair since before children, then breastfeeding children in the middle of sleepless nights, reading stories to children, relaxing and reading my own books.
It is my wonderful, comfortable friend and part of the story of my life.
African queen
I bought this bronze of a queen from Benin in an antique store in Nairobi when I went to Africa with World Vision.
She put me way, way over the luggage limit.
Going to Africa was one of the most special experiences of my life and I got to meet my sponsor child Hannah.
- Join Jennifer Keyte for the Seven News weekend bulletin at 6pm. au.news.yahoo.com/vic
