Dear Reader

Age – is it really “just a number”?

And what does that even mean? I have to admit, that until now I would have agreed. I would say that I am not defined by how many years I’ve lived. I’m told I’m in relatively good health “for my age”.

But now as I approach another birthday, I’m wondering about this quote. I have to admit the older I get:

the more ideas and plans I generate. I currently have about 5 writing projects on the go – and so many more that keep popping into my head.
the more I challenge myself to learn or do something new. Currently, I want to learn how to use new computer programmes.
the more I seek to refine my physical well-being. At this stage in life my Mum was experiencing vascular dementia. I wanted to see if that is in my future and I’ve had tests that show that I’m healthy in this regard. For which I’m thankful.
I keep active and enjoy meeting up with family and friends.
And the older I get, the more comfortable I am being ‘ME’. I even like me – most of the time.
The more I realise age is irrelevant. Some of the wisest people I know are really young chronologically. And some of the strongest and most agile of people are older.

In spite of what I just wrote, at this point in my life, I have to say that it actually does feel ALL about numbers. I particularly like this one:

Seventy-Seven

It rolls off the tongue so beautifully. I say it over and over and it delights me like a mouthful of mango sorbet on a hot day!

Seventy-Seven

It thrills me to the core to say. What do you think? I love it – like I loved becoming a teen at 13, and turning 40, the age when life begins! It’s exciting to think of turning 77!

Yes, this year at least, for me, age IS all about the numbers! I’m excited to think about what will this year bring into my life – and into your lives too! I’m optimistic about our future.

Sharing Time

You know how proud I am of all my family. We’re a family of few extroverts. Mostly we are introverts with a passion. Get us to talk about our passion, or catch us involved in what makes us shine inside and you see us come alive.

Today I want to share some little things about two amazing women, one a daughter, the other a granddaughter.

A Podcast to Listen To

First, my youngest daughter, Suraya – remember I told you about her pitching to a Business Booster programme in Sydney that won her a grant to progress her new business – My Flow Riders?

I’m proud of Suraya for many things and it thrills me to see that others are celebrating her as well. She was interviewed on a podcast this week by Maria Adlam on Episode 35 of her Soul full Mamas podcast. The description of Maria’s podcast alone is inspiring to me, a mother of 7 who struggled to imbue a sense of soul in my and my kids’ lives.

“Soul full Mamas is a place where women come together to share their voices, stories, challenges and their wins. It is a place where we can each feel heard, seen and supported.”

AND Maria’s introductory description of her interview with Suraya is well worth reading, especially if you don’t have time for the podcast. Maria encapsulates Suraya’s commitment to her amazing life purpose in a way that warms my heart. I know the truth of Suraya’s commitment and the power of her soul as she’s travelled through life so far. I know her struggles to fulfil her dreams. Suraya is inspirational.

I invite you to get to know Suraya a little more and check out the episode here on Spotify

A Photo Shoot

I’ve long known my current profile photo is outdated. But I love the way I see the real me in it. I know this is because my sister took this photo and I felt 100% comfortable with her. I’m not particularly photogenic. When I worked at the university I had to have my portrait taken to hang on the department wall – the university photographer took two rolls of film and only one was worth keeping – his opinion, so it’s a fact! One day I’ll find that photo and share it with you. But today, I want to tell you about my photoshoot with Ana…

…the second person I want to mention today is my granddaughter Anastasia. Ana is a busy mum of three and the most amazing portrait photographer. Understandably, she’s not doing a lot of photography work at the moment. Looking after her little brood is quite time consuming. And when I asked, I was grateful she agreed to take some photos for my profile picture.

I started off being a little bit nervous, but not for long. We chatted and she snapped with a little direction of where to sit, stand, face etc as photographers do. And soon we were sitting on the floor playing with her youngest, Hailey, and the photoshoot was over, painless and full of joy! I’m thrilled with the results.

I’ve shared one of these photos on Facebook and soon I’ll be changing my profile photo ‘everywhere’.

Please also check out Ana’s Instagram page, (and is it OK for me to ask you to follow her?)

A gentle reminder

In my last newsletter, I mentioned Phoebe, has turned her memoir into a young adult novel, Storms, about her family’s travels around Australia in 1974. Paperback and Kindle versions will be available from 16 September this year (Phoebe’s birthday!) It’s currently available in Kindle format for the pre-release price of $USD3.99.

On a personal note, I finished the last proof-read and can highly recommend this, her first novel. Based on her memoir Always One Step Ahead of the Storm, her novel is a fictionalised account of that year of travels. She has always impressed with her story telling skills and this does not disappoint.

Check out Storms at your local Amazon store (this is the link to Amazon Australia).

A sneak peek at the next issue

I’ve been thinking about how I decide what to write about, and how I prioritise which project to work on. I thought you might enjoy reading about my process! It might spark an interest in writing your own stories, if you’re not yet a writer.

Did you see what I did there? Not YET a writer … I firmly believe that old saying that “everyone’s got a story to tell” is true. And I for one want to hear your story! No pressure – just implanting a thought that I trust will grow.

And if you are a writer – well, I enjoy knowing your processes, so I’m sure you’ll be pleased to see a bit more of mine. And maybe I’ll tidy up my office so you can see where I spend most of my writing time. Maybe a before and after pic?

Till next time, may you be well and full of joy.
Love
Stephanie

My thoughts for Living Life in 2024 and beyond:

“Write it on my heart that every day is
the best day of the year”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Remember that sometimes not getting
what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck”

Dalai Lama

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave [person] is not [the one] who does not feel afraid, but [the one] who conquers that fear.”

Nelson Mandela

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