Acts of Kindness

With a pun and a nod to Shirl (RIP) and Skyhooks in my title and focus, permit me to share what I am experiencing as I live my encore years past my main career arc – my 70’s. Perhaps it is my 73-birthday approaching – happy birthday Sagittarians! – which has prompted this rumination. Pleasing… Read More

Let me share a beautiful story from earlier this week. Sue and I were invited to be guest authors at Tarneit P-9 College in Melbourne. The opportunity that we were presented with was to speak to 200+ Year 6 students about our book. Well, we love talking about our book, we love young people, and… Read More

I have written about the sun blessing I receive on my walk as I pass a reserve. The sun slants through the trees and bathes me in light across my left shoulder, my face and body. I interpret this light shaft and the confluence of my path as a ‘go well on your day’ blessing… Read More

When referring to Acts of Kindness, many people are familiar with the additional term often placed at the start of the phrase: Random. I interpret the term ‘random’ to refer to an unplanned opportunity, possibly benefitting a random stranger and occurring at a random time in your day. I hope that we are all familiar… Read More

Hugh Mackay, in his recent book, The Way We Are, wrote of the need to rebuild community in our country of Australia, to address the “erosion of the foundations of … our connectedness” as we live increasingly more solitary lives. My story today is a snapshot of my answer to his call. My grandson –… Read More

I borrowed this line from a book manuscript that a dear friend recently invited me to read. It resonated deeply with my experience earlier in the day when I enjoyed a revitalising and soothing walk along the main beach at Anglesea. Of course, having the right clothing helped, which for me, in the middle of… Read More

We have been working on how to promote our book and during this process, Justin and I wrote a testimonial about each other, to bring to you further insights into who we are. I am sure it will be no surprise to you to know that Justin’s words about me brought me to grateful tears.… Read More

In recent times, my parents have experienced the regular loss of loved ones. Very sadly, many of their close and long-term friends are passing away. Both Mum and Dad are in their 80s, and I suspect it must be somewhat common for anyone in their 80s and 90s to be all too familiar with the… Read More

The first privilege I experienced in the last week or two, was an opportunity to have a special conversation with a wonderful human being who made the decision to stop all treatment for her terminal illness, apart from palliative care. Her loving family had purchased a guided book experience for her from my manifesto and… Read More