I write stories shaped by real life: the hard bits, the beautiful ones, and the moments that remind us that even in the darkest seasons, there is always a way forward. Whether you’ve come here through my memoir, my cosy mystery‑in‑progress, or my newsletter, I’m glad you’re here.My work weaves together themes of heart, hope, and second chances. I write about family, recovery, resilience, and the long thread of love that connects us across generations.
A large family, places and experiences
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Dear Reader Where are you from?Recently my friend reminded me of an exercise we did several years ago titled Where I'm From. The exercise came in the form of a template - fill in the gaps. I modified it a little, as you do, and was pleased that when I read my response today,years later, it still reflects me. The exercise reminds me I am from people, places and experiences - all shaping the person I am today. Where am I from?I am from Hammonds and Dullahides, Digby and Doris, children of proud English and Irish families and Wonnarua country, quick to love and quick to anger, on one side forever forgiving, on the other bearing grudges almost to the end.
I am from a small stand of bush behind a racecourse, from fresh farm eggs, and cream smothered jam and bread.
I am from the gum trees, strawberry plants, and flowerbeds of snapdragons and pansies.
I am from the old family St Stephens Church, where we were all baptised. From the Sunday school in the park, spending part of our offerings at the local store, buying ice blocks before worship.
I’m from Toowoomba, the Garden City, gateway to the great wheat downs. From mushrooms gathered at dawn with my father and cooked on the wood fire, and from home made coconut ice beaten creamy by my dad.
I’m from my mother’s father, a name, a man, we never knew. His legacy to me is a mystery – a doctor perhaps, and if so, maybe from him came my love of healing. Perhaps his legacy is my dark side. Regardless, I searched for him untill DNA has brought his name into our family tree. I'm from Great Grandparents of pioneering courageJohn Dullahide, the sheep station manager who sang love songs to his lovely wife, Phoeby Ryan. One of these songs, Maggie, was my mother’s favourite song and I sang it for her at her funeral. In my mind I see this couple wandering the hills together in their youth.
And also from: Albert Hammond and Jane May, who settled at Nobby, where a large Aloe Vera plant is the only remaining evidence of the old homestead.
Albert lived his latter years in Sydney, providing health services to his local community. He was a man before his time, extolling the hazards of cigarette smoking way before many others! Maybe my love of healing came from him? I am from a loving cohort of cousins and siblings.I am from long walks to school with my cousins and brother, from holidays at the beach, from long drives snuggled in the back of the family ute to visit other family, from a brother and sister whose love encircles me still. What more proof of a good heritage do I need? I am from the world, sent out too young, but quick to learn the joys of living a global life.
I am from longings for home, not the one I live in but one so far away I can only feel it in my heart. I finally found my longed-for-home with my Wonnarua Mob. I am from Goorangoola. I am from my Great-great grandmother, Mary Ann – proud Wonnarua woman, mother of Phoeby Ryan. I am a proud Wonnorua woman, too.
Can I ask you again, where are you from?If you'd like the Who Am I template, reply to this email or ask me on my website contact page. I'm happy to share it with you. With love, always, Ages of Pages Book Fair - Hamilton, NZ May 1st 2027 I'm getting in early to invite you to the Ages of Pages Book Fair 2027! If things go haywire for me, at least you'll have this invite to refer to earlier to the time. I'll be there and so will my daughter Phoebe. Along with over 140 other authors and book vendors. Once the website for 2027 is up I'll share the link here. In the meantime, I'm keeping this invite up on the newsletter. Why I Write - for you and for me too. Some stories come from lived experience, like navigating my son’s addiction and the long road of recovery. Others are shaped by imagination, like the cozy mystery I’m writing, set in a small café where trust is both tested and rebuilt. Some of my life stories still bring tears. Others make me smile. And many are filled with memories that warm my heart. I write for anyone who’s ever carried a burden across generations, and for anyone who longs to heal forward. I write to bring a little encouragement, comfort and joy into my life and yours. With love, My thoughts for Living Life in 2026 and beyond: "My religion is kindness" Dalai Lama “Cast your bread upon the waters and it will Doris May Payne - my mother "Life is a Daring Adventure or Nothing" Helen Keller “Write it on my heart that every day is Ralph Waldo Emerson "Remember that sometimes not getting “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 Read past Newsletters and, if you enjoy them, www.StephanieHammondAuthor.com FOLLOW ME |
Hi! I'm Stephanie Hammond
I write stories shaped by real life: the hard bits, the beautiful ones, and the moments that remind us that even in the darkest seasons, there is always a way forward. Whether you’ve come here through my memoir, my cosy mystery‑in‑progress, or my newsletter, I’m glad you’re here.My work weaves together themes of heart, hope, and second chances. I write about family, recovery, resilience, and the long thread of love that connects us across generations.
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