I love to talk about what's going on in our lives, mine and yours. In my newsletters, I focus on those things that bring us joy, as well as the tough stuff that comes with being human. Through Memoir, I write about some of my hard life experiences including dealing with family addiction and the struggles of finding a sense of place. I write about the importance of connection in building resilience and finding joy and peace in our daily lives - insulating ourselves from this sometimes crazy world. Share your email below to receive the newsletter every two weeks.
Family Fun at Christmas
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Dear Reader End of Year MusingsIt's been a tough year in many respects - I've had several health challenges and some heart wrenching losses. Yet, looking back on the year, I realise it's been one of the best yet! During it all, we (Neil and me) took time to clarify what we really want out of our life - right now. We love our home and decided to stay here for the foreseeable future, researching where our next move will take us when the time feels right for us both. We've affirmed that what is a priority is our connections with those we love. It's these connections that keep our hearts warm and enrich our lives, regardless of what is happening. We love our friends who live in close proximity - our book club and gym friends and those in other parts of our lives here in Hamilton. And those who live elsewhere throughout the world - mean more to us each passing day. We love our families. Each family member means more than we could ever show or tell and this year, although we've caught up with quite a few who live here in New Zealand and some in Aussie, we miss those we haven't seen - those who live in some parts of Australia, in the USA, in Germany, and in Ethiopia. My wish is that one day we'll all be together in the one place, enjoying the love and fun we've shared this year. Family Get TogethersA couple of years ago, we started a new tradition - getting together at this time of the year for a shared meal and a walk from our place to see the Christmas lights in a nearby street. We appreciated the efforts our neighbours put into decorating their homes for our enjoyment! And fun in the houseThis year we spread our get together over three nights so we could enjoy time with those who couldn't make the designated evening. Grandson Eli amused us with his skill in using the Snap Chat app. Here's his portraits of me and Neil. I must say, I enjoy the new look! I'm not sure Neil feels the same! We really do look like old granny and gramps! Thank you Eli! Seasons Greetings to you allHere's to an amazing 2026 for us all - regardless of the downs we may face, may we all share the hope of enjoying the ups that always follow. With love, 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. My thoughts for Living Life in 2025 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 love to talk about what's going on in our lives, mine and yours. In my newsletters, I focus on those things that bring us joy, as well as the tough stuff that comes with being human. Through Memoir, I write about some of my hard life experiences including dealing with family addiction and the struggles of finding a sense of place. I write about the importance of connection in building resilience and finding joy and peace in our daily lives - insulating ourselves from this sometimes crazy world. Share your email below to receive the newsletter every two weeks.
Dear Reader Living in Hope in Today's World We love where we live and mostly this is because of the people who live and work throughout our neighbourhood: people from the United Kingdom, the Philipines, Malaysia, India, China, the Middle East and Africa, to name a few. Our little street reflects this mix as well. I marvel at the empathy and respect we have for each other's culture and way of life. Most of all, I notice the depth of love and compassion threaded throughout our interactions with...
Dear Reader The Power of Family The power of family was brought home to me on Sunday through a documetary we saw at a movie theatre in Hamilton. Tenor - My Name is Pati was recommended to us by several friends so we knew we were in for a treat. It's the story of Pene Pati and his brother Amitai Pati's journey from Samoa to success in the trio Sol3 Mio, and onto the world's great opera stages. I know a little of Samoan family culture through my son-in-law and his family - predominantly through...
Dear Reader Travelling to see My Sister After three weeks or so since my recent visit, I’m back here in Australia, visiting family again. This time I’m travelling alone. I’m no stranger to solo travelling and I admit I love it. However, this time it felt like I was on an automated conveyor belt, passing through the landscape at my own pace but in a set order and direction, to be plonked in my airline seat and then spat out the other side into the arms of my niece Jane who came to pick me up....