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.
Kindness found in unexpected experiences
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Dear Reader Acts of KindnessFor a while now I've been contemplating buying new shoes. During our recent move I culled every pair that were uncomfortable or didn't fit their purpose. I was left with a pair of jandals an old pair of walking shoes and one pair of exercise shoes. Definitely not enough. For a week or so I researched, asked AI for reviews and comparisons, found the stores and set out to begin rebuilding my shoe wardrobe. I'd love to say it didn't take long - but I soon found it wasn't going to be an easy shop, even though I was prepared. Last week on my first expedition, I couldn't find suitable walking shoes and ended buying a pair of house shoes. Not exactly slippers - but a style that feels comfortable enough to wear indoors. I'm happy with them. Purchase number 1 - Slippers - accidentally bought. On Friday we went to the centre of town to visit the two specialty shoe stores that are reputed to really look at what your feet need. The first one we entered had three customers and only one visible but busy attendant. So after a while browsing we left to try the second. An assitant called Tim immediately welcomed us and set about asking questions, putting me through the diagnostic hoops the store is known for and bringing out several options for me to try. I could spend as many words I used before that last paragraph to describe his processes with me, However, what struck me the most was the warm friendly way he interacted with us. I didn't feel I was just a customer wanting a pair of shoes. I was a person with a need he enjoyed helping me find a solution for. This mattered because it relaxed me enough to be able to really feel the differences in the shoes so I could decide which were more comfortable and suited to my current purposes. There was nothing about our visit that indicated we were getting unusually special treatment. I definitely felt the service we received reflected the tone of the store and that gives me confidence to return in a few months if I want a second pair. I don't know how long we spent there but I do know it wasn't difficult to pay the highest price I've ever paid for a pair of walking shoes before. In terms of my impression, the kindness we received will be what I remember longer than what the shoes cost. Purchase number 2 - Walking shoes - researched and intentionally bought. More than buying shoesAn exceptional and unexpected bonus came as we were leaving the store. A mother and her young adult daughter entered as we were leaving. The daughter has Trisomy 21, often called T21. (If you aren't familiar with the medical term, it simply means someone with three copies of the 21st chromosome instead of the usual two.) The young woman acted like we were long-time friends. She greeted me with a big smile on her face and an enthusiastic hug. We chatted for a few moments and she radiated with a kindness that warmed my heart. Remembering now I feel that same glow and the memory makes me smile still. My religion is kindnessIt'll take a while to get used to the shoes. But what is sticking with me is the happy buzz in the store, the warmth of the assistant's care, and the loving welcome that young woman gave me as we passed just inside the entrance. The Dalai Lama tells us that his religion is kindness. When I heard that, I loved it and decided that is the name for the precepts I live my life by - my religion ... is kindness. When I catch myself not being kind or thinking kind thoughts, I try to bring myself back to times when I've experienced kindness and how it made me feel. Now I've got two more experiences, both examples of exemplary kindness, to draw on: A shoe salesman named Tim and a young woman with T21 - neither doing more than what they naturally do, neither knowing how I needed their kindness that day, neither knowing how it still warms my heart today. The search for another style of shoe continues - I need a dressy shoe. I face that search now with a clear understanding of how my feet deserve to be treated. And the atmosphere I need to find in the shoe store. Purchase number 3 - Dress shoes - still researching and still on my wish list. I had a pedicure this week and as it's coming on to summer here in New Zealand, I might look for an open toed shoe! I'll share a pic when I find them. May your days be filled with loving kindnesses, both given and received. With love, always, P.S. We're happily settling into life in our cosy new home, meeting lots of new people and still able to keep in touch with those we love from our previous home. 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 |
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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