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.
The joy of being in nature
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Dear Reader Enjoying the Sculpture ParkIf you've read my newsletters for a while you'll know how much Neil and I love our volunteering at the Waitakaruru Sculpture Park and Arboretum. The past few months with poor vision have been distressing for me as I haven't been able to help Neil in the Rock Garden. So, I was excited to join him this weekend and absorb the garden's Spring offerings and to see the new sculpture exhibition The Forgotten Forest. Have a look at their website to see this beautiful exhibition. I didn't participate in looking after the garden this time, but know that I'll come back soon to get my hands dirty! I totally agree with the sentiments in a brochure about the Park: Here at the Sculpture Park, nature and creativity work hand in hand. The arboretum invites people of all ages to reconnect with the environment, to relax in its beauty, and take time out from the stresses of modern life. It is a place where your creative spirit is sparked, and where your mind can roam free. The Sculpture Park is over 30 years old and
... now covers 17.5 hectares and contains more than 20,000 trees and over 100 New Zealand sculptures and artworks, providing an environment to inspire the imagination, spark environmentally sustainable creativity and nourish inquisitive minds. (from the Sculpture Park website). I did take a few photos and talked with some of the patrons. If you're in the vicinity, be sure to come along and enjoy the restoration work done to the old quarry. (Click the highlight to see what's on offer.) I love spring in the Arboretum. The birds, singing all year round, seem to be more active as the seasons change. And the colours soothe my spirit. Here's a few snaps I took. The photos above are just a few highlights of the amazing variety of plants from around the world. I was also taken by the sculpture display in The Forgotten Forest Exhibition currently in the Rock Garden until October 27th. This large copper and stainless steel piece is called Kaitiaki - a recognized guardian of the forest. The Kereru is comprised of “pots and pans”. If you look closely, you will see how everyday items have been used to create this iconic bird. This delicate depiction of a Bean stalk is made from fine steel and crafted copper leaves. The color in this piece is beautiful. As I said last newsletter, Spring heralds new beginnings. That's truly how I'm approaching life now. Every day I wake up is a gift. Sometimes I'm not feeling physically capable and I'm learning to accept the gift of the day, with the abilities that come with it. All in all, it's the small things that bring joy. A short walk around part of the Sculpture Park brought so much colour, sounds, and textures into the day. Finished off with a cup of chai and a ginger crunch at the cafe accompanied by a lovely chat with a woman from Te Aroha. She brought a smile to my heart with her love of Betty Boop shoes and t shirt. And finally, just for fun, enjoy this YouTube video taken about a year ago by our national TV team at Seven Sharp. You might recognise yours truly! Enjoy whatever your day brings for you, my friend. 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
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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 A mixture of emotions What an emotional two weeks - well, thirteen days - our recent trip to Australia was for me. I'm amazed at the capacity of the human heart to feel both joy and heartbreak at the same time. And this is what I felt during the following events of our visit. Neil and I accompanied my youngest daughter, Suraya, to Brisbane where a week after our arrival she left for Darwin to be with her partner, Silas. This was both a joyous and heartbreaking time for me. I am...
Dear Reader Encouraged to be curious As a child, I soon learned not to ask too many questions. But I never stopped 'wanting to know' stuff. When I became a mother at a very young age, I was glad when my little ones started with the endless "Why - but WHY?" questions. I was never afraid to say, "I don't know" because we could see if we could find out the answers together. I learned about spiders, clouds, lightning, animals, toys - all because of the children's questions. Why ask questions?...
Dear Reader Thoughts on growing older as my birthday draws near It's a few days to my birthday. A whole year being 77 has been a treat. I love the way 77 rolls off the tongue. Soon it's be 78. It's been a tough year in some respects. My health has given me a few challenges. Along with the challenges though, I've gleaned a lot of understanding. Especially about how I've been supported by the best in their fields. That's amazing in itself - and that each person was recommended and seen in the...