I enjoy the fun things of life. And I love to write and to talk about life, mine and yours. Through Memoir, I write about some hard life experiences including dealing with family addiction and finding a sense of place. I write about the importance of connection in building resilience and finding joy and peace in our daily lives.
What really energises you?
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Dear Reader An Unexpected Review!Thanks to Pauline Reid (Reviewer NZ) for the amazing review of my little children's book called Beatrice Learns Compassion, the little angel with one large wing. "I saw Angel in the title and I thought, that's it! This would make a brilliant Christmas pressie for kids, nieces, granddaughters and we all know what the angel signifies at this time of year. I was gifted a copy of this book while attending a book event at Hamilton, NZ, called @ages_of_pages. I meet the author who lives in Hamilton, however I didn't learn till later while reading more about the author that she is from Dunedin, my home town where I grew up, wonders never cease." Thank you for your review Pauline! An inspiring 'older' woman ...Ximena Abogabir Scott is a journalist from Santiago, Chile. When she turned 70 she found herself being treated differently, as if she was old and infirm and needing to be cared for. Talking with others of a similar age, she realised that this was a common experience amongst women. Feeling like many of us do, that there's so much more life ahead, along with her friends, she founded an organisation called Travesia100, which means the Journey to 100. The purpose is to change our mindset about the way we look as we age. The aim is to view age as an opportunity and not as a problem. "People like me, certainly we’re not young," she says, "but we are not elders. This is sort of a new generation in the middle." Her words encourage us, no matter what our age, to "identify what really energizes you, what makes you wake up in the morning with enthusiasm to say, I have something to do. This is a wonderful period of time. How can I give back what I have received? What can I contribute to society now. That’s a very powerful message to help us be alive." In my 70s, I'm certainly finding joy in every day. Writing is an activity that enthuses me and I could rave on for ages about my latest WIP and the characters in my new Cosy Mystery novel. The story comes alive for me and develops in my dreams! I'm glad it's not a horror I'm writing! I watch my husband, recently retired and in his 70s. He also does what he loves. Volunteering, caring for our neighbourhood, helping out when he can, and still enjoying the puzzles and TV quiz programmes he's always sharpened his mind with. No wonder our home has a peaceful, happy buzz to it! Your favourite thoughts?My "thoughts for living life" need a new one for 2025. Do you have a favourite quote that you'd like to share and think would go well at the end of my newsletter? I'd love to know! Till next time, may you find joy in all you do. Love My thoughts for Living Life in 2024 and beyond: “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, please share with your friends and encourage them to subscribe www.StephanieHammondAuthor.com Join my Reader's Group on Facebook. FOLLOW ME Like, post and comment at any of |
Hi! I'm Stephanie Hammond
I enjoy the fun things of life. And I love to write and to talk about life, mine and yours. Through Memoir, I write about some hard life experiences including dealing with family addiction and finding a sense of place. I write about the importance of connection in building resilience and finding joy and peace in our daily lives.
Dear Reader Daylight SavingsSome thoughts We put our clocks back at 2am on April 6th, and thus Autumn is here, soon to be followed by winter. I don't know about you. I just do not understand the logic (is there any?) of this Daylight Savings practice. I was born in Queensland in Australia. Queenslanders voted not to have Daylight Savings, so in the summer we in New Zealand become three hours ahead of Queensland but only 2 hours ahead of the rest of the Eastern States. In Queensland, there is...
Dear Reader Trees and Water - and Good Company The past two weeks have been a delightful feast of 'trees and water - and good company' for me! Have you ever anticipated something that didn't happen, then, years later, it's promised to you again? Years ago, my friend Tina tried to come visit us - and for various reasons got to the airline gate and was denied her flight. AND Wednesday week ago she finally arrived - bringing her friend, Cathy, with her (now our friend too!) We planned a feast....
Dear Reader Fear - What does it mean? Can you think of a time when something you perceived as a threat was not based on actual danger, but on your own view of the situation as a threat? Have you seen this meaning of fear in your life? F - False E - Evidence A - Appearing R - Real This acronym for FEAR has always intrigued me. And over the years I've drawn comfort from knowing that my fears are not necessarily based in reality. In fact, in hindsight I see that most of my fears have been...