Futureproofing – Part 1 I began writing these posts for my children. I wanted to share with them the things that we weren’t likely to talk about over dinner, or at family gatherings or just hanging out. I wanted to tell them how special they are to me, how essential to who I am, how … More Future Proofing
Just over a week ago our son married a wonderful young woman. She is witty and wise, has a wonderful laugh, a radiant smile that brings joy to others, is caring and giving, inclusive, and loves my son. It may seem odd, but one of the things I love most about her is that she … More Our Family Continues To Grow – Welcoming A Daughter
Just a few weeks ago our family celebrated something most wonderful and momentous. (Oddly, that which is so very special to us, happens in the world four times every second of every day!) My daughter in law and my son have a daughter. My daughter in law has done all the work so far, but … More Our Family Grows
My daughter was married on Saturday. Some highlights: * As we waited for my daughter and her father, my husband, to arrive I was surrounded by our family. Next to me were our sons, and behind me were my daughter-in-law (wise, warm, an essential part of my life for so many reasons) and my future daughter-in-law … More A Daughter’s Wedding
My children are adults and either married or engaged to be married. As they approach a time when they will have their own families I often think of them with profound gratitude. I find joy in all my memories of them as babies, as children, as teenagers and as adults. Most of all though, I … More In Praise Of … A Wise Woman
I spent the weekend in Auckland. My daughter and her fiancé have bought a house and I was more than just a little curious to see it .. (Incidentally, you know that you’ve grown up when your own children are all either married or engaged. I know it’s a cliche, but where did the time … More Building Nests
When I saw Nigel Latta on TV talking about teenagers I was at first amused until I realized what a load of crock he was talking. Not only was he talking rubbish, but his theories about teenagers are not funny, they are dangerous. Calling teenagers another species or aliens is marginalizing and isolating them. Categorizing … More In Praise Of … Teenagers
“Dream deep, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Reach high for every dream precedes the goal.” This is one of my favourite quotes. With passion, insight and resolve we can achieve whatever we want. How do we go beyond just knowing ourselves and our talents, and not limit ourselves to what we think we’re … More Dream Deep, Reach High
I read an article called “Sylvia’s Story” in the Sunday Star Times April 17, 2011. It was about the thousands of women, war brides, who sailed to New Zealand after World War two to join their husbands who were New Zealand servicemen. It got me thinking that something extraordinary happened in New Zealand in the … More “War Brides”
The use of labels to describe someone has irked me for some time. I would variously describe myself as womanly, paraplaegic, mother, christian, feminist, humanist, able … the list has changed over the years and I expect will change again. Some labels seem to be mutually exclusive. Priorities change. Meanings change over time. Perceptions change. … More “Labels Are For Jars, Not People”
Joan Crowther 12 April 1919 – 10 March 2010 I don’t know if there is a heaven but I do believe that the spirit or soul lives on in the memories of people whose lives were touched in some way. My mother passed away a year ago and hardly a day goes by when I … More “A Tribute”
“Your first swan. Your first day by the sea. Your first walk through a field of spring flowers. The first time you heard and loved Chopin. In sharing your childhood discoveries, I have relived my own.” – Marion C. Garrety My first children were twin boys who were outgoing, funny, gentle, clever and curious. They … More Sons and Daughters
“By means of an image we are often able to hold on to our lost belongings.” – Colete. The same day that I read this my son joked that the rooms left empty by adult children were full of photos and ghosts. The synergy of these statements started me thinking how important it has always … More Images and Memories
Today my daughter’s “things” were picked up by the removal men and will be trucked up to Auckland some time this week. And so we have another empty room to mark this very significant change in our lives as the last of our kids leaves home. It seems an event worthy of some greater rite … More An Empty Nest
Experiencing trauma changes the way you look at the world. Sometimes the changes are extreme, sometimes subtle. Years ago I damaged my spinal cord and it changed my life and the lives of my family completely. (You can read more in “about” me.) Recently I have been reflecting on what has inspired and motivated me … More Why Look Up at The Sky?
Look Up At The Sky 