In these pages, I will be sharing information about my books and some articles I’ve had published, plus stories, and related activities (workshops, speaking engagements), especially those dealing with the happiness theme and storytelling.
I recently added an article: Living with Lymphoedema to help those who have difficulty finding information about this affliction, which I’ve lived with for about 30 years. It has never stopped me finding interesting things to do.
It was exciting to be invited to submit the story of my childhood secret friend to Readers Digest and to see it published in the April 2010 edition. Working on that memory brought to mind so many memories, from those early days, both happy and sad. I have added the original story to the listing, so you can share it.
Over the past few years, I hadn’t done much storytelling , due to ill-health; but recently, I was invited to present a workshop in Canberra, where I told two stories, as part of a Happiness presentation. The results of the evaluations of my presentation to the carers in Canberra, have arrived and it was really great to read them. Some said inspiring, many said excellent, very good and other really positive comments. That was great information to receive and know the participants enjoyed the workshop.
It’s good to get that feedback and know you ‘got it right’. The Conference Coordinator was delighted with the comments she had received, as I had fulfilled my brief, which was to send the participants away feeling happy.
Since then I visited a family member coping with a serious health crisis and realise how important that positive, happy focus is, to help people overcome the challenges, life poses for each one of us. No-one is exempt from these challenges, but it helps if you have a strategy to get you through the tough times.
This year I’ve presented a workshop of Storytelling, for Tour Guides, at Tocal Agricultural College. It was a great day and we enjoyed the drive out to Paterson, in the Hunter Valley. Stories bring history alive for listeners and contribute to a great visit for everyone. Every one of the tour guides worked hard that day and we look forward to going back to Tocal Homestead, one Open Day, to listen to the stories being told. Magic!
Many years ago, I produced some very creative pottery, which ceased, due to injuries received in a multiple vehicle MVA. Twenty or more years have elapsed and this winter, I felt the urge to produce a little more of my hand built work and look forward to sharing some of it with you.
I still cannot work for long at a time, but am enjoying using my creative energy again in this way. So I can again add “Studio Potter”, to my list of interesting occupations and look forward to exhibiting some in local Galleries.
Be Happy!