Month: January 2024

Indulgence or Time Out

~ asteppingstoneembarkwithandrea ~ Leave a comment

This week has been a mix of chaos and calm. My work is gearing up, the first quarter of each year, being the busiest, as we prepare for the festival. For those who don’t know, I head up an organisation that delivers Australia’s largest youth writers festival. Over 3 days in March, we ‘entertain’ over 15,000 students who get the opportunity to interact with some of Australia’s most engaging storytellers. It’s something I’m extremely proud to be a part of.

My eldest daughter Manon has been hospitalised, she’s fine now although what should have been routine 1 or 2 night stay, turned into a 6 day hospital visit. I wanted to jump on a plane and head to Sydney although whilst my worry is the same as when they were three, they remind me, they’re adults and are ‘fine’. So I worry from afar…

I very fondly remember the Australia Day celebrations we used to host, one of our traditions was for someone to bring along a new Australian. Over the years, many newcomers joined us and we celebrated all cultures, new and old. For what’s it worth – my personal thoughts are, I’m extremely proud to be Australian and love to celebrate although I’m fairly certain I could celebrate at any time of year, it doesn’t have to be a date that causes angst for anyone. My concern however is that even a change of date won’t stop the upheaval the day causes. I absolutely acknowledge the traditional owners of this land but I also believe I have a right to celebrate and be proud to be Australian.

Last week, we talked about indulgence, remember those bug rolls. Well this week, I’ve added an extra day onto the long weekend and headed north – Port Douglas. I’ve been a few times and return to the same hotel – Mantra Aqueous Port Douglas it’s a few minutes walk to the main town and offers Spa – Swim Out rooms, basically you walk onto the patio and step into the pool. I love the place. I’ve locked myself away for a couple of days to read books and get in some R&R. A couple of days is never long enough but I think it’s why I keep coming back. It’s a great spot to just take time out and reset.

Obligatory bubbles before flight
Flying above the Cyclone…

A couple of days before I was due to head off – Cyclone Kirrily entered the atmosphere, will I need to cancel? I decided if the flights were going, I was going. A great decision – there were a lot of people who cancelled and to be fair, we’ve had some overnight rain but nothing cyclonic! On the drive from Cairns Airport to Port Douglas, the Captain Cook Highway certainly is battered, it’s been open less than a week. The catastrophic impact of Jasper still evident with several sections of the road down to one lane. Many shops have not reopened and there’s a feel of abandonment in town – I’m not sure if it’s just because of the lack of tourists or the international backpackers haven’t returned or possibly, it was one too many hits and some locals have up and left. The receptionist mentioned there’s been a shuttle boat from Cairns but it’s been quiet since the cyclone, she was definitely not ready for another. The driver of the shuttle, mentioned on his property 10 minutes outside of Port Douglas he had had over 2m (200cm or 2000mm) in 3 days, he said the rain just didn’t ease, it kept coming. The landslides appear to have done the most damage.

Getting to Port Douglas is a tricky, the last time I was here I had driven, so I didn’t have to rely on a transfer. I had booked a transfer, as I knew I wouldn’t need a car, it was somewhat of a disaster – my flight landed at 2.00pm, transfer would meet me the flight at baggage carousel. The day before, due to flight cancellations, my transfer wouldn’t be until 3.10pm – ok I could live with an hour wait. However that flight was delayed, no communication from the company until I called them – it was after 4.15pm when we finally left the airport. I was definitely annoyed and then of course, I was the last to be dropped off. A return trip cost $95 which I guess is cheap but it was the lack of communication that annoyed me. To be fair I probably would have been annoyed anyway, they would have known I was waiting at the airport. So very frustrating – something to definitely be aware of. I’ll be honest, it puts me off travelling to Port Douglas again, I’ll definitely have to find an alternative way to get here. I left home at 8.30am and arrived at the hotel about 5.45pm – I realise it’s a long way but seriously travel throughout Australia is in dire need of an overhaul. No wonder Australian’s venture overseas – I could have been in Bali, Fiji, Singapore or any other number of places, in the same time.

I opted to self cater this time as well – I didn’t venture out to restaurants or undertake tours, I’ve literally spent about 8 hours a day, just hanging in the pool, sitting in the spa and enjoying the stillness. Two books and third on the way – it’s been my kind of heaven.

What books did I read?

At home, refreshed, ready to tackle the tasks ahead…

It’s what we do, as Mothers…

~ asteppingstoneembarkwithandrea ~ 2 Comments

Before I write too much about my newest title – I need to reflect back on last week, which was about friendship. You may recall I closed off as I was heading out for lunch, with friends…

Nothing like those friends to keep you humble, I hadn’t mentioned them in my post, so they were sure to let me know, they weren’t my closest friends and that I should go hang out with my real friends! They tortured and teased me over lunch, which had us causing havoc with laughter from our table. It was a lunch that was pure gold. Who are the friends – I would have called them ‘recent’ friends although we have been friends for some 6 or 7 years now. Leanne and Kris who are always up for a catch up, who open their home to me for that drop in drink and are always inviting me to night’s out or a quick dinner. Leanne is my ‘no bullshit’ friend, absolutely tells it like it is and I love her for it. Leanne and Kris have both supported Storyfest for many years – they’re the first to donate their time and collectively have raised, I’m guessing, in the vicinity of $75K or more for disadvantaged kids! Salt of the Earth people! Kel, it turns out our kids went to school together although we never really knew each other then. Kel was too busy forging her career, she’s an amazing individual who I have sought advice from and I admire her for her ability to make change in her personal and professional life and absolutely crush those glass ceilings!

Photos: Leanne, Kel, Kris and myself; second image – Kris and Leanne celebrating my new apartment!

Now on to this week’s topic…

For the past 6 months, it’s been a shuffle of vehicles between Dana, BJ and myself. Dana’s little Mazda decided to up and quit on her, just before the wedding. They spent some money to keep her going until the end of the year although she just didn’t make it – the air conditioning went and it wasn’t feasible to fix it. At first, it wasn’t a problem although when I saw my 6 month pregnant daughter and granddaughter flushed, and hot and bothered, I made an offer – they can buy my car from me, at family rates of course, and I’ll get a new one. It’s what we do…

So about November, I took on the Mazzie with no air con (holy crap) and handed the Honda over to the kids. My Navy girl was very grateful and it definitely eased that hormonal pregnant woman – you’re very welcome BJ McKay!

How did we ever drive vehicles with no air con, I’ve definitely gone soft in my old age. I had thought that if I were to replace my car, I’d look at either an electric or hybrid, trying to do my part for the environment but also with the rising cost of fuel, I think this is the way of the future. Having driven a hybrid during the recent trip to the UK, I started investigating. I’ve never had a problem with my Hondas and they’ve just released the Honda ZRV a hybrid SUV. So this week’s venture was to take delivery of the new car and all things being equal, possibly my last car, maybe?

I was excited, I was on Navy pick up on Monday, so had let her know A’Ma will collect her, in the new car. I arrive and she’s less than impressed. She tells me my car is just like the red car across the street!!! Yes that is several exclamation marks – really? Like that red one – no disrespect, but really?

In the title of this week’s post, I’ve added ‘Mothers’, now that is not to say that certain fathers wouldn’t do the same however, in my personal experience, both my father and the father of my children, have always put themselves ahead of their families. This post is not about them or the respective traumas they’ve caused, I just believe a mother will go above and beyond, will go the additional step, will sacrifice that bit more whether it’s the extra potato from dinner or in this case, a car to be sure their children and grandchildren are safe. I’m fortunate that I’m in a position to be able to offer this to my kids and I do it because I want to.

I could write a post a day and not be finished in a month of Sundays about women I know and the sacrifices they have made for their children. They go about their day, most working full time jobs as well as nurturing the home, without any fanfare. Ladies – take a bow. You deserve to treat yourself, take that 5 minutes to yourself each and every day and don’t feel guilty. I know at times, I’ve indulged and my kids probably have wondered what was happening although I like to think, like other aspects of my life, I’m setting good examples for them to become strong women who value themselves.

Now that my girls have families of their own, I’m getting more of my time back – I do indulge, as I quite often sit at Rick Shores enjoying that bug roll – the kids will message me to complain about their invite!

First video in the blog, let me know if there’s problems viewing!

You may wonder how they know when I’m heading for a sneaky bug roll, we all have iPhones and share our locations, we’ve always looked at it as a safety issue, although as this example shows, the tables have turned, they can now also track me…

I’m happy to share a bug roll or ten with them – we’re off for bug rolls this afternoon, or so they tell me, it seems it’s my shout!

So I thought I’d wait until after lunch to publish – bug rolls a hit…

It’s just so beautiful sitting by the beach, enjoying great food, great wine and the best company ever!

Week Two…

~ asteppingstoneembarkwithandrea ~ 2 Comments

Am I going to keep these titles, counting away the weeks? Hmm I don’t think so, seems like I’m willing the year away and if I miss a week you will all know. I’ll title them by what I’m going to write about, this will jog the old memory when I look back and hopefully, maybe help me to remember what I said.

So, this week – let’s call this week Friends…

When you reach the ripe old age of 60, I believe you have a core group of friends. I was contemplating who in my group of friends has made an impact on my life in 60 years, so that’s where I’m going with this post. Now if you don’t feature don’t get all uppity about it, I’m bound to forget someone. I should pull out now right? Nah, that’s advice best given to young adults rather than a 60 year old post menopausal woman, who remember – ‘doesn’t give a damn’. (Reading this sentence back – did I really write this? I could edit but I vowed to be truthful)

Let’s start with friends I’ve caught up with this week. Monday night, a long overdue catch up with my friend Angéline. I first met Angéline and her family about 10+ years ago. We had mutual experiences as we had both spent time in the Middle East. Hailing from Canada, without close family nearby, we developed a friendship that incorporated being ‘special friends’ at the children’s school. I am now very honoured to be included in their annual thanksgiving dinner and the annual gingerbread house making. I love the extension of cultures and the warmth that this family offers to me. Although a now grown teenage boy may have other thoughts, we just keep a mutual distance although the connection is definitely there. To watch your friends’ children grow into amazing young adults is a privilege.

However, we’re here to talk about my friends, how has she impacted my life – at times, she challenges my views and makes me think, we’ve had great conversations about current affairs or startling news headlines. I know she’s the person I can have an open and honest conversation about any topic and together we solve the problems of the world over dinner. Similar things infuriate both of us although I’m decidedly more robust in my fury that Angéline is. Angéline has also become my theatre, show going, friend. I love the theatre and have attended many times on my own although sharing the experience, is always better! You can never see Michael Bublé too many times, am I right? I should also say that Angéline and her family have helped me to have a better understanding around sustainable living, being mindful of our environment and just trying to do better for our community. A friendship I cherish.

Debbie – ‘bug roll’ and that’s a guaranteed dinner at Rick Shores! As was Thursday evening. Debbie was my neighbour who missed my 40th birthday by a couple of weeks. What we have shared over the past 20 years is enough for a 5 season Netflix series. This woman is the holder of my secrets, she’s the Jeremy Renner to Ben Affleck in The Town the friend who always has your back and asks no questions! Over 20 years we’ve cried tears of happiness, cried so hard because we’ve been so angry we can’t contain it. We’ve celebrated milestones (it could just be Monday), holidayed and shared more laughter than you would think possible. We’ve not always agreed on situations but our friendship hasn’t waned. I’m sure there are elements of our friendship that drives the other mad but there’s a mutual respect that we have differing opinions and we agree to not agree.

Debbie was the person that kept my sanity when packing the ex-husband into a box at 3am in the morning! She would see the light on, knock on the door, taking to the next task without a word. We could have had our own ‘clothes line chat’ series. Both of us hanging clothes on the line at some ungodly hour of the night, led to more solving of the world’s problems. To be fair, it’s probably where our friendship really cemented itself.

Andrea – yes there are two of us, my mate from school. I recall we were inseparable for 3 years from Years 8 to 10. It’s weird how a short period of time can impact you. Both kids who grew up in Tugun, our paths had crossed as our parents knew each other. ‘Mitch and Buddy’ a bit like ‘Starsky and Hutch’ a television series from the mid-70s. Those precious school years, shape friendships for years to come. To be fair, Andrea and I have become greater friends in the past 5 years that ever before. We recently embarked on a month long trek through the UK, Ireland and Scotland – we survived and our friendship has survived.

When you talk about friends becoming family, this is so very true of the friendships I made whilst in Saudi. Again a neighbour (it’s a thing…) Michaela, Syd, Brad and Jai. Michaela being one of the first people I met when I arrived. They say girlfriends tend to sync well we certainly did that, our firstborn children being born a day apart although in very different parts of the world – Brad born in Zimbabwe, Manon born in Australia all the whilst we were living in Saudi Arabia. Our eldest kids will turn 31 this year!

Michaela taught me that Thornton chocolates can be a breakfast choice, that stopping on the M25 in London is ok, if you really need to hurl from too many champagnes from the night before and that friends can endure a 7 hour flight comatose, recovering from a 4 day trip…

I then have this crazy group of gals who during my time in the desert were my lifeline – I’m not sure I would have survived without them. We were close when our kids were little, they live on the other side of the world although I count them amongst my closest friends. We keep track via social media and have watched our babies grow and now watch our babies’ babies. I love these three women!

There are people you meet and just sort of click with – Kerry was the girlfriend of a friend. My friendship with said ex boyfriend long ago a distant memory, although Kerry and my friendship has lasted the distance for over 30 years. I attend her wedding and have just returned to the UK to witness her son’s wedding. Another friendship that has passed the test of time and distance.

I don’t see enough of these gorgeous people but love them from afar!

I am fortunate to be rich with folk I call friends. When I had the idea for this post, I thought oh, it will be easy, I have few friends who have impacted my life. How wrong I was. As I sit here, there so many more.

Cecilia – who gave me a job when I returned to Australia, which allowed my career to develop to where I am today. Our friendship has long surpassed a work colleague and this year, we’ll venture on a holiday together as we both celebrate milestone birthdays this year. Cecilia without a doubt, would be one of the most caring individuals I know, her dedication to help others in her community would be second to none. I value our friendship and look forward to our trip in the coming months.

Friday evening I ventured to Miami Marketta to watch a local young girl perform songs written whilst in Nashville for a hometown crowd. Lily Grace is certainly a young talent to watch as she heads off for another instalment in Nashville! Again an opportunity to share experiences with friends – new friends and old friends!

Yesterday I spent the day celebrating my cousin’s birthday – she is the only person I know who can text a group at 8.30am and by 9.00am there’s 30 people ready to party with her at midday. Some people I knew and count them as friends others I’d met a couple of times. It was a sensational afternoon/evening of a group of people gathering and just having fun.

I know we’re talking friends but my family are my friends – my baby sister Allison – who will celebrate her 50th year this year, always was my best friend…

But there’s a new kid in town now!

There are no words for the love I have for this kid – my little mate, my best friend who undoubtedly will hold my heart until the day I die…

I have always told my kids, I’m not their friend – I’m their mother, there’s a difference, a mother is so much more than a friend.

I could continue to write this post for some time although I need to get sorted, I’m off for lunch today – with more friends…

Note to self – get better at putting photos and text together!

Week One

~ asteppingstoneembarkwithandrea ~ 1 Comment

Champagne – a breakfast beverage! For those that follow my socials, you’ll know I always start any journey with bubbles, so why not this one.

Why is it my bubbles taste better earlier in the day? I find myself loving a glass or two (or 10) at lunchtime as opposed to dinner.

Starting the New Year with a glass of bubbles and ‘Gordon’s scrambled eggs’

Family…

Week one has been a very family-focused week. Following the horrendous storms that plagued the Gold Coast over the Christmas and New Year period, my sister and her family were still without power some 9 days later. Due to go on their annual holiday, with Matt’s mum scheduled to look after their menagerie, managing with no power, no running water or flushing toilets would certainly be a challenge for an elderly lady.

Considering the cancellation of their holiday, the family rallied. It’s easy for me, I’m on my own. Throw a few clothes in a bag, a bottle of bubbles and I’m off to camp in the mountains!

A wayward dog and three contentious cats await me as their master slave for the coming week. Upon arrival I’m met with bewilderment from the abandoned residents although once they realise I’m responsible for their survival, attitudes are quickly adjusted!

Gorgeous rainforest views!

This week was also time for a catch up with cousins who’ve been absent for many years due to work, family, distance and excuses! I fondly remember as a teenage girl my older cousin visiting with his army mates, certainly bought me street cred, that’s for sure.

Since his retirement we’ve had more time to reconnect, get to know our respective families, and of course, reminisce about being kids and the shared exploits of attending music concerts and mosh pits! I envisage this is what having an older brother would have been like.

Wayne and Gavin can definitely be classified as oenophiles, I would think the value of their cellars would impact the GDP of a small country! I’ve been fortunate to share a bottle or two and look forward to many more gatherings and celebrations in the years to come.

Family First!

My mother has instilled into myself and my sisters, family before all others. Whilst like any family, we’ve all had our moments I can say that I firmly believe we will always be there for each other, especially in times of need.

I know that I’ve passed this on to my girls. One of my proudest achievements is seeing how close Manon and Dana are. When they gang up on me, I know that when my time comes, they’ll be fine. They’ll always be there for each other and for the next generation, those precious grand-babies!

I can only hope that I’ve imprinted family values enough to ensure my kids look after me in my old age! As I grow older, I may need to be kinder to them, offer them more incentives to keep me around!

Family = Life!

1964 to 2024 – The Year of 60!

~ asteppingstoneembarkwithandrea ~ 2 Comments

Shell-shocked

Why am I shell-shocked? It’s not like I didn’t know this was coming. I guess I’ve always had it in my mind that 60 is an older age. When you’re in your 60s you start thinking of retirement, slowing down. I’m not ready to do any of those things – maybe 60 is the new 50?

Although saying that, if I were to win lotto (note to self – buy ticket) retirement may come sooner rather than later.

Starting point

First day of my 60th year, hmmm officially that would have started last May but let’s not quarrel, for the purposes of this Blog, my year is 1 January to 31 December!

The purpose of this is to look forward not back but let’s get everyone to the same starting point. I live in an apartment a block back from North Burleigh beach on the Gold Coast in Australia. I live alone. As I walk in the front door after a work day, my view is straight out to the ocean albeit straight across the top of the Aldi sign.

I promise you, there’s an ocean out there!

For those new to me, I have two girls Manon (30, scrapes in when writing this) engaged to the gorgeous Shaelyn and Dana (26) married to Beej (affectionately known as BJ McKay). I have the absolute joy of my life – my granddaughter Navy (2.8) and a grandson due in March.

Family photo taken Christmas 2022 – this is all of us. My mother, two sisters Casandra and the Mack Truck (cattle dog), Allison with her family – Matt and Finnella, and my kids! Yoda on the left @thefrenchie.bobo. My heart is full.

The second family – work…

I currently sit as the CEO/Festival Director of Somerset Storyfest, a charity that develops and delivers literacy programmes primarily for children. That’s the formal spiel. What I really do, is work bloody hard to connect kids with books and authors. The job is challenging and at times, I could give it all away but then I get a message – some kid, has read some book, by some author, and the magic has happened!

My work family – Tayla and Gab, also work bloody hard and together we change kids’ lives, something I’m extremely proud of. I’ve absolutely no doubt, I drive these two crazy at times, I appreciate them and am thankful for their quiet grumbling when I walk into the office with another idea…

The year ahead…

What can you expect by joining me on this journey? I’ll be open and honest first and foremost. There’s big things planned for this year for both home and work. I’m somewhat tired already thinking about it.

Home – most importantly grand-baby due mid-March! Navy will be 3 in April (I’m sure there’ll be a themed party), heaven help me – the big 6-0 day is in May. I’ve got one trip booked to celebrate and I’m currently looking at two other trips later in the year. I’ll be broke by the time this year finishes.

Work – annual festival in March and then three regional festivals in three weeks later in the year. Nothing like a challenge.

A friend suggested 60 bottles of Prosecco, definitely doable although I’m thinking I may need this liver!

The last journey that I blogged was my trip around Queensland during the pandemic, I tracked the journey by adding my champers corks to a hat along the way. I’ll need to think of a way to mark this journey – I’m open to ideas!