A good life at any age
11 August 2019 | Living Well
This week we’re strolling down memory lane to find the articles that have been most popular among Viva70 readers over the last 2 years. With a recent Valentine’s day romance is in the air and we all enjoy a love story. Al and Linda’s story has been a firm favourite. A heart-warming story of love and serendipity…enjoy….
The Beatles are synonymous with the “Swinging Sixties” but their iconic reach extended far beyond the realms of music and fashion. They didn’t span the decade; they defined it. A pop sensation became a total cultural phenomenon.
And so it was during this time that young blossoming love sprouted everywhere. Our lives were inexplicably changed, seemingly overnight. And the happy, fun music of love from the Beatles was an explosive inspiration!
All My Loving…
I first set sight of her around the spring of 1967. “Love Me Do….”
It was on the 7th floor staff cafeteria of the department store, Myer Melbourne, where I, along with all my workmates from the Boyswear Dept, routinely gorged ourselves with pies and gravy-drenched mashed potatoes-‘n-peas each lunchtime. Then one day the lift doors crashed open and among the massed throng of hungry staffers, out stepped this breath taking vision of loveliness ….” I Saw Her Standing There….” I was instantly dumbstruck, gobsmacked, deliriously besotted and madly in love, as she sauntered to join the lunchtime queue. “….Got To Get You Into My Life….”
I just couldn’t take my eyes off her. This diminutive and petite package of beautiful brunette from the ground floor cosmetic department so impacted me this day that I knew I’d had to see more of her. So each day I timed that our lunch hours would coincide, and I’d always linger in the queue over the smorgasbord of delicacies at the buffet. In the hope of catching her eye I’d start up a conversation about whether the mash would be better than the chips! And what about custard over the apple crumble? “….I Wanna Be Your Man….” “….I Wanna Hold Your Hand….” “….I Need You….” “….Honey Pie….”
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I published this article after an interview with Petrus Spronk in November 2019..it seems like light years ago! It was one of the highlights of the research for my book and I’ll never forget encountering the creative mind in all its purity and the outstanding talent of this great artist….
19 February 2021 | 50 Faces 50 Lives
In the series 50 Faces 50 Lives this article published in June last year generated a large number of comments and conversation in our Viva community. Old age can be tough when illness strikes. My story about David living with dementia touched a nerve and it will be an important…
19 February 2021 | 50 Faces 50 Lives
Over a year ago, I began the joyful task of collecting stories of people in their 60’s and beyond. I wanted to discover how different people made sense of ageing and how their early life experiences shaped their lives as elders. I call this collection of stories 50 Faces 50…
30 September 2020 | 50 Faces 50 Lives
Robert has so far been Viva 70’s only poet contributor and his work was published in May 2019..a treasure. I’m hoping to persuade Robert to create more poems for us in the future. Thank you Robert on this Viva 70’s walk down memory lane……….Here’s the article and his thought –…
19 February 2021 | Arts
This was the very first article I ever wrote, two years ago for Viva 70. It took me a week of research and drafting, editing and angst to create this first piece of content. It was a magical moment. I felt very daring putting my writing out there, but as…
19 February 2021 | Arts
Australian Indigenous artists have been recognised on the world stage for many years now. The vibrancy of colour, diversity, artistry and stories told, inspire educate, emote and engage us in the art of First Nation peoples. As art galleries started to reopen after Covid lockdown I was hugely excited to…
17 December 2020 | Arts
Hi Everyone! After a well-earned rest we’re back and it’s our second birthday! Yey! Happy Birthday to all our readers, subscribers, contributors and dear friends. Two years ago, with a heart full of excitement and fear I pressed PUBLISH on my first article sending it out into the stratosphere, expecting…
19 February 2021 | Life-Style
Let’s travel! This article about a trip to China by Lesley was published in July 2019. It’s a lovely story of grandparenting, travel and having fun. Thank you lesley. More please..! Here’s the article…. This week it’s great to introduce another new writer to the Viva 70 team. I’ve been…
19 February 2021 | Life-Style
This article was written in July last year (2020) based on research I did on health modelling of previous pandemics. Although we’re heartily sick of Covid conversations it is interesting to look back in hindsight and see how useful predictive modelling is. Which scenario do you think meets a fair…
19 February 2021 | Life-Style
Julia Richards has travelled with me and Viva70’s story for nearly 2 years and I am so grateful to this dear friend for all her expertise and wisdom as a medicinal herbalist. Thank you Julia. You have been our most regular and much loved contributor and we couldn’t walk down…
19 February 2021 | Living Well
It’s moody, humid and overcast in the Central Highlands today. The sort of weather I associate with the pre-Christmas season. I like it. It doesn’t have the roar of summer sun and the battle to keep cool and keep new plants alive. Today is gentle. The perfect time to walk…
17 December 2020 | Living Well
Another sensational article from Julia Richards, our dear friend who runs a herbal medicine practice in Yorkshire. Thank you Julia…..Great article and a quiz to take as well! It’s a really good reminder that rest is more than sleep. Why you need seven types of rest With the ups and…
27 October 2020 | Living Well