We’ve talked recently of inspiration books and the power of words and images to shift the mood and lighten the spirit. This morning my lake walk was magic. A frosty morning, with the sun tentatively making a shy appearance. The birds had none of this reticence and warbled wildly as…

It’s here! Winter has arrived in Melbourne and the tights, boots and big jumpers are out… a great disguise for all that banana bread we’ve been baking..and eating. The frosty mornings, sneaky sunshine, heavy rains and cosy evenings by the fire are a welcome relief after fires,drought and pandemic. It’s…

My son and 2 year old granddaughter  came to stay overnight. It was the first sleepover at granny’s house without mama being there. A big step for all of us. As the little one gets older, develops her character and I spend more time getting to know her, this clever,…

Have you ever done a mindfulness program or tried meditation? Perhaps yoga or a wellness retreat?  I always have had an interest in most things that have the potential to slow me down but my fall back preferences seem to have a cork in the top or an airline ticket…

How are you doing everyone? As the weeks roll by in our new Corona virus reality this is starting to feel like the new normal. We practice social distancing, check the numbers daily, wash our hands and stay alert to what’s happening around us. When the sun shines the world…

Some parts of Australia are experiencing one of the most beautiful seasons of the year- autumn. While Brisbane glowed in 30 degree heat today, here in the Central Highlands there is no doubt that the seasons have changed. Cooler temperatures, rainfall, mists and the beauty of rust coloured leaves herald…

Happy Easter Everyone! We’re going to have to be very creative in how we’ll celebrate this year in Pandemic Land but there’s one constant that we can still enjoy…CHOCOLATE. Our Viva 70 friend from Yorkshire, Julia Richards has gifted us this wonderful article about the health benefits of eating chocolate…that’s…

Have you ever written a letter to a major daily newspaper, talk-backed on the radio or made any public comment? I haven’t. (Except the VIVA 70 forum which is a very positive, supportive community and very occasionally Facebook and Insta.) Writing a letter to the editor generates a mountain of…

In the new world we live in where we have little control over events and outcomes and the lens on our older selves is shifting. Older people are described as vulnerable, at risk and need isolating for the protection of themselves and others.  While all this is true  and appropriate…