In March I attended the FIGT 2022 Virtual Conference. Who and what is FIGT? 
"Families in Global Transition is a welcoming forum for globally mobile individuals, families, and those working with them. We promote cross-sector connections for sharing research and developing best practices that support the growth, success and well-being of people crossing cultures around the world."
The conference theme was, 'Where do we go from here?' With over 75 presenters the weekend was filled with rich commentary about so many aspects of expat/migrant and Third Culture Kid/Adult culture. FIGT is run by volunteers from all around the world. My contribution was helping to set up a Virtual Bookstore (see laptop photo accompanied by a delicious pastéis de nata - Portuguese custard tart). Attendees were able to enter the room, live-chat with authors and others - the miracles of modern technology.
FIGT does an absolutely superb job to support the globally mobile. If this is interests you I recommend checking out FIGT.

The second book of the Distance Families series, 'Being a Distance Son or Daughter - a Book for ALL Generations' is a whisker away from transitioning from a large Word document via some book design software and on to Amazon etc.
I am very proud of this book and can't wait to share it with ALL generations of Distance Families. Check out the reviews - I'm delighted with the feedback.
The global launch date will be 7/7/22. Why did I pick that date? It works in America where they reverse the day and month and the rest of the world. Pre-order your copy (paperback or e-book) in May. More details to come.

A three year break from seeing our Distance Family was broken in March when my stepson arrived from the U.K. for a visit and he is still here now. We'll never again take opportunities to connect with family from afar for granted. But it didn't stop there...

At the beginning of April we hosted an out-of-town birthday party for my husband. A large bunch of friends and family travelled for the occasion. We had a surprise guest: our U.S. based daughter Lucy arrived that morning and walked in the door. She was able to stay for just two nights. What an incredible evening & 48 hours - I'll never forget it. My face tells it all. ​

Come the U.K. Mother's Day weekend I will be presenting at the Families in Global Transition virtual conference. 
​The “we” of ‘Where do we go from here?’ incorporates more than just our FIGT2022 conference attendees. Behind every participant are ‘left behind’ families at ‘home’, contributing to a larger narrative of, ‘Where does Distance Familying go from here?’ All generations, everywhere, are affected. Our familying ‘head space’ will never return to pre-COVID-19 times.
I will be presenting an informal Kitchen Table discussion at: Fri 25 March UTC 05.20 & 15.10hrs.

DISTANCE FAMILYING HINT
If you live in the U.K. and your mother lives somewhere else in the world it's still time to go shopping for a Mother's Day card. Buy one now, before the 27th, after which cards will disappear from the shops. Put it aside and post it in plenty of time for Mother's Day where your mother lives. Check out this link for global Mother's Day dates. Down the track, when Mother's Day is plastered everywhere at home she'll be SO impressed you remembered.

Some time back I was shortlisted for Australasia's 'The Employee Mobility Institute' (TEMI) Awards  under the category of 'Best Mobile Workforce Wellbeing Initiative'.
The ritzy event was held in Melbourne, Australia this month and as per normal, in this part of the world, it was impossible to attend. Three Australian interstate finalists were also in the same position.
So the fantastic organizers arranged for each of us to be represented by a mobile robot standing around a meter with an iPad atop. It moved about the venue via instructions from an onsite minder and/or myself.
My robot had my name on it and was adorned with a large black boa feather to represent NZ's All Black's theme colour. I was able to chat with attendees, mix n mingle and 'sit' at a table when they ate their meal.
When the awards were announced I was honoured to be chosen for my category. My robot made its way onto the stage. A microphone was put to it (see photo!) and I delivered my speech from across the Tasman. What a blast of an evening.
It was terrific to see Distance Families being acknowledged in this corporate mobility arena. 

In the meantime, the second book in the Distance Families series, Being a Distance Son or Daughter is getting closer. For the last week my wonderful proofreader Paddy Hartnett has been pouring over the manuscript. I liken him to a fastidious  cleaner who scrubs and dusts, making every nook and cranny sparkle.  Every writer needs  a Paddy in their lives.

Our guest room is getting a Spring clean after a long hiatus.

My U.K. stepson is arriving mid-March for a month. It's been a long time between drinks, as the saying goes - our first family visitor in three years. We're very excited and so is he.

In the meantime, when we did a Risk Analysis of our U.S. based daughter travelling down later in 2022 with our two wee grandson lads we all decided it was more riskier for them to end up stranded in NZ with COVID than hubby and I suffering the same fate in the U.S. So arrangements have changed and we'll be visiting the U.S. in a few months. 
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One of my masters research findings was, 'Change is a constant companion for Distance Grandparents'. I'd add to that - flexibility is a super power.