March Newsletter

​Welcome to the newsletter from Distance Families

​DISTANCE FAMILIES NEWS

ONLINE GLOBAL GATHERING - 20/21 April 2024

I am the co-Chair of the Australia/New Zealand Affiliate of Families in Global Transition (FIGT). Every so often I mention a Downunder webinar I am co-hosting. This time I want to let you know about our global, online Forum gathering. It will be held the weekend of 20/21 April and broadcast during two different times to allow for multiple time zones. If you have an interest in global ​mobility be sure to check it out. The quality of presenters is the tops.

SAVE THE DATE - Chicago, May/June 2024

I will be back visiting family in Chicago in a few months. The lovely Chicago based Linda Mueller is an Expat Coach and Founder of International Women in Chicago. Linda does an amazing job gathering expats, arranging events and creating a community of like-minded women experiencing similar transitions. In 2022 Linda kindly hosted an author event and I met with some of her community. We're going to do this again - this time a daytime session on Wednesday 8 May and an evening session on Tuesday 4 June. Live in Chicago or know someone who does? Please let them know about these events and Linda's work.

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BOOK SERIES NEWS

The audiobook edition of Being a Distance Grandparent, narrated by me is now available via Spotify. The Foreword is read by my broadcaster son, Robbie Ellis. 
Click below to listen to the ​Introduction.

​I am listening to your book: I wish my parents would have had the opportunity to read it/listen to it years ago.
Ute Limacher-Riebold PhD, Distance Daughter
Ute' s International Lounge

Half an hour north of Auckland, New Zealand is the coastal town of Orewa. It's home to stunning beaches, every watersport you can imagine and all manner of outdoor activities. The town is mainly flat and a magnet for retirees. As 20% of those born in New Zealand now live overseas it's to be expected that 20% of the grandparents residing around Orewa are Distance Grandparents. 
Orewa is also home to a fantastic community facility - the Estuary Arts Centre. It hosts art classes, art exhibitions - a brilliant local hob. It even has a cafe and a classy boutique where quality New Zealand souvenirs and art are available. As Distance Grandparents are regular shoppers of what we call Kiwiana (local souvenirs) to give to their distance family, the Distance Family Book Series was an obvious stock item. 
​​When an email arrived last week from the Weka Gift 

​Shop manager with the subject line, "More stock please" and the message, "The Distance Grandparent books are flying out the door", I knew I was overdue for a short drive north to drop off more stock.  I love chatting to the volunteers in the shop who are passionate about their merchandise and local area. I am so impressed with this community facility. 
If you live in New Zealand and have a similar sort of shop nearby please let me know. I would love to contact them and offer the book series.

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ON THE HOME FRONT

Immediately upon returning home from our mega Northern Hemisphere adventure I was into action mode to put our house on the market. Hubby and I have reached that stage that we'd like no stairs and less maintenance. We've bought an apartment in a nearby development - due to be completed later in the year. As I shared in a recent LinkedIn article we have acquired a storage unit, de-personalized and de-cluttered. A bevvy of tradespeople has come and gone. Every scuff has been fixed, nooks and crannies cleaned and garden lovingly tended to. We've just had our first Open Homes so watch this space.
​Know anyone looking for a family home in Auckland here's a link to the listing?

​Take care until next time
Helen Ellis
 
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