May Newsletter

Welcome to the newsletter from Distance Families

DISTANCE FAMILIES NEWS

Well-received articles this month include a super useful guide to tipping in the U.S. I was chuffed to achieve close to 100% when I did the online quiz – confirmation I have mainly been doing things right on our U.S. visits - phew. Additionally, here is a wonderful global restaurant tipping guide courtesy of global thinker and author @DavidLivermore.
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Another great article is titled, Ways to Share Your Family History with Your Grandkid. The author, Elaine McAllister noted, "It’s a sobering thought, but family stories are generally lost within three generations unless they are preserved in writing or by some other means."

Are you an Instagram fan? Check out #Mayonthemove. It is a month-long, collaborative discussion by anyone and everyone about all things global living.  Scan the QR code for more info or follow @thefrustratednester.

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BOOK SERIES NEWS

​Two years ago I proudly published the first book in the Distance Families Book Series. The subtitle of each book is ‘A Book for ALL Generations’. Empathy between generations, especially those separated by geography, is a powerful lubricant to a well-functioning, extended family. Click here for links to reviews and free chapters (audio & printed) of 'Being a Distance Grandparent.

Read the book already? Reviews are so appreciate by would-be readers. I would love and appreciate your review. Here’s a link to  the various review platforms - thanks HE.
 

‘Being a Distance Grandchild’ is well and truly under construction. I have many Zoom interviews planned with Distance Grandchildren around the world. Like to know how things are going with this project? Regularly check here. 

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ON THE HOME FRONT

National public holidays and commemorative events bring generations together even when separated by geography. Downunder, in New Zealand and Australia, this always happens on the 25th of April (ANZAC Day) when soldiers from both countries are remembered.
Let me introduce my 6-year-old Distance Grandchild. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia and speaks with a Southern drawl. He plays baseball and is American through and through. However, he is also half Kiwi and his Mum works hard to ensure he understands his New Zealand heritage and its culture. Here’s his commendable artistic NZ flag drawing effort at the recent Australia/New Zealand combined ANZAC Day event in Atlanta, Georgia. The Union Jack is a little oversized but the stars are coloured red… he knows the difference. At the event they played cricket and touch rugby, ate lamingtons & Anzac biscuits and on the way home the other lad said “I miss New Zealand”.

​Back in NZ our U.K.-gap-year-visiting grandson returned north to us after working in our tourist capital, Queenstown. We had a mini break together near the beach last week and the countdown begins for his return to the U.K. later in the month. It will feel strange knowing he's back on the other side of the world again.

​Take care until next time
 
Helen Ellis
 
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