December Newsletter

Welcome to the newsletter from Distance Families

DISTANCE FAMILIES NEWS

Early next year our youngest grandson and family will be visiting NZ. It's got us thinking about hiring a car seat - one less item for them to manage enroute. One local hire company is already fully booked in February. Perhaps this isn't something to be left to the last minute. In my research I found a super useful link about global baby/child car seat rules. It makes for interesting reading. Did you know 76 countries, just under 40% of the world’s countries have no child car seat laws? Here’s a pic of our wee grandson on our last US visit enjoying the comforts of these amazing contraptions.

I am naturally alert to headlines featuring the words ‘long distance’. People aren’t the only beings that travel long distances. We all know birds achieve amazing feats. Sharing this article as kuaka (godwits) take up home in tidal mudflats near where I live. The photo I am sharing was taken by a local friend who in recent times has won a truckload of photography awards. Leanne has travelled the world to capture her amazing images. Her website portfolio is a treat to visit.

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BOOK SERIES NEWS

After a few months of distractions I am getting back into the draft of Being a Distance Grandchild – a Book for ALL Generations. The book is written, so to speak. There are 60,000+ words patiently hanging out in a Word document in Dropbox. But as any author will tell you, the initial draft is only Part 1. Now the real work begins as I analyse every word, paragraph, topic, layout of chapters etc. 
It’s a treat to revisit conversations and interviews I had with past and present distance grandchildren. I am transported back to that place, ever grateful for their honesty and reflections and so looking forward to sharing this project with you in 2025.
​Like to go in a draw for a free, autographed copy when it comes out? Register here.

​I have been alert lately to much talk about the Gen Z generation.  There was this revealing article in The Conversation about Trump winning over the “lost boys” of the Gen Z generation.  The more you learn how different this generation is from all others it gets me thinking more about ‘how it is’ being a Gen Z Distance Grandchild. There is much to learn.

When you're Christmas shopping don't forget the Distance Families book series. Both editions are available in paperback and e-book, plus there's an audio version of ​Being a Distance Grandparent.
Here are links to more information, reviews and SHOP. 
Thanks for your support.

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ON THE HOME FRONT

​November has been a refreshingly normal month. Every day our new apartment feels more like home. I finally got to print a bunch of family photos and put them on display. We had to de-personalise last February when our house went on the market and it’s taken all this time to finally be back in the groove in that department. It’s funny how a home feels more complete (at least it does for me) when family photos are on display. 

November has had one 'highlight' with a second hip replacement that happened a week or so ago. I had considered putting it off until 2025 but then changed my mind thinking, ‘let’s get this over and done with’. As I cruise into the festive celebrations (which will be pretty low key this year) I do so accompanied by my crutches and supported by a bunch of meds. Hopefully recovery goes as well as it went last time.

Over the last week or so I have needed to spend a fair amount of time horizontal! Inevitably that's involved a bunch of time on Netflix. If you're looking for a charming, Christmas/Distance Families themed romance I can recommend 'Twas the text before Christmas 

Take care and seasons greetings until next time
Helen Ellis
 
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