October Newsletter

Welcome to the monthly newsletter from DistanceFamilies.com

DISTANCE FAMILIES NEWS

​September 2022 will always be remembered as the month Queen Elizabeth II died. Many of us were surprised how much we were affected by her passing. My late Dad was born in the U.K. and I can carry a U.K. passport. Those of us from Commonwealth countries have a connection that is hard to describe to those outside of the Commonwealth. Her passing reminds us of a set of values and work ethnic we might never see again… in quite the same way.
​​For around 25 years I have managed to not mislay a Buckingham Palace ruler I bought on a past visit. I hope it hangs around my desk, despite its well-used appearance, for many years to come reminding me of everyone’s bonus extra Distance Grandmother. 

​Every so often I spy mobility research on a subject that hasn’t appeared on my radar before. Globally mobile gifted children and adults aren’t talked about that much, however, they are such an asset to the world. I was impressed to see scholar Karina Lagarrigue’s research to “better understand how Giftedness together with Sensory Processing Sensitivity” for globally mobile children and adults. If that’s you, please support her research here.

​Here’s a terrific initiative by expats, for expats. The Language & Mental Wellbeing online conference will be held 10-13 October 2022. I will be speaking on Day 2. The content is impressive. 

​In 2021 the FIGT Australia and New Zealand Affiliate hosted a successful Author Panel. We’re doing it again on Thursday 27 October and I will be facilitating. You are welcome. Please click here to learn more and register.

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BOOK SERIES NEWS

​Do you live in Tauranga, New Zealand and/or do you know an expat, migrant or distance grandparent who does? I will be at the Everything Books Fair on Saturday 8 October. I would love to chat with distance family members living in the Bay of Plenty. 

Book Reviews

​​A line I frequently use is, “The answer’s ‘no’ unless you ask”. We all love to read book reviews. They can be so helpful. If you have read one or both of my books I would LOVE an online review… please. Here is a link to make it super easy. If you haven’t read a book yet, here is a shop link.

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ON THE HOME FRONT

​The big news is that we presently have our 20 year old U.K. grandson staying with us. It’s his first visit to New Zealand so lots of new experiences and family to meet. We’re taking him on what we call in NZ a ‘tiki tour’… a road trip to see the country. After that he’ll be looking for a shared flat/apartment and a job in Auckland for a few months. It is lovely to have him here and reminisce about our many trips to the U.K. as he grew up.

Still on the subject of visits, with the impending Christmas visit of our young U.S. grandsons I have planted strawberries. They seem to be doing pretty good. I hope the lads can pop out the back door each day and pick a few. ​

Take care until next time
Helen Ellis

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