The Beginning

The word 'journey' is so overused. Thesaurus.com offers adventure, odyssey, wandering and campaign. They all have a place as I write my first ever blog, but somehow' journey' still surfaces to the top.

I would love to break this narrative mould but it has been a journey and I never would have imagined, even a few years ago that I would one day naively and boldly announce I am writing three books, when I have never published anything before.

Initially, I intended to write only about Distance Grandparenting, because that is what I intimately know. But there are two sides to every story and distance familying is an inter-generational global phenomenon. Each generation has their way of viewing life and experiencing their worlds, and I passionately believe these understandings need to be shared.  It can only do good. Thus the reason for a three-book series. The books will not be How to publications. They will talk about How it is.

And just to add an unexpected roadblock to this journey COVID-19 has made itself an unwelcome hitchhiker. It was neither part of your plans, nor mine and distance familying is hugely impacted. Right now, none of us knows when we will next be in the physical presence of our distance family. Now more than ever, distance families deserve a voice.

Please join me in this project and share your stories now. Story examples are available here.

​Lastly, "what's with the fruit photo?" you ask. A lasting and grateful memory of lockdown has been the autumnal bountiful giving of our Southern Hemisphere-friendly feijoa tree. Every day, without fail, a handful of its green,  oval-shaped fruit has fallen to the ground saying “pick me up”.  

Kind regards
Helen Ellis

P.S. My family will agree the current website photos of me are a little out of date. Just waiting for photographers to be allowed to practise their trade again, and my trusty hairdresser to reopen her salon!

Feijoas

​

---

---