And so this is Christmas...
At the risk of sounding cliche I really hope you all have a wonderful Christmas - one shared with someone dear. Have fun, be safe, think nice thoughts and be respectful to others. I look forward to sharing more with you in the new year. Julie xx

"There are two takes on the universe. The one we humans can observe and the version that exists despite us - a multidimensional fabric of energy, of indeterminate and ever-changing form." (Rod Hyett, Great Ocean quarterly).
I like the way Rod has phrased this thought. So true.

It's summer here in Australia. The sun is out, it's heating up and the beach beckons. Sunshine always clears the cobwebs away don't you think. Sometimes you don't realise how much a happy difference it makes until you visit somewhere that's grey and rainy. Sometimes it's nice to snuggle up against the cold, but I think I'm becoming a Queenslander!

Sigh. I am a Libran - lover of balance, harmony and always trying to keep everyone happy. Does your star sign reflect your personality, your actions? I really do think there is something to it all.  It is so much easier to say 'no, sorry' than actually follow through. So it becomes a life of trying to be everything to everyone. I feel a New Year Resolution coming up!

FROM ME TO YOU

Just goes to show that 'little words of reflection, humour and inspiration' can help everyone. I had a fellow in the shop who bought my book - he was a solicitor on holiday, trying to get more of his own book written. Although it is a business tome he's writing, I received a lovely email from him saying my words/themes did help him reflect on his own life and where he is in it at present. Nice!

Interesting that Mary-Lou read out the following verse from A NEST TWICE BUILT, on radio yesterday. I had recently received an email from another reader who said these words connected with her as well...

It was just a quick catch up,
takeaway coffees on a park bench.
Our feet kicked at autumn leaves,
a sparrow our silent witness.
And something else too,
humming between our words

  - the guilt of distant possibilities

Looking forward to meeting Mary-Lou Stephens and being interviewed about A NEST TWICE BUILT :
Sunshine Coast ABC Radio : Monday 28 October, around 3.30pm.

Embrace solitude,
the chance to still the centre
of your body, your soul -
  your 'self'

(Julie Holland, A Nest Twice Built)

When thinking about which thoughts and verses to include in A NEST TWICE BUILT I wanted to include those that inspired, gave a laugh and... well... made you shrug away any worries. To ignore outside negativity and keep everything in perspective. Such actions are so much easier to think about and plan than actually execute. But can make such a difference to life happiness if achieved, even with small steps.

The day is out there. Waiting
Tapping its foot. Waiting.
Counting off the minutes. Waiting.
And do you know what -
  if you don't go out there. Now.
The world will miss
 the joy of you.

c.Julie Holland (A Nest Twice Built)
A Nest Twice Built can be purchased at www.heartsandmindsart.com.au