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Inspiration

Health & Wellbeing, Inspiration

SOOTHING SCENTS: CREATING A CALM SPACE FOR WRITING, REFLECTION AND RELAXATION

January 4, 2026

Letter writing is a mindful practice — one that invites presence, focus and emotional connection. The environment you write in can greatly influence the experience, and aromatherapy plays a powerful role in setting the tone for calm and creativity. For centuries, aromatherapy has been used to quiet the mind and reduce stress. By incorporating essential oils into your writing space, you can transform it into a sanctuary that encourages reflection. Understanding Aromatherapy Aromatherapy uses natural essential oils extracted from plants to support emotional and mental wellbeing. Certain scents help reduce mental noise, improve focus and encourage mindfulness — all essential…

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by Jay
Inspiration, Sydney, What to do

Clovelly Beach: Calm Waters, Wild Stories (and a Few Things You’d Definitely Write Home About)

January 2, 2026

Clovelly Beach: Calm Waters, Big Personalities and a Lot More History Than You’d Expect 😉 At first glance, Clovelly Beach looks almost modest. There are no rolling surf breaks, no towering dunes and no dramatic stretches of sand disappearing into the distance. Instead, you’ll find a narrow, sheltered bay, glassy water and a steady hum of families going about their day. But don’t let its quiet confidence fool you — Clovelly is one of those places where the stories run deep, the characters are unforgettable and nearly every local family has a memory tied to its shoreline. Beloved by parents,…

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by Jay
Inspiration

Taylor Swift’s Handwritten Thank You Notes Are a Lesson in Gratitude—and Letter Writing

October 18, 2025

In an era dominated by quick texts and emojis, Taylor Swift proves that a simple handwritten note still holds extraordinary power. The global superstar isn’t just known for her chart-topping hits—she’s also celebrated for her thoughtfulness and the personal connections she makes through pen and paper. Following her 1989 tour shows, Taylor took the time to handwrite thank you notes to radio hosts and fans who attended her meet-and-greets. Each card was warm, personal, and often included a small doodle or inside joke—reminding everyone that even in a digital world, a handwritten letter can make someone feel truly special. Spike,…

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by Jay
Inspiration

5 Iconic Places to Inspire Your Next Letter

September 18, 2025

In our fast-paced, digital world, finding the time and space to sit down and write a letter can feel like a rare luxury. Yet sometimes, all it takes is a change of scenery to spark inspiration. Imagine sitting with pen and paper in hand while the world’s most iconic places surround you—spaces where history, beauty, and atmosphere combine to make your thoughts flow effortlessly. These destinations aren’t just perfect for letter writing, they’re also unforgettable to visit in their own right. Whether you’re seeking calm, reflection, or a touch of adventure, these locations invite you to slow down, take in…

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by Jay
Competitions, Inspiration

Canberra Writers Festival at MoAD: Stories, Ideas & Conversations That Shape Us

September 4, 2025

The Canberra Writers Festival returns to the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) on 25–26 October 2025, bringing with it a weekend of bold stories, fresh ideas, and conversations that matter. Set inside the historic halls of Old Parliament House — where letters, debates and decisions once shaped the nation — the festival invites readers, writers, and big thinkers to come together for two days of thought-provoking events. From diplomacy on the front line and conspiracy theories to untold stories of Australian women and the lasting legacy of Whitlam’s Dismissal, the program features an extraordinary lineup of writers, journalists, and changemakers….

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by Jay
Inspiration, Letter writing, School Holidays

How Picture Books Can Inspire Kids to Write Letters

April 22, 2025

Looking for a fun and meaningful activity for the school holidays or weekends? Letter writing is a lovely way for kids to practise their writing, stay connected with family and friends, and get a little creative too. You can encourage your kids to write letters, postcards, or even notes in a Conversation Journal you share together. To help spark ideas, try reading some wonderful picture books told through letters — children often love seeing how characters connect through words on a page. These stories show how fun it can be to write to someone, whether it’s a thank you note,…

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by Jay
Inspiration, Melbourne

The Art of Review Writing

February 26, 2025

Join us on Wednesday, March 19 for an engaging workshop on The Art of Review Writing at Bargoonga Nganjin, North Fitzroy Library. Whether you’re a budding writer, critic, or culture enthusiast, this hands-on session will provide you with the practical skills to write compelling reviews and critically engage with culture. Event Details: Date & Time: Wednesday, March 19, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM AEDT Location: Bargoonga Nganjin, North Fitzroy Library, 182 St Georges Road, North Fitzroy, VIC 3068 Bookings: www.eventbrite.com.au About the Workshop:Led by Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen, a talented freelance writer, journalist, and critic, this workshop will teach you the art…

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by Jay
Inspiration, Story to Story, Thank You letters

How to write a love letter – the Valentine’s Day Masterclass

January 14, 2025

It’s Valentine’s Day on Friday 14th February. In anticipation of the day, and in the hope of rekindling a fondness for the handwritten love letter, Royal Mail is dedicating a number of its letter boxes to some of Britain’s greatest romantics. Quotations from John Keats, Robert Burns, and Thomas Hardy, among others, will adorn postboxes around the land. I can’t pretend to be a dab hand at love-letter writing myself, and if you aren’t either but would like to be, read on. Help is not just at hand – it’s here, now, in this very blog you’re reading. Hand-written love…

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by Jay
Inspiration, What to do

10 Creative Hobbies to Help You Disconnect and Recharge

January 7, 2025

In our always-on, hyper-connected world, finding ways to unplug and recharge is essential for maintaining balance and mental well-being. Creative hobbies offer the perfect antidote to digital overload, providing opportunities to slow down, express yourself, and rediscover joy. Here are ten creative hobbies that can help you disconnect and recharge: 1. Painting or Drawing Whether you’re sketching with pencils or experimenting with watercolors, creating art is a therapeutic way to express your emotions and focus on the present moment. 2. Knitting or Crocheting The repetitive motion of knitting or crocheting can be incredibly calming. Plus, you get the added satisfaction…

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by Jay
Inspiration, Parenting

Reviving the Lost Art of Connection: Why Letters Still Matter in a Digital World

January 2, 2025

Reviving the Lost Art of Connection: Why Letters Still Matter in a Digital World In an age dominated by text messages, emojis, and social media posts, the idea of writing a letter might seem as quaint as using a rotary phone. Why spend time crafting sentences when a quick “lol” or “wyd?” will suffice? Yet, as parents, teachers, and families navigating the complexities of modern life, we know that the most meaningful connections are rarely the fastest or easiest ones. This is where the magic of letter writing comes in. But let’s back up for a moment. Imagine this: You’re…

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by Jay