Category

Inspiration

Inspiration, Letter writing, Moving Houses

A Letter to My Lovely Neighbours: What Moving House Taught Me

By Sophie — a mum who found calm, connection, and a love of letter writing amid the chaos of moving. “So much of moving is about letting go — but letter writing helps you hold on.” Dear Neighbours, I hope this letter finds you well — and that the jacarandas are still blooming along our street. Writing this feels a little surreal. The house is quieter now, the boxes are (mostly) unpacked, and I’m finally catching my breath after what can only be described as the marathon of moving. Moving house when you’re a mum really is like running a…

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Inspiration, Letter writing

Letter Writing in 2025: The Resurgence of a Timeless Tradition

In 2025, letter writing is experiencing an exciting revival. This timeless practice, once overshadowed by the rise of digital communication, is now being embraced more than ever before. People around the world are rediscovering the power of handwritten letters, from personal pen pal projects to organized letter-writing events. Let’s explore some of the key trends driving this resurgence. 1. Pen Pal Projects and Global Initiatives Pen pal programs are making a huge comeback, with people eager to connect on a more personal level. Projects like Rachel Syme’s “Penpalooza,” which connected over 15,000 participants, are a testament to the growing demand…

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Inspiration, Letter writing, School Holidays

How Picture Books Can Inspire Kids to Write Letters

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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Inspiration, Melbourne

The Art of Review Writing

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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Inspiration, Story to Story, Thank You letters

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

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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Inspiration, What to do

10 Creative Hobbies to Help You Disconnect and Recharge

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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Inspiration, Parenting

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

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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Inspiration, Parenting

The Rebirth of Letter Writing in the Digital Age: 10 Reasons Why Handwritten Letters Are Making a Comeback

In a world dominated by emails, text messages, and social media updates, the art of letter writing might seem like a thing of the past. However, an unexpected revival of this timeless tradition has emerged in recent years. As people seek deeper connections amidst the digital noise, handwritten letters are being rediscovered for their unique qualities. Here are 10 reasons why letter writing is experiencing a renaissance in the digital age. 1. A Storied Tradition: The History of Letter Writing Letter writing has deep historical roots, dating back to ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Through the centuries,…

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In the Media, Inspiration

Shark Beach at Nielsen Park: A Restoration Journey of Resilience

Sydney’s beloved Shark Beach at Nielsen Park is set to welcome visitors again this December after a prolonged closure for essential renovations. Nestled in the picturesque eastern suburbs, the beach is renowned for its calm waters, heritage significance, and family-friendly ambiance. Its reopening marks the end of a challenging restoration process that highlights the importance of preserving cherished community spaces. Anticipated Reopening in December 2024 Shark Beach has been closed since March 2022, following damage to its seawall caused by a series of storms. Initially expected to reopen by late 2022, the project faced setbacks due to unforeseen complications. Among…

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Inspiration

How to Write a New Year Letter to Yourself

Writing a New Year letter to yourself is a beautiful way to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the year ahead. Think of it as a personal time capsule filled with your hopes, dreams, and insights. If you’ve ever felt unsure about where to start, don’t worry! Here’s a simple and flexible guide to help you create a letter that inspires and motivates you all year long. 1. Write in the Second Person Start by addressing yourself directly, as if you’re writing to a close friend. Using the second person (“you” and “your”) creates emotional distance and…

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