Author Archives: letterassemblyeditor

That’s weeds with an ‘s’. I’m talking about those plants that have indestructible root systems that defy gravity, obstacle and soil type. Those pesky living organisms that were never chosen or placed in the garden, but join the party as crashers that stay long after the invited guests have gone home. And they keep returning.Continue reading “Why I’m grateful for weeds”

I’ve recently started a new job – working from home. Interesting how my new location has completely changed my approach and perspective. The kitchen table, my desk. The mustard kitchen cupboard doors, my office. The shaky louvre windows, my air conditioning. The fridge, my office break area. I’m inspired, not just by my surroundings butContinue reading “My sneaky lunchtime activity”

Disregard the ‘what do you do’, the verbs that give motion to your life, the actions you make when no one’s watching. Focus on the how, the adverbs, the way in which you embrace or abandon. That’s the thing. Sweeping never looked so good as when it was done with a flourish, enthusiastically, emphatically, depressingly,Continue reading “It’s not what you do, it’s how you do it.”

Possibly the gyms, diet programs, alcohol vendors and fast food outlets. But do you? Resolutions suggest planning and goal-setting. Given lately that any plans are quickly thrown out the window, into the proverbial wastepaper basket or recycling bin – maybe this is just not possible. Changes have been thrown down, sometimes tentatively, and other timesContinue reading “Resolutions? Who cares.”

What is it that makes us human? Blood, sweat, tears? Kindness, emotion, logic? All of that and more, of course. Most recently, for me, it’s been tears that have connected and defined. Tears of grief as we struggle with death, sickness and the overwhelming nature of pandemic measures and fear. Tears of happiness and reliefContinue reading “The tears that bind us.”

I’ve been doing a lot of listening lately, listening in webinars, listening in online meetings, listening as colleagues talk and listening to the sounds of my new location. When I’m part of a conversation, my instinct is to jump in and contribute with a funny quip, story or reflection – sometimes butting in with excitement,Continue reading “What did you say?”

I don’t mean, if only the walls could speak – what would they say. That’s a different topic entirely. I’m talking about artwork, photos, things we attach vertically in the spaces we live. Posters in teenage bedrooms, a calendar in the toilet, paintings and art acquired on travels to far-flung and not so far-flung places,Continue reading “Let the walls speak.”

The newest edition to our extended family has started cooing. He’s just over two months old. Right on track, according to the baby development guidelines. (We’ve already high aspirations for other milestones). Sounds like a happy pigeon, his mother says. And fortuitously, pigeons are considered lucky messengers in some cultures. I’m waiting to see whatContinue reading “It starts with a coo.”

You’re stuck. Tired. Can’t be bothered. Remember when we used to pop in to friends’ houses? Unannounced. No setting up the meeting via text message. No ten minute SMS warning. ‘I’m on my way!’ We’d just turn up and maybe take a chance that they weren’t home. Spontaneity is about taking risks. It might notContinue reading “5 ways to bring spontaneity back.”

We used to (jokingly) say, “If we poisoned our neighbour’s trees, we’d have the best view in town!” Of course, it was never our intention, but we did think about asking them to remove those upper branches. Maybe there are branches or trees that obstruct your view. Those branches might have been there for aContinue reading “Make space for the view.”