03 Sep 2023 | Funerals, Death and Dying, End of Life Planning

Remembering Julie Larsen

Dux of the Class In high school, Julie excelled and was the Dux of her class. She became a school teacher and taught for quite a few decades. All of her five children were in her class at some point in their schooling. Naturally, she had written many student reports…

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Shaun Robinson

02 Sep 2023 | Funerals, Death and Dying, End of Life Planning

Celebrating Shaun

“Shaun loved his family and friends and he loved his carers… in fact, he loved most people he came across. He will be remembered for his empathic and engaging way with the world; and his stubbornness and determination! Shaun will be remembered for his cheeky and happy personality, the way…

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Death and Dying

30 Aug 2023 | Elderhood

A Deeper Well

“Death comes in the middle of a long life.” This old Irish proverb goes back to ancient understandings of initiation and the wisdom that comes from the awareness and acceptance of death as a teacher. Our next gathering: Thursday 21st September 7.30pm We had the inaugural online gathering of ‘A…

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21 Aug 2023 | Celebrants

In Good Company

Lots of money for one hours work…. a poetry reading for celebrants! Earlier this year, I was invited to present two sessions for The Celebrant Network’s (TCN) National Conference in Melbourne. The gathering was to celebrate 50 years of celebrancy in Australia. I was confident to accept the offer to…

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The Facts of Life Pádraig Ó Tuama

17 Aug 2023 | Funerals, Death and Dying, End of Life Planning

… That You Were Born and You Will Die

Beautiful pieces of poetry often get sent to me… especially around death and dying. Today, my dear friend, Margot Smith, sent me this poem by Pádraig Ó Tuama, The Facts of Life.  You can click here to have Pádraig read it to you. The Facts of Life That you were born…

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Police Funeral Tribute and Ode

08 Aug 2023 | Ceremonies

Police Funeral Tribute and Ode for Robert ‘Bob’ Jones

Bob was a well respected and loved local policeman for many years. Bob’s beloved wife, Kath and daughter, Sue organised a beautiful funeral ceremony which included a Police Tribute and Ode. The ceremony was held in Coffs Harbour on Monday 7th August 2023. I met with the family, and discussed…

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02 Aug 2023 | Ceremonies

David Leaves the Clubhouse

I met David about 16 years ago when he took my son under his wing to train him as a pilot. My son got his pilot’s licence before he got his driver’s licence! David and Heather were also good friends to my mum and dad. I had regular chats over…

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AI and Celebrants

01 Aug 2023 | Celebrants

Celebrants and AI

Artificial Intelligence. It’s easy. Writing ceremonies, writing poetry… why not use AI, Artificial Intelligence? It’s easy, it’s quick. At The National Celebrants Network Conference on Saturday in Melbourne, I listened to a delightful celebrant and speaker, Scott Broadbridge-Brown. Scott’s a lover of technology and spoke with clarity and ease about…

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22 Jul 2023 | Ceremonies

Life’s Prayer

Life’s Prayer… calling you home. Often I will craft a special poem or blessing for a family when they are seeking special words that really speak to them of their beloved who has died. I met with the family of the late Shane Webster and they were looking for a…

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20 Jul 2023 | Celebrants

Come, write with me

Kathrine Fraser, from The Celebrant School—Te Wänanga Korowai Aroha  (New Zealand) has invited me back to guide another series of Writing sessions for celebrants. Kathrine writes, “Back by popular demand, this writing series particularly appeals to practising celebrants wanting to expand their creativity and ability to respond to the stories…

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