14 Jan 2025 | Ceremonies

From Warrior to Elder

I received an inquiry online today: “I’m wondering if you’ll be hosting any upcoming elderhood weekends. I’ve done the … boyhood-to-manhood rite of passage, among other things. However, strangely enough, while they have an elder community, no one has as of yet come up with a warrior-to-elder rite of passage…

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Paddle Out

10 Jan 2025 | Funerals, Death and Dying, End of Life Planning

Time to Mourn by the Sea

‘After the unexpected death of my teenaged daughter’s biological father, with whom we’d had very little contact for several years, I asked Wendy to support us in a ceremony to acknowledge the importance of the event and help us to grieve. I had imagined something reverent and ceremonial, perhaps with…

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06 Jan 2025 | Funerals, Death and Dying, End of Life Planning

In Memory of Owen Larsen

Owen was a man of stories and contradictions—a fiercely proud father, grandfather and great grandfather, a passionate enthusiast of horseracing, a skilled builder, and an unapologetically particular man with a sharp wit. Words of Remembrance “Owen was deeply proud of his family, even if he didn’t always show it in…

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04 Jan 2025 | Funerals, Death and Dying, End of Life Planning

Betty’s Garden

“Bet’s passing marks the end of an era for your family. It is a profound transition, as Nev and Bet have been the centre around which your lives have revolved for so long. The absence of Bet signals the beginning of a new chapter for all of you. May you…

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10 Nov 2024 | Funerals, Death and Dying, End of Life Planning

I am I, You are You.

Death is … A family recently chose this poem by Henry Scott-Holland to read at their son’s funeral. Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room. Nothing has happened. Everything remains exactly as it was. I am I, and you…

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30 Jul 2024 | Funerals, Death and Dying, End of Life Planning

Dying to Know Day

Death and Dying Expo ‘Talking about sex won’t make you pregnant, and talking about death won’t make you dead.’ Bringing together local industry experts in the End Of Life Field on Sunday 4th August 2024, 9am-1pm at Woopi Gardens Talking about death doesn’t have to be morbid. Rani Foreman (End Of Life…

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26 Jul 2024 | Funerals, Death and Dying, End of Life Planning

Farewell Glynn

There were many stories when I met with David and Sarah last week at their home. Naturally there were both tears and laughter as they shared stories of their beautiful son, Glynn. Grief moves through the many layers of emotions: one minute crying, the next minute laughing. Waking up and…

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25 Jul 2024 | Poetry

Strength and Courage

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. Lao Tzu     I wrote this poem after reflecting upon the vows we make to each other.   For Better, For Worse I marry you Knowing That you will die Or leave; Or, that…

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07 Jul 2024 | Poetry

Ventures Wild

I’ve been writing a few ceremony poems lately for couples and families. This one captured a whole story in a few lines which family and friends enjoyed.   “I’d like to share a very short reading, a poem; it’s called:   Ventures Wild Weekends planning, holidays packed. Cars, bikes, kayaks,…

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02 Jul 2024 | Funerals, Death and Dying, End of Life Planning

Falling Leaves

Three in Transition by David IgnatowI wish I understood the beautyin leaves falling. To whomare we beautifulas we go?I lie in the fieldstill, absorbing the starsand silently throwing offtheir presence. SilentlyI breathe and dieby turns.He was ripeand fell to the groundfrom a boughout where the windis freeof the branches A…

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