Roots

Born in rural Australia in the 60’s, I had a happy, noisy, simple upbringing in an environment which would  be considered these days to be a sort of unintentional utopian organic style; driven by practicality more than ethic.

Ethic came out of the Christian values of my parents, who held fairly uncomplicated  values focussed on developing good character in their children and living well themselves.

Life lessons were more caught than taught in our family, and I may have had a tendency to drop a few catches. It seemed that drawing the connection between my choices and outcomes of my actions was often lost.

Now I have quite a penchant for discovering and sharing practical steps to wisdom and ‘joining the dots’ so that others may not need to repeat the lesson constantly as I have done.

Family and Friends

Although quiet and unassuming, I believe my husband Phil is one in a gazillion. He exudes the good stuff without strutting it.  Together we have 4 girls, 4 sons in law, 1 son, 4 grandsons and 4 granddaughters! We share an extended family of about 60 people and love that.

We have a few close friends and many aquaintances all of whom matter. In as much as Im able, I live at peace and to bless each of my relationships.

Persona

I’m an extravert, a fun lover, a curious discoverer, an intrepid soul explorer, naturally choleric but eventually quite gracious. I’m boots and all in my pursuit of what I commit to and creating and upgrading relationships would be my biggest passion and most extravagant investment.

The primary persona I’ve developed is the nurturing, teaching, encouraging mother. You’ll see her, I imagine in every post.

Training

My training is as a mental health nurse and therapist. I’ve worked and learned , growing in knowledge and practical application for 35 years. I’ve worked in public and private settings and been involved both as a group and individual therapist. Like most in my profession, I’m sure there was an aspect of yearning for self-discovery present when I decided on psychology as a career pathway.

I have also had training in the Church, once again mostly caught rather than formally taught. I’ve been a team player, and led playgroup, children’s ministries, teens ministries, women’s ministries and small groups. I’ve participated in Church oversight and retreats for special groups. I’ve learned much about the Spiritual context of behaviour and relationship.