38 Comments

So many dreadful things are happening in this world, both far away and uncomfortably close.

Writing affords us an escape from these wobbly times, and reading helps us understand it.

Thank you for sitting down and writing your thoughts, Natasha, I’m glad it helped you because it helped me too 🌻

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Yes, words, reading, thinking, reflecting; all of those things help us get through times like these. I'm glad these words meant something. Thank you for letting me know.

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I'm on lunch and have tears running down my face. It's so sad for all this terrible loss from someone who was very unwell in the mind, no excuses, but sad. I'm happy your daughter is OK.

I'm also sending hugs for the loss of your Dad you are in my heart and mind! I still miss my Dad one year on, so be kind to yourself in this grieving process 🙏 💞.

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Such a sad, awful weekend. May 2024 bring us a little joy to balance out all the other terrible things happening right now.

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Thank you for this beautiful and thoughtful post. I am very sorry for your loss. Your father is still in the house; he is just in another room. And he lives in you and yours.

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What a lovely sentiment. Thank you for sharing it with me.

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Natasha I'm so sorry to hear the passing of your beloved father. I've lost both of my parents. So I know that gut feeling that is just awful. Take time for yourself now, because now is the time for you to heal in your mind and in your heart. I liked reading your newsletter. Wow I feel so sorry for the people in Sydney. I see you taking small steps like putting out your newsletter and that's great. I like the title of your new book and I can't wait to read it.

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Thank you, Kay. You're right, every small step is important, as is the time to just do nothing and grieve a little. I'm glad I have such a lovely community around me here to help me with both.

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Sending you so much love. Losing a parent in your 40s is one of the strangest most empty places I've been, even now over seven years later. Holding you and your dad in my heart xx

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Thank you. xx

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"... there is never any end to love." Gosh, I love this, Natasha! Love. And that's where Dad is, loving you from a place not far away. Big hugs to you. Losing a parent leaves a strange emptiness I've found.

I do love the title of the new book. It's a beauty.

Big love ... go gentle, allow yourself to feel the love from your loved ones hugs as well as giving it. Great hugs are one of the best things in life, me thinks. xx

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Thank you as always for your beautiful comment!

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Thinking of you and your family Natasha x

Also, I finished Astrid Bricard yesterday and absolutely loved it! It has taken me a little while to get to it as I have a small baby now, but it was well worth the wait. I even forwent sleep so I could read it! Thank you for providing us with such joy- it’s something we can all do with a bit more of these days.

Needless to say I am very excited about The Mademoiselle Alliance :)

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Congratulations on the baby, Matilda, that's wonderful news!

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The mass killing in the shopping center was scary and terrible and very unusual in your part of the world. Unfortunately, here in the U.S., such killings are more frequent, and the killers are more apt to be using guns. I'm glad you included this atrocity in your blog. One of my favorite books is Shelter on Place by Nora Roberts. She deals with the long-term effects of a mass shooting in a shopping center on the survivors and the relatives of the victims.

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Yes, I'm so glad we don't have access to guns as easily here. It could have been so much worse.

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There are so many sources of inspiration in this piece Natasha - thank you for writing it xxx

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And thank you for our gorgeous dinner last night!

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Always so good to see you xx

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Love that new book title!

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Thanks Sarah! x

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I am very sorry for your loss Natasha. Expected or not - as we have discovered this week, is absolutely tragic. Take care, one day at a time and sometimes it's one hour at a time. That's ok .

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Thanks Kirsty.

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As a mother my heart breaks for the mothers who have lost loved ones in Bondi on Saturday. The baby that was injured and has lost her Mother is something that haunts me still. My thoughts and prayers are with these families. My condolences to you on the loss of your Father. On a lighter note the stack of books you showed us on social media has inspired me to read even more. I am half way through The Other Bridget and I just bought The Engraver’s Secret. Keep spreading hope through your writing and book recommendations and no need to apologise for it. We all need Hope especially when something shocking happens. Take care xx Michelle B

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It is such a tragedy for that poor baby, who will never know its mother because of one random and terrible act of violence. I can't imagine growing up knowing that was how my mother was killed.

But in better news, I'm so glad that reading has been a source of contentment for you, and I'm especially happy to hear that you've been enjoying those two books by amazing Australian authors. Thank you for reading and supporting all of us.

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My goodness! You have had much going on. Breathe. Make space. Let go.

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Such good advice, thanks Helen.

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Dear Natasha

As I read this in my lunch break at the retail store I’m employed in I have no words but complete sadness for all those people directly and indirectly affected by such a tragic afternoon. Life is so precious and we must liive and love like there is no tomorrow.

Thankfully there is good in many humans and I do take comfort in knowing that..

I am so sorry for your loss and send you a big warm hug and hope that you find peace in knowing he has gone to a peaceful place to rest and love you and your family from above.. take care Natasha

Sonya D xx

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I feel for all the retail workers going to work today. I think the effects of Saturday's violence have rippled out far and wide and made so many of us stop and gather close everyone we love. I hope you were able to get through your day. Thank you also for your kind words.

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Oh Natasha, this newsletter is truly moving. You voiced what many mothers would be feeling. Thank you for your vulnerability. Sorry for your loss

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Thank you, Pauline. It was one of those occasions when I sat down and the words just spilled out.

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Condolences for the loss of your Dad.

The world is a crazy place but we can't live in fear.

Love the new books title and can't wait to get my hands on it. Wishing you all the best.

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No, we can't live in fear. But I think many people will be very cautious stepping out into the world over the next few days.

And thank you - I'm happy to hear that you like the book title.

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