It’s been a while, life is just as crazy as ever, but I have also been working on my new writing project, which has been taking up a lot of my time and I have to say I like the way it's taking shape. It is completely different to the writing that I have done thus far, much lighter, more frivolous but still with a definite message. It is good for all adult ages as I hope that some of the stories, advice, etc., can be useful to the younger generations, maybe they can learn something new from our vast life experience. I also wish it to be inspirational, it will hopefully be out later this year, watch this space…
Whilst my intention is for this to be a fun novelty book packed with advice and funny stories I also want it to show that age really is just a number and that fundamentally we don’t change, that we are all still valid and have a valuable role to play in society. I do feel that as we age we often become invisible, and I don’t like that, after all we do have a wealth of knowledge and life experiences to impart.
There is still time, if you wish, to be a part of it, you can remain anonymous if you prefer. If you are over 60 and have some advice to give or a story to tell of how life has improved/changed since you have reached this milestone age or retired and you would like to share that with others, then I’m interested! Please get in touch on jan.author.books@gmail.com - thank you so much to those who have already contributed.
Songs of Motherhood Volume II – I am delighted to have been a part of this amazing project curated by Roberta Azzopardi. “Every Mother’s Story deserves to be sung.” This lovely books gives Mother’s a voice whether that is a voice of joy or pain. This book is written in English and Maltese and is available locally from words.com.mt and makes an ideal gift. I love the fact that my daughter, Rebecca and I, are published in this book together. If anyone in the UK would like a copy please let me know and I will happily get one for you.
Women’s stories need to be heard which is why I started writing in the first place – it is said that if you heal yourself you heal your whole female lineage! When you take a stand you are not only standing up for yourself, but you are standing up for all women, if you are a regular follower of my blogs you will know that this is quite a common theme for me, it is something that I am passionate about.
Not my cup of tea: What do we mean when we say “that’s not my cup of tea?” It could be a particular thing, situation or person. If something is not your cup of tea, then quite simply it means you do not like it/them – it could literally be anything! Music is a good example. It’s a phrase I use often and as I grow older I realise that I don’t have to accept or put up with things that I do not like or that no longer serve me, instead I choose to be more discerning with my use of time. Now I know that I might not be everyone’s cup of tea myself and that‘s fine, I have learnt – the hard way – that what other people think of you is none of your business – yes, strange but true. The first time I heard this I thought how strange! Of course it’s my business if they don’t like me because then it’s my job to convince them otherwise, in any way that I can! It isn’t of course and this is often unpalatable and hard to accept but there is always going to be someone that doesn’t like you for whatever reason - you just can’t be everyone’s cup of tea - or coffee in my case!
I really love this poem by Donna Ashworth which sums it up beautifully.
YOU CAN’T BE EVERYONE’S CUP OF TEA
There will always be someone in this life who just doesn’t like you, no matter how hard you try to please them.
There will always be something that you say, or do, which causes offence or division. Whether you meant to or not.
There will always be someone who finds fault in you, your life or your words.
You may never find out why.
Please don’t waste your precious time trying to.
You can’t be everyone’s cup of tea.
Then there will be those who like you on impact.
A little fizz of energy that passes between you.
Silently, unseen, bonding.
Those people will not only like you but they will like you fiercely.
They are your people.
Whatever spare time you have, spend it on them.
You can’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but you can be someone’s first sip of a cold drink on a sunny day,
Or a warming hot chocolate when you come in from the rainy,
Or the pop of a long-awaited champagne cork,
Or a stiff shot of tequila when things go awry,
Find your people, love them hard.
Donna Ashworth
Taken from ‘To The Women’
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