It’s hard to have positive thoughts when you’re painting the hull of an 18.5 metre boat; time is running out to complete your tax return and the internet connection is as useful as a chocolate anchor.
However, while painting Rouge Corsair, it gave me time to reflect. Just lately I’ve been thinking about friends. You know, those really close friends that you can ‘be yourself’ with. These particular friends (below) are being an incredible support to me right now, as I take the plunge with publishing my next book.
So for my positive, I wanted to give a shout out for my small, close, group of mates who support me in my many, and varied escapades.
Rachel Amphlett – best-selling author. I met Rachel while travelling, we gelled slowly, but deeply. My questions and pleas for help, on writing (and some technical) questions are always answered with great detail, grace, and patience! She has a full-time job and continually publishes excellent books too. If you like fast-paced thrillers, she’s your gal!
Carole Eardman Grant – I got to know Carole through a sailing Facebook Group and we’ve actually met. We ‘clicked’ and now we administer a group on FB together – so we chat regularly. Carole has a great sense of humour and like my other friends, she keeps my feet firmly on the ground. She helps straighten me out if I go on a whinge-binge!
Anne Norris – retired traveller and woman extraordinaire. Anne came to our rescue when we did our horse-trekking, and so very quickly (and wonderfully) became part of our lives. Anne has had an incredible life travelling and surviving, she should write a book. She keeps me grounded, she doesn’t suffer fools and just knows where I am coming from. She always knows the right thing to say to me.
Julia Smallbone – spends her time helping people to create home-based businesses for themselves in the health and wellbeing marketplace. I met Julia through work – a long time ago. She always intrigues and surprises me when she reveals more of herself and how smart she is. Julia is always ready to read my emails and laugh at me when I vent, bringing me back down to earth. She’s just there for me. She makes me laugh and seeing an email from Julia in my in-box always induces a smile.
These woman are incredibly smart (and often make me wonder why they like me), and strong. They are successful, funny and self-deprecating, but most importantly (for me) not one of these woman JUDGE ME. It doesn’t matter what I’ve done with my life, what I am doing now and what I may do in the future – they’ll smile, support, laugh, cry and pick me up when necessary – and just be there.
I just wanted to say ‘thanks’.
September 21, 2014 at 7:30 pm
AAAWWwwwwww. Thank you for including me in your bonded group!! We are on the same wave length in our watery adventures past and present and I LOVE your lively enthusiasm and drive. Actually, I DO clean up fairly well and don’t always wear a mask with a grinder in my hand — just when necessary. YOu are part of MY important support group too. xxxx
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September 21, 2014 at 10:45 pm
I just had to include that picture Carole, I LOVE it! A strong woman, with determination and someone not to mess with! 😉 xxx
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September 24, 2014 at 7:31 pm
Sixteen years ago Rachel, I can’t believe it! Great memories! x
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September 24, 2014 at 7:31 pm
🙂 you are a great support to me Carole and help remind me of all the great things in my life!
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September 22, 2014 at 8:12 pm
Thank you Jackie for your lovely words 🙂 You are so inspiring and make my life better for being in it! xxxxxxx
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September 22, 2014 at 8:16 pm
🙂 oh, I am all over-come! xxx
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September 24, 2014 at 6:30 pm
Ah, this brings back memories of backpacking around Australia all those years ago! Thanks, Jackie – you’re an inspiration yourself and I look forward to hearing more about your travel escapades 🙂
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