Catherine Greer's Blog, page 5
January 12, 2019
Playing Big and Playing Small
Happy Sunday!
I love this image shot by George Caddy in the 1930s on Bondi Beach. It’s a local gymnastics club doing Beach-obatics. Doesn’t it make you LOVE Australians?? Me too.
It makes me think about playing big and playing small. I’ve been considering it a lot lately, because if you’ve been following along, you know that I’m launching my debut novel in March.
This means I can celebrate! I achieved a dream I’ve had since I was a little girl. (By the way, my book is beautiful inside and out! Penguin did such an incredible job of the design. Here’s a sneak peek of the internal pages while I was editing a few months ago…)
It also means that everyone is allowed to have a public opinion of my work. Some people will love my book. Some won’t. Some may make valid points about what I could have done better. Some people may just be unkind. And it will all happen in public, for everyone to see and comment on.
Can you imagine that? Getting a 3-star rating when you speak at a meeting? Getting 5-stars for your dinner party, or 2-stars for your parenting? And it’s out there, in public?? Whew!
But my feeling is this: I’m a beginner, and I’m doing the best I can. So here’s what I’m learning in my fifties, my friends! It’s time to grow and let my life get bigger. It’s scary, but it’s also time. Just asking…is it time for you to get bigger, too?
Are you with me? Let’s not apologise for the size of anything.
Our bodies.
Our needs.
Our dreams.
Our attempts, which are definitely not going to be perfect.
This year, let’s not spend a single second being quiet so we don’t irritate people. Let’s not match the size of our lives to the size of someone else’s expectations of us.
And even if there’s criticism (especially when there’s criticism!), let’s keep going.
Let’s continue to shine.
Enjoy your weekend, and be fun to live with!
Love Catherine x
PS.
LOVE LIE REPEAT is out 5 March and available for pre-order! (Pre-orders help so much…they tell a publisher how popular a book will be!) In Australia, ask your local bookshop — my favourite is Beachside Bookshop in Avalon or online at Booktopia or Readings or Dymocks. Rest of the world, use Book Depository for free worldwide shipping. Thank you, thank you! I appreciate having you cheer me on…
January 5, 2019
There's Something I Haven't Told You...
Hi, everyone!
It’s time to let you in on some exciting news.
Eighteen months ago, I signed a book deal with Penguin Random House. It’s been my dream to write a novel since I was a little girl, and finally, in the middle of my life, I decided it was time to step out and try.
LOVE LIE REPEAT hits bookshops in 8 weeks — March 5th! (Available overseas via book depository & amazon kindle)
What’s my book about?I’m intrigued by strong women, and I wanted to write about beauty and power. (A long time ago, I wrote my Master’s thesis on Feminine Vitality in the stories of F. Scott Fitzgerald.)
LOVE LIE REPEAT is about mothers and daughters, the pressure to be perfect, and why we hurt the people we love. It’s set in the upper north shore of Sydney, full of private schools and privilege, opportunity and competition, love and disappointment…and what that does to women and girls.
People are saying it’s “lush and chilling” .… “gorgeous and biting” ,.. “powerful and shocking and completely unputdownable.”
I hope you think so, too!
A publisher at Penguin said, “LOVE LIE REPEAT is your love song to Sydney.” It’s also my love song to the Pacific Northwest, where I used to live. And it’s a tribute to Margaret Atwood, whose poem ‘Siren Song’ inspired the book.
We’re all more than we seem…You’ve known me as a happiness blogger and a children’s author; some of you know me as a teacher and book coach for my online class, How To Write Your Book This Year.
But like you, I’m more. I’m also a writer of juicy family dramas, thrillers with the twists & without the gore — psychological suspense novels. I write about beauty, power, deceit and redemption. And I do it all on my patio, with my laptop and my dog and a good cup of coffee.
So how does this relate to you?If I can move toward my dream in the middle of my life, so can you. I want to be an example of what’s possible for all of us, especially if we remember this:
Thanks so very much for sharing in my good news! All writers need fabulous readers, and I’m so grateful for your encouragement and support.
Happy Sunday! I hope you find a way to take the first step towards making your dreams come true.
Love Catherine x
PS.
Pre-orders help authors so much! It means publishers know how popular a book will be. You’ll get your copy of LOVE LIE REPEAT in just 8 weeks, March 5th. Preorder here on book depository for worldwide delivery, here on booktopia, here on amazon in Australia, here on amazon Kindle. Thank you so much for your support!
Want to write your own book this year? It’s not too late to join my online class. Fabulous students — all beginners. You’re so welcome! I can send you the replay for our first class; there’s four to come. Learn more.
There's Something I Haven't Told You... (cover reveal!)
Hi, everyone!
It’s time to let you in on some exciting news.
Eighteen months ago, I signed a book deal with Penguin Random House. It’s been my dream to write a novel since I was a little girl, and finally, in the middle of my life, I decided it was time to step out and try.
LOVE LIE REPEAT hits bookshops in 8 weeks — March 5th! (Available overseas via book depository & amazon kindle)
What’s my book about?I’m intrigued by strong women, and I wanted to write about beauty and power. (A long time ago, I wrote my Master’s thesis on Feminine Vitality in the stories of F. Scott Fitzgerald.)
LOVE LIE REPEAT is about mothers and daughters, the pressure to be perfect, and why we hurt the people we love. It’s set in the upper north shore of Sydney, full of private schools and privilege, opportunity and competition, love and disappointment…and what that does to women and girls.
People are saying it’s “lush and chilling” .… “gorgeous and biting” ,.. “powerful and shocking and completely unputdownable.”
I hope you think so, too!
A publisher at Penguin said, “LOVE LIE REPEAT is your love song to Sydney.” It’s also my love song to the Pacific Northwest, where I used to live. And it’s a tribute to Margaret Atwood, whose poem ‘Siren Song’ inspired the book.
We’re all more than we seem…You’ve known me as a happiness blogger and a children’s author; some of you know me as a teacher and book coach for my online class, How To Write Your Book This Year.
But like you, I’m more. I’m also a writer of juicy family dramas, thrillers with the twists & without the gore — psychological suspense novels. I write about beauty, power, deceit and redemption. And I do it all on my patio, with my laptop and my dog and a good cup of coffee.
So how does this relate to you?If I can move toward my dream in the middle of my life, so can you. I want to be an example of what’s possible for all of us, especially if we remember this:
Thanks so very much for sharing in my good news! All writers need fabulous readers, and I’m so grateful for your encouragement and support.
Happy Sunday! I hope you find a way to take the first step towards making your dreams come true.
Love Catherine x
PS.
Pre-orders help authors so much! It means publishers know how popular a book will be. You’ll get your copy of LOVE LIE REPEAT in just 8 weeks, March 5th. Preorder here on book depository for worldwide delivery, here on booktopia, here on amazon in Australia, here on amazon Kindle. Thank you so much for your support!
Want to write your own book this year? It’s not too late to join my online class. Fabulous students — all beginners. You’re so welcome! I can send you the replay for our first class; there’s four to come. Learn more.
December 29, 2018
Being Beautiful (Not Perfect) in 2019
Soak up this quote for a moment, on the cusp of heading into the new year.
Make beautiful things (not perfect things).
Add in.
Not take away.
I always think that New Year’s resolutions are mostly about stopping a lot of stuff (eating, drinking, Netflix-ing). But consider this: maybe 2019 is your year to add something to your life.
Be a beginner.
Start something.
Seek that dream.
Try what we’re afraid to attempt.
Reach a little.
Be a producer, not a consumer…and a cheerleader, not a critic of people who are busy creating.
Instead of continually taking things away from your life, think about one thing you can add in.
Me? I’m adding in a dance class with my husband. Finally! The last one we took together was before we were married, 22 years ago. I’ll keep you posted on how it turns out. (Scared, I need shoes, will it be hard? Help….!!)
Happy New Year, everybody! In 2019, may you get busy adding in … and making some (imperfect) dreams come true.
Love, Catherine x
PS. I’m teaching beginners to write their books (novels, children’s novels AND non-fiction books)! My 5-week online course starts 2 January. You can take the class live — Wednesdays in North America, Thursdays in Australia — or watch the replays. More info here!
December 22, 2018
Holiday Goodies Just For You!
I’m sending holiday good cheer around the world to you this morning! (My family’s sleeping in from our late night Monopoly marathon; I’m up with my early morning coffee, admiring our tree.)
Anticipation brings joy, and I truly believe that you can have maximum fun with minimum effort, so for you — my list of holiday goodies to enjoy.
For families — Christmas Camp Out
We started Christmas Camp Out when the boys were little and budgets were tight. We’re still going, 15 years later. On December 23, the kids open their Christmas pjs, then they drag sleeping bags under the tree and have an indoor camp out. Late night stories, lots of laughs. It was THRILLING for 3 year olds to sleep under the tree, and honestly — teenagers still love it.
Take a walk — alone or together
For us, it’s a big bush walk. Walking is the perfect way to de-stress, to think about what you love, and to get your body moving. My teens chose a bush walk that was 3 kilometres down a cliff and 3 kilometres back up. Not kidding you. I’m sore this morning! Wherever you are today, take a walk and appreciate how beautiful the world is.
3. Enjoy your holiday treats
We all have a few holiday treats we love. For us, it’s old-fashioned Coconut Ice and Rum Balls at Christmas.
I use this recipe for Coconut Ice, and I always make Vancouver chef Diane Clement’s rum balls.
4. Always this: gratitude.
Because no matter what we’re facing this holiday — and I know, we rarely share the absolute hard stuff but we ALL have it happening — we need to take a little time to appreciate our lives. The old cliche is true:
5. Friends and family: reach out!
A one minute text message, a photo sent, a call, a hug, a minute to really listen. Give the gift of your attention. We can all do more of this. My big sister, Cookie, always says: “Is there a piano tied to your keister??” which makes me laugh every time. So unless there’s a piano tied to you, you can easily reach out to someone. We all can.
From me and my (tall) family, Happy Holidays. It’s an absolute privilege to say hello every week. Thank you for reading!
Thank you for being lovely.
Love, Catherine x
(We need to work out using the timer! But here we are…love from my family to you!)
December 15, 2018
You're Doing Better Than You Think You Are
As the year draws to a close, are you distracted by what you didn’t get done?
When I start down that road, I also begin comparing myself to other people…
Instagram.
Facebook.
Friends and colleagues in real life.
Sometimes we come up ahead, and sometimes behind. Often we think, “I’m so thankful I didn’t have to walk through THAT!” and often — if we’re honest — we also think, “Where’s MY good thing? When is MINE coming?”
But here’s the deal: comparison is the thief of joy, as Teddy Roosevelt famously said.
And I will add this:
This is the season to be jolly, not to blame yourself for things you didn’t get done. Life is twisty and some things take time; we don’t always know why events unfold as they do. My wish for all of us right now is this…
Slow down.
Enjoy.
It’s okay to take your time. It’s okay to let things unfold. And remember: you’re doing better than you think you are.
I love this quote from Morgan Harper Nichols:
So as the year ends, let’s enjoy it. Let’s celebrate. Blooming ever-so-slowly is still just fine.
Love, Catherine
P.S.
It’s almost finished Jacaranda Snow-ing in Sydney! Kerri from Adelaide @asqueezeoflemon sent me this beautiful Jacaranda Snow photo! Thanks, Kerri!
If you’ve read the Notes to my picture book, Jacaranda Snow, you’ll know that jacaranda seedlings were given to new mums in Australia when they left hospital, and that’s why we have so many beautiful jacaranda trees. This week, a lovely fan of the book emailed me to tell me that jacarandas were also given to young birth mothers at adoption. I love Australia and our jacaranda kids. (If your local library or school library doesn’t have Jacaranda Snow yet, please ask them to carry it! It’s so important for our history.)
December 8, 2018
One Genius Way to Feel Fabulous in December
Love these Christmas hats at my favourite local cafe…
It’s holiday season here in Sydney and it’s a beautiful 30 degrees today. I’m looking forward to hopping in the pool with the family, then putting on a glamorous dress for a friend’s Christmas party.
But first, I wanted to give something to all of you: my new favourite way to enjoy Christmas. This tip comes via my sister! And she’s so right.
I get to wrap presents.
I get to bake for the people I love.
I get to shop.
I get to go to parties, and I get to put on a fancy dress.
Really, we’re all so lucky just to be here.
Enjoy your weekend, everyone. Have some fun and be fun to live with!
Love Catherine x
PS.
Last year’s gingerbread houses are here!
If you need a pep talk today, revisit how to talk to yourself, advice from Mummyville, when to take it on and when to let go, how to be the CEO of our thoughts, lessons for tired people-pleasers and my favourite, all purpose, best most helpful question to ask anywhere, anytime.
December 1, 2018
About Car Wreckers and Christmas...
Sometimes people say to me, “Catherine, are you really so happy ALL the time?” The answer is no. Not always.
Take last night, when I arrived back at the train station carpark to find that someone had left me a little present.
No note, no contact details, just the damage.
For me, a costly insurance deductible to pay; for them, probably guilt and fear, and having to carry the weight of doing something wrong. It wasn’t good for either of us…the person who got away or the one left holding the problem.
But here’s the thing. When bad stuff happens to us, we have a choice. Mine is always this:
My Canadian sister visited me in November, and she says it another way. I love her image, too:
I’m going to dropthat bag of rocks.Because why carry it?
Why spend time watering and carrying something that won’t respond to your energy? The car door is damaged. The relationship is over. The deal didn’t go through.
Flip the bad into good. Here’s how I do it: years ago, I decided that when bad things happen to me, I will respond by pouring some good into the world. It doesn’t have to be equal in value or size. (My car door gets wrecked; I bake a surprise cake for my neighbour.) Replacing the bad with some good — with something I have control over — always makes me feel better. It’s become my Go-To response to trouble and bad news.
Whatever disappointment you’re facing, small like my car or big and scary, maybe try putting some good back into the world. You’ll drop the rocks, travel lighter, and feel a little better.
Right? Right.
So today I’ve been thinking about this: the tree’s up and it’s three weeks until we get to celebrate with the people we love!
Enjoy your weekend, everyone. There’s so much to appreciate in December!
Love Catherine x
PS.
New to my blog? Did a friend forward you this email? Sign up for weekly happiness here.
If you’re in Sydney, I hope you visit the Queen Victoria Building’s crystal tree (above) — three storeys high and so pretty!
And here’s a wintry sunset from my sister in Saskatchewan, Canada. Isn’t it gorgeous?
November 24, 2018
One Minute Happiness
Happy Thanksgiving! I missed our Canadian holiday this year, so I’m jumping in with the Americans. Generally, I go where the party is.
In honour of this beautiful American and Canadian tradition (celebrated in November and October, respectively), I’m making pumpkin pie and roasting turkey.
And I’m slowing down and getting grateful.
Want to know my ‘One Minute To Happiness’ Trick?
STOP.
Imagine plucking all the problems from your life. Set them aside (just for a moment).
What’s left?
Be thankful for it.
What’s always left, when I pull out the problems?
People to love.
Warm beds.
A roof, food, books, board games, libraries, fresh air, clean water. Our ability to choose our thoughts.
When I pluck out my problems and get back to basics, happiness always comes to me in one minute flat.
Enjoy your thanks and your giving today!
Sending love around the world from Australia,
Catherine x
PS.
See & listen to the String Quintet in our music room playing ‘Jacaranda Snow.’ The piano score is printed in my new picture book!
Jacarandas are busy snowing in Sydney, and everywhere I go I’m hearing stories of kids who’ve read and loved my picture book OR from people who were jacaranda babies. It’s not too late to get Jacaranda Snow for someone you love! Overseas buyers can purchase here; Aussie buyers please purchase here. Thank you for your support! The entire project has been a labour of love. Helene Magisson’s illustrations are gorgeous, Alex Lau’s music is divine and Educalme’s FREE online growth mindset course is amazing,
November 17, 2018
The Best Berry Shortbread Cookies
What’s better than family and holidays and cookies?
Yum.
You’ll definitely want to make these Raspberry Almond Cookies with White Chocolate Drizzle. Last year I made them for my publisher and carried them on the train. On that commute, strangers gazed at my cookies longingly. I made a blog-friend, shared the recipe with everyone, and became the most celebrated author in the city — ha ha!
Now you can, too.
And it’s quick and easy!
Whip up the dough in your mixer, thumbprint the cookies and fill with raspberry jam.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, cool and drizzle with white chocolate. The secret is to fill a ziplock bag with melted chocolate and snip off the end. It’ll give you more control as you decorate.
The recipe is here, from last year!
Enjoy — these cookies are perfect for Christmas and as giveaways that everyone loves. It will take you less than an hour to whip up a batch.
You are so welcome!
Love Catherine x
PS.
In Sydney it’s Jacaranda Snow-ing — purple snow everywhere! I finished my book launches for JACARANDA SNOW this week. Thank you for supporting this beautiful project. (Books available here and in good bookshops in Australia).
And for anyone who’s ever asked me about writing a picture book, I pulled together all the information you’ll need in this quick, comprehensive How To e-book, available now! You can find it here. It’s a clear, quick, no-nonsense guide.
