These past few weeks have carried me across familiar landscapes and into new ones, winding roads, bookshop corners, warm conversations, and the unexpected magic that unfolds when a story finds its way into someone else’s hands.
Traveling through New South Wales for my book launch brought many of these moments to life. Some of you I met in person, some old friends, some new ones, brief exchanges that felt both grounding and uplifting. Others I hold in mind and heart from afar, knowing we’re connected in quieter ways.
As I look back on this journey, a few scenes linger: the warmth of conversations that wandered from belonging to creativity to what it means to start anew at any age.
These are small things, and yet they stay with me.
At this time of year, I’ve been thinking a lot about pace, the world’s and my own. Many people are planning for 2026, mapping out goals, targets, and timelines. I’ve been listening inward instead, noticing what kind of year I hope to step into.
What keeps rising is this:
I want the year ahead to move with ease, shaped by satisfaction, wellbeing, and quiet joy rather than hurry or striving.
Not every season asks us to accelerate.
Some invite us to soften, to follow a more natural rhythm, to trust the gentle unfolding of things.
A few words came to me along the way:
Not every path asks for urgency.
Some unfold like dawn —
slow, steady,
arriving
in their own
time.
Below are some moments from the journey, windows into the road, the gatherings, and the places where this book has begun to find its own life.
Umina Beach Book Nook Launch
Umina Beach Book Noock book signing and conversations.
Marritree Art, Books & Music, Witchcliffe, with Miranda – celebrating
Marritree – Book launch speech
At Marritree – a special moment in a special place
At Marritree – paused with the book in their hands
Book display at Marritree Art, Books & Music, Witchcliffe
At Marritree – book signing
Thank you for being part of my journey, whether through reading the book, offering a kind word, attending an event, or simply holding curiosity for this work. Every connection matters.
With warm wishes,
Ruth
Flow-Inspired Creations — Where belonging begins within