Hello from beautiful, sunny Sydney!
Yesterday I attended an event at the Museum of Contemporary Art, and this is the view from the outside deck: our beloved Opera House, iconic and forever beautiful. In fact, the opening of my new novel takes place on the steps of the Sydney Opera House at dawn.
People asked me yesterday, what does it take to write a book? And I started to answer this:
Love and patience.
Self-belief.
A willingness to keep at it, day after day, whether things are going well or not.
Thick skin. An acknowlegement that you’ll put your voice into the world and be told it’s “Wonderful!” and “Terrible!” over and over and over.
But this is what you’re already doing now. Writing a book or any big project takes the qualities you’re also using in your own life when you love people.
Your family, for example, takes love and patience, self-belief that you’re doing a good job, and a willingness to keep at it when you’re not. It takes guts to love your people, and courage to keep loving when things aren’t perfect.
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately because we all have dreams that feel hard.
You do. I do.
But here’s what I believe: loving anyone or anything is hard — but it’s also worth it. And you’re already doing it.
So…
If you have a dream in this third act of your life (improve family relationships, make or do something new, find like-minded friends, be willing to make a change), the key is always love.
Be kind to yourself.
Turn your “I shoulds” into more curious and loving “I coulds.”
And have a go, my friend. See where that takes you.
Love, Catherine x
P.S. The fun stuff!
Can we talk about this book? If you’re in your third act, it’s amazing. I started reading it and immediately got my husband to buy his own copy so we could discuss. WOW. It’s about legacy, career transitions, living with purpose and planning our lives post-50.
Cardamom Tres Leches cake. I love cardamom — my favourite spice. This looks divine.
A Latina friend showed me the best, easy concealer for under-eye circles. Love this one. Comes in five colours, so you’ll have to give it a try in store to get the right shade for you.
The prettiest vegetarian zucchini pie for a girlfriend lunch. Wow.
Cute new sneakers for summer — with skirts and dresses. I love these! So comfy and great for wide feet.