This week’s Sparks of Joy #14

This week’s Sparks of Joy #14 post is about being a proud Nan, Customer Service (yes, it does exist), Colour, Food and the Joy of Giving. As Min is still grieving the loss of her Mum, Deb from Deb’s World and I are again working as #TeamWWWhimsy and hosting the linkup on Min’s behalf.

As you read my post, Mike and I are enjoying a brief 5 night getaway to Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland. It is a beach holiday so lots of walking, reading and just enjoying some quality time together away from every day life.

This week’s Sparks of Joy #14

Being a Proud Nan

Mike and I are in Caloundra as I mentioned and on our first day away, I received some very exciting news from my grandson, Ethan. He recently told me he was putting his nomination forward to be House Captain at school in 2025. He will be in Grade 6 which I cannot believe! There are about 10 other nominees and each had to write an application explaining why they thought they should be given the role plus give a 2 minute speech in front of around 100 peers. I didn’t think Ethan would do it but he backed himself and I was proud he had that self-confidence to put himself forward depsite the outcome.

This was his message to me and my reply:

A tech breakthrough with excellent Customer Service

Mike recently purchased me an ipad and I convinced him to buy one for himself as well. Unfortunately mine got stuck setting it up despite reading all the ‘how to information’, including trying to restore factory settings, it just wouldn’t budge past a certain point. A trip to the Apple store restored our faith in customer service. We were helped by three staff members. One who welcomed us and set up an appointment with a technician. The technical guy, Gabriel who fixed the problem in no time and helped me set everything up. Before leaving, Mike was looking for a USB cable and we met another staff member and trainer, Ken. Ken was around our age and provided so much helpful information, Mike and I now feel we are Apple Gurus. Ken also told us about free training events in store which Mike and I will definitely book in for.

Both Mike and I feel much more confident and we saved so much time just going into the store rather than trying to spend hours figuring it out for ourselves.

Festive gifts

Our Groovy Grans group met for the last catch-up for 2024. We have been meeting every 4-6 weeks for the last year and it is always a joy to meet for lunch and chat. We met because our grandchildren went to the same primary school and the boys have now moved on together to another school. I didn’t really know them well at the time but they have become good friends.

As we are heading into the Festive Season, I received these two thoughtful yet simple to assemble gifts. I will be making these Lindt Ball wreaths. All you need is some festive ribbon and cellophane , Lindt balls and some holly. A gift especially for those who you just want to bring a little festive joy to. I’ll share my efforts in a future post.

My new colourful dress

Recently, I was scrolling through Facebook and saw a sponsored post for clothing. The Melbourne company was supposedly clothing down so were offering a buy 1, get one free. I took advantage of the offer and selected one in Orange and one in Black. My intention was to give my daughter one, but alas, it was too big for her petite frame. So now, I have scored two dresses.

They are so comfortable and for a couple of lunch dates I wore the Orange dress to brighten up a dully, rainy week. I paired it with some wooden beads and wooden earrings from Sussan and my caramel coloured sandals that I’ve had for a few years. The addition of my handbag lifted the outfit.

Share the Dignity update

I’m just loving being part of this wonderful volunteering group and Mike has been caught up in the excitement as well. He has been helping me collect and check all the bags and it has certainly educated him about the situation of vulnerable women and girls. He is a ‘Secret Super Hero’ caught up in the Pink Fever and I think next year he will become a full on Hero himself.

I was able to complete and provide 3 adult bags, 12 teen bags and 4 mums & bubs bags for immediate delivery to one of the charities. I still have 39 Adult bags ready to go with one more collection by me due 4th December. I added some little notes of encouragement to each of the bags and my heart just fills with joy, knowing that someone will receive a bag and hopefully feel supported and cared for.

There is still time but the drive closes on 1st December. Here is the reaction from a past recipient.

“I received one of the Share the Dignity It’s in the Bags for Christmas a few years ago when I was 16 and at risk of homelessness. I’ll never forget how it made me feel, it made that Christmas the first one in YEARS I felt cared about.”

Sharing a lunch platter with my darling

Mike and I went for a quick lunch at the local Leagues Club and decided to select a few entrees and share them. We have done this twice now and enjoyed both of our selections.

What has brought you joy this week? I’d love you to share with me and spread the joy.

Come link up with us at #WWWhimsy and don’t be put off by the error message, just click on the ‘Visit Link Party’ button.

Women Living Well After 50

Living Life Your Way