Celebrant and regular blogger Sonia Collins shares the importance of recording your life story while you still can....... “Why would I want to tell my life story? I’m not rich or famous, no one is interested in my life”...... This is often the first response from people at workshops on recording life stories. Before I start to give them ideas why they might want to record their life stories I always ask one question – “Who in this world knows the most about your life?”
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More Blog posts can be found in the Blog Categories to the right.
More Blog posts can be found in the Blog Categories to the right.
Jun
04
Apr
28
Online ceremonies cannot replace the face to face connection we often yearn for when someone we love dies. However, while the Covid-19 and travel restrictions are in place, this style of ceremony does allow us a means to connect and engage with family and friends, locally or overseas, in a meaningful way to share stories, laughter and tears together and to say farewell.
Today’s blog is written by Celebrant, trainer, author and all round lovely lady, Wendy Haynes.
Apr
08
The Australian government has set strict limits on numbers at funerals as part of the effort to contain the Coronavirus - COVID19. There is currently a limit of 10 people at any funeral – and that includes the celebrant and the Funeral Director’s staff. (Note: since this article was written in early April, the number has increased to 10 mourners plus celebrant and FD staff - these rules are likely to continue to change over the coming months)
Social distancing must be in place so offering comfort is difficult. We all understand the reasons for these limitations but they can be very hard for families, friends and colleagues to come to terms with.
Sonia Collins - Marriage and Funeral Celebrant, regular blogger and Chairperson of The Celebrants Network, takes a look at new ways to say our last goodbyes during this current pandemic.
Jan
29
Loss and grief affect all of us. We can experience loss through the death of a family member; a relationship breakup; or the loss of a home – as we have seen so much of in the recent fires across Australia. Join Celebrant and regular blogger, Melane Lawson as she takes us through the five stages of grief.
Jul
25
DTK Day is on 8th August 2019. To quote the Dying to Know Day website "Too many of us are dying in a way not consistent with our values or wishes. Too often, we feel ill-equipped to support loved ones who are dying, caring or grieving. Dying to Know Day is designed to change this by activating conversations and curiosity."
Today’s blog is written by TCN Committee Member, Melanie Lawson. https://www.celebrations.org.au/find/celebrant-directory/2521-melanie-lawson
Jan
13
Feb
21
This week's blog is bought to you by Sonia Collins, TCN Celebrant, Guest Blogger and Host of the 'Tell Me Your Story' senior's workshop, held in conjunction with the New South Wales Seniors Festival which is taking place from February 13th – 24th. Other States hold Seniors Week at different times but the purpose of these celebrations is always similar – to celebrate Seniors and to encourage them to live healthy lives filled with enjoyable activities.
Nov
26
Funerals and memorial services provide an opportunity for family members, friends and others to gather together to honour and remember the person who died while offering comfort and support to each other.
Planning a funeral or memorial service is a highly personal process, and your decisions will be shaped by your life experiences, your relationship to the deceased, what the deceased wanted or what you desire for yourself after you die, what you can afford, and a myriad of other factors.
Whether planned after a death occurs or beforehand arranging a funeral or memorial service often proves an emotional, and sometimes exhausting, process.
Hopefully this information will help to make that process a little easier to understand.....
Sep
26
It's Time!
Spring equinox 23rd September 2017
It's officially spring....
the flowers are blooming...
new life is emerging....
Photo courtesy of The French Click
IT'S TIME to book your celebrant
If you are planning on getting married anytime in the next eighteen months (that’s how long your NOIM is valid for) then call and book your celebrant soon and get that paperwork done.
You can still get married this spring if you're quick, the Notice Of Intended Marriage (NOIM) form must be lodged with your celebrant one month before the ceremony; plenty of time still for a November wedding.
Photo courtesy of The French Click
IT'S TIME to plan your summer celebrations
Clean up the garden, pack away the winter clothes, and make your bookings for festivals, concerts, holidays, backyard BBQs and beach weddings.
Clean up the garden, pack away the winter clothes, and make your bookings for festivals, concerts, holidays, backyard BBQs and beach weddings.
Photo courtesy of The French Click
IT'S TIME to have your say on marriage equality
Interesting Fact from Wikipedia: With several countries revising their marriage laws to recognise same-sex couples in the 21st century, all major English dictionaries have revised their definition of the word marriage to either drop gender specifications or supplement them with secondary definitions to include gender-neutral language or explicit recognition of same-sex unions. The Oxford English Dictionary has recognised same-sex marriage since 2000.
Haven't Voted Yet?
Fill in and post your Vote as soon as possible and if you would like more information visit
TCN's Marriage Equality section.
Remember not to add anything other than the response required (i.e. no comments, no glitter, etc) or your survey response could be invalid.
If you’ve lost or damaged your ballot, you can request a new one from the Australian Bureau of Statistics here any time before October 20th.
IT'S TIME to begin planning the final celebration
If you plan on living your life to the end, then you can start by talking to a celebrant about recording ‘your life story’ or filling in those important documents such as: Advance Health Directive, Enduring Power of Attorney and Enduring Power of Guardianship, a valid Will (who gets what) and emotional will (words of love and wisdom)
Don’t leave it to your family to make difficult decisions at an emotional time, have the conversation now.
If you plan on living your life to the end, then you can start by talking to a celebrant about recording ‘your life story’ or filling in those important documents such as: Advance Health Directive, Enduring Power of Attorney and Enduring Power of Guardianship, a valid Will (who gets what) and emotional will (words of love and wisdom)
Don’t leave it to your family to make difficult decisions at an emotional time, have the conversation now.
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Passage of Time
Sadness passes with time
A hollow field blanketed with snow
Soon fills with swaying blooms A darkened sky suddenly illuminates
A weary traveller’s way
And Spring follows a Winter’s road
Which butterflies array
Somewhere, somehow, shadows
Give way to sunbeams
Life’s fabric is painted with promised purpose
And each day new freshness springs
Laughter envelops an empty room
And a broken heart sings
With an abandonment of joy
As it finally kisses the dawn
Of a bright new day!
Little Pebbles and Stepping Stones, Compositions from the heart by Ruth Van Gramberg - 2005
Sadness passes with time
A hollow field blanketed with snow
Soon fills with swaying blooms A darkened sky suddenly illuminates
A weary traveller’s way
And Spring follows a Winter’s road
Which butterflies array
Somewhere, somehow, shadows
Give way to sunbeams
Life’s fabric is painted with promised purpose
And each day new freshness springs
Laughter envelops an empty room
And a broken heart sings
With an abandonment of joy
As it finally kisses the dawn
Of a bright new day!
Little Pebbles and Stepping Stones, Compositions from the heart by Ruth Van Gramberg - 2005
For more information on any of the above or to contact a Celebrant near you visit
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Thank you for joining us....
?? We would love it if you would let us know what you think ?.
There is a comment section ? at the bottom ⬇ of the blog for you to do just that.
?Click on the word "Comment" and go for it!
? Don't forget to subscribe ? to this blog - the "subscribe" button is up the top of the page ⇞⇞⇞ and the blog will magically ?? appear in your email inbox ?.
Also please feel free to share ? our blog on your social media ? so we can spread the love ?!
Please use this ? link: https://www.celebrations.org.au/blog when you share. ?
Find us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter
Aug
03
Make your wishes known now - before it's too late
In keeping with TCN’s contribution to Dying to Know Day next week our blog today is about the importance of making your wishes known before it’s too late.
In keeping with TCN’s contribution to Dying to Know Day next week our blog today is about the importance of making your wishes known before it’s too late.
While no one really likes to think too much about dying it makes sense to prepare for death in the same way that we prepare for other major events in our lives.
Let’s explore some of the benefits in forward planning...
Let’s explore some of the benefits in forward planning...
None of us know exactly when or how we are going to die, but you can make your wishes and preferences for your end of life care known by making an Advance Care Plan or Directive. This will let your family and doctors know what you would like if you are no longer able to make decisions or communicate your wishes. You can nominate someone to make your health care decisions for you and you can state what is and is not acceptable to you – for example, are there treatments or outcomes that would not be acceptable to you?
Do you have a legally valid Will?
According to the NSW Trustee and Guardian, 45% of Australians don’t. If you are one of them, there is a risk that your estate – property, money and other assets will be distributed according to a legal formula instead of following your wishes.
According to the NSW Trustee and Guardian, 45% of Australians don’t. If you are one of them, there is a risk that your estate – property, money and other assets will be distributed according to a legal formula instead of following your wishes.
So make a Will now!!
What about your funeral?
You can really help your family out by letting them know what you would prefer – church or civil service, burial or cremation, who to notify of your death, any special music, photos or readings for the ceremony. It will be much easier for your family or friends to make arrangements if they feel confident that they are fulfilling your wishes. Rather than saying “just put me in the compost” why not write down and talk about your wishes and tell the family of any plans you have put in place such as a pre-paid funeral arrangement.
If you are not sure what is possible for funerals why not talk to a TCN funeral celebrant.
You can really help your family out by letting them know what you would prefer – church or civil service, burial or cremation, who to notify of your death, any special music, photos or readings for the ceremony. It will be much easier for your family or friends to make arrangements if they feel confident that they are fulfilling your wishes. Rather than saying “just put me in the compost” why not write down and talk about your wishes and tell the family of any plans you have put in place such as a pre-paid funeral arrangement.
If you are not sure what is possible for funerals why not talk to a TCN funeral celebrant.
Leave a special legacy by recording your life story
This might be in words, pictures or both. It might be a published autobiography or a hand filled photo album. How many times have you wished that you asked your grandfather more about his wartime service or looked at a family photo and wondered who that very old man in the centre of the photo is?
We live in such a rapidly changing society that the things we thought were normal and mundane when we were young, now seem like ancient history to our grandchildren. Your first job may not even exist today. Your first car may now be viewed as a vintage model.
If you would like ideas and help to get started with recording your life story contact a TCN celebrant
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Thank you for joining us....
?? We would love it if you would let us know what you think ?.
There is a comment section ? at the bottom ⬇ of the blog for you to do just that.
?Click on the word "Comment" and go for it!
? Don't forget to subscribe ? to this blog - the "subscribe" button is up the top of the page ⇞⇞⇞ and the blog will magically ?? appear in your email inbox ?.
Also please feel free to share ? our blog on your social media ? so we can spread the love ?!
Please use this ? link: https://www.celebrations.org.au/blog when you share. ?
Find us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter
This might be in words, pictures or both. It might be a published autobiography or a hand filled photo album. How many times have you wished that you asked your grandfather more about his wartime service or looked at a family photo and wondered who that very old man in the centre of the photo is?
We live in such a rapidly changing society that the things we thought were normal and mundane when we were young, now seem like ancient history to our grandchildren. Your first job may not even exist today. Your first car may now be viewed as a vintage model.
If you would like ideas and help to get started with recording your life story contact a TCN celebrant
???
Thank you for joining us....
?? We would love it if you would let us know what you think ?.
There is a comment section ? at the bottom ⬇ of the blog for you to do just that.
?Click on the word "Comment" and go for it!
? Don't forget to subscribe ? to this blog - the "subscribe" button is up the top of the page ⇞⇞⇞ and the blog will magically ?? appear in your email inbox ?.
Also please feel free to share ? our blog on your social media ? so we can spread the love ?!
Please use this ? link: https://www.celebrations.org.au/blog when you share. ?
Find us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter
May
23
What are the living doing with the digital print of dead loved ones?
Death and dying in our society is still a subject many are uncomfortable with and so the conversations about what happens after death is often ignored or remains within the usual; funeral services, a will, insurance policies, bank accounts and physical property.
Their digital legacy not given a thought.
Image: Pixabay
In this age of technology there is more than ever to consider;
Do you have Facebook, Twitter, an email address, google account, apple account?
Do you download music, books and store images, iCloud?
Image: Pixabay
In this time of mass communication across vast distances, many people have an online presence of some sort and are connected in some way. Have you asked yourself what happens to you or your loved one’s digital print after death?
Image: Pixabay
Some options are:
Digital estates; where all the information is included in your will as part of your ‘estate’.
Digital lockers; where all your digital information is recorded in a ‘locker’ online.
Digital registrar; where your digital information is separate to your physical estate and is in trust for someone close to delete or follow other instructions.
All the options require the person to list all digital accounts, images, location, passwords and other instructions such as transfering to a family member, where the law allows.
Image: Pixabay
The current legalities around some accounts are not straightforward when it comes to downloaded books, music and other items so please check the current regulations.
Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and some google services already have facilities in place but all the above options need to be done prior to death.
Definitely something to think about.
???
Thank you for joining us....
?? We would love it if you would let us know what you think ?.
There is a comment section ? at the bottom ⬇ of the blog for you to do just that.
?Click on the word "Comment" and go for it!
? Don't forget to subscribe ? to this blog - the "subscribe" button is up the top of the page ⇞⇞⇞ and the blog will magically ?? appear in your email inbox ?.
Also please feel free to share ? our blog on your social media ? so we can spread the love ?!
Please use this ? link: https://www.celebrations.org.au/blog when you share. ?
Find us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter
Their digital legacy not given a thought.
Image: Pixabay
In this age of technology there is more than ever to consider;
Do you have Facebook, Twitter, an email address, google account, apple account?
Do you download music, books and store images, iCloud?
Image: Pixabay
In this time of mass communication across vast distances, many people have an online presence of some sort and are connected in some way. Have you asked yourself what happens to you or your loved one’s digital print after death?
Image: Pixabay
Some options are:
Digital estates; where all the information is included in your will as part of your ‘estate’.
Digital lockers; where all your digital information is recorded in a ‘locker’ online.
Digital registrar; where your digital information is separate to your physical estate and is in trust for someone close to delete or follow other instructions.
All the options require the person to list all digital accounts, images, location, passwords and other instructions such as transfering to a family member, where the law allows.
Image: Pixabay
The current legalities around some accounts are not straightforward when it comes to downloaded books, music and other items so please check the current regulations.
Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and some google services already have facilities in place but all the above options need to be done prior to death.
Definitely something to think about.
???
Thank you for joining us....
?? We would love it if you would let us know what you think ?.
There is a comment section ? at the bottom ⬇ of the blog for you to do just that.
?Click on the word "Comment" and go for it!
? Don't forget to subscribe ? to this blog - the "subscribe" button is up the top of the page ⇞⇞⇞ and the blog will magically ?? appear in your email inbox ?.
Also please feel free to share ? our blog on your social media ? so we can spread the love ?!
Please use this ? link: https://www.celebrations.org.au/blog when you share. ?
Find us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter
Apr
06
When we're faced with inevitable life transitions, such as death, we look to tradition to guide us through the difficult time and help us mourn our loved ones.
We arrange a funeral, usually with flowers; we invite friends and family to pay their respects, followed by a wake or a memorial and then we grieve.
But who's to say that this western tradition suits everybody's way of dealing with death?
There are different ideas about death and funerals and burials around the world..... here are 42 of them.
We arrange a funeral, usually with flowers; we invite friends and family to pay their respects, followed by a wake or a memorial and then we grieve.
But who's to say that this western tradition suits everybody's way of dealing with death?
There are different ideas about death and funerals and burials around the world..... here are 42 of them.
This pictograph has been shared from AvasFlowers.net via www.everplans.com
If you are arranging a funeral or starting your pre-funeral planning, you can contact a TCN Celebrant to assist you in creating a beautiful ceremony to suit your needs and style.
READ MORE about funeral planning HERE
* __________________________________ *
Thank you for joining us....
?? We would love it if you would let us know what you think ?.
There is a comment section ? at the bottom ⬇ of the blog for you to do just that.
?Click on the word "Comment" and go for it!
? Don't forget to subscribe ? to this blog - the "subscribe" button is up the top of the page ⇞⇞⇞ and the blog will magically ?? appear in your email inbox ?.
Also please feel free to share ? our blog on your social media ? so we can spread the love ?!
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Aug
06
For Dying to Know Day - today Monday 8th August 2016 - TCN would like to encourage everyone to talk about death and particularly funerals and memorials. What questions would you like answered by TCN and our celebrant members?
To start the conversation, here are some questions our TCN celebrant members have been asked:
Must we organise a funeral within a few days of a person's death?
Are there any laws we need to know, if we want to organise our own 'send-off'?
Can we have both a funeral and a memorial?
Am I able to pre-plan my funeral ceremony?
How can our family give a loved one a fitting tribute, but not cost us 'an arm and a leg"?
Can we have a religious funeral ceremony and a civil memorial some time later?
Can we include religious material in a civil funeral?
Our parent does not want any fuss, and tells us not to have a funeral. However we feel uncomfortable about that. What can we do?
If we are not church goers, and do not want to use a funeral chapel, what other venues could we use?
Do we have to have a "Celebration of Life", if our family member was a rather difficult character who caused more pain than joy?
If we were considering a "Do It Yourself" funeral or memorial, what tips do you have for us?
How can we get mum or dad to discuss what they want us to do, when they die?
How can we get our adult children to talk with us - anytime we try they seem to brush the topic to one side?
The Celebrants Network (TCN) invites you to ask these questions and more!
You may ask a question via our Blog Comments Section at the bottom of this blog - anytime today or tonight.
In fact, if you are too busy today, then ask when you can.
It's very easy to do.
However, if you have any hassles, please feel free to contact us.
The Celebrants Network (TCN) has created a special Dying to Know Section for your information, in addition to our Ceremonies for loss and grief Section for Everyone.
What have you done to farewell a family member or friend?
You are also invited to share your experiences here with us.
* __________________________________________________________ *
Thank you for joining us....
?? We would love it if you would let us know what you think ?.
There is a comment section ? at the bottom ⬇ of the blog for you to do just that.
? Click on the word "Comment" and go for it!
? Don't forget to subscribe ? to this blog - the "subscribe" button is up the top of the page ⇞⇞⇞ and the blog will magically ?? appear in your email inbox ?.
Also please feel free to share ? our blog on your social media ? so we can spread the love ?!
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