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Meredith Cashion's avatar

Hi Kate, I really enjoyed this lovely reflection on friendship- thank you. It also touched my heart as Maggie is my very favourite place. My husband and I have been there more than 10 times, often escaping the Tasmanian winter. Last year, as I fought my brain cancer, my adult children and grandson all came to Maggie with us and it was very special. It remains a beautiful memory of treasured moments in nature and being warmed by the tropical sun. I am now 20 months into my journey, very lucky to be here, and cherishing those Maggie moments.💕

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Kate Bown's avatar

Hello Meredith, your words here make me so happy. I’m so glad that you are doing well and that you shared your special connection to Maggie Island. Thank you. How wonderful that you could recover from treatment with your family in such a beautiful location. I remember a place on Maggie with lots of rainbow lorikeets and some gorgeous secluded beaches. I have yet to take my children there, but it’s on my list. I wish you well, take care, Kate :)

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Lucinda Bain's avatar

"One evening we dress up and go out for dinner at a fancy restaurant. The waitress takes our photo — but chops off our legs at the ankles. We are horrified. It’s taken the best part of an hour to look this good." Had a little giggle at this, and how good are friends! Also, Snowball has to be one of the best surnames I've ever heard!

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Kate Bown's avatar

I’m glad you enjoyed reading Lucinda. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here. I miss being a

‘Snowball’. It was the best surname, especially through all my years of primary school teaching - Miss Snowball or Miss Snowflake as the little ones called me ❄️

I hope you’ve had a great week. :)

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Rafael Concepcion's avatar

It’s great to see you in print again, Kate, sharing your wild and wonderful life! I’m a bit past the point of jumping into the freezing surf, but God bless you and your friends for running around and playing like a trio of adolescents. Turning forty, we are? Someone very dear to me is hitting the Big 4-0 this year too. I’m working on a story about her right now, but I’m a very fussy, slow producer and I’m always making changes and improvements, so don’t expect it real soon. The video of the bunnies is fantastic; my wife loves them too. ‘Bye for now!

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Kate Bown's avatar

Hello Rafael, I made it through the big 4 0 and I can report I am still me and very much alive! So that is good and humbling. Thank you for the birthday wishes. All the best for your story, can’t wait to read it when you finish it, you write very well. The bunnies are growing and providing much entertainment in our family. Take care, Kate

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Maggie Szabo's avatar

Absolutely beautiful 💕

Girlfriends that you have for years & years are the best.

Thanks for sharing yours xx

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Kate Bown's avatar

Thank you Maggie, and yes our girlfriends are so precious. X

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Sally Gillespie's avatar

Loved this account about the love , loyalty and joys of enduring female friendship, times away together over a lifetime, each meeting richer. A great lead in to a landmark birthday. Wishing you wonderful celebrations. And big thank you for my haiku post. 🙏💕

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Kate Bown's avatar

Hello Sally, I’m thrilled you enjoyed reading. Friends make the world a better place. And thank you for the birthday wishes.

… I’ve been practicing my haiku, it’s been a great way to settle into the writing space and to pay attention to what’s around me, thank you :)

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Rob Riley's avatar

I only read up to the part with the sky being grey, and the sharks making an appearance, but that was a beautiful account up to that point. Reminded me of myself and 2 friends traveling down to Florida around 1980, seeing Clearwater Beach in all its glory. Although I'm a bigger fan of the wilder east coast, cheers David!

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Kate Bown's avatar

Hi Rob, thanks for stopping by and reading. Trips friends are the best. All the best, Kate

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Rob Riley's avatar

yes, they are..

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David Kirkby's avatar

Hi friend Kate. A warm, loving account of friendship.

Thanks for the link to my Haiku, and....

Happy upcoming Birthday!!!!

Best Wishes - Dave :)

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Kate Bown's avatar

Thanks for the birthday wishes David. Kate :)

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Alia Parker's avatar

Good friends make life all the more special 💛 Yours sound wonderful. Enjoy your celebrations, Kate! 40 is a good decade. I feel like we start to return to ourselves around about now 🙂

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