Vibrant Imaginative People

September 2025, Issue No. 43

Your VIP Newsletter from Soulla's Writing Room

Hello dear friend,

I have a lot to share with you this month and I hope you will join me for a gentle read through with your favourite beverage, a few quiet moments and a comfortable spot where you can absorb your thoughts and feelings as you read.

And... my Facebook accounts are back and I am SO happy! So please do engage with my posts again and share your own book news and reading recommendations... let's share our love of books.

______________________________

Time for Healing

Every now and again I feel weighed down by things I cannot explain, I cannot see them, I cannot touch them… but I know they are there and a sense of overwhelm hits me. A chance conversation with a friend got me thinking about the trauma we carry from our past in our DNA… from those who came before us and who are still a part of us generations on.

This week I joined a three-day online webinar which promised to “rewire your mind for healing”, “release trauma from your nervous system” and “reconnect with your authentic self”. I am welcoming the knowledge and insights of the experts delivering the sessions: Dr Gabor Mate, Marisa Peer, Tim Fletcher and Dr Bassel van der Kolk. I am exploring my actions, thoughts and behaviour. I am going gently. I am open to being in a place of calm and safety after what has shown up through my journey and unfolding of emotions and realisations.

If you’re interested in healing, perhaps this is something you might welcome in your own life. After all, sometimes we just think it’s the way we are that makes us who we are but sometimes there’s something deeper at play. I’m curious to delve deeper into my psyche and to connect with myself, unpick patterns in my behaviour and reactions, and to stop second-guessing myself. I want to understand and be more conscious of why I sometimes sabotage my own progress and erect barriers and why I avoid conflict (even when it’s something targeted at me unfairly).

Have you ever wondered what makes you the way you are? Have you ever wondered whether some things you think and do are deeper than your own life?

______________________________

Serendipity and Being Ready

Serendipity is something I have talked about a lot over the years…

you know that moment when something happens and it all feels like you are in exactly the right place, at the right time, with the right person.

This happened to me recently and although it wasn’t the best of occasions I grabbed the opportunity. I was ready.

I was attending the funeral of a friend’s dear father with my parents. It was a long, gruelling day and in the back of my mind I knew I had to be back home by 5pm to teach. So, I was not only feeling emotional about the day, but also conscious of getting back home in time for the lesson.

I then bumped into an old friend from my childhood, the second time in as many recent months, as we were filing out of the church. The sun shone down, sparkling its light on us over the tiled roof, and something in me seemed to light up too. I instinctively jumped in to speak to her about a creative project. Something which I have been working on for over two years and just like that, after chatting briefly – my dad was calling out to me – I said to her I have something I want to discuss with you though this probably isn’t the best place to be talking about business. She assured me, without me divulging what it was, that she would do whatever she could to help me. She gave me her number and told me to give her a call.

Two days later, after a forty-minute phone call, she assured me of her support, of her commitment to helping me any way she can and how supporting women is something she is passionate about

because when she was building her career so few supported her.

Instead of shying away and saying no, she has turned her negative experience into something which is nurturing, giving and supportive. How unselfish, how wonderful!

I am feeling really lucky and still marvelling at how such a sad occasion turned into a beautiful reconnection for the both of us. We have arranged a meeting… it’s coming up soon! Wish me luck and hopefully, I will have something more to celebrate by the end of the year!

Have you ever experienced a serendipitous moment offering you something you never imagined?

______________________________

Be like Odysseus, Wandering in Search of Adventure

For all you booklovers who have sent me messages about the books recently featured, here’s another special feature for you.

USA Today Bestselling Author Kathryn Gauci is the recipient of numerous major international awards for her works of historical fiction.

Before becoming a full-time writer, Kathryn owned and operated a textile design studio in Melbourne for fifteen years, which brought her many opportunities to travel worldwide and experience other cultures.

Her first novel, The Embroiderer, was the culmination of years of design and travel and the glorious years of her youth living and working as a textile designer in Greece. She’s the author of historical novels and an adult colouring book. Her latest book, her first travel memoir, An Aegean Odyssey, is out now. Huge congratulations to her and I hope you’ll dip into her writing… the title alone makes me want to immerse myself in its pages.

Here's the book description:

I would be like Odysseus, wandering in search of adventure. How it would turn out, I had no idea: I would leave that to fate.

After more than thirty years as a successful carpet and textile designer, Kathryn decided it was time for a change: she wanted to become an author, and the first place she turned for inspiration was Greece, where she had worked as a carpet designer in Athens in the 1970s.

With no idea of what she would write about, she took two months off and returned in 2005 in search of a new adventure. All she knew was that she wanted to find the old Greece that was quickly disappearing through modernisation and tourism.

It was a great leap of faith to make this change in mid-life, yet not being one to miss an opportunity, she packed her bags and set out alone, hoping to discover the beauty and rich tapestry of characters that had inspired such great writers of the past – Nikos Kazantzakis, Lord Byron, Henry Miller, Patrick Leigh Fermor, Odysseus Elytis, and Homer himself.

Follow along with Kathryn’s journey as she explores the centuries-old mastic villages of Chios; the island of Lesbos, with its vast landscapes of olive groves and purveyors of the world’s finest ouzo; Karpathos, with its stunning beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters; and finally, the majestic mountains and gorges of Crete, home of the God Zeus, the legend of the Minotaur, and that famous Cretan spirit of Zorba – the same spirit that fought against the Ottomans and the Germans in World War II.

Staying in unspoiled villages and mountain retreats, she also discovers the mouth-watering regional food cooked in the age-old tradition. Along the way, she finds her own story – and discovers that a part of Greece will always be embedded in her psyche.

Early reviews love her writing, her wit and the cultural backdrop of the story.

“I’ve read quite a few Greek memoirs, but this has to be one of the best. The author’s ability to transport us to a Greece few travelers know is rich with detail and humour. Whether it is the landscape, the history, food, or the plethora of colourful people she meets, I felt I was there with her. A captivating and entertaining read that I recommend to all lovers of Greece.” -

Barbara Gaskell Denvil, author of the Historical Mysteries Collection

"Greece presents itself as a country that intertwines the past with the present: its people living modern lives against a centuries-old historical, cultural and geographical backdrop. Kathryn Gauci’s book cleverly merges the fascinating history with her own autobiographical memoir as she retraces her steps and recounts her time living in this colourful and flavourful country. Her passion for history is evident throughout the book as she skillfully weaves historical facts and significant events with plate after plate of delicious local food. Beware—her wonderful descriptions of the many meals she enjoyed will leave your mouth watering! I was left wanting to buy a ticket to this charming and fascinating country and retrace her footsteps. Highly recommended." -

Alyson Sheldrake, author and artist.

I hope you will dive into her book and that Kathryn’s writing will entice you to read one or more of her back titles… thirteen to choose from! 

______________________________

Heading into October

I wish you well as we head into autumn (where I am) or perhaps spring were you are... embrace the changing season, enjoy the tiny moments which bring you light, comfort and joy and most of all live your life for you as only you knows how to love you best!

Sending lots of love and hugs,

Soulla xxx

If you've enjoyed this newsletter, please share it with others who may like to receive it too.

https://sendfox.com/soullaauthor

My Books - enjoy!

My Blog - have a browse.

My Writing and Support Services - let me help you!

Twitter - let's connect.

Instagram - let's connect.

Facebook Book Group - share your love of books.