Irene Russell

I was brought up in a home resounding with music, all sorts of music although predominantly classical music, as my mother was the first woman in N.Z. to win the Piano Classical competition plus a Bursary to study in Europe, with the intent of  becoming a World Concert Pianist; she was 16 years old and did not have the confidence to pursue the opportunity. We were singers, pianists and guitarists so music filled our home after dinner at night.

My father had a very acceptable tenor voice, my sister was singing at eighteen months of age and one brother won every pub-singing competition he ever entered and was offered a recording contract which he politely declined.

My love of writing emerged in my time of the standard classes at school and I was in my element when essay period was announced. However, the downside was having to stand in front of the class and read them out when the teacher called my name, because I died a thousand deaths.

I have endeavoured to live my life leaving those I have met better off than when we did meet, and still live by that code. I wasn’t always successful, but the times it ‘back fired’ were few and far between and always regarding life and reactions to certain situations therein.

We now live in a very chaotic and violent world with the result that the majority of people with whom I have had contact are fearful and full of anxiety, which is the reason for this book, so it is my sincere desire that should you, Reader, be tossing and turning and sleep seems impossible, that you would pick up this book and laugh yourself to sleep!!!