that's life! Issue 15, 2022

The Easter bunny never failed me Hot cross buns began appearing in supermarkets before the Christmas trees were even down. So it does feel a bit like Easter has snuck up on us. But here we are, with it just around the corner. As a kid, Easter for me was going to church, fish and chips on Good Friday and of course Easter eggs. I know many of you will have your own traditions. I can’t remember egg hunts being around when I was growing up. Although the Easter bunny never failed to leave me a big chocolate egg wrapped in shiny foil, I would have loved an egg hunt. So I do feel a bit like I missed out! The tl! team shared some lovely Easter stories. Claudia, who didn’t…

Don’t talk to me, Nan, I’m trying to concentrate on the puzzles, my grandson Nasire, two, seems to be saying! Margaret Williamson, Taranaki, NZ My grandson and I won this cash prize in that’s life! together. When I see him next, I’ll take him out to spend it. Susan Goodwin, Horsham, Vic I loved this colourful staircase installed in the South Eveleigh precinct especially for Sydney’s recent Mardi Gras. Linda van Wyk, Alexandria, NSW It’s rare to get a good photo of our family all together. Here’s Harmony-Jade, 12, Savannah, 14, Channing, seven, Scarlett six, me, 37, Primrose, two, Kingston, four, Mark, 36, Harlan, 10, and Hope, nine, at Tacking Point Lighthouse in Port Macquarie, NSW. Arielle Taylor, Yarrawarrah, NSW Millie, our Cavalier puppy, loves eating her treats on her pillow with my kids Olivia, 16, and Logan,…

Jennifer Sollazzo, 36, Sydney, NSW Running out of breath, I was dressed in a fairy costume as I ran around the yard, being chased by my family’s fox terrier, Jessie. Aged nine, I was completely obsessed with costumes, and even more fanatical about my pet. I’m going to have a dog when I grow up, too, I thought. After graduating from high school at 17, I met my partner Roberto. And just like me, Roberto loved dogs. ‘You’re so cute!’ he would excitedly shout whenever Jessie was around. Roberto and I were obsessed with all kinds of animals, but Roberto always raved about rabbits. So, when I was 18, Roberto, who was living between his parents’ place and mine, came over with a surprise. I felt my jaw drop as I saw he was carrying a little bundle of…

Puppy mansion With the help of her dad, Jose, YouTuber Karina Garcia built a mini mansion for her fur babies Owen, Baxter and Buns. Created to look like a replica of her own home, the dog house has staircases, gorgeous arched windows and even a chandelier! There’s a toy room, plush beds and an eating area. Karina shared their DIY project on her channel to show people how they could create their own. These pups won’t be sleeping ruff! Precious piggies Guinea pig owner Julia absolutely adores her five furry friends Gatsby, Lulu, Nugget, Lumi and Fitz. She even gives them extra special treatment with deluxe spa days, clipping their nails and giving them trendy haircuts. These pampered piggies truly are the most well-groomed critters in town! Snap happy Mary Thorn is the proud owner…

I remember all the happy faces – Mum smiling as she lifted me onto David Berg’s lap, and his grin as he slipped the heart ring on my tiny finger. ‘This is my promise to you,’ the 67-year-old said. ‘You’re going to be mine forever.’ Today was my wedding and, horrifyingly, I was just three years old. Berg had founded the Children of God in the late ’60s. At first, it was a Christian group all about love and peace. My parents joined in the Serena Kelley, 38 early ’70s. But as the group got bigger, Berg changed. He claimed to be a prophet who heard messages from God. He said the world would soon end in terrible violence, and that his followers needed to prepare for the apocalypse. Sex was at the heart of things, and to…

Bec Mallett, 37, Belmont, Vic Walking into the events centre, I was excited to get started. I was running a men’s retreat for brain cancer patients, in October 2019. As I introduced myself to the attendees, one in particular caught my eye. ‘I’m Matt,’ he grinned. Tall and handsome with a kind smile, I was drawn to him. I learned he was a talented photographer, and he had me in stitches with his quick wit. But as I got a bit giddy, I stopped myself. What are you doing? I thought. I was in a relationship at the time. And besides, Matt, then 50, was here as a patient, so his future was sadly uncertain. I couldn’t put myself in that position. I knew all too well the heartbreak and devastation that come with losing a partner to…