Annette James in Patterson Lakes, Victoria | Writing service

Annette James

Locality: Patterson Lakes, Victoria

Phone: +61 488 452 126

Address: 45 Curlew Point Drive 3197 Patterson Lakes, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.celebratelovetogether.com

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• Funeral service & cemetery
• Writing service

25.01.2022 Returning home from a funeral service for an independent, strong woman who stood by all she believed in.

25.01.2022 If you choose to visit us during the festive period to be with your loved one, we welcome you. Our grounds and Cafe Vita et flores are open every day of the yea...r including all public holidays. On Christmas day, we will also be hosting a Christmas Luncheon at Cafe Vita et flores. A chance to come together with your family, friends and our friendly caf employees. We offer a relaxing atmosphere, a delicious spread and a place to connect with others at this time of reflection and joy.

23.01.2022 Please dont panic about the funeral attendance details announced last night as we work to lower the curve of this damn virus. I have hatched a plan through the night, that will give you that will give families who need my services a chance to grieve now and share a memorial once we are through the curve. I am putting it together as we speak and will post it later today. If you need to speak to me call me. Any time. My number is 0488 452 126. Im here if you need a friendly... ear or some support. Feel free to share. Take care and stay at home. See more

23.01.2022 Lest We Forget. To all the people who have fought for our country, and to their families who shared their life, their stories and their memories. Thank you. I will continue to honour you.

22.01.2022 Today I witnessed the most amazing love. As the farewell ceremony was about to begin, and the opening music was playing and the chapel was quiet and reflective, the most beautiful thing happened. The husband of the deceased, who was in his late 80s, stood up out of his seat, and walked towards a beautiful wedding photo of his wife and him. I could see he was trying to take the photo off the stand it was resting on. I helped him and was about to usher him back to his sea...t, when he asked if he could hold the photo. Of course you can I replied, and as I handed it to him, he put the photo against his chest and slowly waltzed her around the room, just next to her coffin. There was a slow smile on his face as he remembered all those beautiful years of dancing with his gorgeous wife. 66 years of marriage, and a lifetime of memories. As we gently put the photo back on the stand, he sat down, with tears, memories and the softest of smiles on his face. Its true, love really does last a lifetime. See more

22.01.2022 Yesterday, I helped my 100th family this year create a beautiful farewell for the person they love. So many people, so many wonderful life stories, so much love. Sometimes its been so hard, sometimes its been exhausting, but every time its been rewarding and I am just so grateful to be able to help people through the saddest times of their life. Receiving that hug from my families, with the words of thanks we couldnt have done this without you makes every moment worthwhile. If you know someone who needs my help, dont hesitate to give them my details. Ill be happy to help them create an amazing ceremony for the person they love.

22.01.2022 What a peaceful and beautiful place Eltham Cemetery is. We have just said farewell to a beautiful lady, and will have a memorial service for her later this month. May She Rest In Peace.

21.01.2022 Today was special. A celebration of two lives - a 99 year old lady who lived a full and satisfied life. She and her husband owned a cake shop called The Walnut and she had some wonderful stories to tell. And then a 96 year old man. We had a moving RSL tribute, and remembered him with honour and respect. Springvale Botanical Park is full of beautiful red poppies remembering the lives of all those affected by war. Lest we forget.

20.01.2022 What a wonderful lady we farewelled today. A happy, funny woman who loved her family, her friends and life! Her grandson sang the most amazing song, her granddaughter told stories about her that had us laughing until we cried, and her daughter-in-law shared stories of the funny times they shared. She was strong, believed in her rights and even did a stand off in the main bar of a pub 46 years ago when women werent allowed to drink in the bar. So proud to have been able to tell her story. Thank you to her family for trusting me to do so.

20.01.2022 How do I begin to thank the people who have encouraged, supported and chosen me to be their celebrant? Feeling so grateful and humbled to have chosen this very special job. Thank you.

19.01.2022 I am always impressed by the many services and great care of the team at Springvale Botanical Cemetery, so thought I would share with you all their calendar of activities offered at their Wellness Centre. Its a great opportunity for people who have lost the person they love, to find some peace and calmness and help. Please feel free to share this post with someone you know may need some help.

18.01.2022 There is nothing better than giving it back, and what a wonderful Act of Kindess this man suggested .....

15.01.2022 This song is one that is often played at funerals I present. To hear it sung with such love and joy is very special. Such talented and amazing young voices. Please take the time to listen to these talented children and remember the people you love and the memories you have created. Cheers!

15.01.2022 So sad to farewell someone who is in the peak of their life. You touched so many friends, impacted their lives and were loved by so many. It was an honour to help your family and friends say goodbye. You Were Amazing.

15.01.2022 If you need a funeral celebrant, Im here to help you. Just call me 0488 452 126.

14.01.2022 Why do I do funerals? Because I care. I care about my families, I care about the person you love, who is no longer here, whose life needs to be remembered with joy, peace, and grace. Because I know I can make a difference for the people who are left. I can help for just a short time to make their pain a little bit easier, a little bit softer, and help fill it with special memories.... And then I can hand the space back to them, give them a hug and let them know I am there for them if they need me. I’m sorry people need me, but I am so very glad they find me. If you ever need some help, I’m here for you.

13.01.2022 This last week has been so full of sadness, loss, grief and pain due to the fires on the east coast of Australia, and Steve and I thought it would be great to help out the local community that we are so close to the people of Lakes Entrance. Our son and his family, our parents and our sister and her families all live there, and took the advice of the local authorities and evacuated last week. Theyve all returned home and are safe and sound. Weve decided to donate $50 for every ceremony booked during January, 2020 to the local community in Lakes Entrance area. Well donate in the form of some gift vouchers to some families that have been affected by the fires. Ill keep you posted to what the final amount is at the end of this month.

12.01.2022 So special to receive some flowers today from the family I helped. Farewell Ron, you were a man who loved your family, spun a good yarn and were a wonderful mentor to your children and grandchildren. I loved telling your story.

11.01.2022 We have just farewelled a cheeky, wonderful gentleman. A man who is everyone’s mate. A man who will be missed by so many. Even though just 10 people attended his ceremony, 224 people were with us on live stream. We laughed, we cried, we shared so many memories. If someone you love passes during this time of social distancing, don’t be frightened, don’t be worried. We can help you. I’m just a phone call away, or you can send me a private message.

10.01.2022 Such a very special day today. Two beautiful ceremonies for two very special ladies. One was 102 and the other just 10 weeks off being 100. What an incredible honour to celebrate the lives of these wonderful ladies who have seen so many changes in their life. Every day I remind myself how lucky I am to do this job.

10.01.2022 Do you want to know what happens when you book me to be your funeral celebrant? When someone dies, it’s so difficult to know where to start, so I thought I’d give you some tips on how I help families that choose me to be their celebrant. * I listen to you... * I ask questions so that I can deliver exactly the type of ceremony you want * I give you a great ceremony planning pack that is full of ideas song suggestions, readings and poems, Order of Service ‘thank you’ suggestions, etc. * We get together for a family meeting either via zoom or face to face * I weave all your memories into a beautiful ceremony that really captures the heart and essence of the person you love * I present your ceremony with confidence, gentleness, and kindness. There is lots of story-telling, great visualisation of your person and a little bit of humour as we share the memories of some of the funny things they did. * I look after you. You need someone to guide you through this time of sadness when your emotions are heightened, when you need help and care, when you are distressed and exhausted. You will never walk alone I’m with you every step of the way. If you ever need me, please call me I’m here to help you.

09.01.2022 Last week I presented a very special funeral for a courageous and inspiring young man. it was held in Edinburgh Gardens, and was a personal and very special ceremony. More than 200 people gathered round in the park, and during Bob Marleys Redemption Song his ashes were bought in on the back of a motorbike that he built by his brother-in-law, and were placed in a treasure chest by his dad and brother. There was a very special memory table full of items that reminded us o...f him, and special messages from the people he loved. His three young daughters released white doves, and his wife a black dove as the sweet notes of Blackbird played. It was such a special day, filled with poignant memories, and a celebration of a life that was so well lived. Im incredibly proud to have known him, for him to have spent countless weekends at our place as a young guy, and to help his young wife and girls farewell a man who has inspired us all with his bravery. Posted with familys permission.

09.01.2022 Please don’t panic about the funeral attendance details announced last night as we work to lower the curve of this damn virus. I have hatched a plan through the night, that will give you that will give families who need my services a chance to grieve now and share a memorial once we are through the curve. I am putting it together as we speak and will post it later today. If you need to speak to me call me. Any time. My number is 0488 452 126. I’m here if you need a friendly... ear or some support. Feel free to share. Take care and stay at home. See more

09.01.2022 Thank you to the team at SMCT, Bunurong and Templeton Family Funerals for a very special, and very moving Christmas remembrance service tonight at Bunnerong Memorial Park. It was so special to sit there and stop and think of my parents and my Auntie Margie and remember them with love and gentle thoughts at this special time of year.

09.01.2022 When 20 is the new 10. For almost 111 days we have only been able to have 10 family and friends farewell the person they love. Thanks to all the hard work of the people of Melbourne rules have lifted and we can now have 20 people attend a funeral or memorial service. ... I'm so proud of the families that have said a gentle goodbye to their family member, and I'm proud of the extended families and friends who have watched a live stream from afar. I welcome the new 20 with open arms, and offer my love and condolences to anyone who is experiencing loss for someone who is very special to them at the moment. Take care everyone, and thanks for your hard work over the last 111 days. Annette xx

08.01.2022 Today was a very special memorial ceremony for an amazing woman who touched the lives of so many people. She was inspiring, a mentor to many people and a wonderful yoga teacher loved by all. There were around 450 people present. She had the most beautiful memory table filled with so many beautiful things that reminded everyone of the amazing woman she was. I felt so honoured to help the people she loved say goodbye.

08.01.2022 So grateful when I receieve a thank you email from the families I work with ... On behalf of the family, I would like to thank you conducting such a lovely and appropriate service for us last Friday. The ceremony you put together was perfect. All who attended commented how thoughtful and caring the service was.... Thank you and very kind regards, Barry. See more

07.01.2022 Ask me a question. Talking about funerals is so hard, Im happy to answer anything you need to know.Ask me a question. Talking about funerals is so hard, Im happy to answer anything you need to know.

07.01.2022 So thrilled to receive this feedback today. To help a family remember the person they love who has suffered from dementia for many years, is such an honour. Bernadette had a wonderful life to tell. Annette, I would like to let you know how well received Bernadettes ceremony was by all who attended. We have had nothing but very positive feedback. This is because, for an hour or so, she was brought to life again after being so long out of many peoples lives. Thank you.

06.01.2022 Yesterday was a very special service for a quilt maker and I thought I would share my writings from the ceremony. Being a quilter myself, this was very close to my heart. Making a quilt really is a journey. It starts as a small idea in your head, and then starts to visualise. The selection of fabrics and colours is very important, and is always an adventure as you head off with friends to choose your fabrics. Then it moves to the design process. What pattern to use? Whi...ch form of piecing will be done? Who is this quilt for? And then the memories of that person flow through you as you spend hours and hours, cutting, piecing, setting blocks, and feeling the love of that person in your inner soul. As it all starts to come together, the beauty and soul of the quilt starts to come to life, and as it is sandwiched together and quilted (often with the help of friends). An heirloom piece is created that will last many, many generations, and be loved, snuggled under, displayed and deliver healing and warmth for the lucky recipient of that beautiful quilt, absolutely made with love and devotion for the lucky owner. Rest In Peace knowing you have made a difference to peoples lives See more

06.01.2022 Last week I did a ceremony for a very special brother. He was loved by all his siblings. He was their mentor. He was their mate. He was their partner in crime. He was their Super Hero. Such a special man. Feel free to share this if youhave a Super Hero in your family.

06.01.2022 We have just farewelled a cheeky, wonderful gentleman. A man who is everyones mate. A man who will be missed by so many. Even though just 10 people attended his ceremony, 224 people were with us on live stream. We laughed, we cried, we shared so many memories. If someone you love passes during this time of social distancing, dont be frightened, dont be worried. We can help you. Im just a phone call away, or you can send me a private message.

06.01.2022 Always so happy to hear I have helped another family during their sad times .....

05.01.2022 Remembering the life of a cheeky, strong man who loved his family with absolute passion at the beautiful Bunurong Memorial Park today. So glad I am able to help my families through their tough time

04.01.2022 Make a difference in someones life - this is a great message.

01.01.2022 The people we love will always be with us - and well be reminded by a beautiful flower, or bird, or maybe even a little grasshopper. Hoping the families I have helped see the joy of the people they love around them often.

01.01.2022 Springvale Botanical Cemetery really is a peaceful place with so many spots to just sit and remember the people you love. To those who have lost their loved one over this Christmas/New Year period, I wish you strength and peace over the coming months. Stay close to your family and friends and call on them for support. Tell your stories, remember their special qualities and start a new tradition in honour of their memory. Take care.