The Edit with Courtney Adamo

Edition No. 11

In a time when there is so much noise online, I want to create a space that is a reprieve. A place to feel inspired, encouraged, and connected.

For that reason, I want to bring back one of my favourite ways to do this — reaching out to people I admire to learn more about their lives.

Welcome to The Edit…

Courtney Adamo is someone whose opinion I value in all things life and style. Many of you will know her from her days writing as a co-founder of the popular parenting site Babyccino, sharing her great finds, as well as her experience as a parent. This is when we first met. I was invited to be an international contributor. That was about fifteen years ago when she was living in London, and I was based in Sydney. Since then our families have grown, and serendipitously we have ended up living in the same town, sending our children to the same school, and we even now live on the same street. We could never have planned it this way, but it is a happy blessing.

1. What are you working on right now?

I will soon get to start promoting our book, At Home in Every Season, which includes lots of sweet ideas for seasonal rituals, activities, crafts and recipes. I am so excited about it and can’t wait for the book to start reaching families.

I’ve also just started jotting down ideas for my third book and I’m excited about this too. I’ve been writing it in my head while I vacuum the house or while driving in the car. The other day, I had to hop out of the shower dripping wet to quickly type ideas at my laptop. It feels good when the ideas are flowing like this!

2. What is a recent life lesson you learned?

I’d say I am currently learning a big lesson about change. I’m learning that change is a constant thing in our lives; it’s the only guarantee. Instead of worrying about it or being afraid of the unknowns, I need to trust the process and ride the rollercoaster as it goes up and down.

3. What was the last fun or unexpected thing you did?

I recently participated in my first pickleball tournament. After years of playing casually at our local recreation centre, I have finally started registering for tournaments and playing a bit more competitively. I have a few tournaments coming up, and I’m hoping the nerves settle over time.

4. Where are your favourite places to eat, visit or stay locally?

We’ve been on a strict food budget lately, so we haven’t been eating out at all. But some of my favourite cafes in Byron are Happy Days in the industrial estate (delicious sandwiches!) or High Life in Byron. (I’ve shared heaps of other favourite spots in Byron here.)

5. Where are your favourite places to eat, visit or stay further afield?

We love heading down to Yamba for a weekend trip. It’s only an hour from Byron, but it feels miles away with all the different beaches, cafes and swimming holes. I’d recommend staying at our friends’ hotel, Il Delfino (you’ll feel like you’re in Italy!), and eating at Beachwood Cafe.

6. A favourite gift for friends?

I love gifting books. There’s always a fitting book for every occasion whether you’re grieving someone (this book) or if you’ve just had a new baby (this book of poems) or if it’s your birthday (I just gifted this book to a friend last week). I’ve even starting bringing books to dinner parties instead of a bottle of wine (this book makes a good hostess gift).

7. What is on your wish list?

These leather shoes. My friend, Mim, recently bought a pair and she says they are super comfy and go with everything.

8. What is a recent favourite book you read?

I’ve read so many good books this year. I’m on a real streak! I also recently discovered the world of short stories, particularly the Irish author, Claire Keegan. Her book, Small Things Like These is so beautiful and tender. I read it curled up under a blanket on a stormy Sunday afternoon recently. Bliss!

9. What is a recent film or program you enjoyed?

Because of all my reading, I have not been watching very much lately. However, my husband and I recently watched the Listers documentary about bird watching and I laughed out loud throughout the whole film. It’s an eye-opening glimpse into the world of bird watching, and you learn a thing or two about birds too.

10. What are you listening to right now?

I really love the Wiser Than Me podcast. The host, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, interviews older women who share their wisdom and lived experiences. At the end of every episode, Julia calls her mum (who is also a wise old woman), and for some reason, it always makes me cry to hear their conversations. I also love Bill Nighy’s podcast, which is hilarious!

Finally, who would you like me to interview next?

In a dream scenario, I’d love to see the answers from Anne Lamott. Or the writer, Catherine Newman. Or Kate Winslet! Haha. If we are talking realistically, I’d say... Jodi Wilson.

~

You can follow Courtney on Substack and Instagram. Her first book The Family Home is available now.

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