485 days ago

Unbroken Wings Authored by Glen McMillan

Glen from Central Whangarei

Unbroken Wings a girl named Lily.

Once upon a time, in the city of Whangarei, there lived an effervescent young girl named Lily. She was a talented ballet dancer, her agile movements embodying the artistry of her spirit. She was often seen dancing with the wind, her feet barely touching the ground, the city as her stage. But one fateful day, everything changed.


Lily was walking home late at night after a riveting ballet performance when an unexpected accident occurred. A reckless driver lost control of his vehicle, striking Lily before she could react. The next thing she remembered was the stark white ceiling of a hospital room. She had survived, but her spinal cord was severely damaged. The doctors gently broke the news: she would likely never dance again. Her world came crashing down around her. The stage she loved so dearly had been snatched away.

Days turned into weeks, then into months. Lily wrestled with depression, confined to her wheelchair, watching as the world moved on without her. Her dreams were shattered, her spirit broken. The city that once felt like a lively stage now loomed over her like a giant, unscalable wall.

One day, a man named Oscar moved into the house next to Lily's. He was a friendly, cheerful person who painted for a living despite being visually impaired. Oscar's unyielding spirit, despite his disability, ignited a spark of hope in Lily. She began to visit him, intrigued by his world of colours unseen.

Oscar, realizing Lily's pain mirrored his own, encouraged her to express herself again, not through dance, but through paint. Lily was hesitant at first; she thought she had lost all her artistic abilities. But Oscar insisted, "Art is not about the medium, Lily. It's about the soul that pours into it."

For the first time in months, Lily decided to give it a try. She picked up a brush, and as the colours danced on her canvas, she discovered a new way to express herself. With each stroke, she painted her emotions, her dreams, and her dance. The wheelchair didn't bind her; she was dancing again, just differently.

Lily's transformation was profound. She began to emerge from her shell of despair, reclaiming her life. Her paintings were heartfelt, filled with emotion that moved those who saw them. The city that once watched her dance was now captivated by her art.

In her struggle, Lily found a new purpose. Her life wasn't over; it had simply taken a different path. She missed dancing every day, but she found joy in her art, in the vibrancy of her paintings, in the dance of her brushstrokes. Her spirit, once crushed, now flew on unbroken wings.

She was no longer just Lily, the ballet dancer. She was Lily, the artist, the survivor, the beacon of hope. Through her journey, she discovered that while accidents can steal dreams, they can also give birth to new ones. Through her courage and resilience, she taught her city that while life can change in an instant, the spirit remains unbroken.

Authored by Glen McMillan

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More messages from your neighbours
4 days ago

Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

This Wednesday, we are having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.

John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!

As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!

John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.

Share your question below now ⬇️

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4 hours ago

Tips on Choosing the Right Mattress Size for Quality Sleep Every Night

Jay from Beds4U Whangarei

When it comes to getting a good night's sleep, the right mattress size plays a crucial role.


You might have heard myths about beds and frames and which size suits you.



Today, we're here to demystify these myths and provide a size-by-size comparison to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.


Finding the Perfect Fit

Selecting the right mattress size is akin to finding the perfect fit in a world of options.


Much like trying on clothes or shoes, your mattress size should cater to your individual needs and preferences.


Let's explore some key factors to consider when finding the perfect fit for your mattress:


1. Personal Preferences.

Consider your sleeping habits and personal space preferences.


Do you like to sprawl out or curl up?

Are you a solo sleeper, or do you share the bed with a partner, kids, or pets?


Understanding your personal preferences is essential in determining the ideal mattress size.


2. Bedroom Size.

Take the dimensions of your bedroom into account when choosing a mattress size.


A spacious bedroom can accommodate larger mattress sizes, whereas smaller bedrooms may require more compact options to ensure ample space for movement and furniture placement.


3. Sleeping Partners.

If you share the bed with a partner, consider their sleeping habits and space requirements.


A larger mattress size, such as a queen or king, provides ample space for both individuals to move comfortably without disturbing each other's sleep.


What Size Should You Get?

Let's break it down size by size:


Single Mattress (91cm x 188cm). Ideal for kids' rooms, guest rooms, or small bedrooms. A single mattress is also a good option for individuals who prefer sleeping alone and value space conservation.

Double Mattress (137cm x 188cm). Also known as a full-size mattress, this option offers more room to stretch out than a single mattress. It's suitable for couples who like to snuggle or for individuals who appreciate extra space.

Queen Mattress (153cm x 203cm). The queen mattress is one of the most popular choices for couples. It provides ample space for two people to sleep comfortably without feeling cramped. It's also a great option for individuals who enjoy sprawling out.

King Mattress (167cm x 203cm). The king mattress offers the most space out of all the standard sizes. It's perfect for couples who want plenty of room to move around or for families who like to co-sleep with young children or pets.

Choosing the Perfect Mattress Size for Your Sleep Needs

Mattress sizes can vary around the world, which can sometimes lead to confusion. In New Zealand, we follow standard sizes such as single, double, queen, and king.


However, it's essential to consider your personal preferences and the dimensions of your bedroom and furniture when choosing a mattress size.


Selecting the right mattress size is crucial for a good night's sleep.


By understanding the differences between single, double, queen, and king mattresses, you can make an informed decision that meets your needs and preferences.


At Beds4U, we're committed to helping you find the perfect mattress size.

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5 days ago

Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.

When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?

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Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
  • 82.3% Yes
    82.3% Complete
  • 15.2% No
    15.2% Complete
  • 2.5% Other - I'll share below
    2.5% Complete
2209 votes