Blended Families

🌟 **A new one-on-one, personality-based connection experience** Many of you have been asking about structured events and if I’d ever bring them back. Well… here it is - a new version, more intentional, and built around something I care about : **matching people based on personality.** Over the years, I’ve seen how hard it can be to find people you truly click with as adults. Small talk goes nowhere, and most events don’t give you the space for real conversation. 💫 **What to Expect** This is not speed dating, and it’s not a big mixer. It’s a curated, one-on-one connection experience where you’ll meet a few people who’ve been matched to you based on personality and vibe. Expect: * A cosy, comfortable venue * A hosted structure so you’re never left awkwardly standing around * A series of guided one-on-one conversations * A relaxed atmosphere where you can genuinely be yourself * This is not dating focused event, there will be a seperate one for dating Each conversation is designed to feel natural — because the match is based on compatibility Get your tickets here - https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1984161364052?aff=oddtdtcreator 🧭 **Before the Event** Once you get your Eventbrite ticket, you’ll receive a **short personality test (If you have already taken the test at a previous event you don't need to do it again)**. It takes only a few minutes but helps us understand your communication style, energy, and compatibility factors. This is how we curate meaningful one-on-one pairings for the event. 🌿 **Come Join Us** If you’re tired of small talk and ready to meet people who truly fit your personality, this is for you. A warm, intentional space created for deeper conversations and genuine chemistry - whether it becomes friendship, something romantic, or just a surprisingly great chat. RSVP now — spots are kept limited to ensure quality one-on-one time.

ALL MALES MUST ATTEND WITH A FEMALE FRIEND TO MAINTAIN A GENDER BALANCE. NO EXCEPTIONS. Come experience Asian culture with Asian food, drinks and music!! Language exchange, K-pop DJ and dance games!

Let’s end the weekend the right way ✨ Join us at Goldilocks Rooftop Bar for a relaxed afternoon of good drinks, easy laughs, and meaningful conversation before we head back into the work week. This isn’t a big party vibe , it’s more “just right.” Think: rooftop views, cosy corners, a cocktail (or mocktail), and genuine chats with beautiful humans. Whether you’ve had a busy weekend or a quiet one, this is your chance to unwind, reset, and connect in a chilled, welcoming space. Come solo or bring a friend , you’ll leave feeling lighter and ready for Monday. Can’t wait to see you there 🤍

**\*\*\*This is a pre-booking event. Please visit [artmasterclass.com.au](https://www.artmasterclass.com.au/) choose your lamp, use the MEETAMC10 coupon code, and make a reservation.\*\*\*** Join us for a hands-on workshop where families can learn the art of creating beautiful Turkish lamps together. This unique and engaging class will guide parents and kids through crafting intricate and colorful lamps. No prior experience is required, as our expert instructors will provide step-by-step instructions on design, assembly, and decorating techniques. This workshop is perfect for families and friends to bond, unleash their creativity, and take home a stunning handmade craft that can brighten any room. Come discover Turkish lamp-making's magic with your little ones in a fun and supportive environment. In this 2.5-hour workshop, you'll lose track of time and end up with a beautiful lamp to take home!

**The Telepathy Tapes podcast** brought the ESP abilities of autistic children to the world’s attention, with several studies exploring this association more closely. However, the neurological effects of autism can affect other abilities as well – like present-life memory and even past-life memories. **Jim Matlock and his team are pioneers** in this new cutting-edge field of study - now exploring it more systematically than ever before, with new findings still coming to light. **Some autistic people have outstanding memory** capabilities, while also struggling in other areas. But other autistic people are unable to form the basic episodic memories that underlie autobiographical recall. And research is revealing that the same factors impacting present-life memory can impact past-life memory as well. **In this session, Jim Matlock will discuss** several case studies of autistic children and adults to describe how autobiographical past-life memories can either be suppressed or enhanced under autism. **About Jim Matlock PhD:** * Anthropologist and world-class reincarnation researcher * Creator of the 'Processual Soul Theory' through his comprehensive, multicultural and interdisciplinary approach * 45+ years involvement in parapsychology and reincarnation studies * Editorial Board member of the *Journal of Scientific Exploration* * Editorial Board member of the Journal of Near-Death Studies * Research Fellow with the Parapsychology Foundation, Inc. * Winner of 2021 Parapsychological Association Book Award for Signs of Reincarnation: Exploring Beliefs, Cases, and Theory (2019) * Author of a multitude of academic publications on reincarnation * Curator of top-notch FB group "Signs of Reincarnation" **Online Option:** While this is billed as an in-person event, there will be online access as well. Just reach out to me via Meetup or russ.parapsych@gmail.com Here are the Teams meeting details: [Autism and Past-Life Memories - Parapsychology Meetup Melbourne | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams](https://teams.live.com/meet/9353411450149?p=fHMKtHIjiSKrh9ZeA6) Meeting ID: 935 341 145 014 9 / Passcode: 5fj6Cq **Post-Event Social Lunch Hangout (12.45 - 1.45pm)** Afterwards, you are invited to lunch with everyone at Flora Restaurant (5min walk from the venue) **PLEASE NOTE:** * **11AM Start -** Please be considerate and arrive early. * **$10 Cover Charge:** Room hire, facilities, and running costs.

**About this event:** Have you been dreaming of going tiny? Are you curious about minimal living, off-grid setups, or just downsizing your life in Victoria? You are not alone! We are launching a new community for enthusiasts to connect, share stories, and support one another. (Please book ticket in EventBrite [here](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/monthly-minimal-living-meetup-tiny-home-tickets-1983064391979?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl) ) Imagine a life with less clutter, less debt, and more freedom. We are building a community in Victoria for those who want to step away from the traditional housing market and embrace tiny homes and minimal living. For our first-ever meetup, we are keeping it simple. We’ll meet in the park to introduce ourselves and discuss what we want to create together. Whether you want to talk about the technical side (trailers, solar, regulations) or the lifestyle side (downsizing, remote work), this is the place to start. Come along, make new friends, and let’s talk about how to make big dreams happen in tiny spaces. Please book your ticket https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/monthly-minimal-living-meetup-tiny-home-tickets-1983064391979?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl **What to expect:** This is a strictly casual, unstructured meetup. No presentations, no sales pitches, and no pressure. Just a relaxed afternoon in the park with like-minded people. We’re simply gathering to discuss: * Who is already living the tiny life? * Who is dreaming/planning? * What are the local hurdles (council rules, finding land, etc.)? * How can we support each other? **Who should come:** Whether you have your tiny house plans drawn up, you're already living in one, or you just watched a documentary and thought "I could do that"—you are welcome here. **What to bring:** * A camping chair or picnic rug. * Your own snacks/drinks. * Sun protection (or an umbrella—it is Melbourne/Victoria after all!). **About Your Host** Hi, I’m Karen. After exploring over 50 countries, I’ve chosen Melbourne as my home. As an entrepreneur, I’ve come to realize that we don't need much to be truly happy. In fact, nature provides us with so many "free luxuries"—from sunlight to green spaces—that we often overlook in the modern world. I am channeling this philosophy into building my own tiny home in Victoria this year. I started this group because I realized that while the tiny house movement is growing, the journey can feel a bit lonely. I want to build a supportive local community where we can share resources, untangle the regulations, and help each other turn these small dreams into reality. * **Wet Weather Plan:** (e.g., "If it rains, we will move to a cafe close by.")

\#\# 🎶 Live Music Sessions In 2026🔥 Join us for a fantastic Sunday afternoon of music, good vibes, and great company at the iconic Mission to Seafarers! **Dinash & Friends** bringing a unique mix of **Soul • Dance • Reggae • Pop vibes**. 😎 **Date:** Sunday, 15th March 2026 **Time:** 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM **Venue**: The Mission to Seafarers Victoria **Address:** 717 Flinders Street, Docklands (South Wharf Venue) **Cost:** **Free Entry** (Donations for costs are welcome) **Vibe:** Great venue, great vibe, great tunes, and drinks at great prices 🍺🍷 Live music in the ‘open air beer-garden’ (weather permitting) or in the courtyard under the rooftop. This is the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon, so come down to this iconic South Wharf venue and support the historic Mission to Seafarers. The Mission to Seafarers Victoria is a heritage-listed building in Melbourne's Docklands and provides welfare services to seafarers. Your attendance supports this vital cause! Getting there by public transport is easy - the tram stop is just nearby or it's just a short walk from Flinders Street station. Even closer from Southern Cross Station. Enter around the back to the beer garden. [Website](https://www.pianomanaustralia.com) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/dinash.daniel.2025/) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/dinashdaniel) \| [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXRJ12M0lS6XorFBn_L8Y4A) \| [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/artist/0eARClesHkH8wUNHCaFVOc) \| [TikTok](http://www.tiktok.com/@dinashdaniel)

🌟 **How To** **Be A Social Butterfly And...** ### *Practice Group Conversations the Neurodivergent Way!!* Do you ever watch people effortlessly move between groups at events and wonder how they do it? Do you want to feel confident joining conversations, adding thoughtful insights, and creating real connection without forcing yourself to perform? This session is a practice lab for learning how to navigate groups with awareness, curiosity, and genuine presence. *** 💬 **What This Session Is About** In many social spaces the real skill is not talking more. The real skill is **listening deeply and adding value at the right moment**. In this workshop we explore how to become the kind of person who can enter conversations naturally, understand what people are really talking about, and contribute something meaningful. This workshop helps you practise: • listening to the context of a conversation before speaking • noticing what people might be missing, needing, or feeling • adding thoughtful insight at the right moment • asking powerful questions that deepen the discussion • recognising whether a group needs ideas, empathy, energy, or curiosity When you listen carefully enough, what you say can land in a way that makes people pause and think "That was thoughtful. I never considered that before." *** 🧠 **The Real Secret of Working a Room** Many people believe social success in groups comes from talking about themselves or trying to impress others. In reality the opposite is true. People remember the person who **added value** to the conversation. Sometimes that value is an idea. Sometimes it is a thoughtful question. Sometimes it is simply recognising and validating the emotion behind what someone is sharing. We will practise learning to notice: • what people are talking about intellectually • what emotions might be underneath the conversation • when someone might need empathy and space • when someone might want energetic discussion and ideas Different groups need different things. The skill is learning to sense what will help the most. *** 🔄 **How the Session Runs** The meetup is divided into two practical phases. ***\-\-\-\-\-\-First half: spontaneous mingling practice\-\-\-\-\-\-*** Participants will move between small groups and practise: • listening in before speaking • understanding the context of the discussion • contributing thoughtfully at the right moment • experimenting with adding value to different conversations This is about observing group dynamics and learning what people might actually need in that moment. ***\-\-\-\-\-\-Second half: intentional group navigation\-\-\-\-\-\-*** In the second phase we practise approaching groups with intention. You might enter a group with a simple internal goal such as: • learning something about a topic • contributing helpful insight • building a meaningful connection • supporting someone who seems unheard But the key principle is this: * **you pursue the goal by giving value rather than trying to take something.** When people feel that you are trying to extract attention, approval, or connection, the interaction often feels draining. When people feel that you are offering curiosity, attention, insight, or encouragement, the interaction becomes energising. Your focus becomes listen carefully understand what might help and offer that freely without expecting anything in return. *** 🌱 **What You Will Practise** • joining conversations in a natural, respectful way • reading group dynamics and energy • deciding when to contribute and when to listen • asking questions that deepen discussion • recognising when a group values empathy versus ideas • moving between groups without feeling awkward • adding genuine value to conversations You will begin to notice that when you read people accurately and contribute something meaningful, their energy changes. They lean in. They become more animated. They remember you. Real connections start to form because **you helped bring the conversation to life.** *** 👋 **A Note From the Facilitator** As an autistic and neurodivergent coach I once found group conversations extremely confusing. Through years of practice in recruitment, interviewing, social events, friendships, and coaching, I realised that group interaction is not a personality trait. It is a learnable skill. This session is about experimenting, observing, and practising that skill together in a supportive environment. Progress matters more than perfection. If by the end of the evening you understand a little more about how to listen, add value, and navigate groups with confidence, that is a meaningful step forward. *** 📝 **Before and After** You will be invited to optionally share: • what feels hardest about group conversations • what situations tend to overwhelm you socially • what kind of interactions you would love to feel more confident in At the end we will gather feedback so future sessions can evolve based on what participants actually find most helpful. The goal is not to perform. The goal is to **learn how to bring energy, curiosity, and value into the spaces you enter.** * ***And when you do that, people remember you for it.....*** ***No more dead end numbers and contact cards....*** ***Stoke real connection, with real skills and practice.***

At Unity of Columbus, our Youth and Family Ministry nurtures the spiritual growth of children and families through love, joy, and practical spiritual teachings. Each Sunday, children explore timeless spiritual principles through stories, creative activities, music, and group sharing in a safe and welcoming environment. Our program encourages children to discover their own inner light, express kindness, and develop a personal connection with God. Together, we celebrate diversity, cultivate understanding, and inspire each child to live with purpose and compassion. Parents and families are invited to join in this uplifting journey of learning, laughter, and spiritual connection.

Welcome, readers! Our March read is **_The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver._** The story follows Taylor Greer, a young woman from rural Kentucky who leaves home for the West, only to find herself unexpectedly becoming the guardian of an abused Native American toddler named Turtle. In Tucson, Arizona, they form a makeshift family with a diverse group of people, including Guatemalan refugees and a single mother, exploring themes of motherhood, community, belonging, and finding hope in hardship. The story blends humor with serious issues, creating a story about finding family in unexpected places. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

**Our March pick is *God of the Woods* by Liz Moore.** **This month’s novel is an award-winning literary mystery that blends family drama with psychological suspense. It explores women’s voices and relationships while delivering an exciting, eerie, and deeply suspenseful story. The book is 576 pages in print or 14 hours and 35 minutes on audiobook.** Early morning, August 1975: a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found. As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded story invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances. It is Liz Moore’s most ambitious and wide-reaching novel yet.