This week’s family beat is the gentle hum of Zanni Louise, children’s author, traveller and mum to two girls. Zanni is currently living here and there in Europe (lucky duck), but home in Australia is in the NSW Byron hinterland.
I’m… Zanni. Full name Suzannah, but I’m never called that anymore. Zanni suits me much better.
I am social. As extroverted as you can get. I get strange on my own, and need the input from others. I love socialising of course, both in big groups, online and in small, intimate groups. One on one is my favourite.
I was born in a country town in NSW, and went to boarding school at age 12. I’m sure it was character building, but not sure if I would do it again.
I had years of depression, on and off, but in Melbourne I worked hard to change my mindset. I found the denim dungarees I bought from the op-shop were a saving grace, because every time I wore them, I immediately felt happier and lighter. The other key to my happiness at the time was learning that okay was good. Feeling great all the time was an unnecessary pressure, which only made me more miserable.
I’m creative. Productive. A do-er. I wake early, and don’t like lying there. I need to get up, and do something.
I’m not afraid to take risks. I try lots of things, and continually put myself out there. I think if you are doing something with passion and conviction, with as much positivity as you can, you can only grow.
I’m a children’s writer. I am at the start of my career, and trying to build something up. As my other paid work is quieter right now, I am dedicating lots of time and energy to children’s writing right now. I have one picture book out called Too Busy Sleeping. And I’ve just found out that the very acclaimed and amazing illustrator David Mackintosh has begun work on my second book. Exciting times.Meet my husband
I’ve been married to Gregor for 9 years. We’ve known each other for less than 10. We met at the Sydney Biennale. I was installing an Antony Gormley artwork, and he was installing an Adrian Paci chandelier. We met in the light of the chandelier, which is very appropriate, as his family own and run an art and light business in the Netherlands. Because he was Dutch, there were not many easy ways to live and be together. So we got married. My family were a little shocked, as I was only 22. But gladly, it all worked out.
He’d just come out of living for years as a Buddhist when we met. He’s very gentle, loving and kind. And an excellent dad. He may not have the biggest earning potential in the world, but his heart makes up for it. Mostly we get along.
Before kids, we always got along. Never a fight, and a relationship built on silliness, good humour and bountiful support. As soon as the first baby was born though, things changed, as they tend to. I became more bossy, I think. And other aspects of our dynamic changed. Changed, and reformed. Not all for the bad! In fact, generally we are very good friends and lovers; we share dreams and we make up for each other’s weaknesses. I love that after 9 years, he’s as rock solid as ever.
When it comes to my writing, he’s my constant support and constructive critique. He helps me develop plot lines (I joke that he should hire himself out as Plot Man – he’s exceptionally good at it!) and even though English is his second language, his editing abilities are excellent.Meet my kids
I have two daughters, six and three years old. They are terrific sisters. They get along so well most of the time. They are so different in themselves. One is practical, focused and hardworking. The other is dreamy and delightful. Yet two halves seem to make a beautiful whole.
Elka, the older sister, forever wanted a baby sister. So when I obliged (conveniently), she was rapt. She was so gentle and kind with her baby sister. These days, baby sister is a bit of a force to be reckoned with, but generally they work it out very well.
Our home life
I usually live in a little brick and tile house in a village on the North Coast of NSW. It was my grandma’s house, and we have a lot of memories there. It’s small and modest, but very us.
At the moment though we are nomadic. We are living between various homes in Europe – in the Netherlands, UK and Austria, mainly. My children, it turns out, are amazingly adaptable, and seem to be happy wherever they go. I love that they immediately make themselves home, and become best friends with whoever we are staying with. Makes life so much easier.
When we go home, I’d love to live rural, and small. Definitely modest.
My work life
I work part time from home. I’ve done so ever since I was first pregnant. I write educational and training material. It’s a terrific flexible job, which satisfies me mentally and financially. I work at all hours. When the kids were younger, I worked whenever I could. A couple of hours here and there. Now, I tend to have work days, and they go out and do things with their dad. We don’t really use day care, but my eldest has been at preschool, mainly because it’s fun for her.
I am not sure if I am organised. But I seem to get a lot done. I am definitely not a procrastinator. I get an idea, and I act on it immediately, before giving myself a chance to procrastinate. I don’t say no often, mainly because ‘yes’ has mostly worked out for me. So many doors have opened for me, because I say yes a lot, and try and do things as best I can.
I feel like there’s a lot of balance. When I am not working or doing, I’m not thinking about it. I have lots of time with my kids, puddling around. I seem to have lots of time for me. But ‘me time’ isn’t going for massages, or out for drinks. It’s a little run here and there. Or time writing children’s stories.
A day in my life
At the moment, a typical day may include breakfast with whoever we are staying with, a bit of homeschooling, an outdoor activity/ work, dinner together and books or games before the kids go to bed.
At home, we dedicate much of our morning to an elaborate breakfast. We sit down together, make good coffee, and eat a banquet of cured meats, cheeses, and fermented vegetables. I love breakfast more than life itself.
We always eat dinner together. That’s important. And after dinner, I either read books to both children, or just my youngest, while my older child plays board games. We have little technology time. I try and do most of my computer work when kids aren’t around. I use the phone a bit, but try and avoid it.
I love taking photos – that’s my weakness. And of course, when writing, I spend a lot of time on computers. My children though don’t have a TV, or iPad (it broke). They occasionally watch something on the computer, but don’t seem to miss it much.
Once kids are in bed, even while travelling, my husband and I spend our evenings eating chocolate and watching comedy on Netflix.
Click here for Zanni’s tips for how she manages everyday family life.
Our family life
We love going into nature. Nature is very important for mine, and my children’s psychology. We always have a good time in nature, either at the beach, or doing a walk, or something simple. Exercise is very important to me too. I am extremely moderate, and never do a lot, but regular moderate exercise keeps me happy. I try to get enough sleep, and eat well. But watching comedy shows for bed with my husband is a definite must.
When it comes to parenting, I’m not very strict. But I am learning to be more consistent. No is no is no. My kids are crazy negotiators, but I’m learning that clear and fast boundaries are sometimes very necessary. I’d say I’m fairly easy going, generally. When I observe older, well-adjusted kids with their parents, who seem like they are having a good time, the general trend seems to be that the parents treat the kids with respect, are fairly calm and reasonable, and easy going. I try an emulate that. I don’t like permissive parenting much though; I’ve learnt that doesn’t work out very well.
Respect. Kindness. Relaxed. Clear when I need to be clear. Positive role-model. That’s what I am trying to do, on the whole.
Of course, I want my kids to be happy. I want my kids to be kind. I want them to reach their potential. If they are creative, I hope they can explore that. If they are pragmatic, I hope they can use that. I like that they’re adaptable, open little people. I think that will be good for them later. I hope they are generally relaxed.
Kindness is very important to me. Raising kids, one of the main things I care about is how they treat others. It’s the same for me. I think, as social beings, being aware of how our actions impact others, and seeking to ‘do good’ is a good rule for life.
On the ski mountain the other day, I thought to myself, “We need comfort and we need difficulty to grow, in the same way as we need sleep and exercise.” I pointed my skis down a scary mountain and went for it. After that scary run, I did the easy slope to give myself a pat on the back, and feel comfortable for a moment.
Click here for Zanni’s top 3 recipes, cleaning tips, organising must-dos and more.
Jenni from Styling Curvy says
I loved this peek inside Zanni’s life. Reading about how other people think, live and function is fascinating, uplifting and teaches me. Thanks Bron X
Maxabella says
Me too, Jenni. I love this series so much. And I didn’t even know that Zanni was once a Suzanne!! x
Jodi Gibson says
I’ve been a reader of Zanni’s blog for quite a while and have followed her journey to publication with “Too Busy Sleeping”, but I so loved peeking inside her family world. Zanni is a beautiful soul who radiates calm and love, you can just tell. Thanks for sharing Zanni, and thanks as always Bron.
Maxabella says
She is a beautiful soul indeed – just MADE for children’s writing, I think. x
Emily says
Great read. Respect, kindness and clarity. A fabulous parenting how-to. x
Maxabella says
Clarity is the one I really struggle with, Em. x
Dani @ Sand has no home says
I always love reading about the beautiful Zanni and her gorgeous family! How amazing do those breakfasts sound? x
Maxabella says
I LOVE her commitment to breakfast. I don’t think I’ve ever met another mother who takes the time for breakfast in the same way Zanni does. It speaks volumes about the way she lives her life in general. An awesome takeaway for me. x
Kit@lifethroughthehaze says
I love reading about different families. Sometimes I would love to pack up the family and run away to the country but then I realise that I know the city runs through my veins.
Zanni Hacska says
Thank you for inviting me to be part of this lovely series Bron! I’m as curious as anyone and love seeing how people live! x
Deb @ inner compass designs says
so nice to hear more about Zanni. Great series Bron xx
Jo @ CountryLifeExperiment says
I do love to sticky beak into how other people live. It’s always so interesting to see lives that are so different,and yet so similar to mine.
Tahlia @ the parenting files says
Such a beautiful soul miss Zanni. Stunning series too. Xxx
Vicki @ Knocked Up & Abroad says
How fabbo to discover more about Zanni. I read her blog and her book to my kids, but found out so much more here. What an interesting, refreshing character AND I love the nomadic thing. I watch on with so much envy xx
Josefa Pete says
Oh Zanni, I never tire of reading your words – never. Each little snippet you have shared here is lined with a love, dedication & kindness. Your passion about breakfast brought a smile to my face. Breakfast is a mad rush at our place, trying to get everyone ready for work & school – I’ll be thinking of your beautiful breakfast as I am madly drinking my coffee on-the-go. Oh and next time your mention that you are a children’s writer – please leave out the part of being at the start of your career – there is no start, middle or end when your heart has found its voice and its passion. A beautiful insight thank you for sharing Bron xx
Kathy says
Zanni – I love your confidence, which manifests in your life. You seem to have this ability to focus on family and enjoying the experience of living overseas while also looking for (and taking) the opportunities to grow yourself and your business ideas. I have to say as someone who is 15 years older than you (remember we share the same birthday) you have a beautiful self-assurance that flow to your family. Thanks Bron for bringing us this series.
Renee Wilson says
Zanni is a truly kind and considerate soul. I love her outlook on life and her creativity is an inspiration to me. An extraordinary little family that I never tire hearing about.
Collette Beck says
I love the idea of moving and travelling with the kids – the European experience for young kids (especially when we are from so far away) is one of the best things you could do for your kids, I think.
Zanni sounds like a quirky, happy soul. Lovely read. xx