Tell Me Over Tea Podcast Episode 6: The Power of Small Stories - Melissa’s Writing Journey
Tell Me Over TeaShow Notes
Show Notes In this episode of Tell Me Over Tea, I sit down with Melissa, who has been writing her life story over the past several months. Melissa reflects on how life’s small stories—moments that might seem ordinary or even “too small”—can carry meaning, connect us to others, and leave a quiet legacy. From childhood memories to adult reflections, she shares how writing has helped her see herself as a writer, embrace her experiences, and recognise the threads that tie her life together. Her journey reminds us that you don’t need a dramatic life or a grand story to make an impact—every memory, every story, every small act contributes to the tapestry of who we are and how we connect with others. This conversation is a gentle invitation to honour your own memories, trust in your stories, and embrace the joy of writing them down, no matter their size. So, pop the kettle on and join Melissa and I as she shares her wonderful story of life growing up in rural Australia in the 70s and 80s. What a great era that was too;) When you’ve had a listen please head on over to Instagram and say hi to Melissa. Her account is: @lemontreesandhoneybees Oh, and let me remind you who are looking for some writing help, the doors to my Little Life Stories membership are open right now — and this is the final chance to join in 2025. They are closing tonight, the 20th of October. Inside, you’ll find a gentle, supportive space to start writing your memories, with guidance, suggestions, prompts, encouragement, and a community that helps you keep going until your story is written. I’d love to help you get this precious story of yours written:) If you enjoyed this episode I would absolutely love it, if you would leave a review wherever you enjoy listening to these episodes. It’s the bestest way for us to get these precious stories into the homes of fellow story lovers and memory keepers. I also wanted to mention, again, the delicious tea that I was sipping during our chat. How serendipitous that Melissa mentioned a Moroccan Tea Ceremony, completely unaware that I was sipping on Tanya’s scrummy Moroccan Tea blend! It was kindly gifted to me by the lovely Tanya from Inspirational Tea Co …. and guess what? If you too would like to enjoy a yummy tea to sip whilst you listen to these podcast episodes (and of course you do!), Tanya has created a discount code for my listeners (you!!!). It will give you 15% off the regular price. How wonderful is that?Please be sure to use the discount code: STORIES to get 15% off. I hope you enjoy it because we all know that stories and tea are best when shared;) Kim x Links & Resources ✨I write, on Substack, a weekly newsletter, you can subscribe to that here: Betty Mae Wrote newsletter. It’s the space where I share stories (both mine and other people’s) and it’s also a way of keeping up to date with all things Betty Mae Wrote, Little Life Stories and the podcast. ✨To find out more about my writing membership, Little Life Stories you can do that here: Little Life Stories ✨If you’d like to get back into the gorgeous slow soothe of letter writing, please know you are always welcome to join: The Lovely Letters Project ✨Or if you simply need a good old sticky beak around the place, please head on over here to the website: www.bettymaewrote.com ✨Oh and if you’re an Instagram type, be sure to follow me on Instagram: @bettymaewrote
Music: Kim on the uke;) Rattling teacups – also KimProduction and Editing: Surprise, surprise, guess who? Yep! Kim again! Art by Lewis Dillon
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Show Notes ***Content note: this episode includes a letter that discusses suicide. Please take care as you listen. This week’s podcast episode is a Kitchen Table Letters one. It is based on a beautiful, heart-led prompt: If you could sit at a park bench and talk to anyone for an hour, who would it be? What would you say to them? What do they mean to you? The letters that came in response to this one are some of the most tender I’ve had the privilege of reading — each written to a loved one who is no longer here, imagining just one more hour together. Penny writes to her father, picturing an ordinary, wandering day together — pelicans, sea lions, old jokes about Coca-Cola and cameras without film, and a shared sunset by the sea. It’s a sweet, funny, beautiful tribute to a dad she clearly adored. Denise writes to her brother, Stewart, who she lost in 2023. This letter touches on suicide, so please take care of yourself while listening, and know it’s completely okay to skip this one if today isn’t the day for it. Denise’s letter is raw and honest, full of childhood memories, unanswered questions, and so much love. Janine writes to her dad, twenty years after losing him — golf games, tennis against the garden wall, scraped knees, and all the small everyday moments that added up to a lifetime of being loved by him. This episode is a reminder that grief and love are so often the same thing, just wearing different clothes — and that writing to the people we’ve lost can be a precious way to keep carrying them with us as well as process our loss. If you’d like to take part in the Kitchen Table Letters, I’d love to hear from you. Simply email me at [email protected] and I’ll send you all the details and the next prompt. If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you would follow Tell Me Over Tea wherever you listen, and if you feel inclined, a little review always helps more story-lovers find their way here:) Kim x Please email me at: [email protected] if you’d like to take part in The Kitchen Table Letters.