A Grandmother's Wisdom

A Grandmother's Wisdom

There's a special bond between a grandparent and a grandchild that sets their relationship apart from any other. Catriona Rowntree knows this first hand. Recognised as -Australia's most travelled woman' thanks to her role on Channel 9's Getaway, Catriona has seen the world a hundred times over. But it's the world through her Nan's eyes that has really changed her life...

Catriona Rowntree loves her Nan. She grew up in the same household and it was to this wise, loving woman that the young Catriona took all her worries and joys. Always there was a sympathetic ear and advice worth following.

When Catriona left home, started her media career, found and lost boyfriends, met her future husband, married and fell pregnant – her Nan's words of encouragement, warmth and love helped to guide her behaviour and choices, and still continue to do so.

A Grandmother's Wisdom is Catriona's memoir, interwoven with her Nan's homespun advice.

Heartfelt and funny with a straight-talking edge, Catriona shares intimate moments from her life, previously only whispered to her loving Nan. A Grandmother's Wisdom is a book to treasure and a reminder of how important family really is.


As -Australia's most travelled woman', Catriona Rowntree earned this title after more than 18 years at the helm of Australia's favourite travel show, Getaway, on channel 9. Catriona began her television career on WonderWorld!, and has worked on radio, television and print since. In addition to her media roles, Catriona is always involved in community work. She is a passionate advocate for Australian wool, Landcare and children's charities. She is also a very popular public speaker, highly sought after as an MC and the host of various events. When not in an aeroplane, Catriona lives with her husband and two children on their sheep and grain property in rural Victoria.


A Grandmother's Wisdom
Allen & Unwin
Author: Catriona Rowntree
RRP: $24.99

Interview with Catriona Rowntree

Question: What inspired you to write your memoir and include your Nan's homespun advice?

Catriona Rowntree: To honour my Nan's story, to hopefully allow my teenage nieces to learn some of the 'cheat notes on life' Nan had passed onto me and to allow my sons to know that their Mum was blessed to have felt unconditionally loved by one person. Truth be known, a Publisher had suggested the book idea to me, "I love the way you always refer to your Nan and the advice that she gives you. How 'bout you two write a tips book together?" I loved the idea, but what the Publisher didn't know was that my Nan was desperately ill at the time. I hoped the book would be a great distraction for Nan, I prayed it wouldn't be a memoir. It did end up being the latter, but I'm so glad I could share with other people how amazing my nan was and how important it is in life to let one person know they have your absolute faith.


Question: Was it difficult to relive any of the moment in the book?

Catriona Rowntree: Agonising! To write daily about the person I loved, who I'd lost. To try to find the time to write after giving birth to my second child and going back to work. I gave up half way through, but the Publisher showed so much faith in me, for her sake, I had to keep going and today I'm so glad I made it to the finishing line. Persistence really does lead to victory.


Question: What did you enjoy most about writing A Grandmother's Wisdom?

Catriona Rowntree: Completing it. Truly, I wondered if I'd ever get to the point of doing Publicity for the book, my first book signing was surreal as I just didn't think I'd ever complete the book. But the feeling of joy the day I went to the post office, packaged up my first draft and sent it...I was so elated I asked the Postmaster to take a photo of me which I naturally then Tweeted to the world. View the photo here .


Question: What do you hope readers take away from A Grandmother's Wisdom?

Catriona Rowntree: That love can make you bold. If you know you have one person in your corner, you can go on to do amazing things, lead an adventurous life, take risks and show other people compassion too.


Question: On another note; tell us, what are the top five things we need to take on an aeroplane to ensure a smooth trip?

Catriona Rowntree: Earplugs, the sound of the man snoring next to you or the backpackers partying down the back can be so annoying when all you crave is sleep.
Socks, I tend to find my feet freeze on the plane and those loos can be so foul.
A good book (preferably mine) as its when you're on the tarmac, waiting to ascend or descend, or stuck in a departure lounge that you crave reading material.
Lip moisturiser, I like the paw paw one or Lanolips as they are multi-taskers, use them on your cuticles, your lips, or preventing puffy eyes.
Travel sized toiletries, I'm generalising here so you can pick your faves, but when you're in transit or on a long flight you really appreciate any kind of freshening up and even better if it's a favourite product from home. One more tip if you have a baby, take something they can suck on ascent and descent as their little ears hurt. Trust me on all the above.


Question: What's next for you?

Catriona Rowntree: Wrapping up my wonderful book tour, launching my wool range for babies at Target, filming for Getaway, getting back to my Blog, hosting duties coming out of my ears, planting 1,000 daffodils, sewing crops on the farm and loving my family like there's no tomorrow. If you could find an eighth day in the week for me, that'd be a great help.

 

A Grandmother's Wisdom
Allen & Unwin
Author: Catriona Rowntree
RRP: $24.99