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Top- selling singer- composer Wendy Matthews has a new album out
"Beautiful View" and begins a national tour next month. When not on
the road, she divides her time between the rainforest of the North
Coast of NSW and Sydney.
When
I turned 40 it was quite nerve-racking leading up to the big day. I
felt really good about it. At forty I'm much more settled and
happier in my own skin and feel much more in control. Now I know my
priorities. The things that last like dear friends and staying true
to yourself. One of my biggest turning points was when I discovered
that Australia is home. I grew up in Canada and lived in Los Angeles
and other cities before coming here in 1983. I was with my family in
Montreal earlier this year, and visiting my father in Vancouver,
when I realised Canada was no longer home, Australia is. Its where
my friends are, the bulk of my work is and where I've found real
contentment. At first it was unsettling to discover this. I felt
torn between where I grew up and my family was and where my life is
now. Then it became a relief. It is wonderful to finally know where
you want to be. I'd always wanted a piece of land to plant things
and watch them grow. Now I have it - a patch of rainforest on the
North Coast where I have a Sioux teepee.
One of the great things about being 40 is living in the moment. I
write about it on my new album with my song Right Now. For
years I made decisions based on some perceived outcome. Now I trust
my instincts. If something feels right, I go with it, if it doesn't
I get out. At 40, I feel lighter, younger and much clearer. When I
was 20, 40 seemed a long way off: I always thought I'd have kids by
now. In my 30's I felt a lot more biologically on the edge than I do
now. Its been like a gentle letting go. But my friends have kids
that I see all the time. As far as looking after myself, these days
I am much better at it. I have a Border Collie, Bear, who gets me
out running on the beach each morning. I eat fresh foods and don't
drink or smoke. I love sleep and I also make sure I have time for
myself.
© The Australian Women's
Weekly Magazine
August 2001.
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