A Time of Living Graciously: Reflections on Growing Older

by Brigid Lowry

Brigid Lowry' s insights into ageing gracefully and gratefully are a warm embrace for the soul. From navigating the quirks of creaking joints to pondering life' s mysteries, Brigid reminds us to approach life with kindness and humour. Whether you' re facing the occasional stumble or pondering the mysteries of existence, let this collection be your companion.

172 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 3, 2026

About the author

Brigid Lowry was born in New Zealand into a rather strange but very creative family. Here she learned a love of books, too many swear words and how to cook a decent omelette. Brigid's early, rather awful poetry was made into a small book by her father, a printer and typographer, and sold to kindly relatives for two and sixpence a copy. Thus her writing career was launched, but it took about twenty years for her to take it to a higher place. In the meantime she tried being a hippie, a waitress, a software tutor, a librarian, a mother, a wife and a primary school teacher.

At the age of thirty five Brigid returned to university and began to publish poetry and short fiction. Her first young adult book was Fizz & Max & Me, which was published in the Dolly Fiction series. As well as teaching her how to write dialogue, this book paid Brigid the grand sum of $3000 and inspired her to apply for an Arts Council Grant for funding to write a second young adult book. With the grant safely in the bank, armed with nothing more than a flimsy idea about a girl who wanted a nose-ring, Brigid wrote Guitar Highway Rose. Constructed in a quirky collage style, this book was a runaway success. It was shortlisted for a number of major prizes in Australia, and won the WA Hoffman Young Readers Choice Award.

Brigid's star sign is Aries, and she has a tattoo of an island, a palm tree and a planet on her left shoulder. She has an MA in Creative Writing and teaches creative writing here and there. Brigid is currently working on a new young adult book and has recently returned to live in her homeland, New Zealand, after living for 27 wonderful years in Australia.

Reviews

[Jodie (Sunshinejode) W · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘A Time of Living Graciously – Reflections on Growing Older’ – written by Brigid Lowry and published by Fremantle Press was a perfect book to have by your bed to read a short chapter each night.

Chapters such as -Being here now – Your Story – Loss – Making a List – Courage – Ageism – Time – make it thoughtful and insightful to read. Each chapter starts with a quote which I loved. For example, at the start of the Funny Happy Silly chapter is this quote – “The secret to living well and longer is to eat half, walk double, laugh triple and love without measure’ – Tibetan saying.

It is full of wit and wisdom and would make a lovely gift for friends, colleagues and family. In today’s busy world I looked forward to reading my chapter each night. Recommend you picking it up and embracing it.

[Jenny Esots · Rating 4 out of 5]

A whimsical and humorous look at ageing.
One that exposes the little moments of frustration, like a bad haircut and how to deal with it.
I love the authors descriptions of people around her who had died, and then she added her own description (had an obsession with recycling!).
She is not one to shy away from any quirks or failings of others or herself.
This is a short but incisive read.

[Airlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful, precious little gem of a book. It’s wise, inspiring and really accessible with its short chapters, making it easy to pick up and put down. I just happened to buy it at an airport bookshop (always my weakness!) and I’m thrilled that I did!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this and want to give it to everyone! Wise, humorous, and relatable. A deep bow to you, Brigid Lowry, for writing this.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marvellous read! I saw Brigid Lowry at my local library. She was fabulous.
This book is wonderful. Lots to think about and quite a few laughs.