<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Wise As Stories]]></title><description><![CDATA[Wise As Stories is founded by Reeta Dhar and Darren Pryce. We are story makers, on a mission to create stories we wish we’d grown up with.]]></description><link>https://www.wiseas.media/wise-as-blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2026 12:34:30 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.wiseas.media/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Practising Art in Obscurity]]></title><description><![CDATA[The last generation of creatives are closing up shop I accompanied my partner to an opening at an art gallery late last year; one of his old friends was exhibiting his latest paintings. At one point in the evening I found myself at the edge of the crowd, looking on at the artist with his posse of friends. Like him, they’ve all had careers as creatives. A sober realisation dawned: This will be the last generation to make a living from the Arts. Practising Art in Obscurity . Written by Reeta...]]></description><link>https://www.wiseas.media/post/practising-art-in-obscurity-the-last-generation-of-creatives-are-closing-up-jobs</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4919410e6d465694983c9f</guid><category><![CDATA[Vitalis Magazine - Artist Life]]></category><category><![CDATA[Vitalis Magazine - Culture]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2026 09:28:44 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b1e9e3_4e6db8ed064046518379cf0bc4f4558a~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_912,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Reeta Dhar</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Is a picture still worth a thousand words?]]></title><description><![CDATA[A Dialogue on Contemporary Art and the Venice Biennale A picture is worth a thousand words: this well-known adage established the superiority of the visual art form over the written word, implying that complex ideas or deep emotions can be conveyed much more quickly and effectively through a single image than by reading or writing lengthy prose. While most of us will accept this on its face value, a cursory visit to any contemporary art exhibition will quickly challenge even the most ardent...]]></description><link>https://www.wiseas.media/post/is-a-picture-still-worth-a-thousand-words</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aa4cae9571318e8c9e5f23b</guid><category><![CDATA[Vitalis Magazine - Contemporary Art]]></category><category><![CDATA[Vitalis Magazine - All]]></category><category><![CDATA[Vitalis Magazine - Culture]]></category><category><![CDATA[Vitalis Magazine - Critique]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2026 09:22:44 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b1e9e3_ef48febe35d047abbb9182d283a7db73~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_864,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Reeta Dhar</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Harissa makes everything better]]></title><description><![CDATA[Food diary from the ancient Medina of Tunis Feeling down? Have some harissa. A bit stressed? Take some harissa. Broken hearted? Eat some extra harissa … Harissa makes everything better. I first encountered Harissa in the Medina of Tunis in May 2026. How I had managed to spend 3 and 40 years on this planet without indulging in this most beautiful of condiments, I do not know.   Harissa Makes Everything Better. Written by Reeta Dhar. Cover Art by Darren Pryce. The silent medina of Tunis   We...]]></description><link>https://www.wiseas.media/post/harissa-makes-everything-better</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a9cb2dfcdf183e0230cd3a4</guid><category><![CDATA[Vitali Magazine - Food Diary]]></category><category><![CDATA[Vitalis Magazine - Lifestyle]]></category><category><![CDATA[Vitalise Magazine - Food]]></category><category><![CDATA[Vitalis Magazine - All]]></category><category><![CDATA[Vitalis Magazine - Where to Eat]]></category><category><![CDATA[Vitalis Magazine - Where to go]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 19 Sep 2026 08:12:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b1e9e3_7794ba42cebd4d3db0078312ec1fe15f~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_864,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Reeta Dhar</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Have governments finally figured out how to close tech and tax loopholes?]]></title><description><![CDATA[It happened with social media.
It is happening with capital gains.
It may happen with AI.
Governments around the world are adopting the 'fast follower' strategy to close regulatory loopholes around technology and taxation: Once one government figures out the right policy setting to achieve a given outcome, others don't waste any time to follow.
This is the fastest governments have moved to develop and legislate uniform laws across multiple jurisdictions.]]></description><link>https://www.wiseas.media/post/have-governments-finally-figured-out-how-to-close-tech-and-tax-loopholes</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5f74134fc11de983d0d75c</guid><category><![CDATA[Vitali Magazine - Public Policy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Vitalis - Current Affairs]]></category><category><![CDATA[Vitalis Magazine - All]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 06 Sep 2026 13:39:32 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b1e9e3_63050c5aaef045b3bec2864edf5e310b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Reeta Dhar</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Are we alone? Spielberg does not think so]]></title><description><![CDATA[This piece is less a critique of Disclosure Day, the new UFO movie by Spielberg, and more of a discussion on why Spielberg made Disclosure Day (although I do critique it at the end). If the interviews with the legendary director are anything to go by, the man is a true believer. Judging by his body of work in the alien genre, perhaps he always was. What has become clear, however, is that he caught the same bug I did back in 2017. The difference is that I moved on while Spielberg made a movie. ]]></description><link>https://www.wiseas.media/post/are-we-alone-spielberg-does-not-think-so</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a80717d7c0c8196223919bc</guid><category><![CDATA[Vitalis Magazine - Movies]]></category><category><![CDATA[Vitalis Magazine - Culture]]></category><category><![CDATA[Vitalis Magazine - All]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 06 Sep 2026 13:20:31 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b1e9e3_f1b39b5d72fd40f0aec7d42fa490f00d~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Reeta Dhar</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Don’t Let Big Tech Ruin AI]]></title><description><![CDATA[Once upon a time, we lived in a world where the we could not get enough of tech. Silicon Valley aroused religious fervour. That tide has turned: The veneer of innovation and idealism that long kept Silicon Valley in the public's good graces has all but worn off. The challenge now is to stop Big Tech from ruining AI as well.]]></description><link>https://www.wiseas.media/post/don-t-let-big-tech-ruin-ai</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a734d6e2dc76a37da37bd44</guid><category><![CDATA[Vitalis Magazine - AI]]></category><category><![CDATA[Vitalis Magazine - Socio-Political]]></category><category><![CDATA[Vitalis - Current Affairs]]></category><category><![CDATA[Vitalis Magazine - Entrepreneurship]]></category><category><![CDATA[Vitalis Magazine - All]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 10:51:29 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b1e9e3_7a4d5a897c254e1ba277be7525e37f0a~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Reeta Dhar</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Where to eat in Coogee]]></title><description><![CDATA[Confession: I am writing this article mostly for the benefit of folks who are staying at my home whilst I am off wandering the world (hurrah to the share economy). To the extent it helps others discover great cafes and restaurants in Coogee that are going the extra mile to deliver an elevated dining experience, that is a bonus!]]></description><link>https://www.wiseas.media/post/where-to-eat-in-coogee</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4e2add6702494106638e41</guid><category><![CDATA[Vitalis Magazine - Where to Eat]]></category><category><![CDATA[Vitalis Magazine - Lifestyle]]></category><category><![CDATA[Vitalis Magazine - All]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 10:33:55 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b1e9e3_e2ba9b2c72474937b768dc545d1f5406~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Reeta Dhar</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[2025 was a turning point: Being a billionaire is no longer cool]]></title><description><![CDATA[20th of January, 2025: On a freezing winter's day in Washington, Trump was sworn in as the President of the United States of America for the second time. The chill captured the mood of at least half the nation and perhaps, most of the world, as the mad king was once again handed the reins to the most armed nation in the world.​

Michelle Obama broke tradition and did not attend the inauguration. She did not put forward some fake excuse either ...]]></description><link>https://www.wiseas.media/post/2025-was-a-turning-point-being-a-founder-is-no-longer-cool</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a47a8b34a3614e014ed7d8d</guid><category><![CDATA[Vitalis Magazine - Entrepreneurship]]></category><category><![CDATA[Vitalis - Current Affairs]]></category><category><![CDATA[Vitalis Magazine - All]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 10:05:36 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b1e9e3_807e8ebfb8014a1ab68eccdd106e3c8a~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Reeta Dhar</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Reality of Budget Travel]]></title><description><![CDATA[What possesses us to leave behind a comfortable home and head off into the unknown? I am not referring to luxury travel or the sort of travel one does with organised tour companies either. Rather, I am talking about the self-directed, budget-conscious journeys that intrepid souls embark upon through distant lands. As adventurous as such a form of travel may sound, it is not without its trials.]]></description><link>https://www.wiseas.media/post/the-reality-of-budget-travel-tips</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a48cc57f7b480551f0ecd7c</guid><category><![CDATA[Vitalis Magazine - Travel Tips]]></category><category><![CDATA[Vitalis Magazine - Lifestyle]]></category><category><![CDATA[Vitalis Magazine - All]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 09:25:44 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b1e9e3_42fc748a8d6844b798acd3688067d371~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Reeta Dhar</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Pharaohs' Lesson: A travelogue of Egypt]]></title><description><![CDATA[Say there was an eternal afterlife – what would you choose to take to the other side? Your house? Car? Gourmet food and wine? That comfy sofa in the living room? Maybe some favourite clothes, jewellery, makeup and shoes? What about some underwear? Pharaohs packed all this and more. The reason we know this is because of the infamous discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb, the most complete and spectacular unplundered royal tomb discovered in the Valley of the Kings ...]]></description><link>https://www.wiseas.media/post/vitalis-travelogue-egypt-the-pharaoh-s-lesson</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a47d983f7b480551f0ccf88</guid><category><![CDATA[Vitalis Magazine - Travelogue]]></category><category><![CDATA[Vitalis Magazine - Lifestyle]]></category><category><![CDATA[Vitalis Magazine - Travel]]></category><category><![CDATA[Vitalis Magazine - Where to go]]></category><category><![CDATA[Vitalis Magazine - All]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 09:09:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b1e9e3_93801febfdd344b893f4f8f9f073fcd3~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Reeta Dhar</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Willow the Wonderer is a finalist in the prestigious Living Now Book Awards]]></title><description><![CDATA[Some wonderful news, Willow the Wonderer is a finalist in the Living Now Book Awards! About Living Now Book Awards Launched in 2008, the Living Now Book Awards honour the finest new titles that promote a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle. In a world where personal growth and well-being are paramount, these awards spotlight books that serve as essential tools for connecting, thriving, and inspiring change. The Living Now Book Awards celebrate the creativity and innovation behind impactful...]]></description><link>https://www.wiseas.media/post/willow-the-wonderer-is-a-finalist-in-the-prestigious-living-now-book-awards</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a7ae02603ca10d8b3fb9711</guid><category><![CDATA[News & Updates]]></category><category><![CDATA[Bestselling Picture Books]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 2026 21:45:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b1e9e3_25d5fb1d775043fea290699506d9684c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Reeta Dhar</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A new adventure beckons]]></title><description><![CDATA[Dear all,   A quick note to let you know that we are heading off on an adventure!   Assuming planes are still flying by next week ... we will be making our way to North Africa. The plan is to travel and work from there over the next few months, as we develop the next chapter for Wise As Stories.   Our store will be open for Pre-Orders  during this time, with fulfilment to commence again from September  i.e. you are welcome to place orders whilst we are way. We will ship these in September...]]></description><link>https://www.wiseas.media/post/a-new-adventure-beckons</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69de2063b9feb7db43b8ba8d</guid><category><![CDATA[News & Updates]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 21:30:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b1e9e3_c0fd78c7125b470ea3ff80f1876fafec~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_796,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Reeta Dhar</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A new life lesson from the school of hard knocks]]></title><description><![CDATA[Hey, can you attend to this lady next?", the ER nurse called out to a passing doctor. "Her elbow is dislocated; her arm's hanging like a deadweight!" I looked at Darren and chuckled; the nurse's graphic yet apt description had momentarily distracted me from my sorry predicament.     About three weeks ago, I came off my bicycle ... In the space of a few moments, I was thrown onto the tarmac, dislocated my left elbow, landed hard on my jaw, chipped my teeth and skinned my chin, knees and palms...]]></description><link>https://www.wiseas.media/post/a-new-life-lesson-from-the-school-of-hard-knocks</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69ba77969f707efd84e42133</guid><category><![CDATA[Vitalis Magazine - Lived Wisdom]]></category><category><![CDATA[Timeless Wisdom]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:13:04 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b1e9e3_27c57c4771b64fdabfcc51c57257beb0~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Reeta Dhar</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Introducing Budget Book Bundles: Teach Emotional Intelligence to kids through Storytelling]]></title><description><![CDATA[Everything seems to only be getting more and more expensive that families are having to cut back on essentials, even storybooks ... We can't do much about the price of petrol, electricity or groceries but we can help with books: Introducing our new Budget Bundles for Willow the Wonderer . Budget Book Bundles - New! Our Budget Book Bundles are 2-3 Willow the Wonderer  book collections, developed around critical EQ or emotional intelligence skills such as emotional regulation, mindfulness,...]]></description><link>https://www.wiseas.media/post/introducing-budget-book-bundles-teach-emotional-intelligence-to-kids-through-storytelling</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b76735b77817bc0c9e7335</guid><category><![CDATA[Bestselling Picture Books]]></category><category><![CDATA[News & Updates]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:30:06 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b1e9e3_5822c27a97854f49935e6d159a6ac251~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Reeta Dhar</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Final Day!  Paperback Sale  Get quality kids books at amazing discount]]></title><description><![CDATA[Quick reminder that today is the final day for our paperback sale (ends midnight). Paperback Sale : Willow the Wonderer All paperbacks discounted to $9.99 per book. Make the most of this limited time offer to complete your little ones' Willow the Wonderer collection or indeed stock up on presents for the little ones in your life.  The Book Set with the complete series is now only $49.95 That's five books bestselling books for less than $50! Make the most of these deals :)   Spread the word:...]]></description><link>https://www.wiseas.media/post/final-day-paperback-sale-quality-kids-books-at-amazing-price</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69a21c183a2716aeb2183b2b</guid><category><![CDATA[News & Updates]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 22:56:07 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b1e9e3_a71efce0457e4acfbd4f6feeaa99451e~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Reeta Dhar</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Meet ACARA 9.0 and EYLF Outcomes with 'Willow the Wonderer' Mentor Texts]]></title><description><![CDATA[The 'Aha!' Moment: Discovering Curriculum Alignment We knew Willow the Wonderer  were good books, but what we had not realised (until last week) was that it was aligned to the Australian education curriculum ( ACARA Version 9.0 ), including the early years learning framework ( EYLF V2.0 )! Willow the Wonderer: Enchanting tales that support education and emotional growth The books beautifully bridge the gap between storytelling and measurable educational outcomes. Maybe that's why so many...]]></description><link>https://www.wiseas.media/post/how-to-meet-acara-9-0-and-eylf-outcomes-with-willow-the-wonderer-mentor-texts</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69951b7ff3bdbffca928c009</guid><category><![CDATA[Bestselling Picture Books]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 20:30:06 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b1e9e3_834131f402cc43b899eb32d4a23cbd8f~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Reeta Dhar</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Willow the Wonderer books are the best-kept secret for teaching resilience]]></title><description><![CDATA[Few amongst us would disagree that resilience is one of life's most critical skills. The operative word is skill — resilience is something that can be learnt. Willow the Wonderer uses a story-first approach to teach children resilience So how do we teach this important skill to children without getting too technical or indeed, imposing any undue hardship onto the little tackers! This is where Willow the Wonderer  enters the scene. It leaves children with a few important clues on how to...]]></description><link>https://www.wiseas.media/post/why-willow-the-wonderer-is-the-best-kept-secret-for-teaching-resilience</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6992b77c159d7fac963ffc6b</guid><category><![CDATA[Bestselling Picture Books]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:58:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b1e9e3_3e2c67d3a74d4e8ca9e275bab852d9f4~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_801,h_801,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Reeta Dhar</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Looking for mindful gifts for kids that supports literacy and emotional intelligence?]]></title><description><![CDATA[What is your earliest memory of hearing the term emotional intelligence? Or mental health? Or indeed, phrases like wellbeing, self-regulation, resilience, cognitive reframing or even meditation? Mindful gifts to support education and develop emotional intelligence I consider myself fairly modern and well educated. Yet, I had never come across these concepts until I was well into my twenties. By then I had experienced my fair share of ups and downs, and somehow managed to stumble my way...]]></description><link>https://www.wiseas.media/post/looking-for-mindful-gifts-for-kids-that-supports-literacy-and-emotional-intelligence</link><guid isPermaLink="false">698da165d558b030957e3cd0</guid><category><![CDATA[Bestselling Picture Books]]></category><category><![CDATA[FAQs]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 10:49:55 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b1e9e3_378579a1a6d84074b2c9185eec04dc6a~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_850,h_850,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Reeta Dhar</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Life after Willow ❤️ Refreshed home. Refreshed education hub. Refreshed blog.]]></title><description><![CDATA[Blast from the past: Unboxing first printing of Willow the Wonderer (2021) I don't think I have felt as excited about the start of another year. Admittedly, I had a little cry on my first day back at the desk, when it finally sunk in that it was time to say goodbye to my little Willow; that sweet, stubborn, little wise ass has been more real to me these past six years than most other things in the 'real' world. It was an apt time to recall Fox's counsel to Willow in The Gift.   Handing him a...]]></description><link>https://www.wiseas.media/post/life-after-willow-refreshed-home-refreshed-education-hub-refreshed-blog</link><guid isPermaLink="false">698a5cabc54aab42f41cd2ce</guid><category><![CDATA[News & Updates]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 23:51:37 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b1e9e3_fb78188a41e940e6be2db6f0c5193713~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Reeta Dhar</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to stay relentlessly positive, in spite of the news]]></title><description><![CDATA["What should my resolution for 2026 be?", I mulled as I cooked dinner last week. *Relentless Positivity* were the words that flashed in my mind. Not being an optimist by nature, I was somewhat excited by the prospect of experimenting with a different mental mode for the ensuring 12 months but then, I read the news ... It's not going to be easy, I realised. The world events inspired me to get clinical about positive thinking; what it means in practice and how to deal with a mind that resists!...]]></description><link>https://www.wiseas.media/post/how-to-stay-relentlessly-positive-in-spite-of-the-news</link><guid isPermaLink="false">695b2a36564ad52a95963fad</guid><category><![CDATA[News & Updates]]></category><category><![CDATA[Timeless Wisdom]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 01:05:54 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b1e9e3_c863835ef7d046aea6faa7ef308daec2~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Reeta Dhar</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>