tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26598972682362493042024-03-14T17:51:23.696+13:00Sempiterna Me....."...each minute of life should be a divine quest.." Paramahansa YoganandaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08470961835179653158noreply@blogger.comBlogger884125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659897268236249304.post-44901425514030865952016-08-18T06:20:00.001+12:002016-08-18T06:20:27.954+12:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0QmwHlOcs0/V7SqdKZ13AI/AAAAAAAA1u8/L_JHw-NKN9Um4JCiyZxqUS4EdQoOVSJ6QCKgB/s1600/20160708_145537_3-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0QmwHlOcs0/V7SqdKZ13AI/AAAAAAAA1u8/L_JHw-NKN9Um4JCiyZxqUS4EdQoOVSJ6QCKgB/s320/20160708_145537_3-1.jpg" width="320" /></a>Oh my old blog.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been away in crazy Facebook land.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But I found you.. And a few old friends..</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SrSqGX7778k/V7SqdE3csYI/AAAAAAAA1u8/ncBJNJc4L-AN0J2KwN0GY-oPOGJegDXqQCKgB/s1600/20160708_163050-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SrSqGX7778k/V7SqdE3csYI/AAAAAAAA1u8/ncBJNJc4L-AN0J2KwN0GY-oPOGJegDXqQCKgB/s320/20160708_163050-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zsMc8n__6c8/V7SqdJgM5PI/AAAAAAAA1u8/0-ax-osodGA3rcMYKG2LGzO8rDS_VXnZQCKgB/s1600/20160703_170818-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zsMc8n__6c8/V7SqdJgM5PI/AAAAAAAA1u8/0-ax-osodGA3rcMYKG2LGzO8rDS_VXnZQCKgB/s320/20160703_170818-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08470961835179653158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659897268236249304.post-89918172693404926722015-12-26T16:12:00.001+13:002015-12-26T16:12:19.831+13:00C Christmas day<p dir="ltr">What a lovely <u>day</u></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hsM8_zSnoO0/Vn4FkcVDv0I/AAAAAAAAxYI/T_MPDYVYNwI/s1600/1451099469491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hsM8_zSnoO0/Vn4FkcVDv0I/AAAAAAAAxYI/T_MPDYVYNwI/s640/1451099469491.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08470961835179653158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659897268236249304.post-8981159294408358432015-03-25T16:49:00.001+13:002015-03-25T16:49:56.360+13:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Autumn in Aotearoa New Zealand.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Beautiful days. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
White fluffy clouds and in our small city</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The balloon festival begins.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pdb9kvPNGE/VRIu2SQhMRI/AAAAAAAAp_Y/E-mSiK1lUgc/s1600/20150325_110005_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pdb9kvPNGE/VRIu2SQhMRI/AAAAAAAAp_Y/E-mSiK1lUgc/s1600/20150325_110005_4.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been totally enchanted and in love with my little granddaughter home from the UK </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For her uncle's wedding.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-snniSxKfvuI/VRIu2WyaXVI/AAAAAAAAp_Y/C_2PPX5UHlc/s1600/20150319_103235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-snniSxKfvuI/VRIu2WyaXVI/AAAAAAAAp_Y/C_2PPX5UHlc/s1600/20150319_103235.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a>Spending mornings with me</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We're getting to know one another.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Two year old magic.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Every moment an adventure.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Every morning she checks out the ants In the garden, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Along with the gnomes and ladybirds.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Being a grandmother </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Is like nothing else.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08470961835179653158noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659897268236249304.post-67194911025942340142015-01-03T16:17:00.000+13:002015-01-03T16:17:01.043+13:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A new year ... a new start. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pq4K5CkrrJ8/VKdeULOLg8I/AAAAAAAAg-4/juG2daJPZLw/s1600/20150103_140319-1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pq4K5CkrrJ8/VKdeULOLg8I/AAAAAAAAg-4/juG2daJPZLw/s1600/20150103_140319-1-1.jpg" height="299" width="320" /></a></div>
Starting small. Small can be beautiful. These tiny wild flowers require a mindful eye.<br />
Tiny and perfect and unnoticed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9nXrIk1WaK8/VKdeUDhYGQI/AAAAAAAAg-4/ONhHZhnHw-w/s1600/20150103_140319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9nXrIk1WaK8/VKdeUDhYGQI/AAAAAAAAg-4/ONhHZhnHw-w/s1600/20150103_140319.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L87_1gdURqg/VKdeUJJKh2I/AAAAAAAAg-4/7IAGVIwbljc/s1600/20150103_135851-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L87_1gdURqg/VKdeUJJKh2I/AAAAAAAAg-4/7IAGVIwbljc/s1600/20150103_135851-1.jpg" height="246" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JHIAcfiG5j4/VKdeUD8NrfI/AAAAAAAAg-4/cgb-piueHtk/s1600/20150103_134824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JHIAcfiG5j4/VKdeUD8NrfI/AAAAAAAAg-4/cgb-piueHtk/s1600/20150103_134824.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08470961835179653158noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659897268236249304.post-30679404097093248872015-01-03T16:07:00.001+13:002015-01-03T16:07:52.488+13:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ns48pdtNyjc/VKdbavDS30I/AAAAAAAAg-o/BrB5jdbryo8/s1600/20150103_155646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ns48pdtNyjc/VKdbavDS30I/AAAAAAAAg-o/BrB5jdbryo8/s1600/20150103_155646.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Travel is amazing. <div>
I've had five seasons in one year.</div>
<div>
I left spring in New Zealand and in a day, flew to autumn in Japan.</div>
<div>
<br /><br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08470961835179653158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659897268236249304.post-45421285306823834842014-08-10T08:21:00.001+12:002014-08-10T08:28:15.880+12:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A day at the Craft Show with Pat.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There were so many gorgeous quilts but I must say</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was drawn to the simplicity of </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Quilts made with secondhand fabrics.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XiA2QpB3jdA/U-aB9da6BCI/AAAAAAAAcqU/HEvXvW3e7_k/s1600/20140808_125320-EFFECTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XiA2QpB3jdA/U-aB9da6BCI/AAAAAAAAcqU/HEvXvW3e7_k/s1600/20140808_125320-EFFECTS.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And some of the more wobbly ones</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you know what I mean.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I enjoyed meeting up with friend Raewyn,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A master ( mistress ?) wet felter. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All up</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was an inspiring day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To get those </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Unfinished quilts at home </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Finished.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RdbGd39XcC8/U-aB9UhBw4I/AAAAAAAAcqU/eUN83G86v7M/s1600/20140808_125525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RdbGd39XcC8/U-aB9UhBw4I/AAAAAAAAcqU/eUN83G86v7M/s1600/20140808_125525.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M-Wu2lB3tlA/U-aB9d5ekWI/AAAAAAAAcqU/xlCgoWaIpn0/s1600/20140808_125320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M-Wu2lB3tlA/U-aB9d5ekWI/AAAAAAAAcqU/xlCgoWaIpn0/s1600/20140808_125320.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W5Ic1ccoLGU/U-aB9eKx80I/AAAAAAAAcqU/EJoX-CwEHNQ/s1600/20140808_125141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W5Ic1ccoLGU/U-aB9eKx80I/AAAAAAAAcqU/EJoX-CwEHNQ/s1600/20140808_125141.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qzPh8aSbZwc/U-aB9ZYAsGI/AAAAAAAAcqU/WNHa6bqHYig/s1600/20140808_125128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qzPh8aSbZwc/U-aB9ZYAsGI/AAAAAAAAcqU/WNHa6bqHYig/s1600/20140808_125128.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n6WVo-7l2yM/U-aB9QJPg-I/AAAAAAAAcqU/gJw2bL-y6Jo/s1600/20140808_123921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n6WVo-7l2yM/U-aB9QJPg-I/AAAAAAAAcqU/gJw2bL-y6Jo/s1600/20140808_123921.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ansvFhqLmVM/U-aB9SdoDOI/AAAAAAAAcqU/F0VbqPPCpxA/s1600/20140808_115116-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ansvFhqLmVM/U-aB9SdoDOI/AAAAAAAAcqU/F0VbqPPCpxA/s1600/20140808_115116-1.jpg" height="316" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BgHFkdCbQNs/U-aB9Z8TOTI/AAAAAAAAcqU/i7bdQs2zKYA/s1600/20140808_114644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BgHFkdCbQNs/U-aB9Z8TOTI/AAAAAAAAcqU/i7bdQs2zKYA/s1600/20140808_114644.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pqhZ0KpzZEo/U-aB9SkiElI/AAAAAAAAcqU/4AXplEtZJaQ/s1600/20140808_114136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pqhZ0KpzZEo/U-aB9SkiElI/AAAAAAAAcqU/4AXplEtZJaQ/s1600/20140808_114136.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aun2SzYhqCU/U-aB9ZQKUaI/AAAAAAAAcqU/UpP_XhNjifI/s1600/20140808_105332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aun2SzYhqCU/U-aB9ZQKUaI/AAAAAAAAcqU/UpP_XhNjifI/s1600/20140808_105332.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08470961835179653158noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659897268236249304.post-85936806549710865832014-08-05T08:46:00.000+12:002014-08-05T08:48:15.265+12:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I sometimes wish I could visit the house of my childhood.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To go back in time, open the door and see this house </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
just as it was from 1944 to 1956 when I lived there on the farm on </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Matakawau Road.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The house has long gone</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and the farm is no longer an entity of its own but part of a much larger holding.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The sheltering pine trees from behind have gone too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8-dcEIJyqtY/U9_oVbm3bVI/AAAAAAAAceI/GBgRoWhDhas/s1600/20140729_163125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8-dcEIJyqtY/U9_oVbm3bVI/AAAAAAAAceI/GBgRoWhDhas/s1600/20140729_163125.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
I imagine I would be surprised at the simplicity of this house and it's contents.<br />
Three small bedrooms, the living room with its fireplace, the tiny kitchen and the dining room and extra bedroom that Dad added for big sister Shirley.<br />
Dad also added a bathroom and a back porch. The 'lavatory' was outside behind the shed that housed the copper and concrete tubs for washing clothes.<br />
I have no memory of it being wanting. Small children are more aware of love and happiness and security, or the lack of it, than of the absence of material things. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hBwnobMd7Vg/U9_oVZhjA6I/AAAAAAAAceI/5zK7xaPfxtg/s1600/20140802_120815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hBwnobMd7Vg/U9_oVZhjA6I/AAAAAAAAceI/5zK7xaPfxtg/s1600/20140802_120815.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>I came across this image of a little girl scaling a doorway.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It could have been me in the house on Matakawau Road.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The door is exactly the kind of door I remember.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The activity is just the kind of thing I used to engage in.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I see myself running, crying to my mother, with a bleeding scratch that ran from below my tummy button up my chest.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'd been riding on the top of the door, swinging too and fro.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dismounting by standing on the door handles and sliding down, I hadn't taken into </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
consideration the sharp edge of the lock.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Needless to say, the riding of doors was forbidden ever after.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08470961835179653158noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659897268236249304.post-72955746867803678792014-08-01T14:35:00.001+12:002014-08-01T14:35:41.517+12:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iIKVpFW-UOM/U9r8efWvbQI/AAAAAAAAcZw/mX6dnHLGH-I/s1600/20140729_152522-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iIKVpFW-UOM/U9r8efWvbQI/AAAAAAAAcZw/mX6dnHLGH-I/s1600/20140729_152522-1.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CZMqzOkE6uQ/U9r8eRtwruI/AAAAAAAAcZw/-xdKV3QnsTU/s1600/20140728_223510-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CZMqzOkE6uQ/U9r8eRtwruI/AAAAAAAAcZw/-xdKV3QnsTU/s1600/20140728_223510-1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Oh my goodness! I have just worked out how to place photos from my phone to my blog.. I think! <br />
I have not been blogging for such a long time because I use my phone as my camera these days.<br />
I have missed blogging friends! Joyous day .. <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08470961835179653158noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659897268236249304.post-45553683132817187352014-01-25T17:54:00.002+13:002014-01-26T08:06:35.230+13:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_prNMUHNxsM/UuNBH6EERJI/AAAAAAAAPaA/coKcFKo_mPc/s1600/P1040486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_prNMUHNxsM/UuNBH6EERJI/AAAAAAAAPaA/coKcFKo_mPc/s1600/P1040486.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Dear Blogger Friends..<br />
<br />
That is .. if I still have some Blogger Friends. I have been absent for so long, I doubt you will be still here. I have been in a foreign land called Facebook. How ridiculous is that!<br />
<br />
2013 was a year with a difference. The year I walked The Camino.<br />
I promised to share with you how it was to walk 500 miles of pilgrimage.<br />
Will you be surprised I wrote hardly anything while walking.<br />
I believe it has taken me ever since to absorb and think about what the walk has meant to me.<br />
<br />
I have decided to share with you my strange little journal<br />
written immediately after the walk.<br />
<br />
I was staying in St Albans, a beautiful pilgrim place in England, and every day I would pop into the<br />
Medieval Abbey with my little journal, to think and write.<br />
I wrote only on the right hand page. I added photos later when I returned home. <br />
<br />
You may have a problem making sense of it.<br />
Whatever... here it is. The first part of a Journal of a Pilgrimage.. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8REh03L0oyg/UuNBIbRF_CI/AAAAAAAAPaM/K6y3FBgdoQE/s1600/P1040487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8REh03L0oyg/UuNBIbRF_CI/AAAAAAAAPaM/K6y3FBgdoQE/s1600/P1040487.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VO0yv4mGMPk/UuNBIchhwVI/AAAAAAAAPaE/bBAJs0B-Ijc/s1600/P1040488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VO0yv4mGMPk/UuNBIchhwVI/AAAAAAAAPaE/bBAJs0B-Ijc/s1600/P1040488.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GO2uMcc3Lf0/UuNBJIHvPqI/AAAAAAAAPaU/NQHbEkhzNgs/s1600/P1040489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GO2uMcc3Lf0/UuNBJIHvPqI/AAAAAAAAPaU/NQHbEkhzNgs/s1600/P1040489.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aN8FKNGMxAU/UuNBJ012JvI/AAAAAAAAPag/fO4TOllKKZY/s1600/P1040490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aN8FKNGMxAU/UuNBJ012JvI/AAAAAAAAPag/fO4TOllKKZY/s1600/P1040490.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HGrGxk6LZtk/UuNBKXeOKwI/AAAAAAAAPak/k20RCmN6Feo/s1600/P1040491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HGrGxk6LZtk/UuNBKXeOKwI/AAAAAAAAPak/k20RCmN6Feo/s1600/P1040491.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wDDEamvcJxo/UuNBKwHdwaI/AAAAAAAAPaw/S_S5HyRct0w/s1600/P1040492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wDDEamvcJxo/UuNBKwHdwaI/AAAAAAAAPaw/S_S5HyRct0w/s1600/P1040492.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zYL-olymtdU/UuNBLiYAtvI/AAAAAAAAPa4/MPAysGVdykw/s1600/P1040493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zYL-olymtdU/UuNBLiYAtvI/AAAAAAAAPa4/MPAysGVdykw/s1600/P1040493.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QaAMbURED4k/UuNBL_yXjVI/AAAAAAAAPbA/mnnX-pP8Mhg/s1600/P1040494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QaAMbURED4k/UuNBL_yXjVI/AAAAAAAAPbA/mnnX-pP8Mhg/s1600/P1040494.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_eEdK9sYB3s/UuNBMkS3dAI/AAAAAAAAPbE/f8jB8lp7tOI/s1600/P1040495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_eEdK9sYB3s/UuNBMkS3dAI/AAAAAAAAPbE/f8jB8lp7tOI/s1600/P1040495.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6lawGDt3OIw/UuNBNIoXzXI/AAAAAAAAPbQ/V_TljyJfo28/s1600/P1040497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6lawGDt3OIw/UuNBNIoXzXI/AAAAAAAAPbQ/V_TljyJfo28/s1600/P1040497.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oFQX3NVsafE/UuNBN0DM7MI/AAAAAAAAPbY/fm1ujkYq0LA/s1600/P1040498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oFQX3NVsafE/UuNBN0DM7MI/AAAAAAAAPbY/fm1ujkYq0LA/s1600/P1040498.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6GPJ5ImdaM8/UuNBORT8-HI/AAAAAAAAPbc/VYZ5I1wyhLA/s1600/P1040499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6GPJ5ImdaM8/UuNBORT8-HI/AAAAAAAAPbc/VYZ5I1wyhLA/s1600/P1040499.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m5Ws5OfX0J8/UuNBO13BGqI/AAAAAAAAPbo/731WwpCoX9w/s1600/P1040500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m5Ws5OfX0J8/UuNBO13BGqI/AAAAAAAAPbo/731WwpCoX9w/s1600/P1040500.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HzIvkjWUb9s/UuNBP11k7JI/AAAAAAAAPbw/kRQ9ot1Wu2A/s1600/P1040501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HzIvkjWUb9s/UuNBP11k7JI/AAAAAAAAPbw/kRQ9ot1Wu2A/s1600/P1040501.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n4LwWHmbgmI/UuNBQCgZvJI/AAAAAAAAPb0/JG34r71oQdM/s1600/P1040502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n4LwWHmbgmI/UuNBQCgZvJI/AAAAAAAAPb0/JG34r71oQdM/s1600/P1040502.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JUd81nbr77w/UuNBQ48PQKI/AAAAAAAAPcA/vCMPriPGVuA/s1600/P1040503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JUd81nbr77w/UuNBQ48PQKI/AAAAAAAAPcA/vCMPriPGVuA/s1600/P1040503.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uj8LBMzzEx8/UuNBRjibKcI/AAAAAAAAPcI/nHPqVjtavok/s1600/P1040504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uj8LBMzzEx8/UuNBRjibKcI/AAAAAAAAPcI/nHPqVjtavok/s1600/P1040504.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dbGwfKI8M2k/UuNBRy4LyqI/AAAAAAAAPcM/yBHERJr2PlM/s1600/P1040505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dbGwfKI8M2k/UuNBRy4LyqI/AAAAAAAAPcM/yBHERJr2PlM/s1600/P1040505.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-POaEfCizu-g/UuNBS2COGWI/AAAAAAAAPcY/GkMJO_ZYwLU/s1600/P1040506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-POaEfCizu-g/UuNBS2COGWI/AAAAAAAAPcY/GkMJO_ZYwLU/s1600/P1040506.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JYyKgmWm5R4/UuNBTUrmldI/AAAAAAAAPcg/nJtPHTN5VRg/s1600/P1040507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JYyKgmWm5R4/UuNBTUrmldI/AAAAAAAAPcg/nJtPHTN5VRg/s1600/P1040507.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-riJC6glXhbc/UuNBTocCUvI/AAAAAAAAPck/DZG9aszRefA/s1600/P1040508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-riJC6glXhbc/UuNBTocCUvI/AAAAAAAAPck/DZG9aszRefA/s1600/P1040508.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yQ9t9K5W1y8/UuNBUegF_rI/AAAAAAAAPcw/fHQPJ9YhBnM/s1600/P1040509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yQ9t9K5W1y8/UuNBUegF_rI/AAAAAAAAPcw/fHQPJ9YhBnM/s1600/P1040509.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3fjGLGyWQU/UuNBVSJujsI/AAAAAAAAPc4/wcwJbNso6eM/s1600/P1040510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3fjGLGyWQU/UuNBVSJujsI/AAAAAAAAPc4/wcwJbNso6eM/s1600/P1040510.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VFVFaOJZ_Lg/UuNBVliz_WI/AAAAAAAAPc8/GRW5UJqnE40/s1600/P1040511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VFVFaOJZ_Lg/UuNBVliz_WI/AAAAAAAAPc8/GRW5UJqnE40/s1600/P1040511.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OcSNRJXZeD8/UuNBWOhbNCI/AAAAAAAAPdI/m7yqMfTr1XM/s1600/P1040512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OcSNRJXZeD8/UuNBWOhbNCI/AAAAAAAAPdI/m7yqMfTr1XM/s1600/P1040512.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-trYe_iwBve4/UuNBXFntE4I/AAAAAAAAPdQ/S2ocaB4jyvc/s1600/P1040513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-trYe_iwBve4/UuNBXFntE4I/AAAAAAAAPdQ/S2ocaB4jyvc/s1600/P1040513.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MVHLk0tr-tU/UuNBXazBBcI/AAAAAAAAPdU/rB6RTnM-ajw/s1600/P1040514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MVHLk0tr-tU/UuNBXazBBcI/AAAAAAAAPdU/rB6RTnM-ajw/s1600/P1040514.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-87hNHPibKa4/UuNBXwXTKaI/AAAAAAAAPdg/s-ww3xroP_8/s1600/P1040515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-87hNHPibKa4/UuNBXwXTKaI/AAAAAAAAPdg/s-ww3xroP_8/s1600/P1040515.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-emBN_-jdsFA/UuNBY_UZf-I/AAAAAAAAPdo/kMgXwAgnwzY/s1600/P1040516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-emBN_-jdsFA/UuNBY_UZf-I/AAAAAAAAPdo/kMgXwAgnwzY/s1600/P1040516.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-syBFwax1huY/UuNBZRfg9fI/AAAAAAAAPds/qMkP5LBQEcg/s1600/P1040517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-syBFwax1huY/UuNBZRfg9fI/AAAAAAAAPds/qMkP5LBQEcg/s1600/P1040517.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7u11AZtjg9Q/UuNBZmn0BgI/AAAAAAAAPd4/DPYTzO3OmCs/s1600/P1040518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7u11AZtjg9Q/UuNBZmn0BgI/AAAAAAAAPd4/DPYTzO3OmCs/s1600/P1040518.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iff_cc3o668/UuNBaqSvzqI/AAAAAAAAPeA/sglx9bb_Dsw/s1600/P1040519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iff_cc3o668/UuNBaqSvzqI/AAAAAAAAPeA/sglx9bb_Dsw/s1600/P1040519.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lykbJ6Eqt0Q/UuNBa0Uu-oI/AAAAAAAAPeI/0EdiFINXH-U/s1600/P1040520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lykbJ6Eqt0Q/UuNBa0Uu-oI/AAAAAAAAPeI/0EdiFINXH-U/s1600/P1040520.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WKh8MG0FvZM/UuNBblDwm7I/AAAAAAAAPeM/u9DomwvxH7o/s1600/P1040521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WKh8MG0FvZM/UuNBblDwm7I/AAAAAAAAPeM/u9DomwvxH7o/s1600/P1040521.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h-ISFDVbNoc/UuNBcatBhdI/AAAAAAAAPeY/qNdCIJy2hbs/s1600/P1040522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h-ISFDVbNoc/UuNBcatBhdI/AAAAAAAAPeY/qNdCIJy2hbs/s1600/P1040522.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--izRoGdKnks/UuNBcyIl4AI/AAAAAAAAPeg/84y-Ki0pkak/s1600/P1040523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--izRoGdKnks/UuNBcyIl4AI/AAAAAAAAPeg/84y-Ki0pkak/s1600/P1040523.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uu0kvw-SGXQ/UuNBdfc8ksI/AAAAAAAAPeo/tz1My5QpNA4/s1600/P1040524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uu0kvw-SGXQ/UuNBdfc8ksI/AAAAAAAAPeo/tz1My5QpNA4/s1600/P1040524.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08470961835179653158noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659897268236249304.post-88246076161602666602013-09-17T14:52:00.001+12:002013-09-17T14:52:54.348+12:00The wanderer returns!<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bXH1GbUMnZw/UjfEAo7cK8I/AAAAAAAAKAg/QZVqb8lJxQc/s1600/DSC04708.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bXH1GbUMnZw/UjfEAo7cK8I/AAAAAAAAKAg/QZVqb8lJxQc/s400/DSC04708.JPG" /></a><br />
Surprise! <br />
Surprise!<br />
I've found how to access my old blog!<br />
Playing around like children do, is the way to learn on a computer.<br />
I surprised myself.<br />
<br />
Now I will be able to tell you about my walking The Camino.<br />
I can't just now..<br />
because I have a cup of tea date with my <br />
neighbour Pete The Jazman.. <br />
<br />
see you soon!</div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08470961835179653158noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659897268236249304.post-69517145270609511852013-07-29T16:37:00.001+12:002013-07-29T16:37:10.721+12:00I'm back...Greetings blogging friends.. if I still have some! I've been away exploring the world.<br />
I've walked 500 miles across Spain.<br />
I've been in England, Ireland and Scotland..<br />
but now I'm home and I'm re-claiming my blog... Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08470961835179653158noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659897268236249304.post-65130221262555347952013-03-02T09:30:00.000+13:002013-03-02T09:43:24.013+13:00Weather...<ol>
<li><br /></li>
</ol>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XuJFgAyUTco/UTBff12k75I/AAAAAAAAJ6E/Slxi2HajS54/s1600/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B018.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XuJFgAyUTco/UTBff12k75I/AAAAAAAAJ6E/Slxi2HajS54/s400/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B018.JPG" /></a><br />
Our February<br />
came and went,<br />
and every single day was sunny and hot.<br />
I rose in the dark most mornings, </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ch5k-ceI3AM/UTBfgOquwHI/AAAAAAAAJ6Q/Gt-5m3sO6JE/s1600/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B020.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ch5k-ceI3AM/UTBfgOquwHI/AAAAAAAAJ6Q/Gt-5m3sO6JE/s400/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B020.JPG" /></a><br />
and watched the sun rise as I walked. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yrna-2M-7e4/UTBfgpqIv-I/AAAAAAAAJ6c/Wd7YITpxpO4/s1600/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B027.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yrna-2M-7e4/UTBfgpqIv-I/AAAAAAAAJ6c/Wd7YITpxpO4/s400/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B027.JPG" /></a><br />
Cirrus clouds usually mean rain in three days,<br />
but not this February.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Crc5PbARmEI/UTBfhBMatII/AAAAAAAAJ6o/YruY7Q4m2c8/s1600/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B032.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Crc5PbARmEI/UTBfhBMatII/AAAAAAAAJ6o/YruY7Q4m2c8/s400/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B032.JPG" /></a><br />
The heat of the sun slowly changed the green of our land </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eHhXCN3VujE/UTBfhWlWhlI/AAAAAAAAJ60/gsKlDgzEi9w/s1600/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B034.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eHhXCN3VujE/UTBfhWlWhlI/AAAAAAAAJ60/gsKlDgzEi9w/s400/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B034.JPG" /></a><br />
to brown </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-btr3tsCPQww/UTBfhziXSJI/AAAAAAAAJ7A/a-4WOc3T6aM/s1600/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B035.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-btr3tsCPQww/UTBfhziXSJI/AAAAAAAAJ7A/a-4WOc3T6aM/s400/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B035.JPG" /></a><br />
and gold. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vM78ikf0XOM/UTBfiUq6srI/AAAAAAAAJ7M/b9pTgWK7zdM/s1600/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B038.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vM78ikf0XOM/UTBfiUq6srI/AAAAAAAAJ7M/b9pTgWK7zdM/s400/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B038.JPG" /></a><br />
My new neighbours are from England<br />
and they cannot believe every day since their arrival has been sunny and calm. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h-BvWGD7e-o/UTBfi5LWc0I/AAAAAAAAJ7Y/fGpxJ2p5UZw/s1600/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B039.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h-BvWGD7e-o/UTBfi5LWc0I/AAAAAAAAJ7Y/fGpxJ2p5UZw/s400/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B039.JPG" /></a><br />
Farmers are worried, and feed supplements to their animals,<br />
and gardeners are busy watering their gardens. <br />
They call this weather a drought,<br />
and watch the sky for rain.<br />
Despite all this it has been the best season for roses, cucumbers<br />
fat juicy tomatoes. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4FXe9ixqOMM/UTBfjrUz86I/AAAAAAAAJ7k/QPBGlLMq9nI/s1600/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B051.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4FXe9ixqOMM/UTBfjrUz86I/AAAAAAAAJ7k/QPBGlLMq9nI/s400/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B051.JPG" /></a><br />
Everyone else calls it a perfect summer<br />
and heads for the beaches....</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bf8L_VpATE8/UTBfjz-LC4I/AAAAAAAAJ7w/Ljxj0SCXcwM/s1600/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B062.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bf8L_VpATE8/UTBfjz-LC4I/AAAAAAAAJ7w/Ljxj0SCXcwM/s400/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B062.JPG" /></a><br />
and me.. I keep on walking counting down the days<br />
to my really big walk. <br />
I check the world's weather and cannot believe<br />
there is snow falling<br />
in Spain.</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;">
<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08470961835179653158noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659897268236249304.post-4460033226453565562013-02-28T14:21:00.001+13:002013-03-02T09:13:13.586+13:00The gift that grew...<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lz3Ok8dznz8/US6xDZ_XIQI/AAAAAAAAJ4Q/xsoLtQEwa7g/s1600/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B077.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lz3Ok8dznz8/US6xDZ_XIQI/AAAAAAAAJ4Q/xsoLtQEwa7g/s400/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B077.JPG" /></a><br />
When lovely Lucy and The Sweet Small Girl <br />
went to live in a different city,<br />
they brought me a goodbye gift from their garden..<br />
a Lemon Balm plant.<br />
<br />
It grows profusely in my little garden, and<br />
whenever I happen to brush past and catch the fresh and lovely scent<br />
those two special people always come into my mind.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2HmHiZuToc8/US6xD_cpNQI/AAAAAAAAJ4c/5YR5nxx5GE4/s1600/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B074.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2HmHiZuToc8/US6xD_cpNQI/AAAAAAAAJ4c/5YR5nxx5GE4/s400/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B074.JPG" /></a><br />
Not only do I love the fragrance of the Lemon Balm.<br />
New plants often pop up around the garden<br />
and I pull them out and bring the fresh new leaves into my kitchen<br />
to make fragrant tea. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C1jfYUnwEno/US6xE1hYKEI/AAAAAAAAJ4o/CMg9dRi2HY4/s1600/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B076.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C1jfYUnwEno/US6xE1hYKEI/AAAAAAAAJ4o/CMg9dRi2HY4/s400/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B076.JPG" /></a><br />
It can be simmered for ten minutes for a stronger brew, <br />
and I love the fresh fragrance that wafts through my house. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lWSa6ulU3Ho/US6xFdROsdI/AAAAAAAAJ40/NACrzHVNRaQ/s1600/001.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lWSa6ulU3Ho/US6xFdROsdI/AAAAAAAAJ40/NACrzHVNRaQ/s400/001.JPG" /></a><br />
But what I most love<br />
is to pop some leaves into a pot,<br />
pour on boiling water,<br />
maybe a little honey, <br />
and leave to steep a while.<br />
(little teapot belongs to daughter-in-law living in London)<br />
Good for digestion and relaxing. <br />
<br />
I sit <br />
and sip the sweet refreshing tea,<br />
and think of Lucy and The Sweet Small Girl.<br />
Truly a gift<br />
that keeps on giving.</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;">
<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08470961835179653158noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659897268236249304.post-61588885825559377092013-02-26T22:43:00.001+13:002013-02-27T21:14:07.531+13:00Hotere...<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3dKN-nJhNXQ/USyDveY9AMI/AAAAAAAAJ00/F5BK41fGLvg/s1600/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B090.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3dKN-nJhNXQ/USyDveY9AMI/AAAAAAAAJ00/F5BK41fGLvg/s400/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B090.JPG" /></a><br />
Beautiful dragonflies seemed so common <br />
when I was a small child.<br />
Ethereal beings of beauty and magic.<br />
In Japan the dragonfly is a symbol of courage and victory, hope and happiness. <br />
<br />
A dragonfly landed on my bedroom curtain at sunrise a few mornings ago. <br />
I precariously stood on my bed to capture the image and <br />
and while I teetered there betwixt and between,<br />
I heard it on the six o'clock news..<br />
Ralph Hotere<br />
had died .</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hfOnLdIlTgE/USyDvwsVpgI/AAAAAAAAJ1A/UIL0eU_UwQE/s1600/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B092.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hfOnLdIlTgE/USyDvwsVpgI/AAAAAAAAJ1A/UIL0eU_UwQE/s400/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B092.JPG" /></a><br />
I felt a sense of loss.<br />
Such a life.<br />
A toanga,<br />
who has gifted our small country with deeply spiritual art.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<br />
Tonight I doodled in my small journal as I watched a film on Maori TV.<br />
Hotere. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hg9yd7CkPPc/USyDw1cznCI/AAAAAAAAJ1Y/Z49toLJPRlI/s1600/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B096.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hg9yd7CkPPc/USyDw1cznCI/AAAAAAAAJ1Y/Z49toLJPRlI/s400/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B096.JPG" /></a><br />
The totara has fallen....</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z3RincKR5s0/USyDxbYwyQI/AAAAAAAAJ1k/VUATIGfgJb8/s1600/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B098.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z3RincKR5s0/USyDxbYwyQI/AAAAAAAAJ1k/VUATIGfgJb8/s400/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B098.JPG" /></a><br />
but the legacy of art is forever.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x2OBXgkVJ6c/USyDx5KbgkI/AAAAAAAAJ1w/Hg07_sO8wKA/s1600/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B099.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x2OBXgkVJ6c/USyDx5KbgkI/AAAAAAAAJ1w/Hg07_sO8wKA/s400/feb%2B13%2B%2Bwalking%2B099.JPG" /></a><br />
Rainbow waterfalls, perfect thin red circles on shining black.<br />
The Phoenix Rises.<br />
I will never forget standing before those tall fire scarred posts,<br />
partly taken back to unharmed wood that shone like gold,<br />
with the bow of boat in the centre .. proud and rising.<br />
Black Phoenix.<br />
Culture.<br />
Colonialism.<br />
Renaissance.<br />
Depression.<br />
Hope.<br />
<br />
Always the work of Hotere is poetry, metaphor, song and dance in paint<br />
and wood, tin and light.<br />
<br />
Another time, long ago, in the Auckland Art Gallery,<br />
I stood with friends before his waterfall.<br />
I was bewitched by it.<br />
The colours in those magic lines fell from top to bottom.<br />
Falling.<br />
Falling. <br />
I could hear the waterfall sing.<br />
We stood in silence.<br />
<br />
" He calls that a waterfall?"<br />
someone said.<br />
<br />
<br />
Your art will live on with us forever, Ralph Hotere.<br />
<br />
<br />
You make me want to take black paint.. some red... some gold,<br />
and tell the story<br />
of who we are.</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;">
<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08470961835179653158noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659897268236249304.post-55114744812519925832013-02-25T23:25:00.001+13:002013-02-25T23:27:07.237+13:00<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_4DJlK-Qiw8/USs8Xo8xSGI/AAAAAAAAJxc/s1tkpSNREQQ/s1600/026.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_4DJlK-Qiw8/USs8Xo8xSGI/AAAAAAAAJxc/s1tkpSNREQQ/s400/026.JPG" /></a><br />
So, where have you been<br />
you may well ask.<br />
<br />
Walking<br />
is where I have been. </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QaVdorRKXMs/USs8YPU30HI/AAAAAAAAJxo/264Bze92h-s/s1600/011.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QaVdorRKXMs/USs8YPU30HI/AAAAAAAAJxo/264Bze92h-s/s400/011.JPG" /></a><br />
I walk along streets I have driven down a hundred times<br />
and discover things I have never noticed before. </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vfY8f_YklKs/USs8Y1CG1wI/AAAAAAAAJx0/9u0825YBm0s/s1600/016.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vfY8f_YklKs/USs8Y1CG1wI/AAAAAAAAJx0/9u0825YBm0s/s400/016.JPG" /></a><br />
The half forgotten once upon a time Maori villages </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hn0KX-Asck0/USs8Zcc5ybI/AAAAAAAAJyA/05IUWPwby9g/s1600/022.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hn0KX-Asck0/USs8Zcc5ybI/AAAAAAAAJyA/05IUWPwby9g/s400/022.JPG" /></a>and quiet parks <br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vR5jm_3TKB8/USs8ZyvcYfI/AAAAAAAAJyM/3LrkCMRAfJU/s1600/023.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vR5jm_3TKB8/USs8ZyvcYfI/AAAAAAAAJyM/3LrkCMRAfJU/s400/023.JPG" /></a><br />
and paths I've never walked before. </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VaZOgXWD7cI/USs8ax1h5dI/AAAAAAAAJyY/eB7dqus3Tw8/s1600/024.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VaZOgXWD7cI/USs8ax1h5dI/AAAAAAAAJyY/eB7dqus3Tw8/s400/024.JPG" /></a><br />
I've listened to the river </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cLKDgnHg380/USs8bC9T6kI/AAAAAAAAJyk/JR03yMd9Plk/s1600/028.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cLKDgnHg380/USs8bC9T6kI/AAAAAAAAJyk/JR03yMd9Plk/s400/028.JPG" /></a><br />
and the birds </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IkgbtQbbpIA/USs8b_9m-FI/AAAAAAAAJyw/zzwRl-0N1NI/s1600/031.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IkgbtQbbpIA/USs8b_9m-FI/AAAAAAAAJyw/zzwRl-0N1NI/s400/031.JPG" /></a><br />
and rested on quiet jetties.</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oXwq3VIoqtw/USs8cYfS7mI/AAAAAAAAJy8/Tel7e8CCnwU/s1600/032.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oXwq3VIoqtw/USs8cYfS7mI/AAAAAAAAJy8/Tel7e8CCnwU/s400/032.JPG" /></a><br />
And when my legs ache and the sun is hot</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YB__sW7BvXA/USs8da0S37I/AAAAAAAAJzU/E8aF8GYDy1Q/s1600/035.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YB__sW7BvXA/USs8da0S37I/AAAAAAAAJzU/E8aF8GYDy1Q/s400/035.JPG" /></a><br />
like the river I just keep moving on.<br />
Walking is such a human thing.<br />
When I come upon busy traffic it suddenly all seems absurd.<br />
The rush and noise.</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NcGB9o8NWu0/USs8eQgrCQI/AAAAAAAAJzg/znX3qr-GWtg/s1600/036.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NcGB9o8NWu0/USs8eQgrCQI/AAAAAAAAJzg/znX3qr-GWtg/s400/036.JPG" /></a><br />
I have grown to love instead the quiet places.. and walking.<br />
<br />
I am training for the walk of my life.<br />
5oo miles<br />
in our antipodes..<br />
Spain.<br />
Buen Camino!<br />
<br />
One month to go.<br />
So<br />
I keep on walking.....<br />
I dream.. and keep on walking. </div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08470961835179653158noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659897268236249304.post-43556213240837941492013-02-03T15:59:00.001+13:002013-02-05T16:13:43.558+13:00For Heather..<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
My friend Heather has died.<br />
So young.<br />
So gifted.<br />
She has gone.<br />
I am still here.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQFsSWQ19js/UQ3SqjHvhtI/AAAAAAAAJu8/wirEbUTSkis/s1600/Top.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQFsSWQ19js/UQ3SqjHvhtI/AAAAAAAAJu8/wirEbUTSkis/s400/Top.jpg" /></a><br />
How strange the circle of life.<br />
Our lives so different.<br />
We taught together at Crawshaw.<br />
A gifted teacher, Heather went on to become a psychologist.<br />
Heather grew up with no religion.<br />
I was born into a Catholic family.<br />
<br />
Heather died in the loving care of Mercy Hospice<br />
which once was a novitiate where as a young girl I spent happy years<br />
of learning.<br />
Heather enjoyed the irony of that. <br />
<br />
While studying to be a psychologist,<br />
Heather rang me once upset because she had to write about her spirituality.<br />
"I have none" she said.<br />
<br />
She was one of the most spiritual people I knew.<br />
Her deep love of the earth, the sea, the sky;<br />
writing poetry, dancing.<br />
Heather built her own house<br />
and flew a plane. <br />
<br />
Heather chose not to have a funeral service.<br />
That was Heather.<br />
I chose to walk down the river path to the beautiful gardens<br />
and spend time there.<br />
Heather would have liked that.<br />
She loved both the river and the gardens.<br />
<br />
How special a time it was my friend. <br />
I sat listening to the water and the birds,<br />
and walked through to beautiful gardens. <br />
I sat and wrote thoughts about Heather..</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8rYiD_s1ChY/UQ3SrRU5sgI/AAAAAAAAJvI/ZYZnodn0ANg/s1600/Top-002.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8rYiD_s1ChY/UQ3SrRU5sgI/AAAAAAAAJvI/ZYZnodn0ANg/s400/Top-002.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_J77vb9tuAg/UQ3Sr7qhDpI/AAAAAAAAJvU/Gq8B-gPriwE/s1600/Top-003.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_J77vb9tuAg/UQ3Sr7qhDpI/AAAAAAAAJvU/Gq8B-gPriwE/s400/Top-003.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1TlVfvDs7is/UQ3SsW4pwrI/AAAAAAAAJvg/kRjsaRD3tcE/s1600/Top-004.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1TlVfvDs7is/UQ3SsW4pwrI/AAAAAAAAJvg/kRjsaRD3tcE/s400/Top-004.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQ7xWpbG2BI/UQ3Ss_HiwWI/AAAAAAAAJvs/Pnl5Be--708/s1600/Top-005.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQ7xWpbG2BI/UQ3Ss_HiwWI/AAAAAAAAJvs/Pnl5Be--708/s400/Top-005.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-arBIu6Lkkvs/UQ3StQFOzQI/AAAAAAAAJv4/410Zs3POtWA/s1600/Top-006.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-arBIu6Lkkvs/UQ3StQFOzQI/AAAAAAAAJv4/410Zs3POtWA/s400/Top-006.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9pJSCeDALgY/UQ3Sty0_NiI/AAAAAAAAJwE/Pi0-UEipRPA/s1600/Top-007.bmp.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9pJSCeDALgY/UQ3Sty0_NiI/AAAAAAAAJwE/Pi0-UEipRPA/s400/Top-007.bmp.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
At the end of the day<br />
I wandered back along the river.<br />
I decided it was the loveliest funeral I'd ever been too.<br />
<br />
Thank you Heather.<br />
You always dared to be different.<br />
I will remember you.<br />
I will remember you.</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;">
<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08470961835179653158noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659897268236249304.post-89646692997546525812012-12-21T08:55:00.001+13:002012-12-22T14:32:28.721+13:00Paradise enough..<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OXfe0kJsBFA/UNNtM-YJxYI/AAAAAAAAJrw/KuznUQ3wE-M/s1600/Abel%2BTasman%2BCoast%2BWalk..%2B2012%2B037.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OXfe0kJsBFA/UNNtM-YJxYI/AAAAAAAAJrw/KuznUQ3wE-M/s400/Abel%2BTasman%2BCoast%2BWalk..%2B2012%2B037.JPG" /></a><br />
Just trying .. having blogging isues </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hq0mWW9CjYU/UNNtNeecFLI/AAAAAAAAJr8/307qe-PjKxs/s1600/Abel%2BTasman%2BCoast%2BWalk..%2B2012%2B038.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hq0mWW9CjYU/UNNtNeecFLI/AAAAAAAAJr8/307qe-PjKxs/s400/Abel%2BTasman%2BCoast%2BWalk..%2B2012%2B038.JPG" /></a><br />
Woo-hoo!<br />
It worked! </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wPDgBWK-y8A/UNNtOLXWPQI/AAAAAAAAJsI/CrhJneBA4F0/s1600/Abel%2BTasman%2BCoast%2BWalk..%2B2012%2B076.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wPDgBWK-y8A/UNNtOLXWPQI/AAAAAAAAJsI/CrhJneBA4F0/s400/Abel%2BTasman%2BCoast%2BWalk..%2B2012%2B076.JPG" /></a><br />
These photos were taken during our Abel Tasman Coast walk. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bZrZun18rjo/UNNtPKj2eGI/AAAAAAAAJsU/lWlG5eO5MR8/s1600/Abel%2BTasman%2BCoast%2BWalk..%2B2012%2B205.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bZrZun18rjo/UNNtPKj2eGI/AAAAAAAAJsU/lWlG5eO5MR8/s400/Abel%2BTasman%2BCoast%2BWalk..%2B2012%2B205.JPG" /></a><br />
It was fabulous.<br />
We walked over 50 kilometres, staying in four huts.<br />
No power.<br />
Sleep when the sun went down.<br />
Waking with the birds.<br />
Beech and manuka forests and golden sand beaches and crystal clear blue sea.<br />
<br />
A week after our return, two Jehovah's Witnesses appeared at my sister's door. <br />
Opening their Watchtower mag. they showed her a picture of Paradise,<br />
a beautiful beach and sea and shining skies ...etc etc.<br />
"Would you like to live there one day?" they asked.<br />
She threw up her hands in glee<br />
"I was there! Last week!<br />
I walked the Abel Tasman Coast walk!<br />
It was paradise!<br />
Truly!"<br />
<br />
It is so long since I blogged!<br />
It feels good to be back!<br />
<br />
Happy Christmas season everyone!<br />
xoxoxo</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;">
<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08470961835179653158noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659897268236249304.post-2007945007688488412012-12-05T20:34:00.001+13:002013-02-27T21:26:46.014+13:00<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
A small boat dropped us on this beach, Apple Tree Bay.<a href="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/db51fd6008aaabbb.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/db51fd6008aaabbb.jpg?size=400" /></a><br />
Golden sands and clear blue sea.<br />
A beautiful place of peace and quiet. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/2435782c028ccd56.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/2435782c028ccd56.jpg?size=400" /></a><br />
No time to stop.<br />
On with our packs and we are off. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/bbbcbdc5b27ad4a5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/bbbcbdc5b27ad4a5.jpg?size=400" /></a><br />
Walking the Abel Tasman Coast Walk,<br />
through beautiful beech forest<br />
with riroriro the gray warbler singing all the way,<br />
along with fantails and tui. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/27544ff27166ee0.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/27544ff27166ee0.jpg?size=400" /></a><br />
Zigzagging our way up hills and down into more beautiful golden sandy bays.<br />
Late spring, we feel we have the tracks to ourselves. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/e285f632d2bc4e24.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/e285f632d2bc4e24.jpg?size=400" /></a><br />
We have four huts to stay in, but there is no power<br />
and no cooking facilities.<br />
We carry all our food and cookers.<br />
Food tastes doubly delicious after a long walk.<br />
Lunch on the way and cooling off with a swim<br />
refreshes us for the next leg of the walk.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/1e82d30a6352538b.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/1e82d30a6352538b.jpg?size=400" /></a><br />
Our first hut is in Anchorage.<br />
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/7e7a8401719b86a5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/7e7a8401719b86a5.jpg?size=400" /></a><br />
nested into the manuka bush it is a perfect spot. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/b29afb0aa15792d.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/b29afb0aa15792d.jpg?size=400" /></a><br />
The rock formations intrigue us. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/7a112997c717b9c1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/7a112997c717b9c1.jpg?size=400" /></a><br />
We take the beach path.<br />
That means shoes off and a paddle, watching crabs scuttle away from us.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/bbc30e320dfe920a.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/bbc30e320dfe920a.jpg?size=400" /></a><br />
Another boil up on the trail. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/e06ec6de096a238b.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/e06ec6de096a238b.jpg?size=400" /></a><br />
A swing bridge over a river.<br />
There was a graceful seal swimming up river. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/5ee5c56cdcd80919.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/5ee5c56cdcd80919.jpg?size=400" /></a><br />
Another hut on a restful inlet.<br />
Bark Bay.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/3ad2e976b80b7715.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/3ad2e976b80b7715.jpg?size=400" /></a><br />
We shared this hut with a delightful pair of young girls from Germany,<br />
and a young couple from Israel. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/84929544228162c4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/84929544228162c4.jpg?size=400" /></a><br />
The clear sea of the most beautiful blue. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/cc153d88bf2fab93.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/cc153d88bf2fab93.jpg?size=400" /></a><br />
The view from my sleeping bag at hut number three,<br />
Sunrise at Awaroa. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/21c990b72d92553c.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/21c990b72d92553c.jpg?size=400" /></a><br />
Exploring rocks after a swim at yet another beautiful bay. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/2ee4a01cc2f0ffe5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/2ee4a01cc2f0ffe5.jpg?size=400" /></a><br />
On the way to the last hut..<br />
and a surprise swing. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/649c6f446e8ec1d4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/649c6f446e8ec1d4.jpg?size=400" /></a><br />
The final hut at Whariwharangi. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/b948fb231597509f.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/b948fb231597509f.jpg?size=400" /></a><br />
We walk to the top of Gibb's hill on the last day of our trek. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/1c4afbdb7282a362.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:49584/eb9e7253d0ba865ce3fa49470921234e/image/1c4afbdb7282a362.jpg?size=400" /></a><br />
Manuka flowers.<br />
<br />
More than 50 kilometres walked.<br />
We travelled back to Kaiteriteri by boat,<br />
feeling very pleased with ourselves.<br />
<br />
2012 has been a year of wonderful travel for me.<br />
To finish the year with this walk <br />
through our own unique and wonderful country<br />
was a fitting way to end a special year.<br />
I came home feeling fit and on a real high,<br />
grateful to be alive on this amazing planet !</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08470961835179653158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659897268236249304.post-48138266799355437352012-11-04T13:41:00.001+13:002013-01-04T11:40:29.532+13:00Van Dusen Gardens, Vancouver. For Heather..<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6mM0m5VSPuc/UJW6W2OW0BI/AAAAAAAAJnU/WgeSqtfX2lI/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B161.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6mM0m5VSPuc/UJW6W2OW0BI/AAAAAAAAJnU/WgeSqtfX2lI/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B161.JPG" /></a><br />
We took the path <br />
through the autumn trees<br />
of this beautiful Canadian garden... </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-xdvtjWQY4/UJW6Xib47PI/AAAAAAAAJng/fjbiPCxCl5A/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B133.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-xdvtjWQY4/UJW6Xib47PI/AAAAAAAAJng/fjbiPCxCl5A/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B133.JPG" /></a><br />
to the autumn<br />
Garden of Heather. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WFKVWZ4o0aQ/UJW6YS6BWNI/AAAAAAAAJns/1bn6oX-hNwM/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B141.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WFKVWZ4o0aQ/UJW6YS6BWNI/AAAAAAAAJns/1bn6oX-hNwM/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B141.JPG" /></a><br />
A garden of rest and peacefulness,<br />
of muted colour and quiet beauty.<br />
There I thought of my friend,<br />
Heather.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ak5mj8s-Z14/UJW6ZPbpNEI/AAAAAAAAJn4/JeH5gsxqq4I/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B136.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ak5mj8s-Z14/UJW6ZPbpNEI/AAAAAAAAJn4/JeH5gsxqq4I/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B136.JPG" /></a><br />
White heathers <br />
for love and protection.<br />
Wild, white heather<br />
grows over the final resting places of fairies,<br />
the old Celts say.<br />
White Heather.. <br />
bring blessings of protection for<br />
Heather, my friend, <br />
who has lately known illness,<br />
I whispered. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_LetBrqNN5o/UJW6aMDrk1I/AAAAAAAAJoE/XS74NBs660M/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B131.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_LetBrqNN5o/UJW6aMDrk1I/AAAAAAAAJoE/XS74NBs660M/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B131.JPG" /></a><br />
Purple heathers<br />
for beauty and solitude and admiration.<br />
I thought how I admired Heather, this friend of mine,<br />
who is wise and close to the earth and its mysteries.<br />
How she loves the solitude of bush and sea. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GPQO9qgZsXQ/UJW6ajWJkQI/AAAAAAAAJoQ/BgEztazdvug/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B152.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GPQO9qgZsXQ/UJW6ajWJkQI/AAAAAAAAJoQ/BgEztazdvug/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B152.JPG" /></a><br />
I gathered five small conifer cones<br />
from the ground </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XyJIgxynP5U/UJW6bZCogRI/AAAAAAAAJoc/uLvGb7a7Z5E/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B135.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XyJIgxynP5U/UJW6bZCogRI/AAAAAAAAJoc/uLvGb7a7Z5E/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B135.JPG" /></a><br />
and carried them <br />
as I walked. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SnJo0DR_Tc0/UJW6cdvKHsI/AAAAAAAAJoo/V5Hv3qJXv-w/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B137.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SnJo0DR_Tc0/UJW6cdvKHsI/AAAAAAAAJoo/V5Hv3qJXv-w/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B137.JPG" /></a><br />
When I lingered I made small shrines<br />
amongst the heathers.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RlwMao0LSfc/UJW6c9T26zI/AAAAAAAAJo0/KP7X_JsA2U8/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B134.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RlwMao0LSfc/UJW6c9T26zI/AAAAAAAAJo0/KP7X_JsA2U8/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B134.JPG" /></a><br />
Five cone wishes for Heather<br />
of<br />
health and wealth,<br />
of happiness and love<br />
and one for the<br />
abiding peacefulness of personal bliss. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LTuRcONYDzM/UJW6dmjMFFI/AAAAAAAAJpA/yJ5KybemHqg/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B142.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LTuRcONYDzM/UJW6dmjMFFI/AAAAAAAAJpA/yJ5KybemHqg/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B142.JPG" /></a><br />
The boat of the First Nations people,<br />
looked ready and waiting for the next long journey..<br />
waiting for water <br />
and a willing crew.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4f8ywdxpkjc/UJW6eKYDC3I/AAAAAAAAJpM/Mnb5gf9Knw0/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B143.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4f8ywdxpkjc/UJW6eKYDC3I/AAAAAAAAJpM/Mnb5gf9Knw0/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B143.JPG" /></a><br />
I placed my five wishes <br />
in the boat for Heather...<br />
A journeying woman.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-voxJHeX1MLo/UJW6e_pJUaI/AAAAAAAAJpY/OkvRcDEiKhM/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B147.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-voxJHeX1MLo/UJW6e_pJUaI/AAAAAAAAJpY/OkvRcDEiKhM/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B147.JPG" /></a><br />
Five wishes<br />
on stone steps for the climbing<br />
of life challenges.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tmTv490Tli4/UJW6fX5P71I/AAAAAAAAJpk/X-qzvoOM5l4/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B151.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tmTv490Tli4/UJW6fX5P71I/AAAAAAAAJpk/X-qzvoOM5l4/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B151.JPG" /></a><br />
Five wishes on a tree <br />
for the healing<br />
of green energy.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SRO8sXtP-Oc/UJW6g25tKCI/AAAAAAAAJpw/TCoKvHKTJZY/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B159.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SRO8sXtP-Oc/UJW6g25tKCI/AAAAAAAAJpw/TCoKvHKTJZY/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B159.JPG" /></a><br />
Five wishes on rock for<br />
strength and protection..</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tM5eAiwMUw0/UJW6hf8U4SI/AAAAAAAAJp8/mFxNVpyCKBc/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B165.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tM5eAiwMUw0/UJW6hf8U4SI/AAAAAAAAJp8/mFxNVpyCKBc/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B165.JPG" /></a><br />
and five wishes placed for <br />
the gift of<br />
creativity.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oXcErqoLXCQ/UJW6iRsCGNI/AAAAAAAAJqI/1hYG5o6cYGM/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B167.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oXcErqoLXCQ/UJW6iRsCGNI/AAAAAAAAJqI/1hYG5o6cYGM/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B167.JPG" /></a><br />
Five wishes by a fairy clock<br />
that time will befriend her, </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yIw3v_jf64Q/UJW6i7YWWyI/AAAAAAAAJqU/dS0nX2v7wmo/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B162.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yIw3v_jf64Q/UJW6i7YWWyI/AAAAAAAAJqU/dS0nX2v7wmo/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B162.JPG" /></a><br />
and five wishes on pathways<br />
still to explore. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TslIB1wGTzU/UJW6jcBMwlI/AAAAAAAAJqg/lxh92B8QOeU/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B140.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TslIB1wGTzU/UJW6jcBMwlI/AAAAAAAAJqg/lxh92B8QOeU/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B140.JPG" /></a><br />
So,<br />
my walk through this <br />
Garden of Heather<br />
magically turned out to be<br />
a gift of remembering<br />
and wishing...<br />
<br />
a walk <br />
for a friend,<br />
full of blessings and love.<br />
A gift to you..<br />
Heather,<br />
my friend. <br />
xoxoxoxo</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;">
<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08470961835179653158noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659897268236249304.post-43543819275585294462012-11-02T19:27:00.001+13:002012-11-04T12:52:40.446+13:00Springtime.. it's the simple things:<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EB8IsmgQPd4/UJNn5HW7zLI/AAAAAAAAJlc/WtbxnC1f6ds/s1600/2012%2B004.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EB8IsmgQPd4/UJNn5HW7zLI/AAAAAAAAJlc/WtbxnC1f6ds/s400/2012%2B004.JPG" /></a><br />
Daisies on a green lawn.<br />
How can a girl resist</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BhFA_BOVWUA/UJNn6MmVW9I/AAAAAAAAJlo/gIPGnUmYSp0/s1600/2012%2B006.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BhFA_BOVWUA/UJNn6MmVW9I/AAAAAAAAJlo/gIPGnUmYSp0/s400/2012%2B006.JPG" /></a><br />
the simplicity <br />
of stringing them together </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XzCfBAt02aI/UJNn66T6ikI/AAAAAAAAJl0/_bGj0iRfvg0/s1600/2012%2B007.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XzCfBAt02aI/UJNn66T6ikI/AAAAAAAAJl0/_bGj0iRfvg0/s400/2012%2B007.JPG" /></a><br />
in a chain of thoughtfulness. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f_uiEgZIM0g/UJNn7tlHaiI/AAAAAAAAJmA/KJtUUSR2rXI/s1600/2012%2B026.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f_uiEgZIM0g/UJNn7tlHaiI/AAAAAAAAJmA/KJtUUSR2rXI/s400/2012%2B026.JPG" /></a><br />
Daisies <br />
in a small glass vase<br />
picked<br />
on a springtime walk.<br />
How could I resist<br />
such simplicity<br />
and the memories.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Daisy Chains </u><br />
<br />
Ruthie Walker<br />
and me<br />
in the greening time <br />
picking daisies<br />
in the spring grass<br />
on the front field<br />
<br />
split the stem<br />
gently with a fingernail<br />
and thread through the next flower <br />
<br />
longer and longer <br />
daisy chains<br />
and dreaming<br />
sunshine and whispy clouds<br />
across blue blue skies <br />
dew damp grass<br />
and daisy chains.. <br />
<br />
just fourteen<br />
Ruthie Walker<br />
and me<br />
making <br />
dreams of what will be<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08470961835179653158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659897268236249304.post-71556915971803366292012-10-27T19:33:00.001+13:002012-10-27T20:00:09.785+13:00<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
Hello friends.<br />
Look where my sister linda and I have been..<br />
Vancouver, Canada.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e_pyi9-7u3o/UIuAqtBNgbI/AAAAAAAAJfw/j7r7SYxMex4/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B006.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e_pyi9-7u3o/UIuAqtBNgbI/AAAAAAAAJfw/j7r7SYxMex4/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B006.JPG" /></a><br />
Staying with Steve and Ann<br />
in their 26th floor apartment<br />
in the centre of this beautiful city.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iKxHpDkZ78s/UIuArN0rUWI/AAAAAAAAJf8/24VEUSvnJro/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B008.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iKxHpDkZ78s/UIuArN0rUWI/AAAAAAAAJf8/24VEUSvnJro/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B008.JPG" /></a><br />
We left Springtime at home in New Zealand,<br />
but here it was unmistakably Autumn. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yLmuVdkkX9Y/UIuArznXtxI/AAAAAAAAJgI/ysRyZcWQvs0/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B011.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yLmuVdkkX9Y/UIuArznXtxI/AAAAAAAAJgI/ysRyZcWQvs0/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B011.JPG" /></a><br />
We had such a wonderful time.<br />
We visited the Anthropology Museum and loved the indiginous art.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sNRH8s_ugWU/UIuAsLpC-BI/AAAAAAAAJgU/c5xofW4oU3Q/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B046.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sNRH8s_ugWU/UIuAsLpC-BI/AAAAAAAAJgU/c5xofW4oU3Q/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B046.JPG" /></a><br />
We found ourselves in the middle of a film shoot as we explored the city. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V5f_rwV78X8/UIuAsmZlE2I/AAAAAAAAJgg/UxoxderbBmk/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B052.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V5f_rwV78X8/UIuAsmZlE2I/AAAAAAAAJgg/UxoxderbBmk/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B052.JPG" /></a><br />
The city is clean and spacious and reminded us a little of home. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vELgcJ09oAs/UIuAtYOundI/AAAAAAAAJgs/vmYu_aVp2rU/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B065.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vELgcJ09oAs/UIuAtYOundI/AAAAAAAAJgs/vmYu_aVp2rU/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B065.JPG" /></a><br />
Vancouver is a great walking city with lots of surprises,<br />
like the Steam Clock.<br />
(Oamaru .. eat your steam punk heart out!) </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KD7em08LstQ/UIuAt01BJtI/AAAAAAAAJg4/aatQC0iMjYU/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B093.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KD7em08LstQ/UIuAt01BJtI/AAAAAAAAJg4/aatQC0iMjYU/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B093.JPG" /></a><br />
We loved the water taxi ride over to Granville Island.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-19MC41dWt-Q/UIuAucxddYI/AAAAAAAAJhE/AYhnBGrdT2o/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B140.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-19MC41dWt-Q/UIuAucxddYI/AAAAAAAAJhE/AYhnBGrdT2o/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B140.JPG" /></a><br />
We spent an afternoon exploring the lovely Van Dusen gardens. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QhCGHXMJ8vE/UIuAu6ZUNiI/AAAAAAAAJhQ/L2bePS_68U4/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B223.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QhCGHXMJ8vE/UIuAu6ZUNiI/AAAAAAAAJhQ/L2bePS_68U4/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B223.JPG" /></a><br />
Ann took us on a racoon hunt right there in the city. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y7JA0wJYuWs/UIuAvYiqNwI/AAAAAAAAJhc/oNDmiStYVuc/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B231.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y7JA0wJYuWs/UIuAvYiqNwI/AAAAAAAAJhc/oNDmiStYVuc/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B231.JPG" /></a><br />
How surprised we were when these enchanting wild creatures <br />
joined us on a Stanley Park walk! </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KJwo01C2Mf4/UIuAwA1jt5I/AAAAAAAAJho/4pkdt1P0MPc/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B238.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KJwo01C2Mf4/UIuAwA1jt5I/AAAAAAAAJho/4pkdt1P0MPc/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B238.JPG" /></a><br />
We ate pumpkin pie and pumpkin cheesecake.<br />
and drank hot spiced pumpkin lattes .<br />
We also ate Beaver Tails<br />
up in Whistler!</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYGHLwr1iQI/UIuAwpN4w5I/AAAAAAAAJh0/jUVsTqOAJds/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B268.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYGHLwr1iQI/UIuAwpN4w5I/AAAAAAAAJh0/jUVsTqOAJds/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B268.JPG" /></a><br />
Steve detoured off the highway on the way to Whistler,<br />
hoping we might spot a bear, but it began to snow.<br />
The higher we went the more the snow fell.<br />
The bears, Steve said, would be hunkering down for the winter.<br />
Now Linda and I live in a no snow place</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SGoUV5uKpXw/UIuAxJheAwI/AAAAAAAAJiA/cYfdUNawr58/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B285.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SGoUV5uKpXw/UIuAxJheAwI/AAAAAAAAJiA/cYfdUNawr58/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B285.JPG" /></a><br />
so we were very excited despite no bears.<br />
We stopped the car and played in the snow<br />
and laughed with happiness as the soft snow fell on us. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E8-75HltN28/UIuAxr3xAII/AAAAAAAAJiM/mC3twqzbiyg/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B292.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E8-75HltN28/UIuAxr3xAII/AAAAAAAAJiM/mC3twqzbiyg/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B292.JPG" /></a><br />
Whistler was a magic.<br />
We ate Beaver Tails, hot and delicious with maple syrup.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j-6ETGQbNBM/UIuAyXutONI/AAAAAAAAJiY/79_AKui9B6w/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B376.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j-6ETGQbNBM/UIuAyXutONI/AAAAAAAAJiY/79_AKui9B6w/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B376.JPG" /></a><br />
Now eating Beaver Tails was a new treat experience,<br />
and so too<br />
was Bubble Tea!<br />
I've never tasted anything like it.<br />
Would someone please bring Bubble Tea to NZ!</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XWq-sowmztQ/UIuAy_lRs4I/AAAAAAAAJik/pL71-5OaMOo/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B390.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XWq-sowmztQ/UIuAy_lRs4I/AAAAAAAAJik/pL71-5OaMOo/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B390.JPG" /></a><br />
Back in the city, Steve and Ann took us up Grouse Mountain.<br />
Snow had fallen the night before. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LqRJg1ZmjZI/UIuAzZyjO0I/AAAAAAAAJiw/Gj2-nX8oTEw/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B400.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LqRJg1ZmjZI/UIuAzZyjO0I/AAAAAAAAJiw/Gj2-nX8oTEw/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B400.JPG" /></a><br />
It was like being in a Christmas card.<br />
Linda and I felt so blessed to be in this snowy wonderland. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-susJg4gPyjE/UIuA0D59OGI/AAAAAAAAJi8/HzUvFghePdk/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B433.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-susJg4gPyjE/UIuA0D59OGI/AAAAAAAAJi8/HzUvFghePdk/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B433.JPG" /></a><br />
The mountain in the distance , glowing in the sunset,<br />
is Mount Baker, USA.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6UHYIFI6l9U/UIuA0mthCII/AAAAAAAAJjI/LgLJjApddH0/s1600/Vancouver%2BBC%2B441.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6UHYIFI6l9U/UIuA0mthCII/AAAAAAAAJjI/LgLJjApddH0/s400/Vancouver%2BBC%2B441.JPG" /></a><br />
Linda and I returned to NZ on Friday.<br />
Warm Spring is here,<br />
green and lush,<br />
but my head and my heart are full of happy memories<br />
of beautiful Vancouver.<br />
Thank you Steve and Ann <br />
for a wonderful two weeks !<br />
<br />
xoxoxo</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;">
<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08470961835179653158noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659897268236249304.post-34496346545606272142012-10-04T19:33:00.001+13:002013-03-15T07:58:12.659+13:00<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QwSd9BSCIhE/UG0txzVB82I/AAAAAAAAJbs/eTVGxf8uhlA/s1600/001.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QwSd9BSCIhE/UG0txzVB82I/AAAAAAAAJbs/eTVGxf8uhlA/s400/001.JPG" /></a><br />
Every time I climb a tree<br />
Every time I climb a tree<br />
Every time I climb a tree<br />
I scrape a leg<br />
Or skin a knee<br />
And every time I climb a tree<br />
I find some ants <br />
Or dodge a bee<br />
And get the ants all over me. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I4_tWgHf6rI/UG0tyhLU5EI/AAAAAAAAJb4/h3GHsVFmwHU/s1600/002.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I4_tWgHf6rI/UG0tyhLU5EI/AAAAAAAAJb4/h3GHsVFmwHU/s400/002.JPG" /></a><br />
And every time I climb a tree<br />
Where have you been?<br />
They say to me<br />
But don't they know that I am free<br />
Every time I climb a tree?</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ksD-QfpYHzU/UG0tzVnjGdI/AAAAAAAAJcE/6__Qt20j5i8/s1600/003.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ksD-QfpYHzU/UG0tzVnjGdI/AAAAAAAAJcE/6__Qt20j5i8/s400/003.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
David McCord's poem <br />
came to mind<br />
as I watched the boys nextdoor<br />
climbing the lovely old tulip tree.<br />
Two boys are hidden amongst the welcoming branches<br />
already<br />
(or it may be the black skirt of Margaret Mahy's<br />
Witch from The Cherry Tree..) <br />
and I'm thinking<br />
<br />
Oh to be sitting in a tree up high<br />
out of sight..<br />
dreaming of sailing ships<br />
and far away places.<br />
<br />
Old Grand Daddy tree<br />
smiles at the<br />
scrambling and clinging<br />
and joyful<br />
adventuring...<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm remembering<br />
a childhood of great freedom.<br />
Oh yes,<br />
and plenty of skinned knees<br />
and scraped legs.<br />
No lasting scars<br />
but sweet, sweet memories.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;">
<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08470961835179653158noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659897268236249304.post-54941078573934253482012-10-02T11:30:00.001+13:002012-10-02T11:38:28.514+13:00...just a doodle...<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XS1YW73k6AQ/UGoZpa0uDGI/AAAAAAAAJaA/pBHJR6L67AM/s1600/Top-013.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XS1YW73k6AQ/UGoZpa0uDGI/AAAAAAAAJaA/pBHJR6L67AM/s400/Top-013.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Forever <br />
travelling<br />
pilgrims,<br />
whether <br />
we like it or not.<br />
<br />
Even when I sit perfectly still<br />
or shut my eyes and sleep..<br />
<br />
our planet goes on travelling around<br />
our day star<br />
at 66,600 miles per hour.<br />
<br />
Little wonder I am a restless wanderer<br />
at heart.</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;">
<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08470961835179653158noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659897268236249304.post-9307923417370052492012-09-29T20:16:00.001+12:002012-09-29T21:56:36.420+12:00<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
'Make sure you go to The Atrium <br />
to see <b>The World Press Photo Awards'</b><br />
wrote Marion from ArtsPost<br />
on her Facebook page.<br />
The exhibition finishes tomorrow.<br />
<br />
So off I went.<br />
The sun was shining<br />
in our peaceful city.<br />
I was feeling happy and free.<br />
<br />
2011<br />
Press photograghs from a year on this beautiful planet.<br />
<br />
I joined the slow moving crowd.<br />
We walked in silence<br />
as we passed from photo to photo.<br />
I could sense that others were experiencing <br />
the same emotional response that was dawning on me.<br />
<br />
Suddenly I had the crazy thought I was in a holy place,<br />
a cathedral.<br />
<br />
I was walking the stations of the cross..<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kdelugIICm8/UGaufAaxj1I/AAAAAAAAJWE/yv4sbvRdi5c/s1600/002.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kdelugIICm8/UGaufAaxj1I/AAAAAAAAJWE/yv4sbvRdi5c/s400/002.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
It was the photograph of a mother and son that triggered this feeling.<br />
The Madonna ..<br />
a Muslim mother comforting her son.<br />
<br />
I sketched her quickly<br />
to remind me<br />
the Pieta is not a historical happening.<br />
It is life.<br />
<br />
2011<br />
tsunamis<br />
and war<br />
and hunger<br />
and sadness..<br />
<br />
the media<br />
brings all this into our homes every day.<br />
<br />
Today no written words were needed .</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3PqVj0pcZAA/UGaugIXnDfI/AAAAAAAAJWc/xUc_wkPYGCs/s1600/005-001.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3PqVj0pcZAA/UGaugIXnDfI/AAAAAAAAJWc/xUc_wkPYGCs/s400/005-001.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
I wandered home in a pensive mood, <br />
through the campus of Wintec<br />
and gathered a handful of fallen treasures that lay in the gutter.<br />
<br />
The cherry blossoms fluttered in the breeze like scraps of soft silk.<br />
<br />
The tui and the waxeyes have sipped the nectar <br />
from the kowhai flowers,<br />
now scattered like a golden carpet.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j0a7JJeu5ms/UGauhLz0hbI/AAAAAAAAJWo/KSGnlJtUgoI/s1600/014.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j0a7JJeu5ms/UGauhLz0hbI/AAAAAAAAJWo/KSGnlJtUgoI/s400/014.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
I brought these scrappy relics of early spring home with me.<br />
While I sipped my cup of tea<br />
I made a mandala and<br />
pondered <br />
on the<br />
world I live in,<br />
so mysterious,<br />
so full of<br />
pain <br />
and beauty.<br />
<br />
I gave quiet thanks for brave journalists<br />
who bring us face to face with the rawness of life<br />
that otherwise I would have no knowledge of,<br />
living as I do in a comfortable bubble of plenty and peace.<br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;">
<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08470961835179653158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659897268236249304.post-74383813652582566662012-09-27T23:54:00.001+12:002012-09-27T23:59:41.594+12:00quoteflections: A Renaissance of WonderI've just arrived home from Bookclub where we discussed this month's book.. Bill Bryson's A SHORT HISTORY OF NEARLY EVERYTHING.. <br />
and these quotes from Quoteflections seemed the perfect way to sign off ..<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://quoteflections.blogspot.com/2012/09/a-renaissance-of-wonder.html?spref=bl">quoteflections: A Renaissance of Wonder</a>: Wonder is what sets us apart from other life forms. No other species wonders about the meaning of existence or the complexity of the unive...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08470961835179653158noreply@blogger.com2