Today began at 7.00am with a wander out onto the balcony of our beachside Air BNB. This place is an excellent find. Beautifully appointed, two story, two bathrooms, four bed, looking out over the water, pool within the compound, Netflix and wifi. Thanks Kath. The day was crystal clear, blue skies, no wind. Warm enough. T-shirt weather. I could hear the soothing sounds of the … Continue reading Port Douglas

We went for a cruise down the river yesterday. In a water commuter. Some might call it a ferry. On the Brisbane River (indigenous name, Maiwar). Which weaves its way through the city of Brisbane. In Brisbane. Queensland. Our hosts, long standing friends, had spent some time trying to decide the best way to spend the 23 hours we had allocated to our catch-up over … Continue reading Brissie……..

Our little man. I remember so clearly when your dad and your uncles were first placed into my arms, how my heart felt it would burst. I haven’t met you yet, but already I love you more than you could imagine. My heart is bursting. You were born on a beautiful Christchurch Autumn day. The type of day which reminded me how much I love … Continue reading April 30 Promises

Sitting on the plane en-route to Christchurch my iPad reading is interrupted by a discussion the guy behind me is having with the air hostess. It relates to alcohol, of which he is requesting. I look at my watch, it’s 9.40am. I go back to reading ‘The Best of Adam Sharp’ by Graeme Simsion. Later the same guy has a further discussion with the air … Continue reading Planes, buses and, well….people

My bestie told me recently that I would be a shit grandma if I didn’t knit our impending first grandchild a baby rug. We laughed and laughed. And then I duly went to Spotlight and bought a load of wool, pattern and needles to confirm that I was indeed NOT a shit grandma. That was in February. Bub is due in one week. Of the … Continue reading Oh Easter….

Yesterday was an extremely tough day for Christchurch and for New Zealand. A confrontational, unprecedented day. Triggered by hate. A day which reminded us of the love, compassion and support that is within this community but also reminded us that how in an instant, our lives can change dramatically. MOD picked me up from work last night. I was extremely glad and quite emotional to … Continue reading One Team, One Tribe, One Iwi

As I left work tonight, a little later than normal, I walked towards a young girl and her mother. This young girl, about 6 years old, startled, like a deer in headlights, and looked across at me with fear in her eyes. I wanted to throw my arms around her and tell her it was ok, she was safe. But I can’t do that. The … Continue reading Kia Kaha Christchurch

Last Tuesday morning I arrived at work at my usual 6.30am to get ready for the busy and promisingly productive day ahead. Oh who am I kidding. I arrived early to get ready for yoga. We are lucky enough to get three yoga sessions a week at a subsidised $5 per session. Added bonus being our yoga teacher is the best teacher I have had … Continue reading To lift or not to lift…..