on the tracks

It's no secret that I love trams (and trains too). Why doesn't every city have them? It's a question I ask each time Auckland's problem with public transport is brought up...and I'm sorry but the 'touristy' one around the waterfront doesn't count.

You just have to look at places like Melbourne, San Francisco, and The Netherlands to see that the tram is an awesome mode of transportation.

So in the spirit of tram/train enthusiasts, here's this tram song by The Bedroom Philosopher. Also equally hilarious: tram inspector and Metlink's Hurstbridge. I think the videos really add to the whole tram/train theme of their songs, but they also do a great live gig!

in bloom

:: arriving at this new place and period in my life, and trying to keep my balance,

   while jumping in feet first.

:: deciding to embrace the whole experience.

:: listening to The Band, childhood memories flooding back -of dancing around the living room.

:: appreciating good people, friends new and old.



{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

. . . . . . . .

under the mountain

On a stormy wind swept day, I headed underground...exploring the old tunnels of the North Head barracks set up in the 1800s when there was a fear of a Russian attack on Auckland. During WWI & II the fear switched to another foreign invasion and on the 13th of March 1942 a patrolling Japanese submarine (I-26) was seen in the Hauraki Gulf just off Auckland.

Maungauika (North Head's Maori name) is considered a taonga with many special connections for the tangata whenua who have a spiritual, cultural and historical relationship with their taonga.

There's something quite magical about exploring tunnels, even when they represent fear and war of days already past. Emerging out, to views of the Hauraki Gulf in the east and the city to the west, and the mighty Rangitoto volcano rising out of the sea. Simply breath taking.

be still and you will see

Sunset in the Moutere

It's been busy around here, as the semester nears to an end and seems a bit like an ants nest

-a seemingly dis-organised ants nest! 

So my motto of the moment is "be still and you will see through the chaos."

Here's hoping for some stillness.

Camping

I spent the weekend camping here just north of Leigh, and kayaking around the Goat Island marine reserve. It was perfectly still as we set out with still a couple of hours of daylight to explore the caves and coastline. Stunning.

three little things

:: A field of Sunflowers

:: Mollykins

:: And these curls

in the garden

Dunedin Botanic Gardens 



Wishing you a happy Labour weekend!

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

. . . . . . . .

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments

for all to find and see.

in the garden

My mama's gorgeous garden (taken last summer).

It's been a good couple of months that I've been living here in the big city, so I'm itching for the space and familiarity of small town NZ, of home, where people know you to say hi to, and fresh air means sea breezes, the bush and roaming country paddocks.

The sound of cicadas, a gently flowing river and children's laughter as togs (swim suits) dry on the line, getting ready for the next swim.

I'm looking forward to spending time in my mama's garden this summer, swimming in the nearby river and hanging out with family.  

Bring on summer time :)

Mucha inspired :: the auburn haired woman

I came across these pictures when I was thinking what to write about next.

The top picture I drew a few months back, after finding an old calendar in my flatmates spare room.

The bottom two are in a journal from my stint at art school (which is a couple of years ago now) where I probably spent more time filling the pages of this A4 hardback than actually attending lessons.

There's something magical in Alphonse Mucha's paintings that captures my imagination, something distinctly beautiful and almost melancholy that draws me in, wanting to ask why they never smile?

community spirit

Lately, there's been no escaping the hoopla of the rugby world cup. Here's some pictures from my walk around the suburbs of Mt Eden and Kingsland, Auckland. This last one of the blue house, made me smile.

bike culture

The Dutch get it, so do the Danish, Germans and Scandinavians. I read this article in the Guardian recently.
Cycling, downunder -It's taking off in Melbourne and maybe a town or city near you? Pedal power, my favourite transportation.

three little things

The brilliant colour of flowering Wattle.

Life imitating art with this Fitzroy laundromat thanks to this film.

Ceres -where you can talk to chickens :)