“A Walk with Me in Aotearoa” part 5

Posted on 13/10/2011 by Diane Tulloch

I thought for this post I would take you for a wander through west Auckland, a part of the city where I live. An area mixed with Industrial and shopping malls, giving way to tree lined residential streets, lush green parks, mountain range and vineyards. One can find much to do for the whole family.

One of the many parks well known in Auckland is the beautiful idyllic Western Springs Park great in summer for BBQ’s and picnics around the lake, as well as a play area for children. I often come here to wander around the lake here, and many people are seen jogging or women pushing prams. There are swans and ducks to feed on the lake and the park hosts the annual Pasifika Festival, where Maori, Tongan, Samoan join in a weekend of song and dance in traditional costumes. Near by are the Zoo, Museum of Transport and Technology, Chamberlain Golf Course and Western Stadium, where speed car rallies and music concerts are held.

http://www.garden-nz.co.nz/photo-gallery/6356.html (there are some beautiful photos in this website,)

The Waitakere Ranges, barely a 2minute drive from my door is a trampers or nature lovers delight. With many walks, some leading to waterfalls, lookout points, hideaway cafes and home stays ,barely a stones throw from the city, one often feels they have stepped into another world. Below on the western side are surf beaches of black and white sand attracting the fearless? To the east are paramount views of the city, its harbour and Rangitoto Island. Often you will find as you drive through the windy scenic drive, bike riders, and trampers or joggers enjoying the peace, beauty and smell of the rangers away from the busy city. There can also be found buses of tourists, or school children on nature study visits here. My hubby and I often spend a Sunday morning relaxing with coffee’s, eggs on toast admiring the view, listening to the tui chirping in the tree tops below us.

http://www.arc.govt.nz/parks/our-parks/parks-in-the-region/waitakere-ranges/

Further north along the beautiful surf beaches one can take a short walk to view gannets up close as they nest in large flocks on the side of cliff faces. At the other end of the ranges is a small village of cafes, gift and craft shops and gallery of art to view for sale. Each weekend there is a market day which attracts many people for a pleasurable shopping experience.

http://www.math.auckland.ac.nz/~hafner/gannets/

http://www.titirangi.steiner.school.nz/TVM

　

Not only is west Auckland known for its cafes, and ranges but also the wineries where one can sample the very best at your hearts delight. Places like “Soljans” or “Matua Valley” and “Coopers Creek” offer wine tasting, café meals in idyllic peaceful atmosphere many are drawn back to time and time again. Being a lover of white wines I am drawn to their award winning Riesling’s, and Gewürztraminer’s and their 4 star Chardonnay. Matua Valley for its distinctive award winning Sauvignon Blanc’s, not to mention all have top class reds if that is your preferred taste. I have only touched briefly on a couple of wineries although there are many situated here and I have posted some links here for you to browse. Wine festivals go from October through to March each year throughout the Auckland area. A real treat to listen to live music while sipping wine and eating delicious freshly prepared meals.

http://www.soljans.co.nz/index.php/ps_pagename/welcometosoljans

http://www.matua.co.nz/index.asp?age-pass=yes

http://www.westauckland.net.nz/Vineyards.htm

There are also many home stays around this region, and it is popular with many overseas visitors such as Germans, Swiss, French…etc taking up residence. Often festivals are held out this way such as the Kumeu Show, a family weekend of hundreds of craft stalls, competions such as wood chopping, raffels, entertainment, children and adults showing their animals (such as alpaca‘s), horse jumping, foods stalls and festive rides for the kids. Take plenty of change, for if you are like me, you will always come away with some wonderful buys.

http://www.eventfinder.co.nz/2011/mar/kumeu/kumeu-show

There is also Farmers market and AMP Shows, Wine Festivals (if you wish, try your hand at foot stomping grapes) and specialty places such as “Bees On Line” providing honey sampling and a delicious café, “Crystal Mountain” (a minutes drive from home) another delicious café and like its name suggests there is a huge Crystal shop to browse or buy as well as a cave to view, and wonderland playground for kids of all ages with pet feeding and train rides. Round the corner is “MacDonald Farm” yes fantastic for kids to feed and play with farm animals and learn about them. Further a field is a Macadamia farm making and selling coffee, ice-cream, biscuits, cake to hand and foot creams, all made from macadamia nuts. Here you can also wander the orchard and relax by the huge lily pond. A lovely day out for sure.

http://www.macnut.co.nz/

Not to be left out the energetic will find rock climbing, paragliding, surfing, or forest trail bike riding besides tramping and other wonderful things to do.

http://www.bikeparks.co.nz/

No wonder I love this part of the country where city meets farm life, east meets west, in a space of 20 to 30 minutes one can go from coast to coast and enjoy it all. Many Europeans I have come to know, that have made New Zealand their home over the years love the relaxed life style and the ability to have the best of both worlds, enjoy this area of the city.

I have injected some websites I came across while writing this post which I think will help with giving you the ability to step, if only for a moment, into my world. Enjoy!

tēnā koutou (goodbye/farewell)

tuhi māreikura (dear/respected friends)　

Posted in Aotearoa | 14 Comments

Book Reading challenge: 31

Posted on 07/10/2011 by Diane Tulloch

“Sounds Spooky”

By Christopher Cheng and Illustrator Sarah Davis

Imagine sitting up in bed late at night and hearing strange, creaking, tinkering noises or the sound of something crashing (which probably woke you up in the first place) and you tiptoe out through the door and across the landing to find out what it is….. Doesn’t that send shivers down your spine at the mere thought. I know myself, I would dive back under the covers and try to drown out the sounds and hope sleep will come quickly. Sounds Spooky is cleverly written from a young ghosts view point. She hears strange noises and on every fourth page tells herself “I’m not scared,” until she comes face to face with a group of young children who have dared to enter her haunted house.

Chris’s lyrical text, curved or swept across the page give way to repetition and erie sounds makes this a great read aloud, on beautiful, (yes beautiful), full-page pictures. Sarah has worked magic in not only using dark colours to create that spooky feeling, but has you looking into the pictures for intricate details as the cute porcelain faced children creep through the house, gives the book a rich glossy look. Aged for 6 – 12 year olds children will love reading this both in a class room and at home.

I have been surprised of late of the number of picture books I have come across where authors have used sounds to convey, bring to life, their story. Even at the recent local SCBWI meeting two picture book authors used sound to give their story depth and create participation from the reader.

Chris Cheng, a Co-Regional Advisor (Australia and New Zealand) of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, has been involved from 2004 – 2008 with the Federal Government’s National Literacy and Numeracy Week campaign as a National Ambassador, and holds a Master of Arts in Children’s Literature, I met him briefly at the 2011 LA Summer SCBWI Conference, and unfortunately never got to have him sign my copy of this wonderful book, (noted a trip to Australia to rectify this in my to do list). He has recently been named Ambassador of National Year of Reading 2012. With some 21 plus books to his name it is not surprising he loves to write. Chris does not believe, for one minute, that a writer’s life is a solitary one stuck at a computer or with paper or pencil trying to come up with an idea. His well designed blog gives insight into his colourful life, his thoughts as a writer, along with Teacher notes, Writing ideas, Book Trailers, Articles, News, Links and even hilarious Question and Answers. It is obvious he loves being a writer and passionate about writing for children. In fact reading his blog http://www.chrischeng.com/ one cannot help feel the connection he has with children whether through his books or in person during his many school visits. He is a natural.

Sarah Davis is an illustrator and usually paints or sketches, but for Sounds Spooky she built and entire haunted house from cardboard along with plaster models of the characters. So passionate about her work she can be found working late into the wee hours in her tiny room she calls her messy office. “They have had to send dogs to find me” she has been heard to lament about her place of work. I briefly shared a few words with Sarah while sitting on the steps during one of the 2011 LA Summer SCBWI Conference keynote speeches, she was sketching away as she often does (it helps her listen more intently, apparently). I had been watching her for sometime not wanting to interrupt, it brought back memories of my dabbling in sketch work as a young teen at school. I loved drawing animals and once sketched portraits of the kids in my class. I guess I caught the bug after pouring over my Dad’s house sketches (he was a builder) which I especially loved reinventing, (maybe I should have taken up a career as a designer, anyway nothing came of it and now it seems like a hundred years ago). Sarah had always wanted to draw and it has only been now that I ventured to her magical website. Oh I feel as though I have stepped into another world, my kind of world, so pretty, pink and whimsical, http://www.sarahdavisillustration.com/ . Here one steps into her world of creative sketches, writers and illustrators she has collaborated with and realise we have been privileged to view a very clever artist at work. Any one of her portfolio pieces would make a magical screen saver, her Teaching Resources, with literacy visuals, and the way she involves the kids in creative artwork at schools she visits would be a joy to watch, if only one could be a spider on the wall. It’s only now I wish I had spent more time getting to know Sarah and watch her do what she loves doing best.

　http://www.theresabook.com/read-to-me-picture-book-reading-challenge/

Posted in Blogs, Children's literature, ideas for writing, Literature, Picture book, Platform-Building Campaign, Reading Aloud | Tagged , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

“Out of the Mouths of Babe’s” part 2

Posted on 01/10/2011 by Diane Tulloch

Continuing on, here is an interview I carried out over the phone with a 9 year old and also one with my 14 year old niece.

 

Interview 5

 

D: What is your name?

M: Meeth (male)

D: How old are you?

M: 9 years old

D: What books do you like to read?

M: Author..Roald Dahl Adventure stories I also like history stories.

D: Why?

M: They are very interesting and I like to know what is going on in the world.

D: If you had goodie or baddies in a story which do you like?

M: I like the good people

D: Why?

M: Because I like happy endings.

D: Do you like true stories?

M: Yes I like encyclopedia type books, any thing to do with animals and history.

D: Why?

M: Because I like to know what’s going on, they are more interesting and I learn more from these.

D: When do you like to read…time of day?

M: Before bed.

D: Do you go to a library?

M: Yes

D: Do you like receiving books as gifts?

M: Yes

D: If you could wish for a special book, written just for you, what would it be?

M: Mystery and suspense story using castles and where everyone lives happily ever after.

I also like Wizard of Oz so that’s why I would ask for this. But I would also like stories based on history in other parts of the world.

 

Interview 6

This interview is with my niece Jaimieann aged 14years.

D: What books do you like to read?

J: Happy, suspense, mysteries with a twist.

D: Why?

J: Because it reels you into the story and happy stories always make you feel good.

D: What do you like most … the story or the pictures?

J: I like Novels but if there are pictures I like these also.

D: Why?

J: Not having the pictures lets the reader have their own idea and imagine what its like.

D: Do you like bad people or good people in your stories?

J: I like more dark stories, like some hero stories, not the usual guy saves girl ones.

D: Why?

J: Because they have more character and personality.

D: Do you like adventure stories?

J: Only if it has some dark twist in it, not the always goody adventure stuff. Not animals.

D: Do you like true stories?

J: Yes I like history; I like stories that are influenced by history. I like bios.

D: Why?

J: Because it’s interesting reading and influenced by school studies. Bios are very inspirational.

D: When do you like to read… time of day?

J: Night time and or late afternoon. Because it is relaxing time of the day. School and activities are finished then.

D: Do you go to the library?

J: Not that often, usually only at school.

D: Does Mum or Dad get the books for you?

J: No only if I ask

D: Do Mum and Dad Read?

J: Only newspaper and magazines. Just current event stuff.

D: Do you like receiving books as gifts?

J: Yes

D: If you could wish for a special book written just for you, what would it be?

J: A book has to grab me with in the first couple of chapters, if not then it’s hard for me to keep reading it. Has to be dark suspense, holds my interest with lots of twists, not human gore or too over the top fantasy, I prefer more realistic stuff.

And that concludes my Interviews.  I hope I have given you some food for thought, helped answer questions, or sparked new ideas.  If so I hope you will share them here with me.

 

Posted in Blogs, Interviews | Tagged | 6 Comments

“Out of the Mouths of Babe’s”

Posted on 27/09/2011 by Diane Tulloch

How often have we heard that saying, and when has it been more aptly associated than in the life of a writer, a children‘s writer. We have all at some time interviewed other authors, agents etc….. but have we thought of those who would most benefit from what we write. We are well aware that the reading in children today is so much more advanced than what we read in our day, at their age. Our books were more simpler in text, often started with “Once upon a time….” and nearly always had happy endings. If there were books around that were more darker our parents or teachers, for the most part, probably ensured we never saw them. These days reading material for our children are far more complex, varied and graphic. Children comprehend more difficult words than we did at their age, and expect to read well written stories. They are our most honest critic.

I thought it was about time I interviewed a few children, and find out what they like, expect and want in a good story that is going to hold their attention, and make them want more. The questions were kept simple and basic.

I interviewed six children in total ranging from 5 years to 14 years. The 14 year old is my niece who is staying with me at present, on holiday from Australia, her interview is in the second part of “Out of the Mouths of Babes’s” which along with an interview I did over the phone, I will be posting in a couple of days.

Interview 1

D: What is your name?

M: Mohit (male)

D: How old are you?

M: 5 years

D: What books do you like to read?

M: funny ones, ones with animals in, picture books. Author Roald Dahl

D: Why?

M: I like talking animals, and people being funny, makes me happy.

D: If there were baddies or goodies in your story which do you like?

M: the good people.

D: do you like happy or sad stories?

M: happy stories

D: Why?

M: I like happy ever after endings.

D: Do you like adventure stories?

M: yes I like adventures with animals.

D: Do you read aloud or to yourself ?

M: I read aloud to myself, sometimes Mum and Dad read to me at night.

D: Do you like true stories?

M: No

D: When do you like to read …time of day?

M: before bed, before I go to sleep.

D: Why?

M: because then Mum and Dad reads to me and I like that best.

D: Do you go to a library?

M: yes my grandpa takes me to the local library in my school holidays and on some weekends.

D: Does Mum and Dad read?

M: umm …. Sometimes

D: do you like receiving books as gifts?

M: No I would rather have a toy, but may be sometimes.

D: If you could wish for a special book written just for you what would it be?

M: Have to have lots of funny pictures, big pictures not little ones.

Interview 2

D: What’s your name?

V: Varun (male)

D: How old are you?

V: 10 years

D: What books do you like to read?

V: Tintin, Asterix by Gochinnya Uderzo, Roman Mysteries, Astosaurs, Comics and Novels

D: Why?

V: I like a variety. Mostly mysteries and adventures and anything to do with martial arts. Also some funny stuff.

D: What do you like the most… the story or the pictures?

V: both

D: Why?

V: I like funny pictures and it helps me understand the story quicker if there are pictures in it.

D: If there were baddies or goodies in your stories who do you like?

V: I like that the pictures often make the villian look stronger and more powerful, braver, so I like them very much but I also support the good guys.

D: Do you like happy or sad stories?

V: happy stories

D: Why?

V: well I don’t mind really either way happy or sad, but happy endings are better.

D: Do you like adventure stories?

V: yes I like animal animated adventure stories, and especially if they have fighting, suspense and mystery.

D: Do you like true stories?

V: No

D: Why?

V: they are boring

D: do you read aloud or to yourself?

V: I like to read to myself.

D: When do you like to read… time of day?

V: Anytime, except when it’s time to eat.

D: Do you go to a library?

V: yes I go to a school library but they don’t have the books I like.

D: Does Mum or Dad get the books for your?

V: Yes normally.

D: Do you like receiving books as gifts?

V: No

D: Why?

V: Because I’d rather get them myself, because they don’t know what I like.

D: Does Mum and Dad read?

V: No they don’t read much.

D: If you could wish for a special book written especially for you what would it be?

V: It would have animals that talk and do martial arts, not too much emotion, must have humour, have lots of adventure and mystery.

Interview 3.

D: What is your name?

R: Riddhi (female)

D: how old are you?

R: 7 years

D: What books do you like to read?

R: Sister Switch… by Jane B Mason and Sarah Hines Stephens and Maide the Fairy

D: Why?

R: Because I like learning more words, I am into words.

D: What do you like most… the story or the pictures?

R: the story

D: Why?

R: Because I want to be a writer some day. (something tells me she may have been told that is what I am doing..lol)

D: If there were baddies and goodies in your story who do you like?

R: I like the goodies, the fairytale stories.

D: Why?

R: because they always do good things for people, I like that the people seem real. I also like unicorns.

D: Do you like happy or sad stories.

R: Happy, because then it makes me happy.

D: Do you like adventure stories?

R: Yes

D: Why?

R: because they make me feel like I’m going on an adventure to.

D: Do you like true stories

R: No

D: When do you like to read… time of day?

R: Night before going to sleep, because it gives me good dreams and I wake up happy.

D: Do you go to a library?

R: yes

D: do Mum and Dad get the books for you?

R: No because I get the books from the school library.

D: do you like receiving books as gifts:?

R: Yes very much

D: Why?

R: because I like to Read.

D: Does Mum and Dad read?

R: yes, sometimes, books and news paper.

D: Do you read aloud or to yourself?

R: I like reading aloud to myself and when Mum and Dad and my brother are not there.

D: If you could wish for a special book to be written just for you what would it be?

R: I would have a book where a fairy turned the school girls into fairies. I like interesting stories with girlfriends as well.

Interview 4

D: What’s your name?

P: Punit (male)

D: How old are you?

P: 13years

D: What books do you like to read?

P: Adventure books where the characters use their heads to solve problems. Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz and Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan

D: Why?

P: Because it is really interesting and gives me fun ideas or it could be related in some way to my studies. They engage me in the story.

D: What do you like most the story or the pictures?

P: story, because they are more descriptive and gives me the picture in my head. Novels mostly

D: If you had baddies and goodies in your story who do you like?

P: I like both because it makes the story balanced and makes it a fun read when they outwit each other.

D: Why?

P: It makes it a fun read, usually has happy endings.

D: Do you like happy or sad stories?

P: Happy stories

D: Why?

P: Because sad stories are boring and not much fun, I like happy because they are more fun.

D: Do you like true stories?

P: Yes Biographic stories.

D: Why?

P: Because it gives me encouragement in life when I read what other people have done, how they have improved in their lives.

D: When do you like to read … time of day?

P: Before bed and during lunch time at school.

D: Why?

P: Because I like reading at that time and also at night is because its nice and quiet.

D: Do you read aloud or to yourself?

P: To myself

D: Do you go to a library?

P: yes I go to the school library

D: Does Mum or Dad get the books for you?

P: Sometimes…. Spiritual books.

D: Do Mum and Dad read?

P: Yes sometimes, they read spiritual books.

D: Do you like receiving books as gifts?

P: Yes, because I like collecting books and want to have my own collection.

D: If you could wish for a special book written just for you what would it be?

P: Mythology type book which is full of adventure I want Percy Jackson to continue writing his series. I like Greek gods stories as they help me with my social science course. I like these as they keep me engaged and teaches me new things.

**************************************

Posted in Blogs, Interviews, Reading Aloud | Tagged , , , | 10 Comments

‘IMAGO FUSION” Rach’s 2nd Campaign Challenge

Posted on 25/09/2011 by Diane Tulloch

I’m not sure if I should post this, i have never used these words before and the image I portay below is not one I have ever attempted before either, but I thought I would give it a go…

in response to Rachael’s second campaign challenge, the rules of which are noted below.

The Challenge is:
Write a blog post in 200 words or less, excluding the title. It can be in any format, whether flash fiction, non-fiction, humorous blog musings, poem, etc. The blog post should:
• include the word “imago” in the title
• include the following 4 random words: “miasma,” “lacuna,” “oscitate,” “synchronicity,”
If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional and included in the word count), make reference to a mirror in your post.
For those who want an even greater challenge (optional), make your post 200 words EXACTLY!

Here is my entry:

The Imago Fusion

Feeling the fibers of the rope cutting through her fingers as the swing bridge shredded, giving way allowing the imago, the repulsive image to rise from the frightening depth below her, its noise deafening. Where the bridge had served her before now only a gaping oscitation stretched out and below, the lacuna beckoning. Hanging unable to help herself, fingers burning, sweating, pain searing through her body, terror in her eyes at the thought of the inevitable synchronicity evolving her and below along with its pungent miasma air, this thing, this vial thing waiting to envelop her. The blood dripped from her hand felt warm on her cheek. In her mind the imago fusion revolted her; she couldn’t scream even if she wanted to, no one would hear her. Why, oh why had she decided to turn back, what a fool she had been. She closed her eyes as the mirror image of what was to come seared through her brain causing her to vomit and she released her hold, plunging through the lacuna, the rancid miasma her last thought.

 ……………………………………………………………

Posted in Blogs, ideas for writing, Literature, Platform-Building Campaign | 34 Comments

“Show and Tell” and the Procrastinator

Posted on 21/09/2011 by Diane Tulloch

For some time now I have wished for a Beta/Critique partner who would read, guide and give gentle positive feedback on my work. When I joined the Children’s Book Hub run by Emma, I had hoped to find someone whom I could trust to do this. My problem is I am too nervous to ask and procrastinate even more, hoping that someone will just simply, offer to help. Yes I’m one of those that needs that kick-in-the-pants motivation, and I know, once I am working with someone, will wonder what the heck I was so nervous about.

At a recent SCBWI meeting the topic was “Show and Tell”. Ah yes, and guess who was quaking at the knees on seeing that heading, but a second email asking if I would like to talk about my recent visit to LA for the 40th Summer SCBWI Conference was like a God send, someone must be watching over me, I thought. So I trotted along with my notes and because of the cold and pouring rain not many turned up. Another blessing! We all managed to sit around one table and after a cup of coffee I was first up to speak. They found it interesting and even some took notes. Next was the “Show and Tell” and I realised that I was in the presence of published authors, bringing along their third or fourth work in progress. Of the three that read their work out, two were picture book writers. Feedback was gentle, thoughtful, and a couple of things were picked up which the writers themselves were grateful for. Another was also worried at first about a title on her soon to be released book that had been changed, but we all agreed on the new title, and she happily showed us some prints from her publisher, of what a couple of the pages would look like. I found this interesting and was pleased to be able to, look in, so to speak, on such a feedback group, it gave me more confidence and yes, maybe I will contribute next time there is a “Show and Tell”.

Sometimes our confidence gets knocked sideways. Mine did recently and while there was a no-holds-bar approach to comments made, there were no specifics either. On Casey McCormick’s “Literary Rambles” Blog, Laura Lascarso discusses wooing writers. She talks about constructive critisicm being about asking questions, giving specific examples of what isn’t working. Praise is also very important not so much to stroke the ego (lord knows I have no idea where mine is, didn‘t know if I owned one), but to point out what is working. It’s important to know what to keep as well as what to fix.

The Writeoncon online conference I joined recently was a wonderful experience with live forums, and I even shocked myself in submitting a couple of pieces of work, and I was grateful to receive such constructive feedback. It seemed over all too quick.

By coincidence on Rachel Harris’ Blog, “Rach Writes” she is offering a wonderful chance for writers to meet and match themselves with Beta and Critique partners, this month. My finger poised on the keyboard to add my name and details to the list but that little yellow chicken raised its head again and I simply closed the laptop. Maybe someone will find their way here and extend a helping hand, I hope so.

 

Posted in Blogs, ideas for writing | 8 Comments

“You’ve just won the Versatile Blogger Award, what are you going to do?”

Posted on 16/09/2011 by Diane Tulloch

Gosh I would love to jump on a plane and go anywhere…but that ain’t gonna happen anytime soon unless I win lotto… (fat chance)…lol.

I have been awarded this wonderful Versatile Blogger Award by a lovely new blogger friend “clickerbug“.   Yep that’s her name alright and such a cute name to,  her blog “As Seen Through a Different Glass”, I know I am going to enjoy, and keeping intouch with her.  You should read the latest post, “How I spent the last Hour – I swear I’m going insane” … hilarous.  Thankyou so much clickerbug, its so lovely to have you here. (Which reminds me I must put your name on my blogroll)

The rules for accepting the award are as follows:

1. Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them in your post.

2. Share 7 things about yourself.

3. Pass this Award along to 15 recently discovered blogs and let them know about it.

Okay: Now 7 things about myself….mmm

1.  I love to travel reguarly, having just come back from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. (I don’t need much of an excuse to take flight)

2. I am on the whole a very patient person, many people tell me I am.  Hence one part of my blog name.

3. I am also a dreamer, oh yes, very much so…. hence the other part of my blog name.

4. When I first visited Austria I fell in love with the people and culture and when I came back home, joined the Austrian folk dancing, which my husband and I still do.

5. Did an eight week writers course on Children’s Picture Books which is held online via emails by Emma Walton Hamilton, last year and thoroughly enjoyed it, learnt so much.

6. Belong to the Children’s Book Hub Forum again run by Emma Walton Hamilton.

7. Work full time, therefore writing is squeezed in whereever and whenever I can, trying to alot at least a couple of hours a day (although with all the new bloggers to interact with I may be up all night to)…lol.  But I do enjoy the contact very much as it dosen’t make me feel so alone and isolated down here. (I am such a visual person, and a “hi” on the screen is all it takes).

Now the 15 new bloggers that I have come into contact lately…. wow!… so many to choose from…..

1. Francine at “Romancing the Blog” http://tgunwriter.blogspot.com/

2. Coleen  at  http://coleenpatrick.com/

3. Julie from http://juliemusil.blogspot.com/

4.Jennifer at http://jennifer-burke.blogspot.com/

5. Sharon at Random Thoughts http://skmayhew.blogspot.com/

6.Catherine  Johnson at http://catherinemjohnson.wordpress.com/

7. Denyse at http://djkirkby.co.uk/

8. Racquel  at http://nitewriter6.blogspot.com/

9.Susanna from http://susannahill.blogspot.com/

10. Susie at http://susiemedwell.blogspot.com/

11Deana at http://www.deanabarnhart.blogspot.com/

12. Sonia at http://storytreasury.wordpress.com/

13. Amanda at http://amandastwistedtruths.blogspot.com/

14. Rosalind at http://rosalindadam.blogspot.com/

15. Elaine at http://notexactlyblogging.blogspot.com/

 

 

Posted in Blogs, Literature, Platform-Building Campaign | 34 Comments

“A Walk with Me in Aotearoa” part 4

Posted on 15/09/2011 by Diane Tulloch

I remember a few years ago being at a huge Swiss Convention, there was speeches, a meal, and lots of folk dancing, put on by many people of different cultures. It was a spectacular, colourful evening. One Swiss guy who had come to New Zealand back in the 1940’s, by boat, with his wife and small baby girl. Neither of them spoke English or knew anyone, made the comment “the kiwis do not make you feel like a visitor, even today one is never felt like a visitor when they come to New Zealand.” He was referring to the fact that since the first day he arrived he decided to make New Zealand his home because of the warmth of the welcome he and his family received, the feeling of being in a family.

Whanau pronounced Far – now. Meaning extended family.

The word “whanau” is becoming a popular Maori word in New Zealand language today. Families not only consist of blood relatives, but also Elders (senior adults, men or women of wisdom) and friends. It is not uncommon to be invited to a home for dinner or an event and on hearing that the “whanau” will be there, finding between 5 – 20 people to one sitting. Half of them may not be blood related but are regarded as family anyway, “whanau”.

This family unity and feeling is what makes New Zealand very unique, we love to please and entertain, share looking after the children and the elderly, and regard each others homes as our own. The Maori people especially are big on sharing and often there are large gatherings for any occasion big or small. Sleep-overs are common.

I had the joy of sharing such true kiwi hospitality with some English friends my husband and I met very briefly while touring through Norway many years ago. We had stayed in contact and a few years later they visited our shores and we accompanied them around the South Island before they spent Christmas with us at our home. On Christmas morning the phone went and a friend from work (a Maori woman) invited us for dinner at their place suggesting they would cook for us a hangi (traditional Maori way of cooking food in the ground) as I had mentioned of our friends first intended visit to New Zealand. Her comment “come join the “whanau” for dinner”. I smiled to myself knowing this would be an interesting evening for my overseas friends.

Scroll half way down this link to read about hangi ovens…http://www.newzealandexposed.com/maori-food.html

When we first arrived in the late afternoon there were about 10 people there already and by early evening 60 people had arrived. But what struck my friends was the gentle, warm hospitality, the respect that each person paid them as they arrived. From the smallest child to the eldest adult they single filed past my bewildered friends each giving them a “hongi” a pressing of noses (traditional Maori welcome) with them, beaming with smiles of welcome. The night rolled on with a feast of pork, lamb, chicken, kumara (sweet Maori potato), potatoes, pumpkin, taro, and vegetables.  A feast for an army. Many had helped earlier in the day preparing the kai (meal) and bring plates of food when they returned in the early evening. It is normal to just pitch in and help with any event no matter how big or small.

My workmate and her “whanau” provided a night of shear entertainment with guitars playing, singing and dancing, when I next glanced at my watch it was already 3am, we could not believe the time had gone so fast and were offered bedrooms to stay the night, (another common practice), but declined graciously. I believe many did stay and were treated to a feed of leftovers the next day, as they continued to play and sing. To this day my English friends regard that day as one of the best Christmas’s ever, in fact it was the highlight of their New Zealand visit.

In New Zealand demonstration of affection is normal in public unlike some countries that we have visited in our visits overseas. Here we may kiss and hug each other on greeting or partners holding hands in the street. There is no law against showing affection here. After the last huge earthquake in Christchurch earlier this year, I witnessed traffic at an intersection stopped while people hugged each other, obviously grateful for being alive, but mainly to feel the love and friendship of fellow kiwis. It was very humbling to see.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sponsored/travel/new-zealand-holidays/8577589/Maori-culture-food-and-wine-in-New-Zealand.html

It is believed that should you befriend a kiwi for any length of time regardless if they are pakeha (of non Maori blood) or Maori you automatically become part of their “whanau.” It is the New Zealand way, it is the kiwi way.

After writing this up and before posting I discovered the following “saying” on a fellow writer’s face book post later in the day it was serendipity……

Family isn’t always blood.

It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs.

The ones who accept you for who you are.

The ones who would do anything to see you smile,

and who love you no matter what.

Posted in Aotearoa, Blogs | 6 Comments

“A Walk with Me in Aotearoa” part 3

Posted on 11/09/2011 by Diane Tulloch

“Rugby World Cup” Fever has hit New Zealand in a big way and nowhere more so than here in my home city, Auckland. On our wander down the east cost side of the North Island passing beautiful seaside scenery of blue waters white sands and green paddocks we eventually head into the city of busy motorways, housing, and high-rise buildings. Auckland is not just a city there is shopping centers, sailing, kayaking, bungy jumping, absailing, and cycling as well as swimming to choose from along with café’s and entertainment, and that’s just in the very City Centre. Imagine sitting at your desk, it’s time for lunch, walk out the door, across the road, take a lift up the Sky Tower, strap on a harness and bungy jump. At the bottom after retrieving your personal belongs, walk down the road for ten minutes and relax in a harbour side restaurant for lunch with wine, before heading back picking up some shopping on the way. For something more sedate, hop a ferry across the harbour collect some world-class succulent homemade chocolates, lunch in a roadside pub and ferry back, taking a rickshaw up to your place of work.

Approaching the Harbour Bridge from the North is one of the best views of the city, as the motorway swerves around the harbour dotted in colourful sails like a curtain raiser giving way to glistening clear waters and bright buildings and the Sky Tower a dominate feature. When driving over the Harbour Bridge one can look out over to the West of suburban living and see a small mountain range which is 5 mins behind my home. To the east is the Harbour entrance and the city waterfront stretching like a snake with sandy bays in between for family swimming. On a small hill in the middle of the city buildings, the Auckland War Museum stands proud. As we drive on down pass the many million dollar sea vessels tied to moorings, we cruse along the waterfront. Up until yesterday was accessible by car. With the Opening Ceremony and huge fireworks for the World Cup these streets were closed to traffic and thousands of people crowded main streets and waterfront for a birds eye view. From mid day the inner city came to a stop.

Over the last week or so many Rugby Teams from around the world arrived up and down the country receiving warm welcomes as only the Kiwis know how.

Some teams received Maori welcomes at the airport, others such as Canada received a royal welcome at Waitangi. New Zealanders have embraced and welcomed this event with a festive spirit, looking to overcome the torment they have endured over the past 6 months with earthquakes and mine disasters causing horrific loss of life.

If you missed the opening ceremony here is a very excellent clip of it along with some beautiful scenery of New Zealand.  Enjoy…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrGJVahLtDE&feature=topvideos_sports

I will return with more of my city in future posts stay tuned.

Posted in Aotearoa, Blogs | 10 Comments

Rachel’s First Campaigner Challenge

Posted on 05/09/2011 by Diane Tulloch

I have joined a Writers Challenge Campaigner and this is Rachel’s.

Write a short story/flash fiction story in 200 words or less, excluding the title. It can be in any format, including a poem. Begin the story with the words, “The door swung open” These four words will be included in the word count.

If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional), use the same beginning words and end with the words: “the door swung shut.” (also included in the word count)

For those who want an even greater challenge, make your story 200 words EXACTLY!
Well here is mine …   200 words exactly.

                               The Door flew Open

The Door flew open, she didn’t turn around, she knew who it was. A smile etched from the corners of her moist lips feeling his muscular body rub ever so gently against her back. His hands moved to the tie of her robe, undoing the knot, it slipped to the floor. A finger glided a strand of hair back behind her right ear, leaning in he brushed his lips against the small of her lobe, his tongue darting inside, his fingers made their way down her neck following the opening of the robe. Her breathing increased and her heart beat faster at the share delight of his touch. She moved her head to the side allowing his mouth to find her eager lips. His hand slid inside the robe his fingers clenched her ripe nipple causing a tingling sensation to her stomach.

  knock at the door.

“Your car is here sir”

“arr… thankyou. Be right down.” he quickly stepped back. She clasped the opening of her robe together with her hand and smiled shyly.

“Beg your pardon, madam, I must go”. catching her soft eyes as he bowed, he hesitated briefly before leaving the room, the door swung shut.

Posted in Literature, Platform-Building Campaign, Writers Campaign | 86 Comments