One small step…

They’re in! Every single one of the 500 trees supplied by the Wellington City Council are now happily ensconced in their new home, the Buckley Road Reserve. Thanks to all that gave a helping hand. We had some good weather and a great mix of new and familiar faces, young and old, Maranui scones and… Continue reading One small step…

The Hope of Spring

The prunus always gives us the first sign of spring in the garden, and its here now with its delicate blossoms in the cold damp air. The rising energy that the new season brings. It feels warmer and sunnier already! Its the hope of new life… “When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds… Continue reading The Hope of Spring

Taking off

I take off for the hills where gulls circle and soar in the thermals as if caught in the sky’s blue plughole and their flight’s elan where the nor’wester flips off the ridges and the tussock’s restless and shines on the hillsides, inland Otago’s vast acres browning in the sun. I take off for the… Continue reading Taking off

Up in the sharp air

  Up in the sharp air, where thoughts are crisp   The light glistens and the heart leaps.  There’s a silent peace in the wind and fingers burn for a warm fire …..the belly cries out for coffee and croissants!

We’re all in this together!

I’m feeling a lot more hopeful for our dear planet in the wake of Pope Francis’ plea for the Earth and a review of rampant capitalism. It’s great to see some moral leadership being taken by him and the Dalai Lama to show the world another way….given that really we have no choice, we’re all… Continue reading We’re all in this together!

Facing the Wind

“Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it” – Eckhart Tollé Some times life moulds you, sometimes you stand strong and just bend with it! Each new day dawns, alive with the sunrise, Opening to the opportunity? You can see this painting at ZeaYou Gallery in Taupo, and more of… Continue reading Facing the Wind

Cliftons Art Prize

For the past few years I’ve had the honour of being one of the Judges for the Cliftons Art Prize. Centred on the major cities in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Hong Kong there are regional prizes for each city and one overall winner. The entries are always very diverse which makes the judging more… Continue reading Cliftons Art Prize

Birdsong

Coming to my senses on retreat in California. I’m struck by the different sounds and songs of the birds that are foreign to me… And how much their songs are a soundtrack to my life, how this gently permeates my consciousness and lifts my spirit. And just as I have flown half way round the… Continue reading Birdsong

Reach for the Sky…

Getting into the clear air and bright light, the places we rarely go…..our aspirations  ‘Reach for the Sky’ – the Southern Alps near Mt Cook, oil on canvas, 60 x 120cm  PLACE Once in a while You may come across a place Where everything Seems as close to perfection As you will ever need. And… Continue reading Reach for the Sky…