Last week I made it to Splore

By the fresh water lagoon -chill out lounge made from pallets stacked and decorated.

For the reasons obvious I made a decision not to take kids to Splore so for the last decade I never went because I always had a baby in a sling.

Now finally got the chance to go now my youngest is 3 and half and the hookups made it possible. I worked for my good friend Lynsey Champion hat maker at the Splore market.
Arrived lastThursday night to a quite yet busy hustle with anticipation of the arrival of 6500 splorers.

Friday was the day to swim with out a crowd in the fresh water lagoon.

After a refreshing icey dip in the lagoon (wasn't long enough to count as a swim). Notice the boys building a damn and gorgeous ocean oppisite.

Oh and work selling hats, and people watch my favourite forgotten pass time.

Set up and checking out the view through the mirror  at the beach

 The lead up was exciting felt like a kid at a lolly shop after school. Everyone was rushing up to hear Erykah Badu the sound wasn't terrific but still made me get choked up. A rain pour after Erykah was serious but ran to the shelter of the hat gazebo 1 minute away. Soul to Soul was the high light for me, the moves came flowing back Karen Wheeler what an incredible voice and I was close up under a tree to the front right of the stage too.

Karen Wheeler and Jazzy B.

Had a great night with girl friends and remembered once again live music and dance has and always will be a big part of me.

Chill out room made of pallets by the lagoon

"You could have it all"

Bell "Boy"  and moving suitcases were a live kind of instillation

No sleep that night in cold tent... Saturday morning headed out nice and early to do a market in Freemans Bay, Mary's Market children's design seconds and sale items...and hang out with my girl Vibeke (aka sisterlionheart).

Thanks for those who helped make the event an amazing experience. Might even take the kids in 2 years time for the next one...or maybe not!

February Fever

My pondering spot today at Oneroa Beach on my Island Waiheke. Had a swing too before heading off for a walk along the lovely waters edge.

February always feels fresh for me...the year is truly kicking, kids back at school, summers arrived with sunny days and warm ocean waves. Then Waitangi Day's upon us to let us celebrate what makes New Zealand home.

Always have fond memories of 6th of February as its my younger brothers birthday so this blog is dedicated to my (annoying)sweet bro Levon.

A jute coffee sack turned into a mat with local printers work of Kestrel ferry. I grew up traveling on that boat from Devonport to Auckland so I bought it on Waitangi Day from local shop Upcycled - $25

Poi Manu by textile artist Ngaahina Hohaia made from woolen recycled blankets delicately hand embroidered $190 each at incubator gallery as part of Aroha o te Whenua exhibition for Waitangi Day.

I'm a New Zealander proud of it; spent almost half my life in Australia to come home and have my children here. A first generation kiwi of German Samoan Sri Lankan Dutch Scottish American descent. I don't fully understand the Waitangi treaty but respect what it means, to honour the past to create a better future for our people and this country. I give thanks for this land that nurtures me, and those who sacrificed and fought for what I'm blessed to call home.