sea to shining sea [wandering in fields and forests]

my journey through Aotearoa began well

on stepping off the plane the first person who spoke to me offered

"Kiaora, is it a welcome home?"

certainly feels like it

i drove to the Coromandel

making a small detour to visit the McCahon cottage

at Titirangi

where i found that i have something in common

with the artist

beyond a fascination with this country

- we have the same washing line

the Coromandel retreat took place in a secret garden

which looked like jungle from the outside

but within was a quiet oasis

with an abundance of beautiful plants

curious chickens wandered in and out to inspect our samples

at the conclusion of our four days together

i wandered onward

and found myself in paradise

at Hot Water beach

arriving at Waitangi Farm, Waiuku i discovered more magic

the scenes above and below, part of my daily walk to work

this cowshed was our workshop space

one of the more romantic places i have taught in...

piggies visited us in the workshop at regular intervals

and enjoyed a tummy-tickle

but were discouraged from chewing on our boots

[i always recommend students wear stout shoes...but not everyone takes heed]

some participants' work samples from the local flora

- true bio-regional dyeing

and this is where i've washed up now

in Awhitu

pictures worth a thousand words

ain't life grand.