Monday, 29 August 2011

DRAGONFLY IN THE MIDST

When life throws you a lemon...you're supposed to make lemonade.

Well, I have lost count of the number of lemons thrown our way over the past few years, but I am pleased to say we are now making lemonade at an alarming rate!

Literally too, we just bought a juicer, and Todd has made some marvelous concoctions from the boxes of seconds fruit I bring home...I find them, he juices them! And we all taste them and marvel at the wonderful goodness and flavour.

Late last week as the result buying a voucher on a whim, I visited a medium, Ange from Precious Messages.
I was asked about the significance of dragonflies around me...ummm, well I have actually got a necklace with a dragonfly on it I bought this year, just because I liked the look of it.
I also recall around the same time noticing a dragonfly,  in Auckland, in our very own backyard (not something I am used to seeing from Wellington). I was told to google the meaning of the dragonfly and all will be revealed...
The symbolic meaning of the dragonfly deals with:
 
* Mind 
* Dreams
* Balance 
* Thoughts
* Awareness
* Living to the fullest
 
The dragonfly skitters across the surface of the water which is symbolic of our “top thoughts” the daily, surface thoughts that primarily keep us in auto-pilot. 
 
Additionally, as creature of the wind, the dragonfly totem represents change. It’s iridescent wings are incredibly sensitive to the slightest breeze, and so we are reminded to heed where the proverbial wind blows – lest we run into stormy weather.
 
The Dragonfly lives a short life, and it knows it must live to the fullest with what it has. This lesson is huge for each of us. When you see a dragonfly, be aware of the gifts it has to offer by keeping its animal totem meanings in mind.
 
Dragonfly Totems Facilitate:
 
* Greater attention to the nuances and subtleties around us
* Awareness & gratitude of inner beauty
* Awareness of outer beauty, and ability to share it modestly with the world
* Knowledge of life’s brevity, and understanding the importance of making every minute special
In essence, this meaning was relayed to me through this medium, from a very wise woman who has passed on: Robyn (my mum-in-law) .
I was gently advised in words similar to the meaning above, particularly about living life to the fullest and being aware of all that is around me.
I aim to undertake and cultivate this advice.

In the midst of this, I can see Cameron and his neighbourhood friends build a scooter ramp, and the pure joy and excitement of enjoying this special minute in his life.


In this same weekend, Cameron and I laughed our way through "Mr Popper's Penguins" at the movies, and Nicola enrolled at the Rosedale Pony Club on the way to the theatre to see the performance "SOAP" - a sort of Circque de Soleil, but based in a bathtub!

Whilst Daniel enjoyed his special time in the watery delights of swimming at Northern Arena, when he came home, we all went for a lovely family walk (well Todd and I walked, Daniel rode his bike, Cameron scootered and Nicola roller-bladed!). Just a simple idea  enjoying the springlike weather that ended up at the local bakery for a yummy latte and lunch. The kids were happy this just happened to be beside the superette that sold their favourite lollies... a treat to be savoured, pocketed and then devoured systematically!








The best things about making a moment special is being able to first of all enjoy it, but then be able to express it, and finally look back on it in this type of format, the great blog!





Sunday, 28 August 2011

FUN, ACTION & ENTERTAINMENT


Whilst Daniel was having fun being DA KING at Lezanny's house, we took the opportunity to frolic and play at Rainbow's End...some of us had just as much fun in seeing the faces of others as those did on the rides themselves.
The Pirate Ship

Waiting patiently for the go cart ride
"Slow down Dad, we're going a bit too fast!"
Martha's Mine Ride was a real blast!

A tentative wave before the big fall...

Dowwwwwnnnnnn we go!!!!!

Ahhhh that was an exhilirating log ride! Let's go again!


He he he, it's FASTER with three!



Life's but a rollercoaster, just a topsy turvy life!


Just one last turn on that pirate ship before home!



 Another day of action packed adventure. A great way to spend a winter's afternoon.

Wednesday, 24 August 2011

WINTER WEEKEND IN THE LANDING

The multitude of colours of the flora and fauna in our area towards the end of winter are just gorgeous...
so much so that I had to put a little composition here to gaze and wonder at.






A three headed yucca?!
Moss & Lichen on a lot of tree trunks round here


Whilst busy photographing in the Landing, it drew the troops out...

And there was some art of it's own going on...


The scooter moves were even brought out....
\
Then we moved to the backyard to finish the day...
While winter is on it's way out, the days are getting longer, the weather warmer, we are all in eager anticipation of what it is to come with the change of seasons. Onwards and upwards!

Tuesday, 23 August 2011

A MUCH WELCOMED VISIT

Yay, herald the much anticipated, long awaited, arrival of my sis!
There was much wine and cheese to be had, and yes, that is a cigar in the middle, and yes we did try it (Suz wasn't going to waste a $30 cuban cigar brought all the way back from overseas, even if we couldn't get it lit properly!)

The week went too fast. I took Suz everywhere...from the beaches overlooking Rangitoto,

to the Yachts at Milford...

and lots of places inbetween.
Daniel was cute checking in with Suz every day after school.

The compulsory self-timer photo...
And then there was the family visit to Sheepworld...baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Of course, apart from the animals above, at a place as aptly named as Sheepworld as you would imagine, there WERE sheep and lambs, and lots of wool to go around.
Here's looking at you kid...
.

A great day out in the sun had by all.
And that, sadly, led us to the end of the wonderful week of great company, comradeship, and sisterhood.
We waved goodbye to Aunty Suz in the promise that we would return the visit in the next school holidays.

Sunday, 14 August 2011

A DAY OUT IN CENTRAL AUCKLAND


Got our boots on, ready to have some fun...
We actually tried to tackle the travel expo at the ASB showgrounds, but there was nothin a doin there.
Ohhh, that looks like a nice park, let's stop and have a look - in between the clouds and rain and sunshine, winter in Cornwall Park is rather beautiful...
Time to go see what is happening at the Viaduct...Wynward Wharf here we come. We parked right beside the tram, couldn't waste that photo opportunity!
Then it was off to see the new bridge that has been put in by Wynyard Wharf. In between opening for boats, it allows the public to traverse across to Princes Wharf..
which was perfect access for us...so I could treat the family to the wonders of Mexicali Fresh, a sort of DIY mexican burrito/enchillada/taco and various other combinations! Heaven!
All the while overlooking the Party Central, built for the rugby world cup 2011. It hasn't been finished yet, but when it does, it will be highly popular I'm sure!

Then it was back to relax on the oversized lounger we found near Silo Park - they were HUGE...great in summer!
The redesign of the waterfront is really shaping up!
Well, it is almost midnight here, all is quiet, I can hear the wind blustering outside - the storm is on it's way here...and it DID snow in the Hutt! Lived there our whole lives and when we leave it decides to snow...brrrrrrr don't miss the 1 degree it was there tonight though!
I am off to my warm cosy bed to snuggle down before the storm makes it's way up here, hopefully lessening on the way!