See my story: Travel New Zealand

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This is where I get to spend a good deal of my time when traveling, Airports.

Glamorous you say….and I’ll agree with you in essence. It’s better than doing the dishes or doing the housework. However, I’m in this lounge for 7 hours when all I really wish for is to be home. I just have a day turn around before I’m back in   another airport and the tour for the next few months. 65 days to be exact.

I was up at 4.00 am to meet a shuttle at 4.30.

It was dark and chilly at that hour,  and the reception I received at the shuttle door as I bounced a friendly “good morning” to the 10 occupants matched the  weather outside.   I think they lost their smiles.

I flew from Christchurch, New Zealand to Brisbane, Australia. Leaving at 6.50 am and arriving here at 7.30 am Australian time.

I drew on the plane for the 3 1/2 hour trip.

The pen flies fast over the tablet and I lose sense of time as I work.  And as I look out the window I see a miracle happen.

The mountains decorated by clouds rise out of the morning dusk and an orange glow affords me a great view… it was just for a minute, but I grabbed it folk.

Silent cold ribbons of rivers snake through the valleys and suddenly it was gone under a cover of grey cloud.

Now it’s reflection time. The moment has gone and I begin a new adventure in just a few days.

I’ve been on an Invitational Lecture Tour traveling through 8 cities  visiting the artists of the area. It was an absolute honor.  I met wonderful people, I had the opportunity to share my ideas on textile arts with literally 100’s of people.  I took a few thousand photos, wrote pages of dialogue and the weeks of preparation by my PA and I prior to the trip paid off and I have a sense of satisfaction that I actually achieved it.

Auckland, Hamilton and Hastings.

I’ve never traveled by bus from event to event, so that was certainly an adventure. It was a wonderful way to travel. I saw so much of the country. The logistics of getting 2 large cases, hand luggage containing the electronics for the lectures and a largish bag of cameras was rather a  day to day program. I don’t expect people to understand the difficulties, but I made it with the guidance and gentle persuasion of my wonderful program co-ordinator Dianne Southey.

This trip was a gift from the co-ordinators of the Palmerston North Symposium Committee. who invested time and money in a continuing education program for the Quilters of New Zealand. I think it was a wonderful gesture. Those attending were unaware of the immense amount of time taken in the preparation.

But there it was. I loved each event and I extend a huge thank you to everyone who shared in part of it.

Feathers captured in early morning light.

 

Images of Napier.

New Plymouth Residency.

Just pure delight.

Then there’s the textures to make you think. Makes you look twice and fuels the imagination.

Cultural Stories in Palmerston North.

And the beauty.

I also learned how to eat whitebait patties, home smoked salmon and pineapple chocolate things.

Flowers and Textures so rare.

Wellington for color and Inspiration.

I flew into Blenheim, and out early in the morning but thank you so much to my hosts… it was wonderful.

And finally Christchurch.

I let my images speak for themselves.

I personally learned a lot and gained a huge amount. Inspiration abounds. This is my trip folk… my inspiration.

With the help of my wonderful hosts I made the most of every day, but now its time for other adventures.