Sallyscape

Nic and Charlotte

noreply@blogger.com (Sally) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:01:00 +0000

The joy of watching two children together who just get each other so much but are not born of the same people. Amazing connection. I hope it lasts. Gorgeous

The adventures of Tin Tin

noreply@blogger.com (Sally) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 08:46:00 +0000

Saw the movie, never read one of the books. We went as a family...as an aside I must say I am loving the films of an 8 year old MUCH more than some of the shit I have had to watch over the years.

Gorgeously crafted with all the charm of the books (I understand from Jonty), I really enjoyed the experience and had little jokes to laugh at and just could not get my head around the animation. Sooo clever. Didnt see it in 3D. 3D is over rated after the first few minutes I think. Not much to say other than it was a good film. Here is a link to a blog post on Christchurch City Libraries Kids Blog written by our very talented and knowledgable Zac. You can get a much better idea of the film from this, rather than 'nice film' from me.

Just finished reading #47

noreply@blogger.com (Sally) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 07:57:00 +0000

Cutting for Stone -Abraham Verghese

This is a book I had been ignoring in the book group library for over a year; this was due mainly to two things…. The cover and the setting. Books set in the misery of the African continent tend not to be appealing to me, however, my pals implored I read it as it was becoming a favorite of the group. So, I tackled it in late November and have only just finished it. Since living in an earthquake zone I would have to say reading becomes a very difficult activity. Not because of shaking but of your mind finding it hard to focus. Plus, I have issues with most books I read these days as I suspect they lack an editors hand and have between 50-100 pages too many. I find myself bogged in the middle reading superfluous blah blah. I am sure this is a well worn record from me so I will move on.

Marion Stone is the narrator, a twin to Shiva; he is born in the Missing hospital in Addis Ababa during the time of Emperor Haile Selasie. Their mother, a nun, dies during the birth and the father disappears. From here we live through the trials and tribulations of Ethiopian politics and history as well as those of a hospital in a poor nation and in a loving family of two Indian Doctors who lovingly and mildly eccentrically raise these boys. The life they have with their nanny and helpers is wonderful and warm. A lovely story of culture, history, life, love, cultures and traditions. I really did enjoy it and raced through the last 250 pages in a day or so. It isn’t depressing or worthy, rather a story of love and loyalty. I really enjoyed the extensive medical stuff. Well written and a good holiday read with a bit more.

On another note, I picked up a ‘chic lit’ title from the library for my real holiday reading. 40 pages in and I was furious with the character and the plot had a giant hole in it. I am not a great reader but really, yuk. That will teach me. I am sure there is a ton of great chic lit out there but I obviously can’t pick them.

Verdicts

noreply@blogger.com (Sally) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 19:57:00 +0000

Iron Lady, good film, great acting. Makes me want to do the research. I like it when a film does that. Meryl Streep is stunning as always. I can't imagine how she does what she does.

I am sorry to mention this but it has been rather and extraordinary morning of earthquakes. We had a big 5.5 at 5.45am and have had about 20 since NYE. Very not nice. Interestingly, and I am sure this is the coping mechanism of people but people thinking that just because we humans think it is a new year and are keen to see the shit of 2011 behind us does not mean the EQ activity is going to change one bit., The earth does not work on the Julian calendar. Sad but true.

2012 Day One

noreply@blogger.com (Sally) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 04:40:00 +0000

Welcome to 2012 friends. I was going to reconnect with my blog in a more robust fashion on day one of my holiday 23 December 2011). I was going to post a witty plot of the day and the musings of a woman on holiday. But as is often the case these days, we had a kick arse stinking earthquake that ruined all of that.

HOWEVER, today is a new year and although I have no doubt at all that will continue to have shocking earthquakes, I am not going to let those bloody things stop me from doing things. So, DAY ONE....mmm.

A tiny bit of musing, some shopping, packing for our holiday at our bach, some reading, entertaining and sitting in the sun in our backyard. A pretty normal day in the life of us since Christmas. There could be two highlights to this day.

1. Iron Lady...will tell you later
2. Another Donna Hay divine dish...it will be a close call. I made this last night and it was stunning in its simplicity and taste. It tastes better than it looks. Tonight, with the chicken we didn't use I am doing a slightly altered version and am using a courgette out of my garden. I am also wrapping the chicken in prosciutto not chopping it up so we will see how that goes. Here is a link to the recipe.

Strawberry

noreply@blogger.com (Sally) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 22:27:00 +0000

I made this today. It has taken about 4 hours from start to finish. Lucky I have plenty to do while the 4 layers of jelly set. Interesting how often magazine recipes are not as rigorously represented as cook books. See the size of this? Looks like a loaf tin sized dessert. Times that by 3 and you have the actual size. Imagine the cost of ingredients...don't got there. Anyway, if anyone is passing in the next day or so, there will be a giant amount of strawberry and mascapone terrine sitting in the fridge. Pop in and enjoy some, I think it is going to taste heavenly

Chilaxing with my conies

noreply@blogger.com (Sally) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 06:09:00 +0000

While we were out and about on our bikes today we came across a very enjoyable art exhibit under a tree in the gardens by the museum. Christchurch people will enjoy these photos.

Ducks chasing bread

Splat

3 second rule

Gnome cone

Cone fish

Mt Cone

Cone o graph

shoe

Nativity

Adornment

Chilaxin with my conies

Flight of the butterflies

Manicone

My lovely boys taking a break at Bean Scene

Sup?

noreply@blogger.com (Sally) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 20:07:00 +0000

As my son would say? What the? Anyway, weeks have passed and no posts. Just can't be bothered and can't find the words but today I am going to put in some effort. I am guessing my friends who read this may have given up on visiting Sallyscape regularly as so often it is a disappointment upon opening.

So, what has been happening? Lots and lots of stuff which all interweaves to make up our lives. We have private things that don't get put in the blogesphere for privacy reasons and those things have really impacted on our life and my ability to put finger to keyboard. The impact of such things is far reaching and has closed down so much of the frivolous mind that is the interesting and inquiring part of my brain.

However, there have been trips and fun nights out, family gatherings, adventure days, shopping, movies and books, beach visits, warm days, new musical journeys, garden triumphs and delicious meals. Friendships have blossomed, intensified and started. The best thing out the fucking earthquake is friendships. Sustaining and so important. Some relationships are strained and tense and perhaps worth walking away from or not trying so hard. Work is tough but fulfilling. Money is tight, there are no trips planned, no new house, lots of extra costs brought on by the earthquake impacts, no frivolous purchases. Although, never hugely flush, we have had freedoms, now we don't. However, some people live like this all the time and I fully respect how hard and tiring this is and take this life lesson on the chin. It is hard not to worry about the future when you have no control and can't make things go your way. This is also the situation for many thousands of people in our country so again, I just respect those people and their ability to just keep going and make their contribution. We are not alone.

We won the Rugby World Cup. What a relief and a nice way to get through a few months, triumphs to tragedy and everything in between. It was great to be an observer of all of that and for it not to be about us here in EQ Christchurch....so much better than navel gazing. Loved it. Thanks rugby. BTW - Zac Guilford...you are an alcoholic, sad but true, get the help you need, it is not the end of the world and there is a big community of support out there.

Spring spring spring

noreply@blogger.com (Sally) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 05:37:00 +0000

It was sooo cold today but we were determined to get out and get some exercise and see what was happening in the big wide world. So we jumped on our bikes and scooted around Hagley Park, the new centre of Christchurch. Here is what we saw

The world cup replica

Nic riding through the empty fanzone. Definitely a place we want to revisit during a game on a warmer day.

This was fun. Shame I couldn't line Jonty as well as I did Nic

Gorgeous spring images from the gardens and my new spring shoes.

Look who we ran into as we were looking at the Eco Photos on Park Tce. Lovely friends.

Back at BLAX.....yay.

RWC

noreply@blogger.com (Sally) — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 20:04:00 +0000

I know I have said in the past how much I cannot commit myself to the All Blacks in RWC as they are heartbreaking and it hurts to much to see them lose. I had transferred this to the whole tournament but now that it has started I am loving it. The rugby is awesome, the party if such fun. Even though Christchurch is a rugby wasteland, we are getting right into the fun and action as best we can. Lots of people are traveling all over for games and having such a ball.

Last night was a great game against France and watching on HD big screen just infused the love of rugby right back into my heart. Great night in with the Mounseys, nice food and lots of laughs. Such lovely people.

Those mighty All Blacks are amazing athletes and such tenacity and focus. So, now I have given my heart back to the ABs and am totally embracing my rugby self.

All photos courtesy of the Stuff website. www.stuff.co.nz

Dear Nic

noreply@blogger.com (Sally) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 19:34:00 +0000

As a parent you want your child to be many things, happy, clever, respectful, kind etc...however, you don't alwasy see the traits in your child that you dream for them. But when this comes home in a card from a class mate you feel like there are things about your child you might never know....

Dear Nic - you have been my best friend ever since I was in room seven you always make me laugh and make me forget about being sad because when I am sad you make me feel happy. From your best friend Catie.

Who knew? And, it also says something about the sweet girl who took hours to make a card and put her feelings down on paper...children are so sweet.

Random Travel Post #2

noreply@blogger.com (Sally) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 05:39:00 +0000

Years ago Karen, Ruth and I wandered along the Rakaia Gorge walkway thinking that we were on a light walk. Getting to the end of it with one orange and a drink between us, we realised how ill prepared we were. It is one of those trips that ends up being the trip we talk about when reminiscing. I was keen to get Nic out there to enjoy the track and in the endless search of getting the hell out of here, we went up there one cold June morning. It was fantastic, and we didn't even get to the end of the track. Gorgeous and we took more food this time.

Looking east

Looking west

This very friendly horse drove us back over the fence to enjoy our pizza with a view. How cool it was to find a picnic table and chairs in the middle of nowhere.

Piwakawaka

Random Travel Post #1 - In no particular order

noreply@blogger.com (Sally) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 21:04:00 +0000

Even through the bleakness, we have had some really good trips away this year. In fact the bleakness is what propels us to go out in search of gentle travel adventures.

Queenstown - June 2011
Who could resist a $1 car rental and $27 airfares? Not us!! After spending a great night in Timaru with friend Marie-Anne eating yummy food and talking a lot we set our sites on Q'town. It was cold but not snowy. Days before the Winter Festival started with no snow makes for a quiet town but we still loved it. And this is what we did.

Walked around Queenstown on a very cold day...Remarkable view

Found a big red sofa

Ate at the legendary 'The Cow'. Best pizza in the world, really. And the venue for many a good evening in past lives.

Discovered the Chinese Village in Arrowtown - what a great find and a fantastic history lesson for all of us. What amazing resilient and tenacious people those men were. And how lonely they must have been living in the cold and tiny houses they made for themselves, so far from home.

We didn't even mind being delayed by a few hours as spending time on the sofa at Q'town airport reading and gazing out over the mountains is just not that hard.

Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Sally) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 20:35:00 +0000

Every year I like to do a little 'spring' post with a picture of lovely blossom and other spring like things and this year is no exception. I spotted this stunning magnolia at Cathedral Grammar school as we were heading back to our car after attending a really fun music event at the Christchurch Arts Festival. The stunningly creative and fun Linsey Pollak entertained and thrilled us with his home made wind musical instruments. Delightful.

Having done that with the lovely Couper family and then running into another friend, I was feeling pretty happy and then I saw this and things just got a little better

Still Here

noreply@blogger.com (Sally) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 19:53:00 +0000

..but oh my god, how boring has this blog turned out to be?!!! Fucking endless earthquakes and destruction for a year just sucks the life out of you. All you energy goes into getting through each day without going insane, leaving your family, having a nervous breakdown or turning into an alcoholic. Rest assured this is not happening to me but it is happening all over this shaky town. I am soooo over it so now I might just get right back into the swing of living life and loving it. Hold me to this....

Rita and Douglas

noreply@blogger.com (Sally) — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 01:50:00 +0000

Imagine sitting down to a play (of sorts) featuring Michael Houstoun playing Douglas Lilburn and Jennifer Ward-Lealand playing Rita Angus....for $20!! I would pay $120, but such is the joy of the Christchurch Arts Festival this year. With no venues left untouched this years shows are only at the weekends and are being hosted in school halls and auditoriums and temporary spaces erected especially for the festival. There are two distinct advantages to this. ONE, the tickets are sooo cheap and TWO, those of us who are dying a slow death through cultural deprivation can afford, and have time, to go to fantastic shows and start our hearts beating again.

The intensity and skill in last nights show was palpable and even the giant fuck off earthquake in the middle didn't even register on their faces as we all gasped and grasped. The images projected on the screen included those stunning paintings which we gasped at times as well as photos of the artists and their world. Delicious. Both Jennifer and Michael were masterful in their craft and it was a brilliant 80 minutes. At the end it was tears all round and the loudest applause ever. If you have a chance to see this you must. I think it would be amazing for anyone not just starving Christchurch people.

A romantic phone call

noreply@blogger.com (Sally) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 19:48:00 +0000

The other day my father in law phoned me from his home in Australia (he has never done this) and wanted to tell me a romantic story. Apparently it is Census year in Austrailia and this brought back a memory to John about how his parents met (about 100 years ago). His father was delivering census papers in his home town in Canada and lit upon a lovely woman as he did. He persued her and they became married. What a gorgeous story.

After I hung up and wandered off to tell Jonty the story, I remembered that we also met through the Census. Both of us were Enumerators on the 1981 Census where we met. Although we socialised and became friends it wasn't until about 18 years later that actually got together. In all an interesting coincidence and a cute family story.

Snow

noreply@blogger.com (Sally) — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 21:18:00 +0000

Yes, we love snow. It is a rare event so we are all facebooking like mad and loving the look of the place. The fire is on and we have electricity so just cosying up and enjoying the ride.

Just finished reading #46

noreply@blogger.com (Sally) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 21:56:00 +0000

When God was a rabbit - Sarah Winman

Loved it. Dark and funny but not dark in a way that you feel like you are in a dark room and too scared to go out. Darkly optimistic if there is such a thing. Great characters that you just can't help but wanting to know. Told through the eyes of Eleanor Maud through a reasonaly trautatic 30 year period. Elly is a loyal non judgemental girl who was born exactly the year I was so her songs and significant world events match mine which is just a wee bonus for me. Set in London (I think), Cornwall and New York it such a delight to read on a cold weekend that you just don't want to put it down. It is really about Elly and her brother, the bonds of family love (in many forms) and the acceptance of all kinds of delightful and interesting people. Jenny Penny, Nancy the film star auntie and eccentric Arthur are favourites. When I was telling some friends about it the other day I was laughing with tears and I didn't realise until then how bloody funny it was. Highly recommend.

Just finished reading #45

noreply@blogger.com (Sally) — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 10:13:00 +0000

A secret kept - Tatiana De Rosnay

I finished this bookgroup book this afternoon while sitting by the fire after a stint in the garden. I thought it was an enjoyable light read that fulfilled my need to be absent in mind from my surroundigs. Set in Paris and other bits of France, I got 'Google Earthing' to check out some of the locations. I think it is a good sign when you do this. I also had a croissant for breakfast as well so I was in the zone. The author penned 'Sarah's Key' so I knew what I was getting into. I read a review which totally slammed it but I don't care, I enjoyed it for all its flaws. So, the main character is called Antoin. He is divorced, unhappy and hates his job. Helping his sister celebrate her 40th birthday in a favourite childhood holiday spot, he unwittingly opens up the wound of losing his mother as a child. Along with his teenage kids issues, his ex-wife issues, a car accident and long hidden family secrets we are treated to a Parisian tour. I liked how it ended, I liked the writing, the story and the characters. A nice weekend read.

Kindness

noreply@blogger.com (Sally) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 07:06:00 +0000

I am on a bit of a roll tonight. After a month of inactivity, largely earthquake related inertia driven, I am feeling inspired to share a whole lot of stuff all of a sudden. In one week we were the recipients of two very kind acts from others. Nic and his entire school received 'bedtime beanies' from the wonderfully kind knitters from around the country. It was amazing to see everyone bouncing out of school in wonderful hand knitted hats. Each one came with a little note...ours said 'made with love in Tauranga' No prizes for guessing what that felt like.

Then came home a gorgeous bag of goodies presented to all families at school full of cosmetics and other useful things for the whole family. This was put together by the very generous Cosmetic Toiletry and Fragrance Association. Wow!! Sooo kind. 'Something to brighten your day' said the little note. Thank you, thank you, thank you for every kind earthquake thing. Every nice comment, little treat and acknowledgement is very supportive and does bring a ray of sunshine to our lives.

Just finished reading #44

noreply@blogger.com (Sally) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 06:23:00 +0000

I have been reading but such is the state of my mind, I can't actually remember a few of them. For the life of me I just can't but I do remember this little gem.

Dolci di Love - Sara-Kate Lynch

I have read all of SKL's books and really enjoy them. I bought this one when it was my turn at bookgroup last month and it was just the perfect thing for when you just can't get into a book. There is no pretense as to what the books are for and this one totally fulfilled its promise.

When childless Lily Turner finds out her perfect husband has a secret family in Tuscany she goes there to find him but gets tangled up with an underground league of Italian widows hell-bent on mending broken hearts - including hers. It is full of interesting characters, foody themes and some interesting twists and turns. There is also Lily the slightly annoying heroine. A common feature of SKLs books. Anyway, a good weekend or holiday read Thanks Sarah-Kate for taking me to Tuscany when I really needed not to be here.
BTW - the two other titles I bought for book group were 'The conductor' by Sara Quigley and 'The brief wondrous life of Oscar Wao' by Junot Diaz. Cant WAIT to read them both.

Who'd a thought

noreply@blogger.com (Sally) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 08:03:00 +0000

Another freaking huge earthquake has punctuated the month since I last wrote. I was feeling bad about not writing and now I just feel the need to do that. There is so much to share but it is a bit hard to share as it is so hard for people who have not experienced a series of life altering earthquakes to understand the devastating effect it has on everyone's lives, dreams and futures. You just can't get it. However, people have really tried and the sympathy, love, treats and support is AMAZING! No one should have to deal with this much heartache but many 1,000's of people all over the world live in fear and hardship everyday with no dreams or futures. I feel lucky to live here in New Zealand with a democracy, caring government, caring and generous people and a positive attitude. We are sooo lucky.

Share an idea

noreply@blogger.com (Sally) — Sun, 15 May 2011 05:54:00 +0000

This morning after a cup o coffee and a croissant at Blax, we joined Alex, Joseph and Oliver at the CCC Share an Idea event at the CBS Arena. What an fantastic opportunity to share ideas about how to rebuild Christchurch. They divided the ideas into four categories 'Market', 'move', 'place' and 'life'. We could share our ideas using post it notes, online, and on Youtube. It was a totally informal event that included lego to help people place their ideas on a giant CBD map. I saw far too many people I knew to make this a really useful event for me to contribute but it was fantastic seeing so many ChCh people there sharing ideas. You can still go on line and share thoughts so I will do that in the next few days. Back to the people, people I haven't seen since before the earthquake, colleagues, friends and long past people I knew. Our boys were very brave and did a Youtube piece each, talking about their idea. So sweet. And they have given me permission to share. So, if I can work out how to do taht, here it is....

Nic's idea
Oliver's idea
Joseph's idea

It was really good to hear lots of different ideas from people around me as I get really close to these things as part of my work and hearing a wide variety of perspectives is vital. Thanks for suggesting we go together Al.

Saturday /Autumn

noreply@blogger.com (Sally) — Sat, 14 May 2011 03:12:00 +0000

Although the thing about autumn is the coolness in the air and changing of colours from summer green to golden tones, today is just like a summer's day and it feels great. One thing I just love about autumn are the chrysanthemums. I know they are not cool or hip flowers, but who couldn't just love these?

Nic and I are flying solo at the moment while Jonty visits his mother in England. It has been a very busy three weeks but after tennis this morning, we treated ourselves to an autumn picnic on the long grass before I got the mower out.

On our (tiny) platter we had some very special treats. Special because they were homemade but also some treats from Mediterranean Foods which is open again after a long recovery from the earthquake. Their building which is the Monier brick and tile building, is in really good nick considering but the shop is very small until the floor slab can be fixed. So, this is one of my 'adopt a business' places. This wont be hard of course as the place is a haven of deliciousness. Pass the word around ChCh people and get down there for your weekend cheese and Italian fare shopping. It is a shame the cafe isn't open yet but it will be soon. Keep you eyes peeled

The other joys of summer days is getting out your blow up play equipment and tents and making up stories and adventures deep in the garden. Here is where I found Nic after a bit of searching.