This past Sunday I rose (ridiculously early) and went on a bit of a pre-dawn mission with a few girlfriends. Our plan was to photograph the sunrise at Waikuku Beach, a 25 minute drive from central Christchurch. We miscalculated slightly, missing the startling pinks and oranges of the very early morning, arriving on the beach about 10 minutes before the sun greeted the world. While initially disappointed, the photos from the day turned out brilliantly and are some of the best Ive taken yet!
The rest of the photoset.

This is the Ngai Tahu kapa haka group, who incidentally, will be performing in Toronto at the CNE next month. In addition to performing the haka, the group performs other tribal songs and poi dances (which I totally could do!)
I had to jostle and slip my way through the crowd to get even remotely near the group. I so wish I could have asked people to duck for a moment so I could get a clear shot during the haka.

Finally found glimmers of Toronto-like activity in Christchurch in the form of the Arts Festival opening night. I was a little disappointed that there wasn’t much to the event though, and that it was over in an hour or so. The circus performers were a nice surprise; Id been wondering why a city that is home to the World Buskerfest, a Circus Arts School *and* The Home of Poi didnt have more of a fun persona!

An unexpected side effect of living away from home is that I’ve spent a lot of time in my head. More than usual, which is a frightening amount of time. I’ve spent countless hours reflecting on my life choices, my relationships, my family. I’ve taken a really close look at the person I was when I was at home, the person I was becoming prior to leaving, the person I seem to be now — and most importantly, the person I want to become. While I am generally happy with …

forty-five thoughts for my daughter and my virtual daughters
By Francesca Lia Block.

i always believed if i had blond hair, pixie face
big breasts
everything would be all right
not realizing that culturally idolized beauty
is not only foolproof
but potentially dangerous
if you believe in your own unconventional beauty
when you are young
you will accomplish twice as much and suffer half so
turn off light bulbs and light a candle
walk don’t drive
plant a tree
wear sunscreen
dancing is an antidepressant
kindness is the new status symbol

The other night there was a massive earthquake not too far from Milford Sound, along with a tsunami warning as the quake happened out in the open sea. I was there not too long ago, and was surprised that there was a fault line there, the landscape seems to larger than life and looming; stable.
I recently found out that the Australian and Pacific Plates converge pretty much right beneath the South Island of New Zealand, not too far from where I live . In fact, in the words of …

One of my favourite things to do when I begin to feel like I’ve been in one spot for too long is to dream of the places I want to go as soon as I can either afford to travel, or have the time to do it. Luckily I’m in a country where there are a million and one things to do! While some things can be done during a weekend (and thus help keep my sanity in check), I’m really looking forward to having a sizable chunk of time …