Camping A Treat

My good friend whom I met nearly a year ago now dropped myself and my son off in the middle of no-where. Well not quite, by no-where I mean at a local park-lands (McLarens Falls Park - BOP NZ.com) which is approx a 20 minute drive from my home. So Cullen (my son) and I set up the tent and for the next two and a half days we went swimming here, McLarens Falls. (I went looking for footage of the place then remembered I had done one myself, the music was made by Cullen).

Our 2011 Review

So we swam there at that beautiful place and on the first day we walked there and back and there again from the camping ground approx 1.5-2km walk because we just had to get our togs and go back for a swim, yes we had to! We ended up staying nearly three hours and returned to camp after seven Wed night. So we ate and then went for a walk around the lakes which are home to a number of water fowl, ducks, black swans, Canadian and Chinese Geese. It was wonderful strolling around looking and listening to the cacophony of birdsong quite unlike the suburban soundscape. The sun was low by time we headed back to camp and we were both pretty tired so opted to not go for a glow worm walk. The glow worm kayaker's had arrived and were dining at lake's shore you could tell when they hit the water even from the tent (50m away) as the birds did not seem too impressed and were all honking quacking and squawking, it was quite alarming for me that first night. We both had a restless nights sleep with duck waddling about the wind blowing though towering giants of native and exotic trees as well as some other nonsensical sounds, then waking with an even more spectacularly dissonant (dawn chorus - audioboo) this is not the best representation but does give a general idea. 

So basically that was our routine, wake eat walk - eat walk swim walk - eat walk, we rested 10-30 mins between ventures usually but basically we just kept on going til night fall. The second night we went around the glow worm track which we had done twice before in a large group during winter on a rainy night. So this was rather special it was warm and dry and just Cullen and I with one torch which made the world of difference. Although we met a few other families around the track the light, sound and disturbance was minimal so the worms were at their most spectacular like galaxies all around us at one point it was quite surreal I felt privileged to witness such seemingly transcendent beauty. Cullen went to touch one worm and it moved we had never seen this before and rather than the reality taking away from the mystique it added to it. How mind-blowing to think that these tiny gems were living beings just doing what they needed to survive and we mere humans were fortunate to behold such magnificence. 

Nature has the most wonderful creatures inhabiting it, ones that need the earth to support them, ones that do no harm to others excepting for what they need to do to survive. Although I question the legitimacy of some eco forecasts and one major eco solution (Agenda 21 - pdf). I do think humans have a responsibility to all life on this planet as we are the ones who will most likely destroy it beyond repair. 

We are Natural Born Killers, (Tarantino 1994).  

None other on this earth has the power to be as destructive as we. 

But unfortunately those who care are fewer, than those who could less,

 and it only takes a few strong, rich industries to kill us all.

What this weekend actually did was help me to see some realities of the beauty that exists in harmony with the most formidable creature upon this earth. Yet it also helped ground me physically in the sense that it brought me out of my head and enabled me to physically start repairing my life and realize that my time truly is precious and I that I have spent many years gaining self knowledge in the hardest way possible, trial and error. 

Life experience is an untamed beast at times. 

Denying authenticity leaves one powerless

It takes an awful lot to re-motivate me when I divert from my 'path' as I know none who share my ideas, I hang with those who easily distract me and then I start to get serious wake up calls time and again until I get back on track (which usually translates as heart break, debt and an unfortunate gain of a little wisdom). I am not saying that I am here to save the world, I certainly have no idea how to do such. I just think I need to be true to me and share my views because they may be important. I know I have much to learn and perhaps more to share as I go along. I do not like being ignorant and I do not like saying what is certain because even the most sure thing can become a falsity in the future.

Anyway I had planned to get home put my phone on to charge and then nap. However the physicality of the last couple of days had me just plod along tidying our camping gear away, making up to the cats, grocery shopping, dinner, dishes, watering garden and clearing out three quarters of my wardrobe of junky "wth are you thinking!" clothes, then writing this post. I am going to make more vids soon just to show my appreciation of the life all about me and to share the beauty with others who may appreciate it also.

2014 is a year of solid change for me, I am looking forward to learning all I can 

and doing all I can to find truth and share knowledge.

Love Life and Find Truth

Camelia

Happy Last Day

Happy Last Day

I hope you achieved some of what you wished to in 2012 

and I hope 2013 is a prosperous year for everyone.

May there be more compassion, 

understanding and empathy amongst humanity.

I hope we all come to appreciate LIFE 

in all it's forms, for all it's significance.

We are not just a part of the Food Chain.

We are a part of a Living System.

What we do matters.

Let us see what, how we effect our environs and people.

Love to all great and small.

We are in this together.

Happy New Year!

Chocolate Chippie Chocolate Log

Ingredients:
A pkt Chocolate Chippie Cookies (biscuits)
A sml tin of Peaches in syrup
A sml 300ml bottle of cream (whipped stiff)
A chocolate flake or chocolate bar to grate

Method

Drain peaches keeping syrup for log in a pudding bowl
Whip cream

Take a biscuit dip in peach syrup covering whole biscuit then spread so cream on one side of biscuit approx a heaped teaspoon full. Dip another biscuit in syrup and press gently together avoid squeezing cream out. Then spread cream on biscuit, dip another, press together, cream.
Continue in this manner with biscuits vertical spreading out in a log formation as you build it.
When you have used all the biscuits cover the whole log in cream then sprinkle or grate over the flake bar or other chocolate.

Then chill.

You can make this a couple of hours ahead.
A lovely, easy dessert.

A post from facebook...

So the world is supposed to be ending today? 
That's sad. I never found out who let the dogs out, the way to get to Sesame Street, why Dora doesn't just use Google maps, why we don't ever see the headline "Psychic Wins Lottery", why women can't put on mascara with their mouth closed, why "abbreviated" is such a long word, why lemon juice is made with artificial flavor yet dishwashing liquid is made with real lemons, why they sterilize the needle for lethal injections and why do you have to "put your two cents in" but it's only a "penny for your thoughts"? Where's that extra penny going to? Why did Joanie love Chachi? If a deaf person has to go to court is it still called a hearing? Can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane? Does the alphabet song and twinkle twinkle little star have the same tune? Why did you just try to sing those two previous songs? And just what is Victoria's secret? You see, the world just has to keep going. I have too many questions......and do you really think I am this witty ???? because I actually stole this from a friend, who stole from a friend, who stole from a friend, who stole from a friend , who stole from a friend .... 
Please steal it again...

Sharing Beauty

My cyber friend Author Luke Romyn posted this on his facebook page.

Luke's words...

There is something wonderful in damaged goods, something perfection can't compete with.

This is the piece he shared...

"The most beautiful people we have known 

are those who have known defeat, 

known suffering, known struggle, known loss, 

and have found their way out of the depths.

These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, 

and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, 

gentleness, and a deep loving concern.

Beautiful people do not just happen."

- Elizabeth Kubler Ros -

A Monk A Procession and Two Racists

Well today was a great day to take a walk.

The sky was a fickle of cloud and deepest blue.

The breeze was brisk and had a bite.

I realised this about 200 metres from home. 

I was not turning back to get a jersey.

The traffic flow was steady. 

I don't know if this was normal for a Friday morning tea time.

But I was walking, I knew I needed to got to the library in Greerton.

The bulky books under my arm wouldn't let me forget that.

I wondered if I looked like an idiot, a common thought of mine.

Generally answered with "Oh well that's me" I little lol-ed. 

A lol, lol would have been quite conspicuous and I don't do intentional conspicuousness.

(No I don't! - For those of you ROFL-ing)

I was really quite pleased with my sober appearance of grey blue 3/4 pant, 

black t-shirt and black sneaker white trim and white laces today.

I was quietly confident I didn't look like a total 70 - 80's reject.

But more reserved and deceivingly normal, (at least I thought this) like who was gonna Gok me!

Anyway I was feeling pretty good having received my last assignment back with another A+

Though it confuses me as the content confuses me like crazy!

Yet I still get a pass, well I hope I can do that again I have like 7 more to do.

But back to feeling good...

Onward I walked and I saw a bike coming in the distance, I didn't look further.

But I loved the rumble as it went by, I smiled as and after the vibe went through me.

It was a good day to be out walking.

I remembered then a book I had wanted to get for the grand sum of 20 cents.

A grand sum that is when you have none. 

I'd left my wallet at home the other day intent on a health walk only.

So I thought, oh yes I must see if it is still there at Waipuna Hospice.

I stopped at the big box of books in the door way of the shop.

I generally try and ignore that these are probably from estates of ones passed.

I scoured the jumble of old, older and old and odd. 

But I couldn't find it, just remembering it was a digest of stories.
(still not recalling who)

Then I came across The Firm - John Grisham. 

I had to get it my friend and I had been talking about it earlier,
and I don't believe I have a copy of it. 

Oh The Rainmaker that's one of Grisham's I love.
(from same convo earlier I couldn't remember the book) 

I am reading A Time To Kill (his first novel) at the moment.

Having just finished The Street Lawyer which I love,
but my neighbour couldn't get into.

Anyways I bought The Firm.

This score...
Ghost Net by Lynn Davidson a story of summer in the south of NZ written by a New Zealand author.
(I'm thinking it will be good some small NZ stories are fantastic!)

I also bought The Higher Taste - A Guide to Gourmet Vegetarian Cooking and a Karma-Free Diet. 

Happy to wait 10-15 mins to give my 60 cents worth for books that are worth far more than that.

Continuing on coming to the sushi place I had never been to I went in and looked at their food.

I decided to try some it wasn't St Pierre's and I could choose individual pieces.

They just look so very good and I spent less and got just what I wanted.

I believe it is Tokyo Sushi though they had a revamp early this year I think...

So sushi in one hand and a bulk of books under the other I trundled on, it's how I felt I moved at a trundle.

Once again wondering if I looked like an idiot, it really didn't matter either way.

On the home stretch to the library and just outside my bank with a hole in the wall I was stopped.

A young man mid to late 20's maybe, approached me saying, "I see you like to read."

I said "yes I do." He then said in an accented and almost conspiratorial tone "I'm a monk" "sorry?" I replied then he leaned forward pulled his hood back a bit showing his shaven head and flicked his ponytail. "I'm a monk" "Oh right" He then went to spiel about the Bhagavad Gita that he had in one hand.

I told him I had tried to read it and found it hard, told him of another I had read and loved he was seemingly impressed. He then turned to The Journey Of Self Discovery which I also have but I wanted the new one with the pretty pictures and I can always pass the other on. I drew some money from the hole in the wall, sounds on par with - turning water into wine. Then I went to put book in my bag and remembered the cook book. "Oh look what I have I just bought it" I said holding The Higher Taste right in front of his face. "Oh wait that is cool look what I have"The new one" and he did. He said "So you like these books yeah?"

I affirmed that statement and said goodbye.

On the town green speakers were being set up on and around the stage.

I returned the library books then came and sat in a seat on the green to eat my sushi.

It was good sushi great flavour and textures.

I moved on after that retracing my steps, well not exactly just going back the way I'd come.

I was feeling like something sweet to eat 'caramel sundae' jumped into my head.

So at McD's I got a caramel Sundae and a small chips.

Back on the path I saw a hearse approaching in a mass of rumble.

The funeral procession for a 'Prominent Biker' was slowly rumbling through I stopped as many others did to watch and take a moment (at least I did) to reflect on life, the fact it's precious to all of us no matter who we are, humanity in our mortality. 

I also admired their beautiful machines and some their flowing hair and intimidating form and mass of numbers 100's of bikers from The Filthy Few and The Head Hunters. 

Kurt Cobain - Death to Birth - justsomelyrics

I stood staring in what I hope was a respectful yet inconspicuous manner. 

I was not 'feeling the vibes' this time. 

Next thing this lady runs behind me. 

The flapping of her arms catching my attention. 

She was hand signalling her man to take a photo of her with the procession in the back ground. 

I had seen others with phones filming.

I had neither phone or camera and I would not have used them, had I. 

Two reason's mainly. 

One it is a funeral procession. (though family took photos at a funeral once I was appalled, still am) 

Two there are killers in that bunch.

So after approx 15 mins they moved on and so did other rubber neck-ers.

The 'normal traffic' however was backed up for a couple of kilometers, I hope none were in a rush.

Further down the road I could see ladies talking and looking up to Greerton.

As I approached we talked about it I enquired who it was they reminded me of the death down south.

But one of them said "and by an Asian can you believe that?!"

I couldn't believe what she'd just said continued... 

"I can't believe he was killed by someone who doesn't even belong in this country."

I had stuff I wanted to ask say but I deemed her not a reliable and adequate source.

The other lady was making noises of agreeance I was still a little stunned.

Found some sense and said. 

"Well I am sure he and his friends have killed many on purpose."

They both said "Yes true that" and I moved on.

Still walking and musing on what had come to pass, thinking about how this post might come together...

 A little off in writer space I decided to see if crossing the road might happen.

But the traffic nearly a kilometer down the road was slow and steady because of the procession.

So I weaved back in front of a parked 4x4 and this dog started barking and growling.

I jumped a metre side ways, just freaked out! 

The visual from corner of eye a foot gap between window and frame dog head white pitt, staffy, angry.

I turned after initial shock and growled "You stop that you, you shit!" 

I don't normally growl dogs because they scare me.
But this one annoyed me more. (crabby time)
It did quieten a little I'm sure, maybe, okay maybe not. Lol

So that was my walk today in the sun and beautiful wind.

A lot of variety jammed into roughly two hours.

I am most thankful.
A beautiful day.

A Beautiful Day - U2

My Spring Morning

This morning I was in a great place.

 I was feeling close to those I love and feeling a part of something beautiful. 

The sun was also shining which is always a bonus!

Anyhow I needed to get a few things from the supermarket.

But I was dying to to get out in the wind and sunshine.

 I sometimes crave it. 

As I am getting ready to go the temp cold.

So I decided my wind-breaking vest a good idea.

A text comes through on my (receiver only) cell phone.

I check it's United Video with $2 movie or game hire.

 I shrugged it off, then thought yeah I might get one why not.
I also really need a walk, awesome!

So with minimal direction in my life I headed out with phone in pocket.

 As you had to show them the text.

I normally don't take my phone.
I just don't have credit on it. But today I was 'carrying'

I also took my camera and did a couple of vids.
 (though haven't loaded them yet)

So nearly to Fraser Cove where United Video is my phone rings.

I answered, it was the RTLB 

(a person working in liason with the school for my son)

He's like. "Where are you?"
(that in itself proves I have no life)

I said "I am out walking."

*I bumped into mum at the supermarket last week, she's like.

We had been trying to get hold of you, ringing your landline and even online.

I was like, we were walking back from Fraser Cove.*

(so you see everyone expects me to be here as I have no life)

Anyway back to the future's recent past.

RTLB's like "We have a real huge change in the program."

I'm like "really what?"

He says "The teacher aide (T.A) is off to Durban tomorrow on the Rainbow Warrior"

I replied "What! Wow! Shit!"

He said "So I am at your place with the new guy for you to meet"

I say "Oh Okay well I can make my way back now"

He says "where are you stay there we will come and meet you"

and they did we had an impromptu meeting on the side of the road.

So the transition that was going to take place over a few weeks, took place today.

The hours that were going to go from 3 to 6 will now stay at roughly 3.

Cullen will miss his old T.A but things move on.
(We will track him through Green Peace that will be cool!)

But The Universe finally said 'enough piss arsing about lets do this!'

So they went off to Boys College I carried onto Fraser Cove.
 Then my phone rang again.

Another agency about respite days.

So I am trying to hear her getting closer to the main road I am find it harder to hear.

 So I turned around and headed for home.

She said I had to wait til last minute before I could get a review & assessment.
(for more days per year) Which I sort of knew anyway but I needed confirmation.
So after that phone call I put it in my pocket and the sky opened!

It was amusing to me.

I walked home thinking of the circumstances and coincidences 

that had put me where I was striding in the cold spring rain.

I had so much other stuff going on in my mind
before my reality breached the barriers.

Now my reality was once again priority.

Also looking pretty good which is always great!

So walking home getting totally soaked rain dripping from my eyelids.

The reality of skewed vision, then I saw this woman.

 Riding toward me on a bicycle I swear she had not a drop of rain on her.

She also looked like she was out of a movie.

We shared a knowing (yeah it kinda sucks being caught in the rain but feels great to) smile.

Or maybe she just thought I looked like what I was, a drowned idiot.

Anyway I got to a bus stop and a boy whom I used to work with was there with his mum.

So I stopped in my pathetic state to chat for a bit and noticed them both dryz-a-bone.

They were headed to the supermarket but were waiting it out.

It was cool to see them though I hadn't much to say.

It did however make me miss my job.

Anyway I got to the supermarket (New World) and grabbed a few things. 

 I am sure I forgot something but never mind.

I got home and showered really only because I needed to warm up.

I always marvel at the way things seem to work out.

Taking my phone because I wanted to rent a cheap movie.

Then having all these things get sorted.

Cullen returned home with both aides and seemed very comfortable with the new one.

So it was a morning of extreme movement and it was good!

Life Goes On.