Camera Shy at the Supermarket

While visiting my brother on Sunday, I tagged along on a little grocery trip.

I was a little timid at first to take photos because:

A. There were people.

B. They might have wondered what on earth I was doing.

C. I didn't want to be apprehended for being a public disturbance.

By the time we got to the checkout I had more courage though and once we were outside I was called upon to do a photoshoot of the matching jeans my brother and his friend had purchased the day before.

Someone happened to walk past during my snapping and this is the result.

Unexpected passers by make my day.

Threads of Gossamer

First Gleam of Dawn

The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter until the first light of day. Proverbs 4.18

I sat down in the early light this morning with a vanilla candle to read my Bible. This proverb which has always been a favorite was worth dwelling on.

So grateful I have the Light in my life. May I always be open to sharing Him with others who dwell in darkness.

Lime and Boysenberry Cupcakes

Yesterday afternoon I just felt like baking something. There were limes sitting on the bench, gorgeous cupcake cases I couldn't resist sitting in my room and I had a new cupcake cookbook that I hadn't used yet. These little darlings were the result. A lime and boysenberry flavoured cake, filled with lime and boysenberry curd and finished off with lime icing. They were pronounced delicious by Solomon. And I would have to agree with him.

Conical Hill, Sushi and More Coffee

Next stop was Hanmer Springs, a little alpine tourist town where my friend works. We walked up the quaintly named Conical Hill one sunny morning.

And saw a Toadstool!

My first Sushi making attempt. Being complete Sushi amateurs I think we did quite well. It was lots of fun and exceedingly delicious.

Driving back down to Christchurch we encountered this fog all through the valley. Pretty to look at but not so nice to drive through.

A Chai Latte...not mine!

Walking in Christchurch on my last full day there. We were in search of the chandelier cafe as it had left quite a good impression on us.

A Cinnamon Latte...mine!

This movie was so very english. Loved the backdrop and costumes but the storyline wasn't the greatest. We went to see it in a gorgeous old theatre. There were even fires and cosy couches if you wanted to have coffee afterwards.

After the movie we walked past the cathedral which is lit up at night. So gorgeously grand.

It was a wonderful break.

In Which I Drink Coffee And Have My Portrait Painted

I'm back! And I had a wonderful time. I took this photo of these snowy capped alps in the middle of an encouraging conversation with a fellow passenger. So nice to meet random strangers and go away feeling blessed.

After being picked up from the airport by my darling friend we spent the afternoon catching up over a delicious lunch in this chandelier bedecked cafe and then walking around the city centre, picking up some gorgeous sale items and enjoying ourselves immensely.

We stopped for coffee in Cathedral square; Caramel Macchiato and White Chocolate Mocha to be precise!

The next day after umming and aahing over what we could do we decided to drive to a French colonial harbour town two hours away. On the way we stopped for more coffee and then stopped again to take photos by a lake in the hills. I'm sure the people driving by thought we were rather mad dashing across the road before the camera went off.

There were quite a few out takes before we managed to get this one!

One of the many French street names in the town. It was such a peaceful little town, and you could almost imagine yourself back in time with all the quaint cottages and shops that date back to the 1800s.

We spied this painter and asked for our portraits to be taken. He was most obliging.

It was such a nice place to spend the afternoon, I think I might have to go back one day and explore more.

To be continued.....

Popping In

Popping in to say I am still here and busy as ever. (I have been enjoying these early daffodils and their fresh scent lately though.) I haven't had much to write about or the inclination to write lately but tomorrow I am going on a five day break to Christchurch which will be just the thing to refresh my weary soul! Soaking in the hot pools, walking around the grand old city, spending time with a dear friend, needless to say I am looking forward to it tremendously!