FINDING MY GROOVE

As a "creative person" I like to dabble in a range of different art forms. I don't consider myself as an artist but I would like to! And they say practice makes perfect, so that's what I've been doing... when I can find the time that is. When it comes to illustration and painting I am very much self taught. I am wondering if I should keep pottering away on my own – just figuring it out as I go, or enroll in some sort of art class and get some tips from someone who knows their stuff. What do you think? I think each has its merit and I can't decide...

RUAPEHU

Our trip up the mountain was a success... sort of. There was A LOT of falling over on my part and a lot of patience from Brendon bless his soul. He actually ended up being a very good teacher. I only got a few small bruises, so its up to snow planet this weekend for some more practice. I attempted to take some video of Brendon boarding but I think I need to master getting down the mountain without falling over before I try and get the camera involved! Below are some pics of our trip. We went to a cute cafe in Ohakune for brunch the following day. I like it there very much...

POLAR

The weekend just gone was pretty great. I got to see my cousin from Australia who surprised us all with an unexpected visit, so a bunch of us cuzies had a nice wee hang out at Tyler St Garage to catch up. I had a yummy brunch at Shaky Isles and two visits to Toro Churro. I also got to meet my brothers girlfriend over a handful of Dunkin Donuts. I'm getting a bit concerned that my happiness is directly linked to eating! So, in order to burn off all that sugar my hubby and I are off to the snow this weekend and Brendon is going to (attempt) to teach me to snowboard. Wish me luck! In preparation for the snow I've added this polar bear to my Little Brown Notebook. Do you prefer the original or the coloured version?

INSPIRED BY: anna emilia laitinen

Lately I have been in awe of Anna Emilia's beautiful paintings. I would very much like to live in one of her watercolour homes. Especially Garden of a Moon Gazer (below). Anna lives in Finland where she is inspired by strawberry fields, lakes and pine forests. As a child she built huts out of branches with friends and her brother, listened to stories from tapes and drew, cut and glued paper. Anyone else convinced they need to visit Finland?

RAGLAN ROCKS

The hubby and I went out for a date by the ocean on the weekend which happened to be the first day of spring. The sun was shinning, but the air still had the crisp winter feel. I love this season because
it means that summer is only just around the corner! Plus, I've seen lots of very cute spring lambs around :)