by Juliet Batten | 29, Apr, 2012 | Uncategorized
It was the young people who made Kiwi Halloween special this year. They were so inventive with their carving of apples, kumara and pumpkins, and it was touching to see their cards written beside the lanterns and candles. Often it was grandparents whom they were... 
by Juliet Batten | 29, Apr, 2012 | Uncategorized
Inside the buttercup pumpkin, once the lid has been removed, a golden flower awaits discovery. Cutting out the lid is the first step in carving the pumpkin for Halloween. Here in New Zealand Halloween falls on April 30. Each year I hold Ponsonby Halloween... 
by Juliet Batten | 24, Apr, 2012 | Uncategorized
Today is Anzac Day, a national day of remembrance, in honour of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who fought heroically at Gallipoli during the second world war. It has now been extended to include all those who have died fighting for their countries.This... 
by Juliet Batten | 21, Apr, 2012 | Uncategorized
All is forgiven, and forgotten. We may not have had a summer this year, but autumn is generous with warmth. Just before sunset each evening, my home is flooded with golden light which casts mysterious shadows with colours deepening into... 
by Juliet Batten | 18, Apr, 2012 | Uncategorized
It’s one of those golden autumn afternoons, and down at the sheltered little beach nearby, the weather feels almost as warm as summer. Mira and I start by collecting pohutukawa leaves and admiring their colours. The yellow ones tend to be spotted, the red... 
by Juliet Batten | 16, Apr, 2012 | Uncategorized
I took a friend out to the bach for the weekend. We enjoyed our first fires, with pine cones burning brightly. Weeding the garden together, and harvesting my one pumpkin. Walking to the beach, enjoying the freedom of open space, and the sweep of the... 
by Juliet Batten | 15, Apr, 2012 | Uncategorized
Here’s another autumn delight: chestnuts have arrived.I prepare a feast of chestnuts and baked new seasons butternut. As they emerge from the oven, and I cut open the first chestnut, that freshly roasted smell brings a memory wafting in.I am in Cornwall, on my... 
by Juliet Batten | 12, Apr, 2012 | Uncategorized
I love the way the autumn light stretches its long arms into my apartment. In the morning the sun reaches and touches forgotten places, bringing warmth.Trails of light. Maybe that’s what gave me the idea. Then there was the brightly... 
by Juliet Batten | 11, Apr, 2012 | Uncategorized
I know this pine forest well, because I used to live nearby. After a run of fine days, I knew that the ground under the pine trees would have dried out.I also knew where the tall trees were, the ones that drop plenty of pine cones,from their heads high up... 
by Juliet Batten | 9, Apr, 2012 | Uncategorized
It’s a favourite walk of mine, along the waterfront towards the harbour bridge.The bridge spans the harbour with a quiet dignity. It’s also the favourite spot of those who love to fish.They bring their buckets of bait, cast their lines, and... 
by Juliet Batten | 8, Apr, 2012 | Uncategorized
My thoughts often turn to Christchurch. When the weather is clear and serene, as it has been this Easter, I feel glad that Christchurch is getting a break. Whenever I hear of something good happening in Canterbury, I stop to give thanks.Just over a year ago I was... 
by Juliet Batten | 7, Apr, 2012 | Uncategorized
Come with me for an early morning walk at The Moorings. We go down the drive way to the narrow tiled path that leads to the jetty. We pass hibiscus and bird of paradise, brightly flowering. A bumble bee clumsily bumbles its way through the flowering... 
by Juliet Batten | 6, Apr, 2012 | Uncategorized
The forecast for Easter was rain storms and wind. But the days leading up to Good Friday have been surprisingly warm and sunny, and the little boats have been out on the water again. They must be novice sailors, young people perhaps, because the support... 
by Juliet Batten | 4, Apr, 2012 | Uncategorized
Easter in the southern hemisphere is a time for turning within, and going into darkness. Once again, St Matthews in the City has created a labyrinth out of river stones, and has opened it to the public.Walking the labyrinth has become an annual pilgrimage for me. The... 