by Juliet Batten | 31, Dec, 2012 | Uncategorized
The storm was clearing, the morning warm. On my way down to the jetty to do my tai chi, I met Roger, one of the apartment dwellers, climbing the steps on his way home. ‘I’ve been out fishing already,’ he said, ‘and I’ve had a... 
by Juliet Batten | 29, Dec, 2012 | Uncategorized
I’m delighted to be posting again. Because you see, my laptop died on Christmas Day – well almost. It seems it was in the last throes, but was able to emit its data to my new one – but very slowly. It took 2 days and 2 nights, with a fan heater set... 
by Juliet Batten | 23, Dec, 2012 | Uncategorized
When you are four years old, your first surf swim of the year is exciting. Especially when the waves are big and foaming and bucking like wild ponies. But when you have a strong daddy to hold on to, you know you are safe, and so you squeal and shriek with pleasure.A... by Juliet Batten | 23, Dec, 2012 | Uncategorized
When you are four years old, your first surf swim of the year is exciting. Especially when the waves are big and foaming and bucking like wild ponies. But when you have a strong daddy to hold on to, you know you are safe, and so you squeal and shriek with pleasure.A... 
by Juliet Batten | 22, Dec, 2012 | Uncategorized
Here at the bach, life is simple. No shops, no piped water, no through roads; and so gifts must be conjured up out of whatever nature provides. For solstice, I have made you a basket. Because it’s summer solstice today in New Zealand, little suns... by Juliet Batten | 22, Dec, 2012 | Uncategorized
Here at the bach, life is simple. No shops, no piped water, no through roads; and so gifts must be conjured up out of whatever nature provides. For solstice, I have made you a basket. Because it’s summer solstice today in New Zealand, little suns... 
by Juliet Batten | 20, Dec, 2012 | Uncategorized
The stream runs quietly down to the sea from the bush clad hills of the Centennial Memorial Park. The waters are flanked by wild flowersand under the bridge lives a troll who has to be appeased with feasts of fish, chocolate drink, and soup, all gathered... by Juliet Batten | 20, Dec, 2012 | Uncategorized
The stream runs quietly down to the sea from the bush clad hills of the Centennial Memorial Park. The waters are flanked by wild flowersand under the bridge lives a troll who has to be appeased with feasts of fish, chocolate drink, and soup, all gathered... 
by Juliet Batten | 19, Dec, 2012 | Uncategorized
The bach is wrapped around with a shawl of mist. The shawl has floated down from the cloud-filled sky and softly caressed the hill tops.I am enveloped in sweet solitude as I recover from a life with too many details in it. Soft focus is perfect.And what’s... by Juliet Batten | 19, Dec, 2012 | Uncategorized
The bach is wrapped around with a shawl of mist. The shawl has floated down from the cloud-filled sky and softly caressed the hill tops.I am enveloped in sweet solitude as I recover from a life with too many details in it. Soft focus is perfect.And what’s... 
by Juliet Batten | 17, Dec, 2012 | Uncategorized
Franklin Road is a very wide street in Ponsonby. Great trees arch across the road and intertwine their leafy canopies throughout the summer. There is also something else that is special about Franklin Rd. Little by little, over the years, the residents have... by Juliet Batten | 17, Dec, 2012 | Uncategorized
Franklin Road is a very wide street in Ponsonby. Great trees arch across the road and intertwine their leafy canopies throughout the summer. There is also something else that is special about Franklin Rd. Little by little, over the years, the residents have... 
by Juliet Batten | 16, Dec, 2012 | Uncategorized
Everything is flowering profusely on the west coast this summer. Manuka and kanuka with their tiny white flowers give the hillsides a star-dusty look. My women’s group, that celebrates seasonal festivals together, gathered for a weekend together in my... by Juliet Batten | 16, Dec, 2012 | Uncategorized
Everything is flowering profusely on the west coast this summer. Manuka and kanuka with their tiny white flowers give the hillsides a star-dusty look. My women’s group, that celebrates seasonal festivals together, gathered for a weekend together in my... 
by Juliet Batten | 12, Dec, 2012 | Uncategorized
We have just had our annual concert. This is the 4th year now that I’ve been singing with the Voice Club – 70 to 80 of us who love to sing. We are directed by the talented David Tillinghast, who does some amazing arrangements, often with zany... by Juliet Batten | 12, Dec, 2012 | Uncategorized
We have just had our annual concert. This is the 4th year now that I’ve been singing with the Voice Club – 70 to 80 of us who love to sing. We are directed by the talented David Tillinghast, who does some amazing arrangements, often with zany... 
by Juliet Batten | 4, Dec, 2012 | Uncategorized
Yes, I know that spring has just officially ended. But I’ve been busy, as you know, with book production. And I must show you what I’ve been collecting over the last few weeks. First of all, leaves peeping cheekily out through a fence. Then... by Juliet Batten | 4, Dec, 2012 | Uncategorized
Yes, I know that spring has just officially ended. But I’ve been busy, as you know, with book production. And I must show you what I’ve been collecting over the last few weeks. First of all, leaves peeping cheekily out through a fence. Then... 