THINGS I LOVE: Doughnuting Behind a Boat

Rewind a few years back to 1999 and there's Michaela and I screaming and clinging onto a double doughnut at 3rd Form camp, both eager to save face and stay afloat.  It was one of my first experiences doughnuting and proved to be the best.

Skip forward some six or so years and a bunch of us cousins at the Barrier went doughnuting in the harbour by Flat Island.  The driver of my Uncle's boat wasnt terribly experienced and on top of that it was an overcast day and the water was deep and black, but still our excitement was undeterred.  When warning bells rang our laughter rang louder and each of us had turns zipping along the surface and jumping the waves with glee.  The only time a hint of panic ever disturbed the fun was when our doughnut overturned and we were left bobbing by ourselves while waiting to get picked up.  When it was my turn, I remember looking down and realising the water was so dark I could hardly see my feet.  I recalled many a time when I had seen sharks and even orca in that very same harbour that I was doggy-paddling in and it was a tremendous relief when my cousins eventually hauled me back aboard.  Yet did I have another turn that day?  You betcha!

*Sigh* The things we do in our adolescence!

A doughnut combined with deep, dark water where shark sightings are regularly reported do not a good combination make.

Stations of the Cross 2011

Stations were first established in Northern Italy in the early 16th century.  The intention was to re-create the sites of the events of the Atonement, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  The worldwide renewal of Stations as a way to engage with the content and emotion of the last week of Jesus' life began in New Zealand less than 20 years ago.  Here artists are charged with reflecting on the biblical text that describes the event they have chosen, and interpreting that story in contemporary art. 

This year's Stations was held at the Hamilton Gardens in the week leading up to and during the Easter holiday.  For dramatic emphasis it only ran between 8pm-10pm and the way was lit with small candles while visitors carried tiny torches to read each of the scriptures that the artists interpreted.  There were many interesting creations such as a huge metronome that swung faster and faster until it stopped and a spotlight from within flashed on three doors labelled 'Death' to depict the inevitable deadline and lack of choices the Saviour had. 

My favourite was Station 6: 'Jesus is Mocked and Beaten'.  It was based around Matthew 27:27-31.  The artist, Geoff Wall, named his piece Mortar and Pestle and featured a large basin with stone lions surrounding it.  Inside the basin was a mixture of fresh herbs and a few wooden bats.  People were invited to crush the herbs with the bats while reflecting on the following: "On account of His love to ALL peoples He was mocked and beaten.  Is this the way we treat those that love us?"  As I crushed the herbs, the air became deliciously fragrant with rosemary and thyme, yet it was only by grinding them that I could receive the pleasure of their scent.  I thought how it was only through Jesus Christ's immeasurable suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane and later crucifixion that the beautiful gift of the Atonement was brought to pass.

More Opshop Finds

If Hamilton is good for one thing, it is the quality of its opshops.  A recent trip with a friend from work uncovered one of the most exciting finds I've ever made:

1.  A New Zealand made, genuine leather high-waisted pencil skirt with ruched sides.  This will stay in my wardrobe forever!

2.  Turquoise and blue long skirt that my friend convinced me would be beautiful as a dress.  I think she might just be right:

3.  Large leather clutch in an eggshell white shade:



Bieber Fever Anyone?

Ok I admit it!  I went and saw Never Say Never 3D last night with an unnamed companion (to protect her dignity).  We snuck in like tweenagers and sat in the 3rd row from the front.  People, before you judge, I wasnt much of a Bieber fan before I saw the movie and thought it would be a good documentary along the lines of Michael Jackson's This Is It.  And it was GREAT!  You've got to respect Justin Bieber and all of his management team for how hard they've worked and the sacrifices they've made to get him to where he is today.  He is really really talented, a bit immature and pampered but also strictly looked after like any 16 year old millionaire living in the limelight should be.

We had a good laugh at his female followers that are head over heels in obsession (some might call it love) with him.  There were some crazies too, fully capable of sending death threats to JB's current girlfriend and sneaking into his hotel room as maids - true stories!

I recommend Never Say Never if you want to appreciate good talent.  Commence scoffing now.

My Thoughts on This Season's 'American Idol'

When two of my top three said byebye on American Idol I thought that what started off as a promising season slowly started slipping.  Thia was my third favourite because her voice was so silky smooth and controlled.  Admittedly it wasnt the most exciting nor her song choices the most creative, but for a girl of 16 Thia showed so much talent and reminded me of those pitch-perfect singers of Walt Disney songs like Part of That World and Colours of the Wind, the latter which she belted out on stage beautifully.  What eases the disappointment is the fact that she is so young and has time to find her feet and work on adding variety to her voice and performances.

My second favourite was Pia who almost always took my breath away.  Not only was she aesthetically admirable with perfectly groomed hair and makeup, an infectious smile and personable character, but that voice!  Her rendition of Tina Turner's River Deep Mountain High actually gave me shivers it was THAT GOOD.  I guess America got bored of her ballad choices week after week and when she did finally mix it up it was a case of too little, too late.  Such a shame!

My number one fave and who I'm hoping will win American Idol this season is Haley.  Say what you will but I think she performs really really well - there's an element of sexiness and a carefree attitude that makes her enjoyable to watch on stage.  She has the ability to use her voice to do all sorts of tricks too, from yodeling to jazzing it up.  There's nothing she cant do, no song she cant conquer!

The bottom of my list would have to be that useless, arrogant rocker guy that sucks.  I dont even know his name he sucks so much.  When he sang While My Guitar Slowly Weeps I was happy that the world could finally see just how bad this guy was.  Instead, the judges praised him for getting in touch with his emotional side and for not being afraid of shedding some tears!  Whaaaaaaaaaaat?  He was crying because even he knew how bad it was!  And yet week after week he is safe and for that he is a walking miracle.

Who are your top picks?

Interior Decorating

I dream of having my own house and being able to play around with decorating it.  I once saw a piece in Marie Claire that had some amazing ideas including rooms where the ceilings only are painted rich red, and floral furniture mixed with stripes - how inspiring!  Pretty soon all I wanted was a study room completely painted in turquoise green and an entire wall in my lounge devoted to books from floor to ceiling.  Here are some other ideas:

1.  Pretty wallpaper that tells a story:

2.  French furniture:

3.  Finishing touches:

...and Dresses 4, 5 and 6!

It occurred to me after I'd written my previous post that it is impossible to choose only three favourite dresses worn by celebrities on the red carpet, so I will be blogging my other picks on an ongoing basis and grouping them together into different categories.  First up is the bridal edition:

4.  Rachel Bilson in 2008 wearing Christian Dior.  This is a fairly modest dress with lovely details like tassles in the front and button loops on the side.

5.  Olivia Wilde also in 2008 wearing Reem Acra.  Rarely do I see a dress so pretty it hurts, but here you have it.

6.  Sienna Miller in 2007 wearing Marchesa.  This colour combination never gets old.