TAKING A BREAK

Yay, holiday time. We'll be taking a break and hope to return with lots of stories and pics.

We've left you a couple of 55's to read, some skywatch, poems and a few cutesy animal pics. That should keep you busy for a while.

Be good, see you when we see you.

xxx

P.S. Where the hell are you Grumpy Pants? I do believe that by tomorrow evening I will owe you $50.

Life's Uncertainties

We all have uncertainties in our lives. We need these - they are one of the fundamental human requirements, according to leading psychologists.
Listed in order of priority, these are:

Certainty
Variety (uncertainty)
Significance
Love and/or Connection

Truly fulfilled individuals can also achieve the following, but only if the first four conditions are met in their lives. These are the so-called spiritual needs:

Growth
Contribution

Even if we feel we have all these, sometimes events conspire to rob us of all. We are left with only Uncertainty (Variety).

Here is a poem I wrote when I was at rock bottom.

A Vampyre

It is night. The small hours. Alone again, sadly.
Your presence I feel, the rise and fall of your chest,
your beating heart, your warmth.
A face of beauty I see, to make the soul sing.
"You are mine!" I cry. But it is not to be,
for the present time, or maybe never again.
Do I have a soul? Or has it been taken?
A love forever, or a love forsaken?
The small hours allow me to dream
Of wonderful years past, but future - bleak?
"Are you my future?" I have to ask, without speaking,
For fear my question will be answered.
Without you, dead eyes, dead mind, dead heart, dead soul.
A Vampyre.

CAMERA CRITTERS

IT ALL COMES OUT IN THE WASH

I don't remember washing that!




THREES COMPANY

My aunt's dogs.



There's a link to camera critters on my side bar. Feel free to visit.

Flash 55 - Double Whammy

Two 55s for the price of one. One from me and one from him, hehe.








Morning
Sun brightening horizon.

The jet
squat, ugly, grounded;
graceful airborne.

The cockpit
small, cramped, cluttered.
Fusion of man and machine.

The start
metallic whine, burning jet fuel.
A lover's perfume.

Takeoff
Thunder, excitement, acceleration.
Nose lifting.

Airborne
Airspeed sufficient, area clear, rolling inverted
Man an ant on a verdant canvas.

Exhilaration, joy, freedom
Flight.





POSTED BY HUBBY





WINTER SOLACE





A wet nose nudges my hand. Senses explore the darkened room. Soft snoring, pitter patter on the roof, hot skin against mine, dry lips, fresh coffee. Senses retreat as my mind fills with plans. Sunrise reveals; hubby sleeping soundly, warm blankets, Coco's wagging tail, a book half read. Everything I need. Let's stay in bed.





POSTED BY KB


Flash Fiction - Each Friday, I compose a short story of 55 words - no more, no less. If you would like to join in the fun and games... post your story and report to the boss -

G-MAN

If you're not interested in contributing a story, feel free to read the other entries. I'm sure any comments you have would be appreciated.

Happy reading and writing!
Love KB
XXX

SKYWATCH FRIDAY

I can't remember where in NZ I took this but if you look carefully, you'll see a rainbow.





VIEW FROM UP HIGH FROM A VISIT TO HONG KONG.








There is a link to Skywatch on my sidebar. Feel free to visit.

A Combined Effort

Hubby and I are both feeling creative today; a poem from each of us.






In this Electronic Age,
Friends are found, not made.
Attention wanted, freely given,
But you only know what is delivered.

The darker side of an electronic life,
Is the hurt it can cause, a human strife.
Withdrawal from reality to a fantasy world,
Where family is forgotten for the Internet word.

And when worlds collide as is oft the case,
Snakes and demons get a human face.
Real people revealed in a real world,
The fantasy ends, a double-edged sword.

The message here is that the 'net is a tool,
But it cannot separate men from fools.
Only friendships based on truth, trust and integrity
Are the ones to keep - where all is given freely.


Posted by HUBBY


QUOTE OF THE DAY


A friend is a present you give yourself.

- Robert Louis Stevenson


MOVING ON

I thought you were my closest friend.
Looking back; it was all pretend.
Knowing you, made me blind.
Out of sight, out of mind.

Hiding behind others to do your work.
Biding your time, in shadows you lurk.
You can't dream wishes into life.
People for cherishing, are worth the fight.

Questions answered, suspicions confirmed.
Funeral pyres built and burned.
Time to breathe freely, fog has cleared.
Aches and pains have disappeared.

I will miss my friend, this is true.
But you were not him.
I'm over you.


POSTED BY KB


Have a great/day night.

Love KB
xxx

OLD FRIENDS

QUOTE OF THE DAY

It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him.

-J.R.R. Tolkien


Hubby bought me a copy of the movie Australia on DVD. I told him I had heard the cinematography was amazing but the story was average. He responded by informing me Hugh Jackman was in it so did it really matter? Good point hubby. Let the drooling begin.

It was a rather predictable story but I shed a few tears, drooled, laughed a bit, drooled, admired the scenery, Hugh put his shirt back on, I refocused on the story and cried some more.

I'm going to dinner with friends tonight. I've been in the banking industry all of my working life. There was one particular branch I worked for where it was a joy to go to work every day. The people moved on,(as they do in the banking world) but we have all kept in touch and meet for dinner every six months. I'm really looking forward to it.

Have a great day/night.

Love KB
xxx

BOOKS I'VE READ THIS YEAR

After noticing a huge decline in the number of books I read last year, I've decided to keep a tally here of books I've read, hoping it will inspire to read more. I'll be reviewing my favourite reads on a monthly basis.

As a member of bookcrossing.com, I share books I've read with friends, rather than leave them on my shelves to gather dust. I leave my books in public places, send them to friends or give them to charity. If there is a book listed which you are interested in reading, drop me a note and depending on availability, I'll see what I can do. I'd rather give a much loved book to someone I know who'd read it than leave it somewhere on the off chance a stranger will pick it up.


BOOK OF THE MONTH

Short Fat Chick to Marathon Runner - Kerre Woodham




When radio personality and columnist Kerre Woodham found herself fat, forty and depressed, she had two choices:

Do nothing and not make fifty.
Do something to get her life back.

I couldn't put this book down. Kerre had me LOL page after page. She writes about her journey from overweight party girl to completing the New York Marathon. There's hope for me yet, hehe.

Here's a sample from her story:

There you are, planning a quiet Wednesday evening in with the kids while your husband is away on business and a friend drops round on the way home from work. A couple of hours later, you've got Bryan Adams on at full blast, you're dancing round the living room, you've sent the oldest child out for McDonald's and the two of you have even polished off the bottle of creme de menthe that's been sitting in the booze cupboard for the last ten years. A night like that is never planned, and is certainly not wanted, but when the Piss Fairy sprinkles his dust, you're goners. So I'm constantly battling the Piss Fairy. He took the first decade of my adult years,I won back seven - and now we've reached an uneasy truce.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

QUOTE OF THE DAY

The wisest, the bravest, the richest, the most beautiful - will never make a crab walk straight.

- Aristophanes


HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

I had a fantastic Mother's Day. Received thoughtful, loving messages from both of my step-daughters. Hubby cooked a delicious lunch on the barbeque. Shared the afternoon with both our mums and my brother and sister-in-law.

Happy Mother's Day to all you Mums out there.


BIRTHDAY FUN

I received this belated card from my brother and sister-in-law. I laughed so hard - it was definitely worth the wait.



The caption reads - As Karen bounced down the beach, many gentlemen were instantly captivated by her intelligence, personality and the fact that she did a lot of good work for charity.

CAMERA CRITTERS

Two tiger cubs playing at Auckland zoo.





Can somebody please move that boy's head???

There's a link to Camera Critters on my sidebar. Please feel free to visit.

SKYWATCH FRIDAY - RUAKAKA, NZ

One of our favourite NZ holiday destinations. Not too far from home but far enough away from the hustle and bustle.




There is a link to Sky Watch on my sidebar. Feel free to visit.



QUOTE OF THE DAY


Men heap together the mistakes of their lives, and create a monster they call destiny.


- John Hobbs

FLASH 55 - BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

Tears fall. The door closes behind her. Change takes commitment. Old habits resurface in an instant. A long corridor beckons. What lurks behind the many doors? Footsteps echo sweet promises made. The warmth of the handle beneath her grasp lures her. She releases it, walking bravely down her chosen path. Some doors should remain closed.



Flash Fiction - Each Friday, I compose a short story of 55 words - no more, no less. If you would like to join in the fun and games... post your story and report to the boss -

G-MAN

If you're not interested in contributing a story, feel free to read the other entries. I'm sure any comments you have would be appreciated.

Happy reading and writing!
Love KB
xx

More Stuff

Wow, one thing I can say about my job is that it presents some unique photo ops. Hope you likey! These were taken on a day trip to Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. The last photo was taken in Horeshoe Bay. There is a restaurant there that does the best Crab and Shrimp Benny ever! My mouth still waters just thinking about it!

Zoo Fun, and other stuff

These are some photos from our day at the zoo with the Grandies, and our daughters. So much fun.I had forgotten what it was like to see the world through the eyes of a child.

WATERY WEDNESDAY - BULLER RIVER, NZ AND A BAD HAIR DAY

Buller River in NZ or perhaps I should call it - lack of river.





There's a link to Watery Wednesday on my sidebar. Feel free to visit.



AM I DONE YET?




You didn't think I was a natural blonde did you? I don't know what's more disturbing - the fact I have this done to my hair or the fact I wanted to share it with you all. Hope it gave you a giggle. The things we do!

Flash55 - There's Never a Good Day to Die

Depression grips her, its malevolent spiral pulling her ever closer to the edge.
Sadly, she contemplates the final solution through moist eyes. Glancing around the room, her gaze falls on her ancient teddy, his one-eyed, benign smile true, never wavering.

"You've always been there for me, Ted".

A single tear drops to the coverlet.

Sorry It's late peeps, but I have sorta been busy................

THAT'S MY WORLD TUESDAY - CAPE REINGA

When Hubby and I were in Whangarei recently, we decided to hop in the car to take a little road trip - as is our way. Hubby had visited Cape Reinga before but it was my first time. I was excited by his description of the lighthouse and surrounding scenery.

Cape Reinga is located at the northern tip of the North Island of New Zealand. A lighthouse was built there in 1941, it sends out a light signal ever 12 seconds which reaches 19 nautical miles.

Looking out from the lighthouse you can see where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet. A ridge of foaming water can be seen where the oceans clash and merge, creating waves of up to 10 metres.

Well, so I'm told. This was the view for me after our two hour drive. Better luck next time. I still love the photo though.





There is a link to That's My World Tuesday on my sidebar. Feel free to visit.

Not much to report today. It's getting colder out. I'm heading to the hairdressers for a trim and colour. Looking more like Krazy Brown at the mo. Hubby is still on his travels - London. G arrived safely in Wanaka and is settling in. I'm feeling content and happy. It's all good.

Be good. If you're bad, make sure you tell me all about it.

Love KB
xxx

ROAD TRIPS AND A SECRET CONFESSION....SSH

CAMERA CRITTERS


G and her fella were packing up Big Red (as G affectionately named her Dad's car) yesterday, ready for the next stage of their travels. I had a hard time keeping Coco out of it - she luuuuuuvvvvvvvvvvs road trips. Last time I heard, they had a couple of hours to kill before boarding the ferry to Wellington. They decided to hole up in Bed Red with a yummy takeaway and a DVD. Oh to be a kid again. The house sure is quiet without them.



I WONDER IF ANYONE WILL SEE ME HIDING BACK HERE





SCENIC SUNDAY

Another shot from our road trip around New Zealand. Many of the roads in the South Island are similar to this one - not a soul in sight, nothing but the road and stunning scenery. Not the best of places to get a flat tyre - which we did.




SUNDAY SCRIBBLINGS

This week's prompt for SS is confession.


NEW ZEALAND'S FIRST, NEXT TOP MODEL???

My name is KB and I have a CONFESSION to make - I'm a reality TV addict. It's been 24hours since I last viewed. Hehe!

I luuuuuuuuuuuuvvvvvvvvvvvv reality TV. I would sit and watch it for hours if I could. Even if I think it's ridiculous, the voyeur in me is fascinated by being able to view strangers lives.

New Zealand has recently begun screening the spin off to America's NTM. I sat in front of the telly excitedly anticipating the first episode. I was definitely entertained but not in the way the producers would have intended me thinks. I laughed so much I had tears rolling down my cheeks. Let me give you some examples of what you are missing...


A couple of the stick figures (models), are actually quite beautiful...until they open their mouths. After I heard them talk I ran in search of hubby, begging him to tell me that my accent wasn't like theirs.

The first episode entailed much screaming. These girls scream at the drop of a hat. They screamed when they found out they were in the top 13, when they learned they would be travelling to Auckland ( how exotic), when they received their prizes of clothes from Max ( not exactly high fashion).

The show is hosted by Sara. I cringed each time she asked the question,
Who will be New Zealand's first, next top model? What on earth was she trying to say? LMAO! I held my breathe as the models received their first Sara Mail message and let out a huge sigh of relief when it was confirmed they could actually read.

One of the earlier photo shoots was held in the snow. Yikes, how cruel making girls with no meat on their bones, stand half naked in the cold, while people throw snow at them. It seemed the more snow that covered their faces, the more chance they had of winning.

I was horrified when one of the photographers informed a perfectly natural looking 16year old that she could do with losing some weight. During the same episode many of the girls discussed the fact they had put on weight since they had been on the show. I was astounded...where had they put on this weight? On their hair from too many conditioning treatments? Goodness me, I was afraid if the girls stood on the deck at the wrong angle, they would fall down the holes. The producers came to the rescue, delivering gym equipment to the models' door.

My favourite contestant is Teryl Leigh (I think that's how it's spelt), not because of the way she looks but because I love hearing people say her name in that Kiwi twang. It sounds a bit like...Tyralllllllllll - loooy. Every time I hear it, I giggle uncontrollably.

To be fair, not all the contestants are as thick as two short planks and a couple of them are quite stunning. I just hope the programme isn't sold overseas. Viewers will believe NZ is full of malnourished, baby producing girls who can't speak proper English like what I do, hehe.

Nevertheless, I'll be watching again on Friday. Somebody stop me!



Links to Camera Critters, Scenic Sunday and Sunday Scribblings are provided on my sidebar.



Have a fun day/night.

Love KB
xxx