Inanimate dancing

Sugar Corps de ballet


Dancing soap


Dancing Poles


Dancing bricks

© by Sparrowchatter 2011

Shots of randomness

Of fairy jacuzzis

and outrageous nose-jobs

handbags in windows

and kittens in handbags
© by Sparrowchatter 2011

In my lady's chamber

This was where I spent the evening. And I'll let you into a secret, I wasn't taking part in an International Taikwando competition. Tonight, I officially became a Kiwi.


The ceremony took place in the Council chamber in the Town Hall.


The lady Mayor has a very impressive chain of office, which reaches her waistline. Imagine my joy when having my photo taken with her. "Where did you get that gorgeous necklace?" she whispered in my ear "Israel. The designer Orna Lalo. It was a gift". Now for someone with at least a kilo of precious metal around her shoulders to be admiring my jewellery, well that was REALLY something!

Finally, the two of us, British by birth, Kiwi by choice (and this lovely fella was the one who bought me the jewellery).

Where flowers bloom so does hope

Autumn has arrived and our walk through the harbour involved a very quick wet visit to the farmers market. I was juggling a large bag of apples and avocados when these flowers stepped across my path to introduce themselves.
I am so happy that we met!
© by Sparrowchatter 2011

Gaby and Ofer

Two years ago, I went to visit friends on the S. Island. I flew, then took a bus. The bus station is right in the city centre, behind the iconic Cathedral, a Cathedral that now lies in ruins.
I was surprised to see a menorah inside the main door, and asked one of the guides why it was there. She replied that the church wanted to extend its welcome to people of all faiths, and this was a very recognisable symbol of the Jewish faith, and that was why it was chosen.
I stood for a while and watched reactions to this menorah. Many people stood for a long time to look, and this lady decided to pray.

This week two of Israel's finest Ofer Levy and Gaby Ingel died close to the cathedral. It has touched me deeply that these two men should lose there lives so far away from their loved ones. They, along with around 10,000 Israelis each year visit our islands. We are honoured that they come to the Ends of the Earth to spend time with us.

To the Levy and Ingel families;

Hamakom yinachem eschem b'soch sha'ar availay Tzion v'Yerushalayim.

"May Hashem, Who is everywhere, comfort you amongst the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem."

Of cakes and flowers and things ginger

Sometimes memories from childhood erupting into your present can be very comforting. This week was one when we all needed some tender loving care.

On my way to work this morning, I called into our local bakery. In the 6 years we have lived in this small town, it is only the second time I have been there. But I'd forgotten to pack a lunch, so was looking for a cheap sandwich to buy. Huddled in the corner of the cabinet was a freshly baked Battenburg cake. I bought that too and took it to my office to share. This was the kind of cake my grandma served at Sunday tea time.

At lunchtime, I came across a photo which I put on the desktop screen of my computer. It was of a cluster of snowdrops growing in the undergrowth of a tall tree. These were the flowers which grew in my great aunts garden, down by the stream.

Later a friend dropped by with two beautiful calla lilies. It was a sympathetic gift, knowing I was hurting over the death of two people in the earthquake. Exactly seven years ago, I carried a small posy of calla lilies on my wedding day.

This evening as I weeded to a frenzy a wild patch in our garden, I saw a flash of ginger in the bushes; the kitten chasing moths, just like the ginger cat of my childhood. Dancing at dusk with the fairies of the night.

And so to dream, to lie down and remember the days long ago of high tea and posies and whiskers a twitching.

At 12.51pm, we shall remember them.

The Governor General of New Zealand, speaking at today's vigil on the steps of Parliament. Over 5000 people attended the ceremony. Bill English, the Deputy Prime Minister stands behind him, and the Vicar General to his right.

Can it be only one week ago? 154 confirmed dead, so many still missing.
© by Sparrowchatter 2011