Happy New Year

Thank you for a wonderful 2014 and wishing you all a Blessed 2015.

Have a Blessed Christmas

St. Patrick's Cathedral, Auckland (NZ)

The reason for the season is here.

Joy to the world, the Lord has come.

No need to fear, we are saved!

2,014 years after the story continues from the first Christmas to today.

Have a Merry and Blessed Christmas!

It's a Kiwi Christmas!

Christmas decor

Christmas Day in New Zealand started with the traditional Christmas carols at the cathedral on Christmas eve ... then home to open the gifts and partake of a simple meal with my family ... and today its forecast to be sunny and bright!  As we were coming home from church service (it was 1:40 a.m.), all the shops were closed, the street lights were all green and go, and I saw groups of homeless people huddled together for warmth and comfort.  Most of them were asleep, a couple were awake and eating.  More than 2,014 years ago a similar scene occurred and a man was born to lead a revolution that changed the world forever!

A Day in The Waikato: Lake Ngaroto

Sign at the entrance to the walkway

Everytime I go to Te Awamutu from Hamilton, I always see the signage on the right side off Ohaupo Road.  Last Saturday morning, I decided to deviate from my usual route and made that right turn to Lake Ngaroto 6 kilometres away.  I'm so glad that I made that right turn, no pun intended.  I was in a bit of a stress and pressure from work as well as this festive Christmas season.  There have been studies made that Christmas is the most stressful month of the year (but that will be another story).  Going back to this side trip, it was my kind of place---not too far from the city and yet still retaining it's natural beauty and rustic element.  I felt like I've found my sanctuary when I was there.

View of the lake

It has the correct size for a lake that could be enjoyed by young and old folks alike.  A local resident pointed out that it will take me an hour and a half to go around it.  It has a generally flat surface that makes walking easy as.  This area is natural wetland.  The lake shore is filled with all kinds of plants and flowers.  There is an abundance of ferns along the walkways.  The lush vegetation is a refreshing sight to ones eyes.  The chirping of the birds, although I couldn't see them, was music to my ears.  As I said I was in a particularly vulnerable space that day---and all of these things happening around me just made me feel safe and secure that the Universe was one with me.

Ferns along the bush walk

I've always loved going on long walks.  When I go for walks, it makes me think more creatively.  And I get to visualise my dreams and plans more clearly.  The relatively fresh air that I was breathing was so uplifting and was giving me a natural high.  I will be coming back again and again to this place.  It has a certain kind of spell to me.  Imagining how it was then while I'm writing this post, makes me feel like going back right now.  I have found not only a place to visit but more like a sanctuary to recharge my body and soul.  Of course, there are many other places like this in New Zealand.  This country is just like an empty canvas waiting for each one of us to paint who we are, what we see, and how we feel.  In my mind and heart I can feel each step I make as bringing me closer to where I want to be in my life.  I'm so happy that I finally found you and I'm so blessed that I made that right turn!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Christmas at the Park, Flagstaff (NZ)

The first weekend of December and the Christmas spirit has come out alive and in full force!  It was a great, glorious and sunny day that contributed to people enjoying the great outdoors.  And what better event than the numerous Christmas at the parks simultaneously going-on all over Aotearoa New Zealand.  The obligatory sausage sizzle has been joined by others serving sandwiches, pizzas, cotton candy, and ice cream.  Bouncy castle, rides, balloons and even a portable kindie play centre were available for young and old alike.  An ambulance was not only on stand-by but was also open for people to ask questions and feel how it is to be inside an ambulance (at least in a manner that's not life-threatening).  The Police were also in force but not only to keep the peace and order but also to explain what they do to keep our streets safe.  And of course, not to be outdone was the purpose-built stage that showcased an endless supply of talented singers and artists.  Overall, it was a pleasant way to welcome the Christmas season for 2014.

New Zealand is a great place!

Mt. Ruapehu, North Island

New Zealand is a great place---to live, to do business, and to retire.  It is blessed with a natural beauty that is world-famous and captivating heaps of people to come to New Zealand.  Please click on the Immigration NZ site to know more about what is also known as Middle Earth!