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!

Dinner with Heroes 1

I've always been fascinated by events in history specially the people who made history.  Sometimes I feel like I was born to late, yearning for the times of yesteryear's.  In this light, I've decided to ask people this question: name three people, dead or alive, you'll like to have dinner with, and why?  I hope for us to get a better glimpse of what makes them human.

Tim MacIndoe, MP (National Party)
A: Mahatma Gandhi---his personal life, experiences and example have always moved me.  My paternal grandmother.  She died before I was born and I'd love to have known her and to ask about my father as a child, etc.  C.S. Lewis---a humble, intelligent and faithful man.  His books are always worth reading.

Sue Moroney, MP (Labour Party)
A: I would love to get Lorde, Helen Clark and Kate Sheppard together in a room.  They are pioneering Kiwi women and I would enjoy the conversation.  It would be interesting to see the similarities and differences between the woman who fought for the right for women to vote and the 17-year-old modern day self-proclaimed feminist.

David Bennett, MP (National Party)
A:  I am intrigued by history so would choose some historical figures to see what made them tick, namely Queen Victoria and Abraham Lincoln.  Also, I would like to have dinner with Barack Obama to make some suggestions for the future.

Jacinda Ardern, MP (Labour Party)
A: Earnest Shackleton, the Antarctic explorer and one of my heroes!  His story of survival during the Endurance expedition is amazing and I would love to hear it in person.  Nelson Mandela.  I was lucky enough to meet him a few years ago.  What an amazing man.  And finally, Wislawa Szymborska.  She is a Polish poet.  She lived through World War Two, and went  on to win the Nobel Prize for Literature.  Her writing is amazing, but I would love to hear her stories in person!

Nikki Kaye, MP (National Party)
A: Hillary Clinton - to try and understand one of the most competent, female, political leaders.  My Uncle Hamish who died before I was born - so I could meet the man that died so young, did so much and continues to be adored by everyone in my family.  Forever loved.  Elvis - it would be a great fun dinner with wonderful soul music and good Southern food.

Brendan Horan, MP (NZ Independent Coalition)
A: First would be Da Vinci, to discuss his theories and genius to draw his thoughts on where we are today.  Then Moses cause it would be great to move water like that.  Then my father so we could have time to say goodbye.

Phil Goff, MP (Labour Party)
A: Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi and Ed Hillary because they were all people with great achievements but real humility who worked hard to make life better for other people.  Actually I did have dinner several times with Ed Hillary when we were together on a visit to Antarctica in 2007.

Meanwhile in... New Zealand - "A Very Kiwi Christmas"

Sharing with you a cute video just right for the Christmas season!

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!