Here I am. The obvious lack of blog posts was the result of our annual holiday to Hahei. We went. We fished. We walked. We ate mr Whippy ice-cream and fished off the wharf. We drank copious amounts of alcohol and read good books. We let the kids play rugby on the road and sleep until 9am. We enjoyed the sun and were witness to the most amazing thunder storm I have ever seen. And those that know me well, know that I am a weather freak and that would have made my holiday. Which it did. If anyone was in the Coromandel and got photos, let me know. The lightning was so constant that I took forgranted that it would ever stop. And I forgot to pick up my camera. If I clicked every few seconds I would have got some great shots. I just didn't think.
So I'm back. And I intend to blog more regularly. I'm settling into a full year of work and not only does writing my blog break the monotony of a layout that just won't work, but it gives me someone to talk to. And it means uncle Vaughan can see photos of the fishing in New Zealand and wish he was here. Perhaps photos like this one.
This is Jacob's effort - a rather large parore caught off the wharfe. The coolest thing happened with this catch... Jacob was on the part of the wharfe where the people line up to get on the ferry. There would have been 30 people waiting. He reeled it in squealing for his dad to help him with his big fish. He landed it on the wharfe and it promptly broke the line and a guy in the queue helped him re-catch it. And everyone in the lines clapped and cheered so loudly for Jacob - i don't think i've seen him that proud in so long. And yay for the people on the wharfe joining in on Jacob's obvious excitment and cheering him on. It's that kind of thing that brings back faith in humankind!
CHA is creeping closer... I've done my BasicGrey layouts and look forward to posting them when I can. I've also done projects for Tattered Angels and love their new colours and new alphas etc... will post those when I can...
Did you hear that Simple Scrapbooks is ceasing publication? And that Fiskars is dropping their paper/rub-ons/embellishment lines? I'm glad each company is doing what they can to keep up with the changing market, but on the other hand the changes make me nervous. Hold on ladies, it might be a wild ride.
Ok so here is the start of the new year. A year in which I will honour my 'word' and those that know me well know I hate cliche stuff, so to even pick a word in the first place is a biggie for me, but yes, I'm going to honour a word. Balance. This word means I will be at my computer/scrap table for a certain amount of work hours per day. And I am with my family when I am not working. One where I actually put layouts in albums. One where I choose what work to do and what not to do and don't feel guilty about saying no. One where my constant worry of missing the kids childhoods while trying to preserve the memories is no longer a worry. Balance in work and play. Balance in activities such as reading and watching TV. Balance in a time to scrapbook and a time not to. Balance in my meals - like making sure chocolate is not only for dinner, but occasionally for lunch and breakfast as well. You get the picture.
Right. Getting to it...
Laters.
Thank you for reminding me....Coromandel...ahhhh.
Hey, weather-girl, it's -30'C here in Woodstock, ON, Canada today.
Yeah. I needed the word "Coromandel" to warm me up.
Cheers,
Sarah
Posted by: thehodgees | January 17, 2009 at 03:54 PM
Happy New Year to you Nic, holiday sounds magical and great moment for Jacob on the wharf....movie moment! Looking forward to your inspirational blog this year!
Posted by: Allanah Scrapbook Art | January 17, 2009 at 04:00 PM
What an awesome photo! Sounds like you had a great family holiday, traditions are so much fun and even more fun to look back on.
Glad your back looking forward to 2009 and all that it will bring.
Posted by: Rachel | January 17, 2009 at 05:24 PM
Cool photo but ick at the blood dripping off the hand though! LOL.
Posted by: Vicki | January 17, 2009 at 07:04 PM
Hi Nic
Isn't it nice to be having such wonderful weather (even when there are days of rain) here in good 'ole NZ! I often think of those poor people in the snow and cold. Brrr!
I also chose the word {balance} for my word this year, and pretty much for the same reasons as you!
Happy New Year!
Kelly
Posted by: Kelly | January 17, 2009 at 07:27 PM
awesome pic and story. Yay 4 jacob.. have to admit i kept looking at the stunning background tho. Wow!
Posted by: hera | January 17, 2009 at 08:35 PM
Great holiday you had. You didn't have any close encounters with those Lions mane jellyfish did you? They looked pretty awful on the news - or was the paper?
Balance - good word. I chose Change cos I need to change so many things like attitude, habits, etc etc etc.
Yes saw that bit about Simple Scrapbooks too. It is a changing world - so what's new about that?? Ha ha!!
Posted by: Nancy | January 17, 2009 at 10:27 PM
Welcome back! I love the photo of Jacob, and I love the story that goes with it. :)
Good luck with the balance thing. It makes total sense. I am searching for the right balance too. And yes, learning to say no is a good first step.
Posted by: Barb | January 18, 2009 at 02:42 AM
HeeHee ... no wonder you chose BALANCE as your word ... who would say no to chocolate for breakfast, lunch AND dinner!!LOL
Sounds like a good plan ... wishing you well.
The storm sounds amazing ... my daughter is a storm freak too; although I have to admit I love a good lightening display also...
love the fishing story too.
Posted by: topkatnz | January 18, 2009 at 11:54 AM
hi my friend! i think balance is a great choice in words!!! balance is key!! my hubby loves storms too. if he had his choice, he'd be a storm chaser for a living! and that photo of jacob....to die for!!! can you hear me cheering all the way from here???? xoxoxoxo
shauna
Posted by: shauna immel | January 20, 2009 at 01:25 PM
Sounds like a great holiday
Awesome photo
We have been having some good storms here as well which is unusual for us
Balance - great word and a real challenge - go you - loving the chocolate idea
Looking forward to seeing your CHA work
Posted by: Bronwyn | January 21, 2009 at 11:12 AM
I have to say Nic, that I love your writing, it always makes me smile and be happy! What did you end up deciding on Project 365? Becky Higgins has a FREE download on her blog for those people who missed out on purchasing a kit for the time being. I printed some out at the photo lab on Matte paper and the journalling cards look great, can't wait to use them. Take Care. Olivia
Posted by: Olivia Pedlow | January 21, 2009 at 06:33 PM