New Zealand

Almost exactly at this time last year (10am 9th November New Zealand time) Pinky and I landed in Christchurch, our first time on New Zealand soil. We were told it was a balmy 12 degrees, but when we stepped out of the airport we found it to be very hot and sunny.

It doesn't seem like a year ago today, it seems more like a lifetime ago. I am a different person from the one who went to New Zealand. I would like to say a better person, but the opposite is true. The only growing I've done in the year is in girth.

Writing and other stuff

I woke up early and finished a short story I started before I went away. It was great, I got about 2000 words written before breakfast. I wish everyday started as well. I was worried that the word count would exceed the submission guidelines of my chosen market, but I just came in with a couple of dozen to spare. It is a miracle. I will leave it for a few days, read over it and submit it. Choice.

I re-read some of my blogs from New Zealand today and found them surprisingly well written. I can't believe that a month ago today I was experiencing wind chill in the Antarctic centre and being chased by ducks in Willowbank, let alone catching my first glimpse of Kaikoura and the south pacific. That song by Dido keeps running through my head - 'two weeks away feels like the whole world should have changed'.

Lots of writing competitions coming up this month and next month. I think I'll give some of them a go. I'll keep you updated.

I'm back...

in Ireland, and it feels like I've never been away. My adventures in New Zealand are like a wonderful, beautiful dream. I can't believe that robins danced at my feet, dolphins swarmed around me and I tickled a tiger behind the ears. I also can't believe how cold it is in Blackrock. Is winter always like this? I haven't been warm since I got off the plane in Heathrow. Getting used to driving has been weird as well. I still think the indicators are on the right side of the wheel, and my car feels so heavy after Yari. Blackrock is like a metropolis after the South Island. People on the street sound like they are putting on heavy brogues. Still, it is good to be home again, to see my family and friends. Janna and the cats haven't forgotten me. I got a great welcome from Janna, Fudge practically mugged me and Blueberry has been equally affectionate. It has been good to get back to writing as well. I've missed my trusty laptop. It is a pity I didn't bring it to NZ with me, there was Internet access in all the motels we stayed in. I've been reading some of the stuff I started before I went away. It is good, but I can't remember where it was heading, will have to look up my notes. I can't believe Christmas is almost upon us. I am still confused why it isn't summer. What a year 2007 has been for me. 2008 will have to work hard to top it.

Au Revoir

Dear readers - I am going away.

Leaving the country, that is, for the next month to swan around New Zealand, have lots of fun and hopefully bag a rich sheep farmer for the Monster. Unless you have crawled out from under a rock in the last few days (or you don't know me and have never read this blog before), you will know how long the Monster and I have been planning and looking forward to this trip. Even though I am leaving tomorrow, I still can't quite believe it.

The bad news is, I probably won't be blogging here while I am away. I have my November Adventure blog, about writing a novel in a month - while travelling! and the Monster and I will have a blog as well, so you will have to be content with those blogs until I get back. I hope you will visit and read them, enjoy them and even get the odd chuckle out of them.

Until then, thank you to everyone who reads this blog (or any of my blogs) and comments. I'm sorry I haven't been able to acknowledge your comments recently, but I have been really busy writing (for a change!) over the last few weeks and it cut down on my on line time. Imagine!

Until December, lots of love

Inky

Count down to New Zealand