It is now mid jan. I’ve been back in Australia for 1week. As my holiday back to NZ begins the journey into fuzzy half-rememberance I want to halt the process for a moment and pull out those little moments that are still shining bright.
My brother’s face as his bride came down the isle; the biggest smile he’s capable of mixed with laughter and love and probably a million other things.
The water sparkling in the evening sunshine as I attempted backstroke in the cool dark water of Whenuanui Bay.
Seeing old friends and the sense of freedom to be completely myself.
The early morning peace of water lapping, the sun-on-water reflections on the ochres of the point of Whenuanui Bay.
Squeezing a woman’s hand on her wedding day, feeling the shock and beauty of a shared history and the emotion of what is to come.
Early morning phone calls from my mum just to chat about what the new day held for each of us.
Walking up to an eagle-ray in the water and seeing it turn to look at me – was it judging me as a threat or enjoying seeing me up close?
Having an indoor picnic with a little friend and his gorgeous mum.
Slowly stepping through the Big House, camera in hand, feeling the pull and persuasion of an object, light, composition… memories fusing with the present…
Being with my mum, dad and brother on Christmas eve… looking for ferns and cuttings for our ‘christmas tree’… gold pine cones… talk of boats… pancakes in the morning.
The jaw-dropping beautiful greys and blues and whites of the wind whipped clouds over the Wither Hills as the sun was setting, making me pull the car over to take photographs.
Sitting down for a delicious-looking meal of takeaway Chinese on a little round table in the dappled evening light with my Aunty, just her and me, excited about our shared little luxury.
The quiet request for a little note in her new notebook, two more requests soon to follow, all capped off by some lovely cuddles to say goodbye. Three new little friends close to my heart.
Blessed.
My Journey : My Joy 