Orana

In a bid to ensure we make the most of our Saturdays together, we paid a visit to Orana Wildlife Park last Saturday. Located near Christchurch airport, I can't believe its taken us so long to make a trip there but it was a good wintery thing to do. We paid an extra $30 to take part in the 'Lion Encounter'. Basically, once a day, Orana takes a group of 20 people into the lion enclosure to take part in the feeding. Luckily, they are kind enough to provide a cage for the passengers and big chunks of meat to keep the lions happy. We were more than close enough for my liking, with lions on either side and above us.

 Having been dribbled on lots and roared at quite a few times, we spent 10 minutes having a sit down on a bench after the encounter. Even when safely behind bars, you tend to forget to breathe when put in such close proximity to these beautiful creatures!

To see all our pics from the day, have a looksie here.

The Hidden Bear

I have been absent for some time, hiding in the wilderness probably, as my elusive bear-nature dictates. We have moved house in the last month and lost connection to the virtual world for some time. But never fear, I have returned.

Since finding our own little apartment and sense of seclusion and relative tranquility here in the city centre, a lot has changed. I feel some of the dreams we had and the visions for the life we would create for ourselves down under are finally being realised. I have been throwing as much of our collective identity into the apartment as possible. Maybe in an attempt to feel rooted and 'at home' in this slightly alien environment.

My favourite room in the flat is definitely the kitchen. It is tiny, full of character and warmth and smells like ginger biscuits. Sometimes, I go in there, close the door behind me and just feel comforted by its sense of enclosure and quiet. Strange for someone who is usually so claustrophobic, I know!

I've had a day of ups and downs. I had a lovely lunch date with a friend and a good catch up, followed by some heavy disappointment due to the cancellation of a course I was due to enrol upon and the struggle to find another suitable to my needs. I'm wanting to learn how to draft patterns so I can bring my designs to life and construct garments from my imagination. As an international student, this is proving quite tricky as the financial implications of not being a citizen/resident of NZ means pretty much tripling the course fees.

 Here's a finished piece that I've been working on at my Tuesday morning sewing class (constructed using a bought pattern but I've adapted it slightly to make it longer at the back ect).

After a brisk walk around the park to soothe my frustration, I came home and drank a pot of tea on our balcony whilst musing over my dilemma. I didn't come up with any grand solutions during that time, but instead spent my time noticing the myriad silhouettes of tiny workmen on the roofs of the city's soon to be demolished high rises. It's quite bizarre seeing the sky-line dotted with little men everywhere! I think sitting on the balcony in winter will become a little habit of mine.

Haru Garden Shirt

 It was my big brother's 30th birthday on Saturday and since I have started to learn to construct garments at my Tuesday morning sewing class, I thought it would be good to show what I've learnt and make him something. I picked some fabric from work by my favourite designer Alexander Henry, with an asian inspired cherry blossom repeat motif and set to work. It took me about 3 days to make and I thought it wouldn't get there in time as I only posted it on Tuesday. But it must have miraculously got a flight that same night as it arrived on Friday; perfect timing! And I'm told it fits perfectly. So relieved.

I love making presents as you can really create something personal and unique to that person. And, of course, the time and effort you put into making that one-of-a-kind gift is testament to your love and regard of the gift receiver.

Happy Birthday Bro! Love you lots.

Snowy in the Crescent

Last Wednesday, I awoke to snow and the sounds of my flatmates having a snowball fight. It's always strange to go to bed one night when all is perfectly calm and clear and wake up the next morning to find everything covered in a frosty white blanket. But having never experienced snow in another country, it was an even stranger feeling. 

And weirder still, by Friday, we were back to blue skies and sunshine and the snow was left dripping from the tree and roof tops.

Much preferable to the weeks of snow and skidding everywhere you go back home I think!

Cosy Bear

Mr Bear took shelter under the quilt I've been working on after he arrived home the other night. It's getting pretty cold out on a night now so we are looking forward to its completion soon! It's made from second-hand jumpers I've been collecting and, so far, coming along pretty nicely.

Hello my Lovely new rings!

I am very much looking forward to receiving a couple of treats I purchased for myself on Thursday! Hello Lovely hosted a 24-hour sale on their Facebook page last week in celebration of their 500th liker. I was meeting some friends that night and only managed to check back the next morning when, luckily, the rings I'd wanted were still there. Hoorah! I will be eagerly awaiting their arrival by the letter box this week, along with a couple of fabric design books I bought online weeks ago....any day now.

Thrifting Once More

I set off to the Great Op Shop again after work the other day, hoping to find the odd necklace or bracelet that I could deconstruct and reinvent. But, as usual, whenever I go to a thrift shop with an objective in mind, I am always led astray by things that have other plans for me (I say they have plans for me as I don't really feel in control of where inspiration takes me most of the time!)

On this particular occasion, I came away with a $10 set of bright yellow Salter scales, several handy offcuts, a bag full of zips, a dress pattern that only contains the pieces for belt and collar and a cute/scary tea towel that I have no idea what to do with. And no jewellery parts. Well done me.