Friend in the class took photos of us all in black and white. I quite liked this one, so it'll be on my website. Watch out for www.inklings.co.nz which WILL happen one day soon. At the moment working on the class website, and being 'Webmaster' (read 'whipmaster') I am pretty pleased that I was able to upload SOMETHING to start with. See www.designershome.co.nz and keep an eye on the space. That's where all the class projects and profiles will happen soon.
We don't get these little blighters over here which is why it's so cute to see one again. Someone sent Dad an email about this little fella and how he was found at the base of a tree, and this lady hand reared him, and her dog took him under her wing. So sweet. I think I even forgive the squirrel (Madam Nutkin) who once bit me on the finger and caused me to have to have a rabies shot.
See, settling in to the pack just like the other puppies.
Aw. . .I want one!
And the day started at Mum's (Dad is in hospital of course) with a brunch consisting of corn fritters, donuts and cake, and celebrating Helen's birthday. That's her and her crowd of onlookers enjoying her new fake mink blankie and card. It was just the start of her 'treat me like a princess' day.
This is the princess blowing out the candle on her cake - be glad you don't get a closer view. Coffee sponge it was. And an old candle my mother unearthed.
Slightly out of order, this is the roast chicken dinner waiting for Magda and I at home, when we finally got there. Steve cooked it!! AND provided the wine. Lovely lad that.
This is where I spend my days - alone in this case - at the computer lab in the University. I have been asked to be webmaster for the class, so more long hours spent in here are ahead. Oh joy. That's a day in the life of Jenny 'Inklings' Jeffries. Hope it was worth it to you.
I just have to say I feel like I'm living, breathing, eating my dissertation and web design these days. Only a few more weeks to go and it's ALL GO. I am thrilled that both Steadman and Leunig (Australia) agreed to let me use their 'wild line' illustrations in my dissertation. Here's a favourite from Michael Leunig. You got to love him. He signed the book too, when he was out here a few years ago.
Here's the present state of my dissertation. In case you don't know, it's on the WILD LINE in contemporary New Zealand illustration. I've interviewed eight artists and pieced it all together and now I'm designing the book and facing getting it bound and printed. Has to be done in a week.
And THIS is the state of the side of my bedroom, filled with papers and bits and pieces which all mean something, but I'm not quite sure what at the moment. I scored my first A for the latest assignment on magazine, done in Quark, so feeling pretty pleased with myself. If you don't see another blog for a while, I hope this one explains why.
How I like these early crisp mornings, on a Sunday, when you can just come out at leisure and make your coffee and sit and view the sun rising through the network of branches on the front lawn.
This is my studio, next to the kitchen, in which I struggle through a variety of tasks. I'm heading in to AUT where the better computer is today though, AFTER a bit of a leisurely Sunday start.
This is the alternative view in the morning, and I did sit here, with coffee and crumpets and enjoy the neighbours back yard and the slightly frosty feel to things. Ah, well, I'd best get to planting those black Irises for Spring and readying myself for some work in at the Uni.
Oh, gulp, is that really me in my pyjamas, sitting hunched in front of my laptop, viewing the Harry Potter website with zeal and relish. Oops. All my work spread out on the bed behind me, and silly escapist thoughts filling my head. I blame all my work on Flash for web design today.
See, I've moved on and am now in gmail checking for a message from YOU! I'd best to bed I think. Good night
Onwards and upwards. I'll give you updates on the toadstool progress (see previous blog). And hopefully by the time the toadstool is dying off, so will my cold.
Wow, we just had the most amazing meeting! The visitors exceeded the normal number in the church here. Lovely group of people - about 6 adults, 5 children, 2 late teens, all Maori bar 2, came and fellowshipped with us this afternoon. They sang us a few songs in Maori, on the theme we had been talking about 'THE RIVER'!!! And the well. This photo is of Ra talking to his children.
We three sisters having to sit against the window because we were all stuffed up with colds, but that didn't stop US from talking, oh no.
Soaking it all up
This is Ra, and Mark, and Jan, and one of Ra's sisters, after the meeting when we shared where we'd all been coming from. They've been reading some of Gene's books and its shaken them up. We're just thrilled that some MAORI have taken an interest, and we all enjoyed today, sharing Christ together. It was just glorious.
This is Granny, who has had 14 children, and was so sweet, sitting next to brother Steve. And Wayne, just beyond him, who has been in prison etc, but now just wants so much of the Lord.
Okay, these photos are all in the wrong order. But - here is the day so far. It's late afternoon, I'm swamped in a sugar buzz so high that I even resorted to taking my own photo - Helen couldn't hold the camera still enough. That's her in the next shot. Those eggs no longer exist.
Just for a change from the old blog, here's my magazine cover for a recent assignment. I called my magazine WEST, after the district in Auckland I live, and my articles are all about wine, the train trip, orchards, the Lopdell House art gallery, and coffee. Hence the silver tray and articles on it.
Well, here is Napoleon and the Chicken Farmer, a great book illustrated by Graeme Gash, who I interviewed a week ago. See below. Nice man.
Since then, I have been down to Katikati and interviewed Trevor Pye, who is also a great illustrator, keen to have an exhibition in Wellington soon. So I now have three interviews transcribed, about 12 pages of typing each!! AND lucky me, some other artists in other parts of the country sending me their responses by email. I should be an expert on Illustration in NZ in a month or so. Watch this space.
I know, his eyes are still half open, but he's HERE in person, and that's his delightful daughter beside him, thrilled to have him here for a while. We all are.
Aren't they cute?!! Oh to be 18 again. That's Magda on the left and Jemma on the right, two cousins who live across the street from each other now, about to head into Auckland University and organise their ID cards and check out the bus route etc. I am SO enjoying the lingo, the style, the sheer sweetness of these two charmers. They are darlings, but I'm biased!!
Okay, I admit it - I LOVE Valentine's Day. Not because I am used to getting a lot of Valentines, but hey, ANY day that we are reminded to let people know that we love them has got to be good. It's a shame it is only one day a year. . . but then, occasionally I remember to tell folks they are right here in my heart, and I'm going to do it TODAY! YOU know who you are!! So there. . .have a Valentine from me. LOVE JEN
Oh my, I'm going to have to refer back to this blog page myself in the next few months to remind myself that I was actually HERE. This is at Peter's place in Te Awamutu, where I spent a wonderful three days, just lounging around, swimming, walking, sipping, and reading. Sigh. The calm before the storm! HOW I LOVE THE COUNTRY!! I really didn't want to come back and face my life again, but I'm here.
This was the evening view from the house. With Mt Pirongia in the distance. The colours are not as intense as they were in real life. Ah me.
This was my favourite spot for the weekend. AFTER a number of swims in the pool, I would end up here with a drink and a book. Envy me? I do. It was wonderful.
AND here I will be in two weeks. At no. 58 Yeovil Rd, Te Atatu. Don't miss the seal on the porch. My room is the one with curtains, and the huge lounge is the one on the right without. Looking forward to finally being here, but hey, I'd better start packing!
