Kia Ora Kai Ora

Today is the first time since the 16th February 2015 that I've logged into my blog with a view to post something.  Upon reflection, time has flown by, but I wanted to share a great experience I had working alongside one of my favourite NZ chefs/cook - Anne Thorpe.

I blogged about Anne in January in TOFFEE FRUIT SALAD.  Within a week of posting that blog I was presented with an opportunity to work with Anne on a very special project.  A fundraiser for Te Whakaruruhau - Maori Womens Refuge.  I couldn't believe it! 

I have worked with Te Whakaruruhau for a couple of years now.  They provide such a wonderful and beneficial service to the community by providing guidance and help on domestic violence and abusive environments for maori women, families and children so couldn't turn a blind eye by not getting involved.

Te Whakaruruhau had asked Anne to showcase her talents at the fundraiser and she accepted.    The fundraiser was a huge success and working with Anne and her team was such an honour.  We have kept in contact ever since the event and I hope that we have another opportunity to work with each other in the near future.

My dear cousin and collegue Mereaina Herangi, Anne Thorpe and myself

In regard to Te Whakaruruhau?  Whether society wants to acknowledge it or not, I believe everyone knows someone who has been placed is an abusive situation therefore it's a topic that can not be dismissed.   If you know someone that needs help, and you don't quite know how to go about it, then simply contact Te Whakaruruahu.  You could save their life.  

Happy living people!

Happy Mothers Day!!

What a wonderful day spent with my beautiful family on mothers day.  My daughters cooked me a lovely light breakfast, followed by a trip to collect my fabulous mum to have coffee and cake before a little quick shopping then off to Mavis & Co for a high tea with my sisters and nieces that afternoon.

Over the years I have enjoyed spending this day with my family, but this year was particularly important as my beautiful grandmother has fallen ill and needs 24/7 care now.  She is 85 years old and lives with my mum full time and for all the females to spend the day together, creating memories and being grateful for each other was something we all looked forward too. 

Nan is the matriarch of our family and her illness has made me realise just how mortal we are on this earth and how important it is to hold on to ones independance for as long as you are able.  This has always been something extremely important to nan, and she has fought for this all her life.  It's sad how age and illness begins to define you to a point where your independence becomes more and more restricted.

My father constantly reminds me that there are two most important things in life for everyone.  The first is your health.  If you look after your health then the world is your oyster.  When you are young and invincible you have an opinion that there's plenty of time to sort that all out, but now I am older, I see the relevance in my fathers theory.

The second most important thing is your family.  Friends and even partners may come and go, but your family will always be there to support you no matter what.  This could not be more true in today's instance with my beautiful nan.  Although her health is deteriorating, her family are constantly there supporting her through this time in her life.

My nan overlooking the Ponderosa nearl 18 months ago.

Unfortunately, nan recieved an invitation to visit Taranaki to spend the weekend with her son and his family. Well, unfortunate for me as she wasn't able to enjoy the day planned .. (which I wasn't too happy about), but extremely fortunate for my uncle and his family as they got to spend quality time with other members of her family. Something Nan isn't able to do as often as she would like. I know I must learn to share her, although in these days, I'm finding it a little difficult to do so.

High tea on Mothers Day

The high tea was absolutely wonderful, the food was amazing but the company was exquiste.

Have a wonderful day people!!

 

Reflection On Life

I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend with Auckland Anniversary.  I know I did, although like most holidays, they seem to go way too fast!!

This year we travelled north to visit family and friends and catch up on lost time.  This trip was so rewarding as we got to meet the latest addition to the family - at only 7 days old as well as the oldest in the family - at 90 years of age.

To me this trip was a reflection on life itself.  To hold a 7 day old baby knowing the opportunities ahead of them and pondering on what journey they will take in life - to enjoying sitting with your husbands 90 year old grandmother discussing the journey she has already taken, seeing her weep with joy as she holds her great great grandson and yet pondering how it must be to grow old.

I've often wondered this with my own grandmother (who is now 84 years old) and discussed with her over the past couple of years.  She is the last of her generation in her family, and the only grandparent I have left and I love her so dearly, but seeing her grow more and more frustrated with age saddens me.  She is definitely young at heart, but what the mind wants to do, the body doesn't agree.

Although growing old is a fact of life, I can't help but wonder how lonely it must be to have your love ones - husband, brothers, sisters, parents, friends, all those who you've grown with now passed on, leaving you to find a new life, new friends, new challenges to keep you going.  My nan says she is a very rich woman to have so much love in her family which keeps her going and it's fantastic to have such a matriarch like her. 

My grandmother - Elizabeth Paki Haggie (nee Turner) overlooking the Ponderosa

90 year old Lorna Hudson (nee McManus) with Haerenga Grant Ray Tukariri Abraham

I'm a great believer that your children are a reflection of you through their choices and journey in life.  I hope that if I am to reach the age of 84 or 90 years, I am able to reflect on my life with a feeling of success and happiness.

Have a great night people!!