Authenticity

I've been reading a bit about authenticity lately, it seems to crop up in places I'm exploring. Today it cropped up in Donna's blog. Her very first entry into this blogging world. I loved that she wrote about a teacher impacting on her life. On her authenticity. On realising her talent. Teaching is my business and has been for some time now. Teaching does make an impact, either way.

Donna is a teacher. An artist and writer. Multi talented. That comes with the teaching territory. As well as dedication, perseverance, resilience, relationships, communication. Dispositions that come with the territory and touch the lives of our children and grandchildren. Noah has just started school, taking it all in his stride as he does. Being secure in who he is and confident of his place in the world.

I spent the weekend with Sue up at Sandspit, a place with the very best of Aotearoa on offer. We've know each other for many years, had many adventures and these were discussed over the finest of wine. Our trip to Jordan, out to her middle desert home, around the UAE and Oman. Sue is the most authentic of people, so very comfortable in her own skin. Excellent company with common sense opinions. We talked much about our current spaces not being as good as they could be. Not being places that value and acknowledge authenticity.

Ideas on making improvements ebbing and flowing as we wandered the beaches, the markets and around the Brick Bay Vineyard. What a treat that was. The sculpture park an unexpected delight, so exceeding expectation. The groves of kauri and the man made offerings placed carefully for maximum impact. That's a whole entry on it's own so for now here are a couple of my favourites.

The Choice - Paul Dibble

Dingy - Jeff Thomson

On peaceful lily pond