Saturday, December 15, 2012

Kia Ora from New Zealand

I arrived in New Zealand on December 6th and as of the 14th, I have a house under contract.  There are a lot of hoops to jump through before it is officially mine but I have my fingers crossed that all will go according to plan. I'll be in the Bay of Islands in Northland,  about three hours north of Auckland.  Also known as The Winterless North, I am so very happy to be here.  As I write this, it is snowing at my old house in Northern Arizona.  I don't miss it.

Though New Zealand will be my primary residence, I will return to the U.S. twice a year. I'll also continue to do The Waterfowl Festival (November - Easton, Maryland) and Art for the Sangres (late September in Westcliffe, Colorado).

In a few years, I'd like to teach small workshops at my home and studio in the Bay of Islands, both to American students and New Zealanders.  The workshops will be limited to just a few students - and I may also offer room and board!  Ahhh - then you'll discover that I'm not the greatest cook.  But perhaps I can have meals catered! But for now, it is all on hold as I take time to rediscover my native country, dip my toes in the ocean, and feel very grateful for the opportunity to come home again.