Day 182

From 30k walks to Kayaking to creating a shop for my art work, the last week has been incredibly productive.

Yesterdays Kayak was beautiful; sun shining, few smaller waves to get used to being in a kayak again, shoulder/arm ache and an amazing view of the lake and the mountains that surround it. The water is so clear you can see to the bottom for ages, keeping in hope there isn't anything hidden deep below... The guys who run Wanaka Kayaks are just awesome though, this time it was just the guy - Chris - and his baby son. While Chris is running around sorting out all the people and their needs, the baby just chills in the corner, only making a noise when his bottle slips, while the wife/girlfriend/business partner (I've never asked which) is on an airplane ride over Wanaka. These guys know how to parent for sure! Each having their freedom, each taking on their responsibilities, and keeping a successful business going in the process!

Today was much more relaxed.

Again absolutely beautiful, after an arctic morning barely a breeze could be felt the rest of the day.

And I spent most of it indoors.... But! I was being productive and getting myself excited. I researched some of the best ways to get my photos printed onto fabric to start selling them as scarves and maybe other clothing and looking into craft/summer/village fairs around my home town, looking forwards to ways of making money from the work I produce, to make it worth all the money/time/effort I've put into this photography malarkey. Hopefully something I can manage from anywhere in the world too.

Check it out at : https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/FoamSeaDesign

Not only do I feel i've made steps forward on the business front, I've also made steps forward in believing in myself today. Let me explain...

A few years ago, I met a guy who was cool, we chilled a little bit and I got the opportunity to know his family. Now I don't know him, but every now and then a relative of his will pop up wishing me luck on my new adventures which is so lovely of them. Today, one of these wonderful people popped up to tell me the youngest sibling in the family mentioned I inspire them to make the most of life and have been a positive influence to them. Not only that, but a secondary school teacher, someone who was a massive part of my angsty and difficult teenage years, mentioned they truly love my work... I am feeling so inspired by this positivity!! Thank you to those who made my day, I really do appreciate it.

I've felt so happy and lucky to be alive today, enjoying the little things, making the most of everything that comes my way.

I also went for a coffee/cider with someone who is so down to earth and insightful, sitting in the sunshine, talking about life in New Zealand and life before New Zealand and love and laughter and how ridiculous it is to be connected to the world 24/7 with smart phones but also how handy it can be...

It's been a wonderful day all round.

As the sun sets behind Mt Roy and Wanaka is plunged into shadows for another evening, I am happy, thankful and grateful once again.