Happy New Year

I've just realized that I haven't blogged since November, which is ridiculous so I'm dropping in to wish you all a fulfilling year. We have had a great summer here in New Zealand so far and Christmas day in particular was splendid. The family (17 of us) had Xmas lunch at a long table under the trees in my sister's garden. It was delightful.

I am changing jobs at the end of the month and couldn't be happier about it. Time for a change.

I have watched quite a few movies over the Christmas break and Avatar stands out for being different and for surprising me that I actually like it. It's a classic story with a cliched feel but I didn't care about that because it was a visual feast.

I have started a new Young Adult manuscript and that will keep me out of trouble for a few months.

May this decade bring innovation, excitement, success and peace to all of you.

My Sister's Keeper

Last Saturday I went to see My Sister's Keeper. I was nervous about it because I had read the book and loved it. It is usually a mistake to read the book first because a movie can seldom do justice to the intricacies and nuances of the written word. However, I was pleasantly surprised this time. Much of the powerful emotion was conveyed by the actors who did an excellent job. I had really only thought of Cameron Diaz as a lightweight comedic actor until now but she proved me wrong in this movie.
There is, however, one major difference between the book and the movie and that is the end. They are not just a little different but completely, radically different. The movie ending is all Hollywood, nice and simple, but Jodi Picoult puts a great, unexpected twist to the book which creates a very poignant circle back to the beginning and gives the whole story a tragic completeness . This point is lost in the movie. I will say no more so as not to spoil the movie for those who haven't seen it and, if you haven't read the book, the ending will be fine. All in all, I'd say a job well done but take your tissues.

Cute Little House

I picked up this tiny, wee, cute house while scouting around the internet. It is unidentified but must belong to some person with simple needs.

Unusual Architecture

I love this idea of having 360 degree garden access. Not sure about the lack of curtains but it depends on the location and privacy aspect. This was designed by Tezuka Architects.

Unusual Interior

This a rendering of a communal space in 1 Hotel Washington DC designed by these architects. Talk about bringing the outside in. Lots of watering to do but what a serene environment in which to relax.

Ocean Dome

I am fascinated by this manmade beach on Kyushu Island, Japan. It's actually not far from the Pacific Ocean but obviously everyone prefers a crowded inside beach. This is the world’s largest indoor water park with a retractable roof. The air temperature is always kept around 30º C and the water temperature is kept at around 28º C. How 's that for improving on Nature?

Houseboat Design

This undulating houseboat design byRobert Oshatz evokes the dynamic movement of the river water on which it floats.