A few weeks back I was introduced to the poetry of Vincent Edward Manda. I’ve really enjoyed conversing with him and reading his poems, and was particularly inspired by his work The Painter of the World.
This post is in appreciation of his verse, and the question posed within. It goes along the lines of, if the world were a painting, doesn’t the art say something of the Master Painter, too?
I’m not much of an artist, but I know enough to know that ‘perfection’ is a blend of darks and lights…
Others also ponder on this theme. Whether it is the thoughtful philosophy of Global Unison, or the gorgeous travel log In Search of Perfect – there seems to be consensus that perfection and imperfection are closely intertwined.
So, inspired by these three, I thought it was time to take you to another holiday destination, this time New Zealand’s south island.
I was very lucky to visit before the recent earthquakes. It was my first and (so far) only overseas trip. I really did believe the ads that promised ‘100% Pure’….
The oil painting that is the Akaroa habour
Fiery remnants of a newly formed earth (Barry’s Bay near Akaroa)
Christchurch to Greymouth by Overlander rail
Beautifully manicured Lavendyl Lavendar Farm near Kaikoura
Chilled out seal colonies (Kaikoura)
Marine sanctuaries for the planet’s rarest dolphin (Akaroa)
Lyttelton historic town and habour
New Zealand is such a land of contrast; of exquisite highs and devastating lows. It hardly seems fair that since this trip, Lyttelton found itself the epicentre of the 2011 earthquake, while Akaroa was all but left untouched.
Here in Melbourne, this is worth a pause. We recently felt the tremors of a 5.3 magnitude quake. Except for a few Twitter updates, most of us barely noticed…
I love the line from Sonny, in the movie, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel:
“Everything will be all right in the end. So if it’s not all right, then it is not yet the end.”
So, too, with Lyttelton. In the wake of the trauma, the historic town boasts a renewed sense of community, focused on creating a sustainable future.
I don’t know about you, but I’m glad there’s still room on the Master Painter’s canvas…
Alarna Rose Gray 
The lavender farm is my favorite photo on this post. I actually gasped when I scrolled to it. What color!
Yes, New Zealand is a bit like that in general, but the Lavendar Farm was the cream for me! Not to mention, the lovely host there made us fresh home-made bread everyday, and gorgeous muffins on arrival. It was a real treat 🙂
cool, really liked this especially the beautifully manicured picture. that would be another avenue of thought to consider, we are the preservers of the painting and it’s up to us how long it lasts…great work.
Wow, yes, that’s taking the thought even further. I love how you’ve articulated that, and the fact that poetry opens up those layers of meaning 🙂
I love looking at photography Alarna–I find it peaceful and inspiring, You’ve got some great ones here!
Yes, I love when the feeling of a place comes through the camera. It only ever ‘works’ when I’m fully relaxed, as I was in NZ, so I’m glad you get that from it 🙂
I wanna explore New Zealand! It looks magical & serene. I wanna explore Australia, too, of course. 🙂 Thanks or sharing your beautiful pictures.
Pleasure, Liz – and likewise. You’ve definitely inspired me to visit Sweden oneday 🙂 Every place has its own magic. In the case of us downunder, particularly NZ, serenity is THE thing to come for (IMO) 🙂
Excellent photography Alarna! 🙂 🙂
Hey, thanks Rahul! 🙂
Oh you’ve made me desperate to visit NZ now – it looks and sounds utterly beautiful. Think it might be a while before I can take my two year olds on a 24 hour flight though!
Ow, 24 hour flight with two year olds! Doesn’t sound good 🙂 It was so beautiful that I even had a little scenic fatigue in the end 😉 But, hey, hope you make it oneday. Just as I hope to make it to Europe…oneday…
Wow, NZ is gorgeous. Beautiful photos, Alarna. Makes me want to visit NZ. It’s such a shame the earthquakes have caused so much damage and rattled so many nerves. I guess the after shocks can wreak havoc on a person’s psyche. 😦
Yes, NZ is really suffering from all those quakes. I was quite shocked to read about Kaikoura – it was a quaint little town with a lovely sense of history about it. Quite a few from Christchurch area have moved here since the quakes, but they must miss it terribly.
Such a great post, and thanks for the mention! 🙂 I loved your lavender farm and a dolphin photos; the whole impression after reading your post is of softness and tranquility. Thank you for sharing! 🙂
A pleasure, Yulia! Thank you 🙂 I’m always in search of softness and tranquility, so thrilled to hear this gives a sense of it 🙂
Awesome pictures! And I just wanted to let you know that I nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. Congratulations!! 🙂 http://hurdlestohappiness.wordpress.com/2012/07/26/the-very-inspiring-blogger-award-2/
Thanks so much, that’s very sweet of you! 🙂
Reblogged this on Bryan Mania Page.
Thanks so much for the reblog! 🙂