It rained for the first time in what seems like weeks yesterday, and again today. So what? You might well ask.
New Zealand lamb and dairy products, New Zealand wines, all world-class, all contributing to this small corner of the world’s wealth . . . we began building this country and made a name with primary produce, farmers are known as ‘the backbone of the country’ and we have a clean, green image, although in reality we’re probably no greener than many other places. Perhaps we’re a little greener though in that our native forests are predominantly evergreen.
But I digress. The entire North Island and much of the South is experiencing a drought, a severe drought that has everyone saving water. There are often water restrictions through the summer however in Wellington the situation is such that there is a ban on all outdoor water use . . . no watering your garden, washing your car or windows, filling the kids paddling pool. So the rain is very welcome even though it isn’t nearly enough. This satellite picture, courtesy of NASA shows how parched the land is.
Satellite images from March 2012 (L) and March 2013 (R) show significant browning across the North Island. Photo / NASA
Our lives can have their own droughts too. It may be time, affection, money, but all, hopefully, temporary situations that will be relieved eventually – harsh circumstances are easier to accept when there is an end in sight.
Sometimes I feel as if I don’t have the time to do what I’d like to do and my weekends could be regarded as ‘drought relief’ as I relax with my family, catch up with friends, or work on some creative project. Recently I have been making some pencil cases out of hand painted canvas.
I borrowed Canvas Remix by Alisa Burke from the library and started to play . . . with a little help. I used canvas fabric, acrylic paints, an old credit card and stencils – there’s still some more to sew up. I even made a label for my laptop bag.
Each piece will make 2 pencil cases. I did 2, and the others were done by my granddaughters aged 8 and 4 . . . I defy you to guess who did which ones!
Drought broken!
late start studio 