#spotted

#Spotted at the Ngatimoti Festival in Aotearoa New Zealand Two women (50s &60s?) are lounging on Adirondack chairs overlooking the festival. Plates piled high with bake sale treats. A jar of garden-picked flowers on their gingham-draped table. Big rolling hills and mountains in the distance. A small human (3?) is gesturing with a dictatorial pointing stick as he directs a large number of other small humans as they dig in a sand pit. Dictatorial Small Human cares not for this digging business. He cares for project management and is MOST INSISTENT that they all follow his orders! A small human (4?) wearing fluffy cat ears, is horsey galloping to the food trucks then to look at some grazing ponies, then to look at some vintage cars, THEN to a sandpit. Small Human Cat Pony has much galloping to do and she's going to do it EVERYWHERE. Neighing and meowing as she goes! A man (40s?) is inspecting a fundraising stall selling multiple types of tomato plants. With a thoughtful expression, he says: "I reckon we should get these ones, love." His partner asks: "Yeah? Why'd ya like those ones?" "Cos they're lookin' at me funny." She laughs. A tiny human (2?) wearing a monster truck T-shirt, shorts and bare feet is looking with great skepticism at a group of of bagpipe players. Hands on hips. Tryin' to work this big noise out. (Continued below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: A man wearing a full wetsuit, a bum bag*, a life vest and trainers, carrying a big bunch of parsley with a six pack of beer under his arm, is cheerfully striding down a sunny street. Chatting animatedly to a bubbly friend wearing a death metal T-shirt, an orange skirt and pink Crocs. A woman (80s?) is sitting on some steps in front of a veterinarian's. Hugging and softly singing to an elderly brindle staffy. This is love. Two young humans (7 & 8?) are strutting down a shady street with two GIANT plastic swords slung over their shoulders. Checking here and there for bad guys to defend the universe from. Settling on smiting a light pole instead. (Light pole looks suitably repentant.) A woman (50s?) cycles up to a farm gate on a country walking track only for a big burly man jogging from the other direction (40s?) to open it for her. Offering a charming bow when she thanks him. She cycles off grinning. A VERY enthusiastic small terrier (Jack Russell cross Energiser Bunny?) RACES AWAY from his human and into a field. Then BACK TO HIS HUMAN. Then away. THEN BACK. Then away. He can go forever! Any typos spotted in this post are proud to announce that their second Tiny Moments book: More Tiny Moments of Joy: Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand is available for pre-order today. If typos spotted, they'll be drinking a celebratory glass of wine out of their favourite writing mug. (Continued Below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: In an art gallery, a school group (8?) is engaged in gloriously controlled mayhem. Exploring the artwork while: laying on their backs, while doing handstands, while wrestling with each other... Teacher chill and answering ALL the questions. A tiny human (2?) wearing a bright orange bike helmet, a dinosaur T-shirt and riding a tricycle is zooming SO FAST through a park. Roaring with epic aplomb at the ducks who do not seem to be bothered by these raucous shenanigans. Two women (20s & 80s?) are sharing a pot of tea while engaged in a bubbly conversation. Stopping to hold hands for a brief solemn moment before bursting into giggles and ordering more cake. A woman (70s?) wearing zebra print, leopard print and a tiara is holding court as she drinks coffee with friends. Declaring: "It's SO weird to be surrounded by old people only to realize that I'M old too!" Her friend hoots and says: "Speak for yourself! I'm a spring chicken!" A woman (20s?) is walking through a pretty park while holding a Pyrex dish of lasagne. Choosing a picnic table right next to a small lake. Yes. This will do nicely. Tucking into lunch while a gang of snack seeking ducks begins to assemble. Any typos spotted in this post were thoroughly entertained on seeing a school group romping around an art gallery this morning. If typos spotted they'll be enjoying a pot of tea while watching an admirably persistent group of ducks questing for lasagne.

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand A stern woman wearing a floral dress, pearls (80s?) is ordering a pot of tea in a cafe. But what is this?! A laugh? Ah. She's spotted the sprinkle cookies at the counter.* There's always room for a bit of fun. A barefoot man (50s?) wearing a singlet and work shorts is humming a cheerful tune to himself as he fills up a bird feeder. A big flowering magnolia overhead. Birdsong in the air. A tiny human (2?) and Dad are inspecting some diggers with a VERY SERIOUS air. Tiny Human is pointing and asking Dad MANY important engineering questions. Dad answering every one with detail and thoughtfulness. Tiny Human nodding emphatically. Two women (20s?) in gym clothes are walking along a quiet street, passing a bunch of grapes between them. Snacking and chatting. A skip in their step. Sunshine warming their faces. A VERY ENTHUSIASTIC terrier (Jack Russel cross flubber?) is bouncing on the spot next to his human's cafe table. Eyes on a big bowl of hot chips sitting on the table. There are snacks to be had! If only he can bounce high enough! Any typos spotted in this post decided that they had to try a sprinkle cookie when they ducked out to their favourite cafe this morning. If typos spotted, they'll be laughing at an extraordinarily bouncy and optimistic dog doing his very best to get himself a chip. *These were like amaretti with hundreds and thousands on them. (Think hageslag if you're Dutch.) *A singlet is a vest or tank top

#Spotted while roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: A tiny human (1?) in a stripy red and white onesie is huffing, chuffing and puffing like a little steam train as she crawls in a straight line across a cafe floor towards a toy basket. On a MIGHTY MISSION. Mum cruising along behind, keeping pace. A small human (4?) in a Hulk jumper is hugging Mum with a monkey grip. Head on Mum's shoulder. Eyes half closed. Small Hulk might be very strong but he likes hugs too. Mum nuzzling the top of his head and smiling. Four teens are sitting around a cafe table, laughing, joking and happily talking over each other. Demolishing a big bowl of wedges sitting on the table between them. Friendship and potatoes. The perfect combination. A small human (3?) is RUNNING REALLY FAST up to Nana while holding a bedraggled bouquet of hand-picked flowers and leaves and rather interesting sticks. Holding them out with utmost aplomb. Nana accepting them with a wide, proud smile. A woman (40s?) waiting in line at a checkout is saying to a friend: "I woke up this morning and just listened to my husband sleeping for a while and I felt so happy. It's silly and it's just breathing, but I love him and it's nice, you know Any typos spotted in this post are enjoying a cosy afternoon working while it's rainy and misty outside. If typos spotted, they'll be making a big pot of potato and leek soup and will be putting on their extra fluffy socks. It's that kind of vibe.

#Spotted in Country Aotearoa New Zealand. In a boho country town, a barefoot woman, wearing a floaty blue and white dress, is carrying a small brown puppy down the street. Calling out to friend: "First visit to the vet! She was a champ!" Champ Puppy accepts all congratulations pats as her due. Two teens (15?) are sitting cross legged in front of a picket fence. Talking as they wield paint brushes paint the fence dark grey. A fluffy white cat sitting nearby, supervising with half-closed kitty eyes. A young human (8?) is playing a game of tennis with Dad on a country tennis court. The net might be a bit frayed. The court may have the odd weed growing around the edges but they don't mind. Eyes on the ball at all times. It's Young Human's turn to serve! A duo of brown and white spotted baby goats have found THE BEST furry rock to play on. It might be very big. It might have horns. It might moo. But it's an awful lot of fun. (Giant Bull is chewing his cud while being maximumly unbothered by the goat party taking place on his back.) A tiny human (2?) is holding Mum's hand as they walk to the end of a VERY LONG driveway and check their letterbox. Waving at cars as they go by. Doing a happy dance when Mum discovers that they have mail. Any typos spotted in this post spent a few wonderful hours zooming into the countryside to go for a midday walk today. If typos spotted, they'll be smiling to themselves as they remember two little goats having a rather wonderful time.

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: A couple (80s?) are sitting across from each other, sharing a big slice of chocolate cake. Sipping tea. Having an entire conversation through raised eyebrows, half smiles, widened eyes and head nods. Absolute comfort. Two tiny fluffy dogs (Scottish Terriers cross Chaos Beasts?) are pulling a small human (3?) all over an empty park. Small Human is roaring for them to "BEHAVE" while Chaos Dogs are weaving here... sniffing there... Gran reading a book nearby, looking up every now and then with an amused smile. During a lunchtime cafe rush, the owner (50s?) stops by a table of a regular (70s?) and checks in over how he's faring after a recent cancer diagnosis and making sure he's getting enough to eat in the evenings. Community and caring. A man (30s?) is hunched over a sunny cafe table. Pen in hand as he scrawls in a notebook. Is he writing poetry? A diary entry? A novel? A server asks and he laughs and says: "It's my shopping list! If I don't write it down I'll forget everything." A woman (60s?) radiating bubbly joy hugs another woman (70s?). With a wide grin she says: "Ya got enough goin' on hun. Stop watching the news. Stay in a bubble for a while eh. It'll do you good. Take care of yourself." Her friend gives her a big hug back. (Continued Below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand A small human (5?) is studiously helping people fill up their water bottles at an old fashioned water fountain in a city square. Officiously asking people to line up politely so he can "be VERY QUICK." People complying while hiding smiles. Two dust and mud covered men (40s?) are rolling down off a mountain biking track and into the city. One calls to the other: "Beers after this?" The other replies: "No beers t'night mate." "But what was the point in goin' for a ride if we can't have a beer?!" A woman (30s?) in a pale blue felted witch hat, wearing a fluffy blue jumper and small circular spectacles is sitting on a bench. Gazing out at people coming and going on a sunny morning. A faint, enigmatic smile on her face. Two rambunctious puppies with very large feet (Mastiff cross cuddle puddle?) are rolling and rampaging through the front garden of a little wooden cottage. A pale grey cat sitting on a nearby fence. Judging from a safe distance. A tiny human (2?) is RACING up to Nan with a big, wide-eyed smile on her face. With maximum enthusiasm she bellows: "NAN NAN NAN NAN." "What?" "I SAW A BUTTERFLY!" Any typos spotted in this post did not manage to spot a butterfly today. If typos spotted, they'll be having a chat with a stranger who can only be a covert witch on holiday in her most cosy hat and woolly jumper.

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: A man (30s?) is snoozing on his back on some grass in a park. A fast asleep tiny human (1?) sprawled across his tummy. Both soaking up the spring sunshine as a tūī calls from a tree branch overhead. A man (60s?) has just ordered a serve of ginger crunch and another of caramel slice. His partner laughs, asking: "They BOTH for you?!" He shrugs and says: "Yeah. Life's short, couldn't decide."* A young human (7?) and a border collie are waiting outside a dairy.* Both watching the door with total focus only to grin with happiness when a teen (14?) walks out with two sausage rolls. All sitting in a row on the bench outside, eating their lunch. (One bite for them, one for Dog Friend.) A small human (5?) is staring at a very big (and rather deceased) tarantula mounted, framed and hanging on the wall of a shop. Holding up his hand, then looking at the spider. Then holding up his hand... then looking up at the spider. Then shaking his head emphatically and walking off. Nope. A small human (5?) dressed in a dinosaur hoodie is playing a game of foosball. Doing big dinosaur roars when her players don't do what she wants them to do. Foosball Dinosaur stomping around the table when Big Sister declares herself the winner. (Continued Below)

#Spotted on a Rainy Market Day in Aotearoa New Zealand: A small human (5?) is holding an umbrella up as HIGH as he can to shelter Nan from a light rain shower. Expression solemn. This job is serious business. Nan crouching down a little to fit underneath, wearing a softly amused smile. A woman (60s?) is having a VERY serious conversation with her partner. Expression stern, voice sharp. But what is this? Her partner sneaking a piece of bacon of her plate while she's talking? And then another one? And now a bite of sausage? His eyes smiling cheekily as the lecture goes on. A man (20s?) wearing a hoodie, black jeans and battered sneakers is strutting along. Singing to himself as he goes, only to be stopped by a woman (30s?) who says: "OMG I've had that song in my head all day too!" A young human (8?) is running through the markets, roaring to someone behind her: "I'M GOING BUT I DON'T REALLY KNOW WHERE I'M GOING!" A passing man (60s?) saying: "Isn't that all of us?" A small human (3?) is clutching a wheel of camembert cheese to her chest and wearing a big watery frown. Dad asks what's wrong and she bellows with utmost distress: "MY CHEESE IS SAD!" Dad trying to commiserate in between belly chuckles. (Continued Below)

https://www.evshift.com/534326/detomaso-longchamp-near-lake-tahoe-owner-said-1-of-9-in-the-us-says-its-a-1974-super-nice-guy-i-had-no-idea-detomaso-made-more-cars-other-than-the-pantera/ [Detomaso Longchamp] near Lake Tahoe, owner said 1 of 9 in the US, says it’s a 1974. Super nice guy! I had no idea DeTomaso made more cars other than the Pantera #InterestingCars #Spotted

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: A very small indignant dog (Chihuahua cross incident report?) is MOST offended that her human has had the TEMERITY to eat the last of a biscuit without sharing it with her. Shaking in moral outrage with a tail slightly wagging just in case a course correct is required and more biscuit is available. A teen (13?) and Nan are sharing a pottle of hot chips while waiting for the bus. Heads resting together. Solving the world's problems one bite at a time. A couple (80s?) are holding hands across a cafe table, smiling at each other as steam drifts from their cups of coffee. Every now and then bursting into great peals of laughter at something the other has said. A big fluffy tabby cat has noticed that her human is home. Racing through the garden, meowing like an air raid siren only to stop right next to Human's legs. Stropping back and forward only to be scooped up for a welcome home snuggle. A small human (4?) is walking behind Dad in a supermarket, saying: "Dad if you caught a really big fish, could it eat you? Not a small fish but a REALLY BIG fish?" Dad shrugs: "Dunno Buddy. Maybe." Small Human human looks unconvinced: "Why?" Any typos spotted in this post are absolutely pancaked after a very busy weekend finishing up a 27 days writing festival. If typos spotted they'll be remembering the amazing dinner their wonderful friends cooked them last night. There's nothing like a tummy hugging meal to make a typo feel loved.

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: Two small humans (5 & 7?) are skipping either side of Dad down the street. Holding his hands. Their school bags bobbing up and down on their backs as they excitedly tell him about ALL the things they did at school today. A woman (20s?) wearing colourful clothes, is sitting on her pushbike waiting for the light to turn green. Smiling to herself as she does a little dance to the music in her earbuds. A small moment of happiness before she rolls on to the rest of her day. A small human (4?) is dinosaur ROARING and STOMPING towards a cafe door. Dad asks him to open it and he pushes and pushes and PUSHES. But what is this?! The door is too mighty for Small Human T-Rex's arms? Time for Dadosaurus to come to the rescue! Two small humans (3 & 5?) are piecing together a wooden jigsaw. One's technique involves considered thought before trying to see if a piece will fit. The other is going for a ram-it-in-and-see approach with added industrious GNNNRAAAAR noises. Both seem perfectly content with this arrangement. A young human (8?) in a tie dye hoodie is hovering next to Dad while he eats his breakfast in a cafe. Her fork is poised. Her attention is focussed. That hash brown will be hers the minute Dad is distracted! Thwarted! Dad gobbled it up in one bite! Hmm... what about that sausage though... (Continued Below)

#Spotted in a Cafe in Aotearoa New Zealand: A woman (50s?) is packing a bright red suitcase into the back of her car. She crouches down, patting a silky terrier on the head, saying: "Alright m'darling. Are you ready to come for a drive?" Silky terrier gives her a tail wag and is picked up for a smooch as he's put into the car. A red cloud kelpie puppy is sitting on his human's lap at an outdoor cafe table. Eyes sharply focussed on his human's pen as she does a crossword. Mind controlling the words onto the page. A small human (3?) is sitting at Mum's feet in a cafe, frowning grumpily at the Rubik's Cube is his hands. He's not sure how this thing works. All he knows that he does not disapprove of all this blue on the red side. Hmm... maybe Dad can fix it. Three men (50s to 70s?) wearing variations of plaid and blue jeans are listening to a younger man (30s?) with a very new looking moko* and a booming cheerful voice tell them about a recent trip. Sharing news about aunties, uncles and cousins, nieces and nephews over coffees and sausage rolls. A serious looking couple (20s?) are sitting at a corner table. Holding hands, expressions earnest. But what is this?! A small human at the next table (3?) roaring: "I'M A TRAIN! CHOO CHOO!" Serious couple now stifling smiles. Maybe not so serious after all. (Continued Below)

Hey lovely people. Every now and then you'll come across me mentioning a public piano in one of my #Spotted posts, often the one at my favourite fruit and vege shop. Well, here's that piano being played beautifully recently. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BK4RnHroF/ (I know it's a FB link but it's worth it.)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: A small human (5?) is MOST DISGRUNTLED with his pushbike. Hands on hips, glaring and stomping as he lectures its prone form. Pushbike appears completely unrepentant but Small Human is determined to keep lecturing until it gets the idea! A woman (80s?) with sequinned purple trousers, a tuxedo jacket and a black lacquered walking stick is striding down the street. Posture immaculate. Style personified. Later seen in a bar window, sipping a classic martini. A tiny human (1.5?) is toddle-running down the street, abruptly stopping in front of people she meets and holding up a sheet of stickers. Gifting little sparkly smiley faces to strangers. Getting smiles of thanks before she zooms off to spread more joy. A border collie approaches some traffic lights with her human and looks at him expectently. Human nods and Border Collie jumps up and boops the traffic crossing button with her nose. Both waiting patiently until the little man turns green. A small human (4?) has decided that Mum is talking nonsense when she says that chili sauce is spicy. Small Human waits until Mum's distracted, dips in her finger and... HUFFPUFF! Face turning red. Trying to pretend to Mum that nothing's happened here. Nothing. At. All. Any typos spotted in this post are rather chuffed with the sparkly smiley faced sticker they were given today. If typos spotted, they'll be looking for a good spot for the sticker on their fridge. It deserves prime place.

https://www.evshift.com/526205/mercedes-benz-190-sl-in-rio-de-janeiro-brazil/ [Mercedes-Benz 190 SL] in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil #InterestingCars #Spotted

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: Two black swans are coasting along on an inlet as the tide comes in. Four little grey cygnets bobbing on ripples behind them. Fluffy blue clouds overhead in a vast blue sky. Snow on the mountains beyond. A woman (20s?) is holding the door of a cosy local cafe open for five women (70s-80s?) who are all wearing colourful clothes and jewellery. Thanking her before heading to their regular table. Chattering like a small flock of raucous birds of paradise. Four women (20s-30s?) are walking along a footpath in a neat row, all pushing prams with tiny humans (1ish?) inside. Heading for a nearby park to set out picnic blankets and to enjoy some lunchtime friend time. A very tall and burly man (60s?) with a big bushy beard is walking into a still-winter-cold sea. He gets up to his knees and roars: "Woo!" Then gets to plum height and bellows: "GRAGH!" before finally diving in. Emerging from under a wave with a big leopard seal grin. A flock of sheep are dotted out on a green grassy hillside in a meandering valley. Woolly rocks soaking up the sunshine. Baaing back and forward as the mood strikes them. Any typos spotted in this post spent a delightful two hours driving out to their favourite steampunk cafe in a nearby country town today. If typos spotted, they'll be stopping off to go for a walk on the way home. It's that kind of spring day.

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: A group of five women (late teens?) in jeans & t-shirts and sundresses are all standing on a footbridge over a meandering river. Laughter ringing over the water as they watch it flow to sea. The sweet smell of camelias in the air. A tiny new human has decided that she is MOST unhappy. Dad's trying with the back pats, the gentle bouncing, the rocking back and forward but NOPE. Bleating like a little lamb as Granny collects her for a snuggle and then... Quiet... (New Dad looking VERY relieved.) A woman (40s?) is trying to take a selfie of herself, her mum and her aunt. All howling with laughter as they realise every picture is of their nostrils, their chins and of the crumbs from the cake they've just been enjoying. Oh well! They're having fun anyway! Now for more cake! A man (20s?) is sitting in a sunny spot in a cafe. Eating a sandwich with all sign of enjoyment. Looking dreamily out the window. A laptop bag by his feet. There's work for later, but for now this time's for him. A tiny human (1?) has decided that she'd rather like to chomp on the lunch menu Mum's looking at. Mouth open expectantly. Watching... Waaaatching... Mum distracted! Ha! CHOMP! (numnumnum) Any typos spotted in this post are enjoying a very sunny spring day. if typos spotted they'll be contemplating an afternoon nap after a very busy weekend, maybe with the window open so they can enjoy all the nice flower smells in the air.

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: Two plastic dinosaurs (A pink diplodocus and a blue stegosaurus?) are having a very involved and quite physical conversations on the windowsill of a street-facing office window. Two small hands holding them. A wild head of red hair just visible over the top of the sill. A dapper man (70s?) wearing a knitted cardigan and straw trilby is sitting on a park bench. An old fashioned Casio tape deck by his side playing Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2. Smoking a cigarette and smiling faintly at a quacking duck waddling by. A small human (3?) is very proud of the red plaid shirt he is wearing. Plucking at the woolly fabric and exclaiming loudly to Dad. "THIS IS VERY WARM DAD. I AM SOOOO WARM." Beaming when Dad says: "They ya picked the right one, didn't ya?" A man (50s?) is standing by his car, demolishing a big slice of pizza with gusto only for some cheese to drip onto his shirt. (Oh no!) With a laugh and a sigh, he says to a passerby: "I can't take myself anywhere, can I?" Before good naturedly finishing his lunch. A tiny human (2?) in denim overalls and a pink jumper, hair in bouncy pigtails, is doing a waddle-stomp next to Mum as they walk down the street. Singing a stompy song with utmost enthusiasm. A huge grin on her face as she goes. (Continued Below)