Ok the recipe first, it's a simple theme that I improvised successfully tonight: Make chai tea in a saucepan, stew x quantity of apples in it. Serve with cloves & honey.
I've had one of my semi-regular changes of direction for the last week and been working at the Kapiti Observer in Paraparaumu. It's a good workplace, pace just about right, and fairly enjoyable job. It's a twice-weekly paper so I like the rhythm better than the Wairarapa Times Age with its jarring 9.30am deadline every day. It's also been a good way of getting my story count up.
As it turns out getting to 40 stories published for the course is probably the least of my worries. There's a major load of work due on August 27. 4 court stories, 3 local govt, biculturalism project, 4 cultural stories and an official information act request. None of which I've started on, and the stuff I've been doing doesn't fit into those categories. Also there's the radio NZ creative writing project to submit a script for by August 25th - so busy busy busy this month.
I was having a good & fairly relaxing time up the Kapiti coast. I wouldn't mind spending another summer there, this time get a flat up there. Wellington's at arm's length and the beaches are better there. I'm due for a bush excursion pretty soon too.
Today was a bit weird - on my way back from a 'soft' story in Otaki (local museum opening) I went past the site of a fatal car crash, three cars involved. I got some photos and talked to a policeman. One of the more experienced journalists got better pictures & info but I suppose it was practice for me. I'm not hugely bothered by it though I can't deny feeling slightly shaky since. I could post the photos on here (no dead or injured people visible) but that would probably just be in bad taste & not achieve anything. Have a look at the Kapiti Observer on Monday if you want to know (and see some of my work).
Getting back into town I met up with Mike & had dinner (hence dessert recipe above) and a jam. I was rusty at first but it got really good when a couple of other guys turned up, there was guitar, acoustic bass guitar, piano, percussion and autoharp going.
Going through town later I went in to Good Luck bar, and it kind of sucked. Music not great and I didn't make any connection with anyone there. At least I didn't waste any money on the place. I thought I saw Elijah Wood, the little brat. There were a couple of gorgeous looking women who did the chatting to me til the boyfriend shows up game. I've done quite a bit of walking tonight, hence on computer at 3am.
Glad it's the weekend...
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