Chapter Three: Day 3: Mintaro Hut to Dumpling Hut A cheeky committee of keas woke us early on Day Three. They perched on the outdoor tables, eying us as we emerged to go to the toilet. We had been warned to hang up our boots and take all our belongings inside or these mischievous birds could…
The Milford Chronicles: Chapter Two
Chapter Two: Day 2: Clinton Hut to Mintaro Hut If there’s one thing worse than a snorer, it’s a snorer on the Milford Track. It was the subdued talk of the hut on the morning of Day Two. Some were convinced it was the Israeli. Others swore it was the father and son from Boston.…
The Milford Chronicles: Chapter One
I walked the world-famous Milford Track last week. It was one of the best adventures I have ever had. Maybe it was because the last year has been one of tremendous personal upheaval, and this trip felt like a significant "marker" on a difficult emotional journey. You'll be pleased (I hope) to know that every…
Dip. Edit. goes bush
I have finished my year-long Proofreading and Editing Course and I am now (as long as I didn't bum out in my final assignment) actually qualified to point out grammatical and spelling mistakes to people. Oh, and fix them. And now the hard work begins, because it's all very well having a pretty certificate up…
A Festival-Goer Field Guide #2
It's that time again. The leaves are turning to flame and falling. Darkness is suddenly flicking the switch at 5.30pm like a grumpy boarding school matron. Beaches sigh, wistful but resigned, as we pack up our picnics and head indoors. And across New Zealand, book lovers are dusting off their lanyards and jotter pads and…
Descent
We stand together looking at the view. It is more impressive than a Monet, as shattered as a Picasso. I try to tell him this but he interrupts. I may know nothing about “art,” he says, using his fingers as quotation marks, but in my very humble opinion that tree is an eye, that sand…
The Luminaries: Art or Heart?
*Don't worry, this review contains no spoilers. Yes, I have actually read it. I ploughed my way through during a two-week break at the beach over Christmas / New Year. For those of you who have been leading a hermit-like existence recently (and the hermit reference, as those of you who have read the book will know,…
Back to School
This arrived by courier this morning: It's my "So you Want to be a Student Again Starter Pack". (Where's the scarf and cheap booze?) Actually, it's my textbooks and first two tutorials for the year-long correspondence course I have enrolled in - Proofreading and Editing. The massive grey folder at the bottom will gradually fill…
God Rest Ye Merry Bloggers
As I scrolled through the WordPress Reader this morning I felt a mixture of admiration and despair. So many bloggers are sharing beautifully polished posts about Christmas literature and legends and other festive wonderments. I imagine them tucked away in their little Dickens-like hamlets, snow softly falling on their windows which are beautifully lit by a dancing fire…
A Poor Choice
Some of you may already be aware that occasionally I write an opinion piece under the category Belllettres Bulletin. I write about topics, trends and current events that catch my attention, or about which I feel so strongly that I simply have to say something. Outspoken? Opinionated? Me? Let's start today's Bulletin with a question. It’s winter…
Patricia Bell, Author 