wonderingpilgrim

The question of the year

When my friend and colleague Denis returned from interviewing survivors of the Christchurch earthquake one year on, he noted that a common question was “Where is God in all this?” Denis reflected that perhaps the more pertinent question is “Where am I in all this?” It neatly swings us to a fresh line of questing,Continue reading “The question of the year”

The Iron Lady – a Greek Tragedy

Some have criticised this film because of an “undue focus” of the Thatcher years through her latter life dementia. I thought it aptly portrayed how ardent idealism (whether it be on the conservative or revolutionary side of politics) can alienate ourselves not only from those closest to us, but ultimately from ourselves. It cast aContinue reading “The Iron Lady – a Greek Tragedy”

Tea and Sugar Train

Imagine living out in the middle of nowhere, 1000 kilometers from anywhere. Nothing to see but flat horizon all around. A few prefab huts… and a slender steel ribbon disappearing in both directions, your only link to places east and west. Every day or so the behemoths trundle past with their long trail of passengersContinue reading “Tea and Sugar Train”

Guess where…?

I’m back! Some of you know where I’ve been. Others might like to play my little guessing game. There’s only one place where this kind of power pole is prolific (although they do appear in small colonies elsewhere) – they consist of concrete poured between two sets of railway lines and set perpendicular in theContinue reading “Guess where…?”

Trumping the early bird

I must have inherited it from my father – this need to be excruciatingly punctual. He would always turn up for appointments an hour ahead of time. Hence my alarm sounding at 3 am this morning for a 6.40am flight. Even my taxi driver was surprised I was going to the airport so early. ButContinue reading “Trumping the early bird”

Three New Year Symbols

Scarcely had the New Year started to roll across the world’s last continent than we on the first one were returning from a New Year’s Day service at Wesley Uniting, Perth. This is where we usually go when I have a Sunday off… it’s only a 15 minute drive, far enough away to feel we’veContinue reading “Three New Year Symbols”

Oh Yes … a New Year

I am aroused from my holiday stupour to be reminded that a New Year is waiting in the wings. One more country – Samoa – will see it first, having just yesterday moved itself to the left side of the International Date Line. So Samoa, used to being lucky last, now jumps to the headContinue reading “Oh Yes … a New Year”

We bought a zoo – movie review

Couple’s choice tonight – and we agreed on this one as ‘The Iron Lady’ was booked out. It has something for everyone – animals for the kids, teenage angst for the tweeners, and romance with lots of silent, knowing exchanges between the star turns. I desperately looked for something deep and meaningful but in theContinue reading “We bought a zoo – movie review”

Lazy, Hazy Days of In-Between Christmas and New Year

Languid, listless, lazy and deliciously so – without a hint of WASP guilt! The turkey and ham are almost all gone. The prawns are in the freezer awaiting New Year’s Day. My car blew a water hose on Boxing Day while showing Grandma the local Christmas lights. I was chuffed I could get a mechanicContinue reading “Lazy, Hazy Days of In-Between Christmas and New Year”

Worthy Christmas narrative from NZ parliament

Keeping the startle in Christmas? Maybe for some! NZ parliamentarian Russell Norman, self-declared atheist, gives one of the most profound Christmas sermons I have heard.