From The Pumpkin Patch

I’d forgotten how much I love being near the ocean. Something about it makes me feel so relaxed, free and creative. I feel like me.

I also love the creatures that call the sand and salt water their home. My husband and I are currently visiting New Zealand, and we’ve seen dolphins, fur seals, stingrays, fish, squid… and of course, birds.

The oystercatcher is a funny thing. You’ll rarely find one alone; they tend to stick together in pairs. They’re synonymous with the beach over here, and I love watching them dance along the shoreline as the sun sinks into the ocean.

Between gathering shells for craft projects and paddling in the impossibly clear water, I found time to write a poem about one of my favourite native New Zealand birds.

My husband made the artwork, and I think he perfectly captured the essence of the oystercatcher. What a wonderful souvenir.

Keep an eye out for a blog post all about our New Zealand adventures, coming soon!