#spotted — Public Fediverse posts

#Spotted on Market Day in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A small human (5?) is giving Nan a BIG HUG as they walk through the markets.
Nan's got an arm around his shoulders and is asking if he'd like something for breakfast.
He shakes his head, saying: "Not yet."
Snuggling closer with a happy smile.

A tiny human (2?) in a sparkly dress stops abruptly next to a bakery truck and sits down on her big fluffy teddy bear.
Dad says: "What ya doin' there Agnes?"
Tiny Sitting Human gives dad a very matter of fact frown before roaring: "I'M WEEING."
For some reason Dad looks a bit discombobulated.

A big, serious man (30s?) with a big bushy beard, wearing a plaid shirt, shorts and bare feet is marching along holding a box of cabbages.
Walking with purpose.
Serious Cabbage Man has Serious Cabbage Business to attend to and no one's gonna stop him.

A small human (4?) wearing a knitted jumper with trains on it is hugging a big cauliflower to his chest as he walks next to Mum.
With a slightly worried expression he says: "Do you think Dad will like the cauliflower I picked?"
Mum gives his hair a ruffle. "Yeah. I reckon he will. Ya did good."

A small human (3?) has just been given a smiley face sticker by a stall owner.
But where to put it?
Hmm.
Maybe... just maybe... her nose is the right place...
Yep!
That's about right.
Trying to look at her new magnificent nose sticker with crossed eyes as she walks next to Dad. (5)

(Continued Below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A woman (60s?) with a sparkling laugh, wearing a bright pink top, is leaning on a mobility aid while catching up with a friend.
Exchanging all the latest news about life, family and friends as they wait in line for coffee.
Ordering two melting moments to go.*

A roly poly black woolly dog (Labradoodle cross long pillow?) is amiably roaming about a cosy pub. Sidling up to patrons with a doggy grin.
Waiting patiently to see if pats are on offer,
then moseying on to the next table.
Getting all the love.

A couple (50s?) are sitting across from each other in a pub based in an old church. Playing cards between them. Game faces on. Quiet conversation with the odd burst of laughter around them.

A tiny human (2?) has decided that the best way to get to her front door is via:
This patch of ivy.
This tall grass.
This tangle of winter-bare hydrangea bush and
Around this BIG lemon tree.
Dad standing on the porch asking: "Ya right there bub?"
She emphatically bellows: "Yes!"

A slinky grey cat has spotted new humans wandering past her home.
Her collar bell jingling, meowing a hello, she trots over to introduce herself.
Will they be friendly?
Yes!
Win!
She flops on her back and flashes her tummy.
Blinking love eyes.
(It's (maaaybe) not a trap.)

(Continued Below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A barista (20s?) is beaming as he tells a customer (50s?) that he's just met someone.
He says: "She came in here for coffee and asked me out! Turns out she's a friend of a friend. It's been five days and it's pretty sweet, eh."

A rather serious looking white dog (poodle cross accountant?) is sitting on his human's lap. Snuffling and grrrmphing as his human repeatedly neglects to give him some of her scone. Serious Dog has done the calculations and he's at least due half!

Two road workers (20s & 40s?) in full high vis are relaxing on a patch of grass during smoko*. Both soaking up some winter sun. Tummies shaking as they make each other laugh.

Two teens (14?) are walking along a street lined with flowering magnolia trees.
Sharing a sandwich.
Solving the world's problems.
Big blue sky.
A tūī serenading them from a tree branch overhead.

A woman (70s?) is saying to a friend: "Did I tell you that I took Mum to the movies last night? She loves a horror flick and it was an absolute nightmare. I didn't sleep at all! She's ninety four! You'd think she'd be over all that by now."
Her friend laughs and says: "Never too old!"

(Continued Below)

Super busy today lovely people and I'm afraid I haven't had a chance to get out for #spotted purposes. But I do have an interview to share that I recently did with the lovely Claire Williamson. If you'd like to hear me talking books, organising book festivals and writing:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2qsrGkx2uImxn8ZYKXOV9q?si=f130be9bec014c54

(Or if you don't like Spotify, you can go here: https://freshfm.co.nz/programme/a-little-bit-booked/)

The reason we're busy is because we're launching the online program of Beautiful Words today!

If you want to attend any of the online talks in our program, just follow the link below. Or come attend an in person event here in Nelson!

https://www.beautifulwords.net/

#books #bookstodon

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A small human (4?) is crouched down in front of a cat carrier that's sitting just in front of a veterinarian's doorway.
Singing a reassuring song and gently poking her finger through the wire.
Tiny kitten meows in reply.

A man (50s?) in a puffer jacket, wearing a flat cap is coasting down a REALLY steep hill on a bright orange BMX.
A chilly wind blowing but he's in his happy place.
Wearing a huge, euphoric grin.

A small human (5?) is skipping his absolute hardest to keep up with his running big brothers (7 & 9?)
Puffing and huffing.
Face pink.
They're calling back for him to run like them,
but NO!
He shall skip and he shall skip and that's that.

A big shaggy dog (Old English Sheep Dog cross bean bag?) is sitting on the back of his human's trike.
AWOOOING the song of his people as they roll along a beach side road.
People laughing as they pass.

At the opening of a gallery space, hundreds of people are standing quietly, the people at the back straining to listen to the speaker up the front.
Down the back, a small human (3?) is saying very earnestly in a whisper-roar: "I'M BEING VERY GOOD AND KEEPING QUIET AREN'T I DAD?!"

Any typos spotted in this post were absolutely delighted to see snow on the mountains when they went for a short beach walk this morning. If typos spotted, they'll be stopping to laugh at a passing dog who is intent on serenading his city.

#Binturong #spotted. Fucking finally.

#Spotted on Market Day in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A flash mob have formed!
Stayin' Alive by the Bee Gees is playing.
A woman in a sparkly gold top and a flower crown is doing all the moves, and a small human (4?) dressed in a fairy costume is watching from the sidelines.
Expression fiercely intent as she mirrors the steps.

A tiny new human (months?) is studying the world around her from the vantage point of Dad's arms.
Someone makes a loud noise and Tiny Human's face screws up in a disgruntled frown.
A friend hoots with laughter and says: "And there it is! In the frown! Perfect family resemblance!"
Dad laughs.

A small human (4?) is sitting on a race car ride outside a supermarket.
Gran's put a dollar in the slot and it's going back and forward, but not fast enough for Small Human Race Car Driver's liking.
But wait!
Everyone knows that if you lean REALLY FAR FORWARD, it'll make anything go faster!

A small human (5?) has just walked into an indie toy shop crammed to the rafters with toys.
Lego!
Slime!
Puzzles!
Board games!
Breathing out with an awed expression he turns and says to Mum: "Can we stay here FOREVER?!"

A tiny human (2?) is roaring "DOGDOGDOGDOGDOGDOG!" while pointing to a grey staffy that's sauntering through the markets with his human.
Sauntering Staffy seems completely unfazed by all this adoration. He is a very good dog.

(Continued Below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A little brown poodle in a woolly blue jumper is trotting along a riverside track.
Looking up at his daydreaming human (40s?) with total doggy adoration.
The scent of flowering magnolias wafting with wood smoke in the air.

A tiny human (2?) dressed in a purple jumpsuit is on the run!
She's headed for the muddiest of muddy puddles.
(Look at her go!)
Dad's racing behind her, a panicked look on his face.
Will he catch her in time?
WILL HE CATCH HER IN TIME?!
...
A last minute dive.
And...
SAVED!

An elderly and rather sweet round dog (King Charles Cavalier cross marshmallow?) is scampering along behind her jogging human (70s?)
Night is falling, and they might be a little slow, but they'll get there eventually!
Navigating through a lush green field.
Cows grazing in the distance.

A small human (4?) is approaching people in a cozy cafe with an EXTREMELY serious expression.
Holding his hand out to everyone he encounters.
Introducing himself with absolute gravity, saying: "How do you DO?!"
New friends thoroughly charmed.

Two men (70s?) are sitting across from each other in a cafe.
Cheerfully comparing news about their respective "dicky tickers".
Talk of stents and bypasses going on as they both tuck into chocolate brownies with signs of maximum enjoyment.

(Continued Below)

Introducing Moopsy*, the little stray can that I have mentioned quite a bit over the past few months.

We're bunkered down getting our next Tiny Moments of Joy book to the printers today in between co-ordinating a writing festival, so I haven't left the house and am verging on turning into a giant profanity beast, BUT we have #spotted something out our kitchen window.

That thing is a very fluffy thing. A very moody fluffy thing that will only eat his breakfast if patted, but will otherwise try and eat anyone who dares walk up our garden path.

Except for my lovely partner Tony.

For some reason Moopsy loves Tony with the might of an exploding sun and regularly tries to give him all the love in his small, malevolent fluffy form.

In turn, Tony seems to view Moopsy as the smooshiest of fur beasts, insisting that he's really a softy and not out to steal our immortal souls.

First thing, every morning, Tony sits on our top garden step while drinking his coffee with Moopsy sitting on his lap, purring and acting like he's not a furry little psychopath.

The rest of the day, Moopsy lives in a cat nest in the winter-bare ivy on our garden fence like a fluffy, moody potato, ready to launch himself at any other cat (or human) who dares venture into his territory.

I think we may now have a cat.

*Moopsy is based on an adorable creature that drinks bones from Star Trek Lower Decks.

(More in alt text, as always.)

#cat #cats #catsofmastodon

#Spotted in the Countryside in Aotearoa New Zealand:

In a mountain valley: Twin new lambs are drinking their breakfast while Mum munches on some long green grass.
Lamby tails wagging.
Mum quietly baaing.
Mist rising over a nearby riverbend.
A pair of paradise ducks flying overhead.

A tubby pony is most definitely the king of his paddock.
There might be a big horse (Clydesdale cross Sherman Tank?) on his turf but Tubby Pony's prepared to show it who's boss.
Gruntle-neighing.
Trotting around Big Horse like an X-wing circling the Death Star.
He. Will. Be. Victorious!

A long haired little white dog (Shih Tzu cross mop?) is jauntily trotting through a fern forest.
Her humans don't notice the giant stretch of mud ahead and Little Dog trots right in and...
...
Hmm...
...
A long haired little muddy dog (Shih Tzu cross bog monster?) is jauntily trotting...

A farmer (30s?) is riding a quad bike over a hilly paddock. A border collie a streak of black and white at his side.
A big moody sky overhead.
The scent of coming rain in the air.

Two women (30s?) are sitting next to a walking track information sign.
Talking quietly.
Drinking tea from cheerful yellow enamel mugs.
Hefty packs at their feet.
Sturdy boots on.
Mud all over their clothes.
It's been a big morning.

(Continued Below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand

A woman (20s?) is sitting at a sunny table pouring tea into a china cup.
Inhaling fragrant steam with a small smile.
A tiny new human asleep in pram by her side.

A woman (60s?) is playfully dipping a tiny human (1?) backwards, saying: "AND UPSY DAISY!"
And then righting him.
And then... "UPSY DAISY!"
Tiny Human chortles and guffaws in reply.

A woman (30s?) is walking around a fruit and vegetable shop, playfully booping her partner on the backside with a large telegraph cucumber as he selects a cauliflower. Grinning angelically when he tells her to behave.

A tubby snorting snuffling brown puppy scampers into a dog friendly dive bar.
The owner crouches down to give Tubby Puppy a pat and to offer her a doggy treat from a jar that's kept especially for the very best boys and girls.

A big and sturdy man (30s?) is sitting outside a cafe with twin sleeping tiny humans (months?) tucked into the crook of each arm.
Exchanging weightlifting tips with a friend sitting at the next table.
His partner inside, ordering cake.

Any typos spotted in this post would like to offer a cake of thanks to the lovely people who wished them a happy anniversary yesterday. If typos spotted they'll be having some soup for dinner after eating their body weight in cheese and tiramisu last night. (So much cheese. It was delicious.)

@georgepenney I really like your #spotted posts! I enjoy reading them and I like how it started changing the way I look at what's happening around me :-)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A tiny human (2?) is holding Mum's hand, pointing at a digger hard at work.
Looking at passersby with an awed expression.
Trying to communicate the majesty of what they're witnessing.

A server is roaming around a cafe with a coffee in each hand.
Looking here
Looking there
Laughing and saying, "This place isn't THAT big, I have NO idea where they've gone!"
Seen still wandering with coffees over five minutes later.
(Seen sneakily drinking a coffee a little bit after that.)

A woman (60s?) is grumpily directing her husband as he reverse parks a ute* piled with firewood into their driveway.
He's grumping out the window: "I can drive ya know. "
"Then why're you trying to run over my rose bushes?"
"They looked at me funny."
She bursts into laughter.

A small human's (3?) nose is pressed up against the window of a toy shop.
Making direct eye contact with a pink plushie toy that looks just like a friendly muppet.
Absolutely enraptured.

A no-nonsense woman in an apron grins as a couple (40s?) moseys up to her cheese counter.
She says: "What'll it be this week, team? We thinking soft, hard? Strong? Mild? Or should I just surprise you?"
"Surprise us!"

(Continued Below)

#Spotted on Market Day in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A family of four are sat around a table in a cosy cafe. It's chilly outside, but they're just fine.
Eating hearty fry-up breakfasts.
A game of scrabble between them.
Mum cackling triumphantly as she puts down a seven letter word.

A woman (80s?) in a pink fluffy hat climbs out of a taxi at the shops with the help of the driver (60s?).
Giving him a pat on the shoulder, she says: "Thanks Darl. Want me to get you anything?"
The driver shakes his head: "Nope sweetheart. I'll be back in an hour. Take care eh."

A small human (3?) is stomping through the markets, hands swinging at his sides.
Bellowing a tremendous song for all to hear: "I'M GONNA WEEEEEE ALL BY MYSEEEELF."
Dad walking behind him, saying to a passerby: "The stuff they come out with eh?!"
"GONNA WEEEE ALL BYYYY MYSELF!"

A tiny human (2?) has something very precious clutched to his chest.
Mum's friend asks what it is and he unclenches his fingers to reveal a small toy train.
Big-eyed expression conveying just how privileged they are to witness this treasure.

A man (40s?) wearing a plaid shirt, bare feet and shorts is standing in line for Korean pancakes saying to a friend: "There's nothin' better than writin' poetry eh. Fountain pen. A good note pad. Gettin' it all down. It's the dream!"
His friend gives him a stoic nod of agreement.

(Continued below)

#Astronomers Have Now #Spotted #Galaxies So Far Away, It Raises #Troubling Questions #yt

https://youtu.be/ZUuQMJ5O3XM

#Spotted at RED Art Gallery & Café in Whakatū Nelson, New Zealand::

A woman (80s?) excitedly talking to a friend: "Did I tell you my granddaughter's doing burlesque now? I'm biased but I think she'll be the most wonderful pole vaulter."
Her friend laughs: "Don't you mean pole DANCER?"

A man (20s?) has just ordered a take-away coffee.
There's a print on his hoodie that says: "You are more loved than you will ever know."
Ambling along in the sun.
Eating a pie with all signs of enjoyment, tomato sauce on his fingers.

A waitress is smiling quietly to herself as she spoons the batter for muffins into a tray.
The place is packed, people are talking excitedly but she appears lost in concentration.
Muffins are where it's at.

A small human (2?) is waddling through a cafe.
He's been given a chocolate chip cookie and is offering everyone a bite.
Numerous strangers are saying: "Thank you!" and feigning taking a bite with generous "Num num num" noises.
Small human is a benevolent prince in his cookie kingdom.

Any typos spotted in this post are rather sad today to learn that their favourite cafe is closing in a month. If typos are spotted in this post, they'll be popping down to give the owner a hug. She's had a rough year.

*These are from RED cafe from 2 years ago. I've edited, proofed and written work there. It's where my lovely partner, Tony's written so much of his upcoming sci fi series. It's where we've made close friends. They'll be genuinely missed. ❤️

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

In an op shop* book nook a woman (60s?) wearing a blue and white striped pinafore and shiny red mary jane shoes is curled up in a big comfortable looking armchair. Engrossed in a paperback novel.
Turning pages.
Lost in her own world.

A woman (20s?) is pushing a pram holding a VERY BIG BOOK.
But wait!
It's not just a BIG BOOK!
There are little hands holding the BIG BOOK!
And is that a pair of little legs sticking out the bottom?
And is that a DINOSAUR on the back cover?
Ahhh, that explains everything.

A woman (30s?) wearing a bright green and pink dinosaur beanie is standing in line for cinema tickets.
Meanwhile, a tiny human (1?) is standing behind her, completely enraptured.
Eyes wide. Tugging on Dad's hand to share the majesty.
Is it possible... that DINOSAURS live at the movies?!

A barefoot man (50s?) holding a tea cup and saucer is walking out of a white cottage with a bonkers flower garden.
Sipping tea as he turns this way and that to survey the floral mayhem surrounding him.
Yes.
This is satisfactory.

Two men (30s & 40s?) are hard at work in a park, tidying up garden beds, raking up leaves. Trading good natured insults that are getting more creative by the second. Psychedelic rock playing form a small speaker near a thermos and chilly bin* left under a tree.

(Continued below)

#Spotted at an Indie Bookshop talk in Aotearoa New Zealand:

An author (30s?), looking a little nervous, a little excited is greeting guests.
She's complimented on her dress which is decorated with mushrooms, holding the skirt out and looking down at it with a happy smile.
The smell of paperback books and potential wafting on the air.

A small human (5?) is not quite sure about all this book chat.
He's being very good.
And very quiet.
Hugging Dad's leg with both arms.
Studying the room with a sleepy expression.
Dad's hand gently resting on his tousled hair.

An author (30s?) is asked a question about the favourite line she wrote in her latest book and she is a little bit flummoxed.
But never fear!
A member of the audience has a review at the ready with quotes in it and happily reads out her favourite.
The room erupts into appreciative smiles.

An entire book club (20s-30s?) files into the front row in an independent small city book shop.
Books piled on tables and shelves everywhere.
They're here on a mission.
The author is a friend and they WILL fiercely support her.

Numerous people of all makes and models are filing into a bookshop for a book talk, stopping by the counter to ask the owner after her much beloved dog who's chilling at home.
Bookshop dogs are best dogs and this one's well missed tonight.

(Continued Below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A couple (20s?) are studying a series of brochures while their coffees cool at their elbows.
Will they check out some wineries?
Maybe go for a tramp up a mountain?
Kayak?
Hmm. Maybe.
Speaking softly in Spanish.
Grinning when a waiter brings over two scones with generous slabs of butter.

A tiny human (2?) is conducting some very important nostril based research.
Mum's asking her what she'd like to eat for lunch, but Tiny Human Nostril Scientist is having none of it.
Giving Mum an indignant scowl while continuing her investigations.
She can't be interrupted!
This is SCIENCE!

A small human (3?) is trotting down the street on the heels of Big Brother and Big Sister.
They're both dressed for school, engaged in a vigorous Sibling Shoving War.
Meanwhile Small Human is carrying a rugby ball with both hands.
Prepared for all sporting eventualities.

A woman (50s?) is huffing and puffing and teenage eye-rolling theatrically as her mum (80s?) straightens her scarf.
Her Mum laughing and giving her a faux biff under her chin, telling her to behave.

A man (30s?) comes striding purposefully out of his house.
He's wearing a suit.
He's got on sensible shoes.
He's got a posh looking man bag...
He's patting his pockets.
He doesn't have his phone or wallet...
He's going back inside his house.
Starting all over again!

(Continued Below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A small human (4?) is walking along, hands waving emphatically in the air as he declares with an air of MAXIMUM gravitas: "I have so much to do Mum!" SO MUCH to do!"

A woman (40s?) is rolling her wheelchair along a tree lined street.
A big bouquet of lilies on her lap.
A big goofy dog (Labrador cross muppet?) with a waggy tail trotting at her side.
Friends on an adventure.

A woman (30s?) in running gear is chatting to a friend as a very large dog (mastiff cross house?) polishes his personal whatnots at their feet.
She laughs and says: "He wasn't meant to be a big dog! When we got him they said he was a runt! And look at him now! MASSIVE!"

At a bus stop: A small human (5?) is fidgeting and wiggling and squirming as Dad painstakingly fixes her pigtails.
Making sure her scrunchies are just so.
He's got all the patience in the world today.

In a cafe, two women (80s?) are learning towards each other. Talking in hushed tones as one efficiently halves a cheese scone and butters each side for the two of them. Extra butter for her friend.

Any typos spotted in this post are rather sleepy beasties today. If typos spotted, they'll be looking at their to do list and then wondering if they can sneak in a short lunchtime snooze. Snoring not mandatory but entirely probable.

#Spotted on Market Day in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A teen (16?) is sniffing the air dramatically, eyes half closed. He says: "I can smell... I can smell fried chicken..."
Little Brother (14?) gives him a hopeful look: "You gonna get us some?"
He grins wickedly. "Nah. Just gonna smell it for a while eh."
A mighty head noogie battle commences!

Four adults (30s-40s?) are standing in a circle talking about elections and cost of living.
Meanwhile a small human (4?) is standing in the middle, impersonating them magnificently with a scowly face, hands on hips.
Murmuring the word: "Wrong wrong wrong" in a grumpy voice.
She's got the idea!

A tiny human (1?) is being hefted into the air by Dad.
Giggles and squeals as he's thrown
up... and then up...
and then caught!
And then up and up...
And then caught!
Both wearing matching smiles.
Big blue sky overhead.
It's a good day.

A fierce woman (60s?) is marching along with her partner in tow.
She says: "Hurry up darl! Someone got the last french stick* at my favourite place. I'm not gonna miss out at the other one! Soup without bread is just SAD."
Eyes narrowed, she lines up at her second favourite bakery truck.

A small human (4?) is frowning at the cheesy bagel in her hand.
With great gravitas she announces to Dad: "There is SIGNIFICANT cheese on this toastie. SIGNIFICANT CHEESE."
Dad does a double take and laughs. "Where'd ya get that word from?"
She looks at him with beetling brows. "SIGNIFICANT."

(Continued Below)

#Spotted at a Gallery Closing in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A crowd is singing a waiata* to bless the closing of a community gallery.
Voice merging and echoing in an empty room.
The song ends and a man (40s?), speaking in a faint English accent says with quiet satisfaction:
"That's the first time I got all the words right. I'm proud of that."

A woman (50s?) is talking about the new gallery space that will be opening up soon, saying: "What we're hoping, is that our new space will be organised better than this one with minimal clutter."
A colleague bursts into husky laughter. "What clutter? It's art! It's all art!"

People of all makes and models are hugging, talking, crying as the closure of a vital community space is celebrated.
A woman (50s?) says: "This was just a white box really, just white walls, floor, ceiling, but magic happened here. It'll happen at the next space too... but this was special."

A man (30s?) is grinning cheekily as he takes three slices of celebratory pizza.
His partner's giving him "The LOOK" but he's unrepentant.
It's getting late, people are going home and there is swiftly cooling PIZZA up for grabs. Why not?

A woman tells friends she's just turned 65 and announces that she's got a grand plan to give her art career a shot now that she's retiring from her day job.
She says with a grin,: "I'd say I've got 15 to 20 years and I'm going to give it all I've got! No time to lose. I can't wait!"

(Continued Below)

#Spotted in an Op Shop* in Aotearoa New Zealand

A woman (70s?) in a floor-length fake fur purple coat and a matching pill box hat is admiring a display of teapots. With a huge smile she picks up a pink one and exclaims. "These're all STUNNING, but THIS one's m'favourite."

A tiny dog (poodle cross feather duster?) is trotting by a row of vintage chairs.
His human (80s?) is asking him, "Which one do you like buddy?"
After much inspection and sniffing, Tiny Dog and Human decide that a canework rocking chair is the right one for them.

A woman (20s?) is hunting through racks of men's jackets with a pensive expression.
This one?
Hmm nope.
This one? Yeah.. nah.
What about... THIS one?
She pulls out an old tweed coat with patches on the elbows.
Needs a bit of mending around the collar but... yep this is the one for her!

A teen (16?) and Dad are browsing teacups.
Suddenly Teen reels back, face screwed up in abject horror: "WOOF! Dad you are SO full of toxic masculinity right now."
Dad shrugs. "Not my fault. You made the baked bean toasties this mornin'"

A man (30s?) wearing a fabulous pink sparkly top is searching through a handbag display, purring under his breath when he discovers an antique mesh purse at the bottom of the pile. Snatching it up and gleefully bustling to the counter.

(continued below)

#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 at an Italian Film Festival Opening Night in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A man (80s?) is sitting in an armchair in an art deco cinema's foyer. Wearing a dapper suit.
Neatly parted hair.
Walking cane at his side.
Smiling benevolently at the crowd milling around him, chatting, laughing, drinking wine, eating pizza.
Merriment in the air.

A woman (60s?) is doing a wiggly happy dance as she bites into a double-scoop cone of ice cream that's covered in chocolate with nuts sprinkled on top.
A couple (20s?) asks if she got it from the counter and she grins triumphantly. "Yes! Five dollars! Life's GREAT, get the double scoop!"

A very prim woman (60s?) with a Hyacinth Bucket* accent is saying sternly to her husband: "Speak ITALIAN Robert. This is an Italian film. You should TRY HARDER." She sips her glass of prosecco, pinkie held out, frowning at a cackling group of women (70s?) drinking and gobbling pizza nearby.

A woman (50s?) is offered a paper cup of complimentary tiramisu as she walks into the cinema and exclaims: "Terrible Sue?! Touches my lips and goes on my hips?! Of COURSE I'll have some!"

A couple (20s?) are perusing the film festival program. Fingers running down pages. Debating budget and the films they'd like to see. Gobbling freebie slices of pizza, conspiratorially giggling with sneaky glee on nabbing two glasses of complimentary wine each to take into the cinema.

(Continued Below)