Archive for the ‘New Zealand’ Category
New Town, New Article in MORPH
Posted by: team sweet
February 9th, 2010 >> American Life, New Zealand
Morph Magazine online has just published my latest installment of Back Again for the First Time. This time, I talk about the oddities I’ve encountered and the nostalgic breakdown.
My online radio show’s latest installment (number 14!) is now up on the Jam Radio webpage! What are you waiting for?? Get over there!
Looking back on my time in Auckland, I recognize that I took for granted the access I had to the city streets, teaming with people – the grit and grime and small spaces and clausterphobia of living in a city. The city bus, the oddities in public transit. The people-watching at public parks during summer time. The bicycling next to cars that are eagerly waiting to give you a nudge. The street art missions into the wee hours. The anonymity of being in a sea of people. The strange outfits. The yelling, the laughing, the heartbeat of the city.
Now, back in the United States and residing in a small town, I ache for a city again. Nostalgia is a bittersweet addiction. There certainly must be a long list of amazing things about living in a more rural town but I am still just discovering it. Drives down country roads in the fall. Backyard bonfires in winter. Farmer’s markets. But being away from a city has given me some perspective on many of the nuances of city life that I miss.
Here there is much more space. In the expanses of the country it’s easy to feel small and disconnected but in saying that, I’ve also had serene moments out in the natural world here, where I found myself appreciating the beauty of nature. With time, qualities I like about living in a smaller town will continue to emerge, but it’s always so funny how you don’t fully appreciate something until it’s gone. Until you are many, many miles away, physically or mentally, or both.
How about you? Are you making sure to appreciate where you are?
I think it is the holidays, oh, and the fact that I generally miss the heck out of Auckland, but right now, I’d really like to take the 248 bus into town, walk to kikki.K on Queen Street and check out the xmas goodies. Then, I’d head up the hill to Real Groovy and next over to St. Kevin’s Arcade to say “hi” to Lou Lou in Oui and perhaps grab a coffee at Revel before going back home.
Hmmm.
Check.
Becky and Frank – Back ‘em Up, Kids!
Posted by: team sweet
November 15th, 2009 >> Art Stuffs, New Zealand
Auckland Street Art in NY Times
Posted by: team sweet
November 14th, 2009 >> Art Stuffs, New Zealand
My friend Jenna recently sent me this article from The Moment – The NY Times Fashion and Design Blog. It’s a brief look on Auckland street art. After reading it and looking at the photos, I wouldn’t say it is a very good representation of what Auckland has to offer, but you can judge for yourselves.
above: handbag from UK designer Kate Garey now available at The White Forest
My good friend Vicki is opening a fashion boutique in Midtown Auckland! I met Vicki at her last boutique, Circle Fashion, off of High Street during my bathroom breaks at the now defunct Toy Kong. We struck up a conversation about tokidoki art toys and soon after she learned my affinity for bows and ruffles on pretty dresses. Her fashion taste is second to none. She shut up shop in the Canterbury Arcade and headed for Europe, where she tracked down some of the hottest fashions around, which she’s brought back to share with you. She’s also a big supporter of New Zealand-made clothing and introduced me to the owner of Oui Boutique on K’Road, Louise, whose designs are beautiful and versatile.
Vicki’s new boutique has a very magical name, The White Forest and is guaranteed to pull all the fashion punches. Ladies, get yourself over there and tell Vicki that Team Sweet sent you. 
**Come get lost in fashion at The White Forest, 12-14 O’Connell Street, Auckland**