#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand

A young human (9?) is sitting on a garden path with a small white bunny on her lap. Small Bunny seems quite content to snuggle while Young Human is singing softly to it, brushing its fur. Her voice and wafts of bunny fluff floating on the breeze.

A small human (3) in a Spiderman costume is entranced by a woman (50s?) with wild vivid purple hair. Holding Mum's hand for moral support, he looks up at her with wide eyes.
Could this lady be a superhero or supervillain?
Either way, Shy Spiderman is ready for all eventualities...
Maybe...

A tiny human (2?) is sitting in Mum's trolley as they meander through Kmart. But wait! He's not a tiny human! He's a BIG TRUCK and he's making some mighty BRUMMM noises with added raspberry accompaniment. Little Rig keeps on rolling as Mum peruses baking dishes.

A woman (20s?) says to the owner of a quirky vintage clothing shop: "Do you have anything totally cringe from the 70s? My Granny's getting married and she's having a disco wedding."
The store owner emits a huge warm belly cackle and asks: "How d'you feel about vomit green Lurex?"

A young human (4?) is looking at cushions in a department store. Spotting one with neon beetles on it he looks up at Mum with a gravity that implies he's about to drop a very important truth: "Mum. These aren't real. They're drawings."
Mum nods. This is important information, well imparted.

(Continued Below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand

A small human (4?) belts into a library, her school bag clutched to her chest, expression determined. She reaches a librarian and breathlessly announces: "Hey. Uhm. Yeah. Uhm. Did I tell you? WE HAVE A NEW KITTEN!"
Librarian looks VERY impressed. (1)

A day dreaming young human (8?) is walking home from school on a crisp winter's day. A big group of kids are goofing and gamboling ahead, but not Day Dreamer who is softly singing to himself and gazing up at the clouds. Lost in his own world.

A glamorous woman (40s?) in a floaty blue dress wafts into an outdoor clothing and camping gear shop. Sighing with a restful smile she says to her friend: "I love shopping here. No one ever comments on my big feet."

Four young humans (9?) leave a dairy*, all gripping chocolate bars.
One announces with man-of-the-world confidence: "If we eat them all at once, we'll look MEGA cool."
Soon there are four MEGA cool young humans riding towards the park, chewing furiously. Game faces on.
A small human (6?) is walking home from school with Dad.

He says: "Dad? Do you wanna see how fast I ran at school today?"
Dad nods: "Sounds like a plan champ."
Speedy Human checks to make sure Dad is really watching and is OFF. He is very fast.
Dad looks on, nodding approvingly.

(Continued Below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A small human (5?) is standing in line at a checkout with his mum. He says: "I'm grumpy Mum."
Mum puts an arm around his shoulders. "Would a banana help?"
He nods, scowling: "Yeah. I might need two. I'm REALLY grumpy."

A disgruntled small human (4?) is standing in his front garden next to a row of citrus trees.
He sob-roars: "MUUM, KAYDEN WON'T PLAY WITH ME!"
Next to him, Big Brother (6?) bellows: "Yeah. But. Mum! He wants to throw lemons at my bum!"
Disgruntled Small Human stomps his foot: "It's FUN!"

A young human (9?) is trying out some new rollerblades. She wants to do it on her own and doesn't need Dad's help at all.
Oh. Wait!
Wooooah. Wobbbllle.
Okay, maybe she could hold Dad's hand for just a little bit. Just until she steadies herself.

Two women (20s?) are in deep conversation as they look at silver rings. They want to pick one for each other, but there are so many to choose from! They decide to hug and go get some cake instead. Gift buying is HARD.

A motley crew of five cats have colonized a sunny patch of road. One very big fluffy cat has the sunniest bit and the four others are dotted around him like furry satellites.
Fat Cat runs this show and as far as he's concerned, they are ALL his minions.

Any typos spotted in this post are a bit wobbly with their punctuation. If spotted, direct them to a sunny spot to sit in and maybe offer them a banana just in case they're grumpy.

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand

A couple (70s?) walk into a steampunk cafe and are delighted by all the ephemera on the walls.
One says to the other: "Could you imagine wearing this?!"
The other says: "Yeah. I could actually, it'd be fun. I'd be a steampunk man." He grins.

A King Charles Cavalier puppy is romping through a waterlogged paddock. She's just made a sheepdog friend and she's hot on his heels, tiny legs flying.
But what's this?!
A puddle!
Obstacle!
Oh no!
Maybe she's not a farm dog anymore...
Her human lifts her over, then she's off again!

Two women are talking while in line at a supermarket checkout.
One says: "People think cleaning an oven or defrosting a freezer is hard, but try getting rice out of a high chair. That's Olympic level stuff right there."
Her friend laughingly says: "Especially after no sleep in DAYS!"

A man (60s?) walks up to a tiny human (2?) and her mum.
Grinning he says: "The Grandad Ambulance is here to collect a patient with a cold. That you?"
Tiny Human nods solemnly.
Grandad holds out his arms and Tiny Human runs up for a big hug: "Righto, let's give Mum a break and get you home."

A man arrives at a cafe and collects a thermos from the server. She says: "There ya go. I filled it up with potato and leek soup. Want a scone to go with that?"
He grins. "Yeah. I never say no to a scone! Same time tomorrow?"
She smiles: "Same time tomorrow."

(Continued Below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

Two people (50s?) appear to be on a very earnest first date and as they get up to leave, she says: "I have nothing really to offer you other than a bouquet of insanity... and I do a nice roast lamb."
He belly laughs and says: "Sounds good to me."

A woman (20s?) in a kickass tartan dress, a spiked dog collar and big black boots is walking hand in hand with two small humans (3 &4?) dressed as sparkly rainbow fairies. One fairy has a wand, the other a Banana in Pyjamas plushie. Everyone rocking their own vibe.

In a cafe: A server (20s?) mentions to a customer that she's having a bit of a flat day. He nods seriously, then says: "How many tickles does it take to make an octopus laugh?... Ten-tickles!" He's rewarded with an incredulous snort of laughter. (3)

A very big and fluffy black cat is sitting in the front window of a pretty fairytale-like wooden cottage. Blinking slow love eyes at anyone who passes by. A plushie giant wētā* friend keeping it company on the windowsill.

A thoughtful man (60s?) is being given a pep talk by a friend (70s?).
Friend says: "You're never too old bro! Think of all the years you have to do stuff still! So many! Never too old! So just GET OUT THERE. And like, WOOOSH!"
Thoughtful Man nods. There might be something in this.

(Continued Below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A man (50s?) wearing a flat cap, a tweed jacket, turned up jeans and Doc Martens is sitting on a park bench by a rushing river. He's sipping from a big mug of coffee and reading a newspaper. Leisurely turning the pages as two inquisitive ducks inspect his boots.

A man (40s?) leaves a department store with two small humans (5 & 6?). He says: "Now, what's the rule here?"
Oldest says: "We don't tell Mum about her presents before her birthday?"
Dad nods: "That's right."
Youngest isn't so sure: "But what if she asks? Dad. We'll HAVE to tell her then!"

A tiny human (2?) has just realised that she does not like her socks and MUST remove them immediately. Mum is suggesting that taking one's gumboots and socks off in the middle of a mud puddle might pose challenges but Tiny Human is not convinced. She IS the sock expert and they will be banished!

A small human (5?) is zooming around a skate park on a skateboard. He's not quite got the hang of it, but he's got loads of enthusiasm! He comes off for the third time and is visibly fighting off tears when one of the bigger kids comes over and shows him a move. Ah. This is more like it!

In a cafe: A sleepy man (30s?) is surrounded by work colleagues in a Monday morning meeting. Serious corporate chat is happening but he's impervious!
If he rests his head against the wall here and...closes his eyes like this... no one will realises he's snoozing. (Was that a snore?)

(Continued below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A small, very stout dog is sitting on her human's lap as they drive into a supermarket carpark. Stout Dog is a cheerful dog and is pant-grinning at everyone they pass through an open window. Any day it gets to be with its human is a GOOD day.

A woman (20s?) is talking to a friend. She says: "Dad is so shy and biologically grumpy but he wants to make friends. Do you think if we put your dad and my dad together, they could be grumpy while fishing or something?"

People are bustling around a new community run arts space. A man (40s?) has just put together a donated Ikea chair and sits it upright, examining it thoughtfully before very gingerly and carefully taking a seat. Yeah. It's sound. He grins and allows himself a moment to relax.

In a craft shop, a tiny human (2?) has discovered a mannequin dressed in a teddy costume. Circling it a few times warily, they go in for a very big hug. It takes Dad quite a bit of convincing for them to let go. Teddies are for hugging, no matter the size, and that is that.

A man (30s?) strides into a craft shop with a small human (5?) at his side. He says, "Right. We're going to keep on track here today. What's the one thing we're here for?" Small Human grins and shouts, "Sparkles!" Dad nods decisively. "That's right. Sparkles. Nothin' else, okay? Just sparkles."

(Continued Below)

#Spotted on Market Day in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A tiny new human is strapped in a sling, cosy against Dad's burly chest. Someone says something that makes Dad's whole body shake with laughter, triggering Tiny Human chortles and shrieks of glee. This ride is FUN.

A woman (30s?) is doing a groovy little dance as she stands in front of a table of carrots. A passing friend laughs and she says: "What?! You mean you don't have a carrot dance? Everyone's gotta have a carrot dance! It's the carrot dance!"

A small human (3?) REALLY wants the bacon roll Dad's just purchased.
He does a howling stomping protest, mouth sad-clown beseeching.
But what's this?
Dad's saying the bacon roll is actually his?!
This is UNTENNABLE.
He doesn't want it now!
Well... maybe he does.
But he's gonna eat it SAD.

A man (50s?) with Albert Einstein fly away hair is humming a tune to a man (20s?) who's holding a ukulele. Seconds later, Ukulele Man is copying the melody and Humming Man is adding in fragmented lyrics, grinning as a song comes together. They wander off, jamming as they go.

A tiny human (1?) has just been introduced to a tiny sausage dog puppy. Both are wiggling their bottoms in excitement, grinning with unmitigated happiness. Making new friends is AWESOME!

Any typos spotted in this post most definitely want their own punctuation. Or maybe they don't want it. Either way, they're going to do a punctuation dance. If spotted, please join in. All moves accepted.

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand

Multiple families arrive at a dinosaur movie screening in a pretty art deco cinema. Almost all of them are wearing pajamas. All packing in together. Munching popcorn. Laughing raucously when the dinosaurs eat people. This is big goofy, cosy fun.

At the movies, a couple are approaching the snack bar. One says to the other, "Do you think this is going to be a popcorn movie or an M&M movie?" They both turn and glance at The Count of Monte Cristo poster. "Yeah. It's an M&M movie."

At a community theatre performance. People filter in early, determined to claim the hard wooden chairs set out by the venue, only for the experienced hands to turn up later equipped with deck chairs, cheese boards, foot pillows and comfy blankets. The connoisseurs have arrived.

A tiny human (2?) wants to go play on the swings, but Mum says he has to eat something first. This is MOST UNSATISFACTORY and he goes full dying swan, only to realise that the concrete path he's performing his death throes on is VERY uncomfortable. Not skipping a beat, he rolls to some grass.

Two teens (16?) who look like they bench press mountains before breakfast are standing in front of the roast chickens in a supermarket while engaged in an EXTREMELY serious conversation about whether they should buy one or two chickens each for their lunch.

(Continued Below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A small human (4?) and his well-loved plushie dragon are shopping with Nan. Small Human is helping Nan bag up apples. Meanwhile Plushie Dragon is holding the fort, sitting in the trolley, guarding their magnificent grocery hoard.

Two women (20s?) are standing in the chocolate aisle. One says: "You know... instead of getting Mum some posh chocolates for her birthday, we could get six blocks of the other chocolate for the same price... Like, a brick of chocolate. A freakin' brick. Of. Chocolate."

Two baristas are debating the existence of megalodons. One is a marine biology student and is laying down the shark facts. The other laughingly says: "I know! yeah. I get it. Science. But COMMON! we've all got to dream! Just give me this. PLEAAASE?!"

A man (50s?), wearing shorts and a T-shirt on a chilly day, is greeted by a friend who says wryly: "Glad to see you're dressing for winter, bro."
The man points at the beanie on his head and says: "Yeah. I am. This is my winter uniform!"

A small human (5?) is rocking some very cool rainbow sunglasses. She says: "Mum! Did you know that everything is REALLY rainbows but you can't see it. But I can because I'm wearing THESE!"

Any typos spotted in this post, have decided not to buy, the expensive punctuation. Instead they've decided to buy a bulk pack of commas, and, are, going, to sprinkle them all over, the place. If spotted, maybe remind them to wear a woolly hat. It's, cold, out.

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A young human (9?) bolts through the doors of a book shop. Mum calls out for her to slow down and she spins on her heel, looking VERY offended as she says: "But I HAVE to show you my FAVOURITE!"

A young human (8?) is roaming a natural history museum with friends. They spot a large bird skeleton and he says: "This is DEFINITELY a moa. Trust me. I know!" Junior Ornithologist pauses until they all nod, then draws a DEEP breath and then unleashes a multitude of magnificent moa facts.

A very solicitous dog (ridgeback cross?) is trotting along side her human as he rolls into town on his mobility scooter. Every now and then she lopes ahead, as if scouting the area, then waits with a concerned expression as he catches up. She is a very good dog.

An extraordinarily dapper man (80s?) is walking down the street with a cloth bag of groceries over his arm. He's wearing a purple beret, a yellow tartan scarf, a vivid blue tweed suit and some shiny purple brogues. Humming to himself and jauntily nodding at anyone who smiles hello.

A small human (5?) has just spotted a West Highland Terrier trotting ahead with its human. Small Human tugs on Mum's arm and says: "Hey Mum! Hey, did you see the dog? I mean, THAT dog? Do you see that dog over there? Well... uhm.. yeah... I want to pat that dog. Can you ask? PLEASE!"

(Continued Below)

tymczasem #spotted pieseczek!

#Spotted at an Indian Food Festival in Aotearoa New Zealand:

An irrepressibly bubbly young human (8?) is standing behind a raffle stall. She greets anyone who passes with such an optimistic, "Wanna buy a raffle ticket?!!!" that people instantly buy tickets without caring what the prize is.

A small human (4?) is ricocheting off of every surface in the vicinity.
Dad hefts him over his shoulder and carries him to a nearby running track, setting down and saying "GO!"
Small Human last seen determinedly doing laps at magnificent speed, his legs (almost) a blur.

A bulldog is investigating numerous stalls and food trucks serving delicious food. First he's pulling his human THIS way. Then he wants to go THAT way. There are so many good smells here and, head raised, eyes wide, he is determined to snort them all!

A small human (5?) would maybe like to spend their pocket money on a rainbow shaved ice, but they're not sure...
Biting their lip, they step towards the stall.
No. No. They step back.
But wait... Maybe they DO want one.
They step forward...
Hmm. No...
They step back.
This decision is HUGE!

A man has just received a plate piled with deliciousness when someone walks by with their lunch.
He swallows dramatically and looks around wildly, saying: "There's dosa here?! Why didn't anyone tell me there's dosa?! I've already bought my lunch! I'm missing out on dosa!"
The pathos is real!

(Continued Below)

#Spotted on Market Day in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A woman (40s?) leans on the counter of a waffle truck and pensively says: "There are so many toppings to choose from. I can't decide!"
The waffle truck owner laughs: "Have 'em all if you like!"
She does.

A small human (2?) wearing a knitted green jumper, is looking up with arms stretched out, expression awed as he breathes the word, "Helicopter!"
He then surveys the people around him incredulously.
Why isn't anyone else marvelling at the wondrous magical sky beast?!

A young human (5?) is sitting in front of a GIANT slice of Dutch apple cake with ice cream on top. He's got it all to himself and is gleefully going at it with two forks and a tremendous amount of enthusiasm while Mum and Granny are watching on with a grin, enjoy their coffees.

A young human (7?) is wrapped in Mum's arms as they wait at the gnocchi truck.
Mum's asking him if he wants to go say hi to his friends and he shakes his head and says: "Not yet. I need a bigger hug first."
Mum gives him a HUGE squish, lifting his feet off the ground.

A tiny human (2?) is off on an adventure! He's toddle-running through the markets!
He's super fast, and he's determined.
Dad's in hot pursuit, but is he gonna catch him before he gets to touch this lady's sparkly skirt?
No!
Or this man's red trousers?!
No!
He is UNSTOPPABLE!

(Continued Below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

Three women are huddle-walking down the street in a downpour. They're under the shelter of one umbrella and are laughing trying to shepherd each other out of the rain.
"Watch that puddle!"
"Oh well."
"Never mind"
"But watch THAT puddle!"
"AHH!"

A man (40s?) is striding along with leeks poking out of his backpack. A friend calls out, "Wait! You've got a leak in your bag!" And then begins laughing uproariously at his own Dad joke.

A small human (4?) has neon green gumboots.
Mum has neon pink gumboots.
They're giggling and run-skip-racing in the rain.
Small Human's in the lead, but Mum's in hot pursuit.
But wait! Obstacle!
A giant puddle!
Does he sploosh in it or not?!
Indecision!
Splooshing wins!

A small human (3?) with two wonky pigtails is walking on the edge of a low garden wall. Her arms are outstretched. Yes.
That steadies her.
But maybe...
She sticks her tongue out the corner of her mouth.
Ah! Perfect balance!

Three teens (14?), all wearing pajamas and slippers, are inspecting the lolly selection* on the counter in a dairy**. One decides on a mixed bag. One's going for some musk sticks and one's definitely having the bananas.
All grinning as they pay. This is what school holidays are made for.

(Continued Below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A small human (5?) is looking at a wall of brightly coloured patchwork fabric with Mum. She does a little anxious dance on the spot and says: "Which one's the magic one? Because I only want to sew the magic one."

A man (70s?) is walking out of a Wednesday market with his arms full of fruit and veges. He drops a cabbage and a nearby woman (30s?) picks it up and offers to take half his load. She walks him to his car, talking cheerfully as they go.

A woman (30s?) and her young human are inspecting fabric paint in a craft shop. Young Human (7?) wants a T-shirt painted with a starry sky to celebrate Matariki* but he's not sure on the precise colours.
Maybe this one.
Or this one!
Or this one!
Mum tells him to relax and to take his time.

A woman (20s?) dressed in a glorious cacophony of houndstooth, leopard print and florals is strutting along the footpath. Her head's bobbing to music in her headphones, her Doc Martens are hitting the pavement in a jaunty step. She's a moving piece of art.

Two friends (Late 80s?) are travelling side-by-side.
One's on a mobility scooter with a rainbow crocheted seat cover.
The other's getting along with two walking poles.
They may be moving slow, but their conversation isn't. Feisty chat and barks of laughter ring in the air.

Any typos spotted in this post are on a quest to make something magical. If spotted, please tell them to take their time.

*Matariki is Māori New Year.

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

Two very big dogs (St Bernards) are riding in a vintage mini. One's in the back seat. One's sitting in the front. Its very big head poking out the window, slobber grinning at everyone they pass, as their very petite human drives out of a carpark.

A small human (5?) is bolting along the beach on a sunny winter's day. But wait! They're not a small human! They're a pony. Gallop-splashing through freezing water, making neighing noises as their clothes get soaked. Small Human Pony doesn't mind. They are an impervious water beast!

A teen (13?) is showing his friend a series of kapa haka* moves. His friend is keen, but he's not quite getting the idea, arms flying everywhere, face a picture of rubber mayhem. Teen tries. He really tries. But in the end he's laughing too hard and gives his friend a hug instead.

A tiny dog (Pekingese?) is sitting in a wicker basket of a bicycle as its human zooms along a cycle path. Tiny dog is wearing tiny driving goggles and is grinning at the view in front of it, a brisk wind ruffling its hair luxuriously.

A woman (30s?) talking in French, is holding up her phone as she walks along a pristine beach on a very sunny day. As she walks, she's describing the smell, the temperature and telling "Maman" what else she's going to do on her holiday.

Any typos spotted in this post are Massive Apostrophes. If spotted, maybe suggest they wear goggles when they ride their bike home. (It looks so cool!)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A woman (20s?) with brilliant long blue and turquoise hair is walking along in the midday sun. Rays of light catching on the colours, making them shimmer like mermaid hair. A small, otherworldly smile on her face.

A young human (7?) is walk-skipping along, holding Granny's hand, looking at Granny with an adoring grin. This is their day together and he's loving it. They turn into a sushi joint and he begins to excitedly recite all the types she should try. Laughing, Granny lets him pick for them both.

A young human (10?) has just implemented Mission: Infuriate Big Sister.

BUT CRISIS!
Big Sister is running counter intelligence! (Oh no!)
Now he's been captured in a headlock and she's holding him for ransom.
There's nothing left to do but to appeal to the Court of Dad!
"DAAAAAAAD!"

A man (30s?) is rolling on a skateboard, wearing a hoodie featuring two stubby devil horns. Skateboarding Demon is unstoppable. He's picking up speed. But what is this?! A black cat! (gasp). He skids to a halt. Even demons like to bestow back scratches and tummy runs upon their fellow fiends!

In a library: A man (30s?) is making some very strange noises indeed. He's wheezing! He's gasping! He's groaning! He's clutching his head! A librarian marches up to see what the heck is going on only to burst into laughter when she sees the disastrous football match on his screen.

(Continued below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A small human (4?) and her mum are sitting in a sunny spot in front of a library. They're sharing a cup of churros, dipping them in chocolate sauce and munching happily while Small Human talks about ALL the books she's going to borrow today.

A husky is sitting in front of a bakery.
He does not want to be sitting in front of the bakery.
He would much rather be IN the bakery eating delicious morsels.
He raises his head and notifies all present of this great injustice.
WOE! WOE! AWOOOO!

A young human (4?) in a plaid shirt, jeans and gumboots is nonchalantly moseying past a market stall selling dragon toys. His hands are in his pockets. He's got nowhere to be... except maybe... he could turn and wander past these dragons a few more times. Just to make sure they're still there.

A small human (5?) is ferociously eating a pastry as she says to Dad: "I was just at the playground. And I saw my friend. And I said hello. But SHE didn't say hello back to me. So I said it even louder. And then she did. And then I came here."

A very shy bulldog does not want to make friends today. Nope. He'd much rather hide right where he is, under his human's long coat with his bottom sticking out. No one's going to notice him here. Stealth Dog Mode has been activated!

Any typos spotted in this post have just wandered by some dragon toys six times. If spotted, maybe roar "Hello" at them, so they say hello back.

#Spotted on Market Day in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A brick-shaped staffy has decided she doesn't like the sound of heavy rain. Her burly human picks her up and she immediately tucks her head into his neck, her nose buried in his beard as he pats her back, telling her it's all gonna be okay.

A couple (20s?) are sitting in a cafe with a pile of business cards between them. They're sorting through them, talking softly in French as they label each one with the date and a small note about when they got them. Small cardboard memories saved for later.

A small human (3?) is marching towards a barbershop. BUT WAIT! He's not a small human! He's a prowling, stomping dinosaur whose sole job is to scare everyone before him. He pushes the barbershop door open and lets out a mighty ROARRRR. Good. Now he can have his magnificent (scales) hair sorted.

A woman (40s?) is walking with an arm around her curious young human (7?). She's explaining plate tectonics, volcanoes and earthquakes, answering Junior Earth Scientist's questions with animated cheer as they step around puddles on a rainy day.

A tiny human (2?) wearing a yellow raincoat has spotted a VERY INTERESTING bucket full of rain water.
Mum says: "Don't even think about it kid."
Tiny Human looks back at the bucket, then at Mum.
Then at the bucket...
Then at Mum...
Maybe... if she just touches it once, Mum won't notice...

(Continued below)