#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A woman (30s?) wearing a black sequined dress is salsa dancing at traffic lights on a chilly evening. When the little man goes green, she does a wiggle-groove across the road, then a little skip up onto the curb before shimmering into the night.

A small human (4?) is hugging her well-loved bunny rabbit plushie when she encounters a giant Peter Rabbit in a toy shop window. Small human thrusts her rabbit-friend towards this interloper, roaring: "MY BUNNY IS BETTER!" before stomping away. This world's only big enough for one beloved bun!

A young human (9?) spots a teacher in the biscuit aisle. (Oh no!) She ducks behind Mum's back, which does not provide a lot of cover, but it just may be enough...
Now Teacher is inspecting the Tim Tams*! Crisis!
Now Teacher's talking to Mum!
AGH!
Why is shopping so STRESSFUL?!

A man (20s?) is stalking the footpath, jaw jutting out, face a war map.
Suddenly, a ginger cat slinks from a nearby garden.
A formidable scowl transforms to a soft smile.
Ginger Cat rolls onto his back.
This is not a trap.
This is a quiet moment for tummy rubs and calming down.

An old, tubby corgi with a very square bottom is rolling in leaves at the park. He sneezes, snorts and tries to right himself. It takes a few goes, much to his human's amusement. Four paws on the ground, he makes a little woofing noise and wags his stubby tail as if to say, "Shall we go now?"

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#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A tiny human (2?) bursts from the front doors of a church. Arms pumping, she toddle-runs down the street with Mum in hot pursuit. She's scooped up and thrown over Mum's shoulder. Snorts and giggles as they head back inside.

A small human (5?) is trying different honey samples as a beekeeper (40s?) explains how honey is made. As if hearing all this honey bee favouritism, a bumble bee comes to investigate, settling on the back of the bee keeper's wrist as he talks. Suddenly, bees get even more interesting!

A man (20s?) dressed all in black is walking past cafes and restaurants while strumming a ukulele. Suddenly he stops in his tracks, pausing the tune he's playing and repeats a chord until he gets it right. Satisfied he strolls on, music drifting behind him as he goes.

A woman (30s?) standing in line for coffee suddenly shivers and says to her partner: "Someone just walked over my grave!" Her partner wraps an arm around her waist and kisses her head.

A man (30s?) dressed in punk tartan trousers is striding down the street. He's got a Keith Flint* haircut, he's got studded black boots and a shredded denim jacket with crocheted roses all over the lapels. Crochet is the most punk of the handicrafts.

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#Spotted on Market Day in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A man (50s?) rubs a hand over his head and says to a friend: "Think I had too big a serve of Mum's apple crumble with her medicinal butter last night. That stuff had enough THC to stone a castle!"

A man (40s?) is sitting on a bench outside a barbershop on a quiet street. His arm's around his teenage son's shoulders and they're both wearing identical chill smiles, eyes closed, micro-snoozing on a sunny day.

A multi generational family (months to 80s?) are all posing for a group photo amongst the crowd at an impressively large pay equity protest.* The tiniest protester gumming her nan's banner. Togetherness, purpose and laughter.

Two teens (13 & 15?) are play wrestling before a protest starts. Dad grabs them both in a headlock and they both try to pick him up, but he's rugby-sturdy. Moments later the protest starts and they're cheerfully walking with the crowd, bellowing their support, arms around their mum's waist.

A tiny human (1?) in a pink teddy bear onesie is toddling amongst a large crowd with her dad. She's on a mission to pat every dog she sees and there are many dogs who are happy to have pats. Gummy grins and wagging tails all round!

Any typos spotted in this post are very proud to have peacefully exercised their democratic rights today. If typos spotted, please wave your home-made banner or sign in the air and maybe have a lovely cup of tea with friends afterwards. Community is wonderful.

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#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A tiny white dog is trotting behind a herd of dairy cows crossing the road. Tail in the air, expression alert, she deftly skirts around a rogue cow pat and gives a mighty woof to the back of a cow's hoof. Tiny Dog is the Cow Commander!

A woman (80s?) wearing a pink woolly jumper bustles into some remarkably clean public toilets in a tiny country town. She's carrying two jam jars of fresh-picked roses and sets them on the basins, fussing over how they look before giving them a decisive nod.

Two farmers (60s?) are leaning against an old holden ute*, having a leisurely natter. Their overalls strain over generous tums, their grey hair is shaggy beneath their hats and their laughter booms over nearby paddocks as their border collies give each other a good catch-up sniff.

A British tourist orders hot chocolates at a coffee truck parked at a DOC** campsite. He's asked if he wants marshmallows and he laughs and says: "Of course I do! What monster doesn't love marshmallows?!" The owner gives him an extra two each cup before saying with a grin. "Served by a monster."

On a winding and very water-logged mountain pass, a camper van pulls over to let the cars behind it go by. Almost every car that zooms past waves a thank you out their window. Not caring about the rain.

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#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A pīwakawaka* is flitting and fanning in front of a snoozing border collie. Snoozing Dog opens her eyes and makes a low uffing noise but Tiny Bird cares not, swooping over Snoozing Dog's nose, peeping indignantly.

A couple (30s?) are making dinner in a shared kitchen after a day hike on the Queen Charlotte Track. They get to work making mac and cheese topped with buttery mash potato. A dish worthy of a party of hungry hobbits is pulled from the oven an hour later to wide grins all round.

A couple (20s?) are sitting by a roaring fire in the shared living room of an isolated tramping lodge**. They're playing Scrabble and are having a spirited argument over a three letter word actually being a word. A dictionary is consulted! It's a word! Queue dramatic groaning!

Two groups of trampers are competing over who has the best "That time I almost froze to death while camping" story. Much guffawing and commiserations are underway. A couple of non-camping day-trippers are listening in with increasingly horrified expressions. What is this camping madness?!

The owner of an isolated tramping lodge walks through the grounds with a big platter of savoury scones slathered in butter. Beaming, he calls out to see if anyone wants one. People materialise from the woodwork. When fresh from the oven scones are on offer there is NO dilly dallying.

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#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A young human (10?) is sitting on a bench in front of a dairy* with a Labrador at his feet, his bike at his side. He's eating a large bag of hot chips, one for him, one for the Labrador. This seems like a perfect arrangement all-round.

A teen (13?) is carrying a tiny human (1?) through a toy shop. He spots a giant bin of teddy bears and much to the delight of Tiny Human, flips her upside down and threatens to drop her amongst the teddies. Tiny human shrieking with joy.

A tiny human (2?) has noticed some pretty plastic flowers decorating a second-hand china display. Mum's calling her to come and inspect a huge bucket of wooden blocks for sale. Tiny Human looks from one to the other and then at Mum. What are wooden blocks when there are flowers to admire?

Three teens (13?) are riding bikes along a busy road on a quiet autumn evening. They're roaring to each other about their plans. Volume at eleven. Their voices echoing three streets over. Apparently someone's dad is making stir fry for dinner if anyone wants some too.

A teen (13?) is walking with his dad, regaling him with the details of his first in-person D&D game. They're a warlock! They look cool! And their friend is gonna draw their character for them! Dad laughing heartily at battle stories, an arm wrapped around his son's shoulder.

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#Spotted on Market Day in a Small City in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A young human (8?) is strutting through the markets cradling a grow-bag for mushrooms. His swagger is endearingly serious. He is the mushroom king. He will grow them all!

A small human (4?) is horizontal in the storage compartment under his sister's pram.
But wait! He's not luggage!
He's flying! Arms and legs stretched out, tilting into the curves.
Low Flying Super Hero is here to save the day! (Or to get a sausage in a bun, whichever comes first!)

A tiny human (1?) REALLY wants to touch a nearby lady's pretty long hair. Both hands outstretched. Reaching... reachiiing... Oh no! Pretty Hair Lady's moved on.
Tiny human's lip quivers, then she spots a puppy.
Maybe she can pat that instead?

Two men dressed in full Holden Caulfield* regalia, with red hunting caps, corduroy jackets and blue jeans make eye contact with each other near a soap stall. They freeze, and then as if choreographed, turn and head in separate directions. THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE!

The owner of a Filipino food truck greets a customer who orders some tosilog: She says "Hello! I saw you getting fish and chips last week."
Her customer laughs: "It's a tradition. Markets for breakfast every Saturday, fish and chips for dinner."
She nods approvingly: "That's a GOOD tradition."

* Just in case you're wondering what I'm talking about, Holden Caufield is from J.D. Salinger's Catcher in the Rye. He's known for a red hunting cap.

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#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A woman (30s?) and a tiny human (2?) are dancing with tremendous glee as a nearby busker plays a soaring guitar solo.
Seagulls are congregating to watch. Are there chips here? No? Will dancing lead to chips? Better wait and see, just in case.

A young human (8?) is treating a park bench as a parkour obstacle. LEAPING onto it, running along and then JUMPING off, his face red, expression triumphant.
Did anyone notice?
Yep.
People are watching.
Good. Okay.
His jaw jutting out, he races towards the next bench. He has ALL the skills.

Two young humans (8?) are jumping up and down on some springy matting placed around the base of a huge shady tree in the centre of town. They're seeing how high they can get. Arms whirling for balance. Giggle-drunk on fun.

A small human (4?) runs excitedly to a tractor ride at the shops. Mum says, "It's broken matey."
Small Human looks pugnacious. With scientific certainty he says: "No! You put money in and it works. I'll show you!" Mum has no choice but to produce a coin.
Scientific observation is victorious!

An American tourist is walking around a gallery with a distant smile. The gallery owner asks if she needs help. She says: "No, I'm just filling my cup before I fly home."
He says: "You must be looking forward to that."
She shakes her head emphatically: "No! I want to stay here forever!"

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#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A couple (50s?) are pulling faces at each other over their coffees, making each other laugh. Meanwhile, a nearby small human (4?) is wearing a magnificently judgemental expression. These grownups are being unnecessarily silly and it's NOT correct.

A man (70s?) is riding a mobility scooter decorated with brightly covered crocheted granny squares. A small white terrier in the front basket. A strong sea breeze washing over them.

A young human (9?) skips to a hotted up Subaru WRX. Grinning, she says to her mum: "Does Dad know we took his car to the shops?"
"Nope." Her mum says with a wink: "I won't tell him if you don't."

A woman (40s?) in a red dress and killer heels is strutting around a supermarket. Another woman (60s?) says: "You look GORGEOUS." Kickass Woman says with a laugh: "I'm not headed anywhere tonight. I was feelin' a bit flat and dolled myself up cos I could!"

A man (30s?) is walking with his small human (3?) in his arms. He's wearing a paper crown decorated with blue pencil scribbles and is listening to an epic tale of What Happened At Daycare Today, making all the right noises in response to shared tiny outrages and scandals.

Any typos spotted in this post have polished up their Question Marks to strut around a dictionary. If spotted, please don't mind their judgemental expressions if you're being silly. They know what's proper and you're not doing it right.

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A woman (40s?) wearing a soft-looking knitted green dress kneels down in front of a small human (5?) wearing an adorable plaid vest. He's vision impaired and as he's enveloped in a big hug, he exclaims: "It's the teddy dress!"
She smiles: "Yeah kiddo. Just for you."

A family of three small humans (2-7?) and their mum leave a library. They're all wearing farm clothes, they're all barefoot and they all have arms piled high with a magnificent selection of books, eagerly comparing which one they'll be reading in the car on the way home.

A man (70s?) is standing with his back to a spectacular sea and mountain view holding up the fish he's just caught while a woman (20s?) is taking a picture. He asks with a worried expression: "Did ya get the fish in the photo, love?"
She laughs: "Yeah. I got the fish."

A man (30s?) in high vis is standing outside a bakery. He's just unwrapped a pie when another man (19?) walks up and starts asking questions. He holds up a finger, saying, "Later. This is pie time, mate. Pie time." and then takes a bite while making full eye contact.

A postie* pedals down a bustling street first thing in the morning, the intro to Tool's song, Sober playing quietly on speakers in his basket. A grin on his face as he waves at the people he recognises. He's having a good day.

(Continued below)

My day has just been made by a guy using me as a waypoint when herding his group of little kids on bikes
#spotted #bike

#Spotted on Market Day in a Small City in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A woman (30s?) is walking with a friend as they share a bowl of buttery gnocchi. She says: "You know how you can make your kids feel good about themselves, and you do it? SUCH a great feeling, eh?"

A small human (5?) is walking slowly next to his dad, carefully cupping a piece of rainbow cake in his hand like it's a precious, tiny bird. He shall protect this cake at all costs. He is the cake guardian.

A tall, sturdy man (50s?) is walking through the markets holding a single purple cauliflower up in the air in one hand like it's a precious artifact to be admired and worshipped. Meanwhile his partner gives him a bemused look, saying, "Seriously?"
He grins and says, "Yup."

Two puppies (poodle & staffy?) coming from separate directions have spotted each other! Now they're dragging their humans forward. An introduction MUST be made. Soon, they're excitedly playing while laughing conversation happens overhead, bouncing around like the world's their trampoline.

A woman (20s?) is looking at her partner with exasperation. "You forgot your phone?! How am I gonna find you?"
Her partner shrugs. "Easy. Just find the fried bread truck. Where else am I gonna be?"
She concedes that this is indeed, sound logic.

Any typos spotted in this post are most excited to meet other typos, especially out in public. If spotted, please allow them to introduce themselves. They may over-punctuate from excitement, but it'll be worth it.

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A woman (30s?) is looking out over a spectacular view of mountains and a river valley. She's holding a very new human to her chest, nose pressed to a head of wispy baby hair, inhaling a quiet moment of peace and beauty.

A young human (4?) in pink gumboots is skipping along a walking track while gripping her teddy by the paw. Her little sister (2?) is waddle-running behind, trying her best to keep up, her expression fiercely determined.

A teen (13?) is rolling down a hilly street on his skateboard. His arms crossed, his expression stoic. But what's this on the footpath?! A big fluffy black cat requiring immediate smooches? Within seconds, he's sitting on the curb, a giant puddle of purr in his lap, board resting by his side.

In a park next to a river walking track, a woman (30s?) is patiently braiding a small human's hair. Job done, they put on bike helmets and they're off on a grand cycling adventure, Mum taking her time so small human can keep up, pointing out the sights as they go.

At the beach: A woman (20s?) leads her horse down to the receding tide line. She clambers into the saddle, gets her bearings... And then they're off! Hoofbeats sounding like a happy heartbeat on a sunny autumn day.

Any typos spotted in this post are rolling along on their keyboard, keeping an eye out for any fluffy apostrophes to pat along the way. If spotted, please remind them to stop and enjoy the view.

#Spotted at the Beach in Aotearoa New Zealand:

In a beach carpark, a bulldog is hanging out a window of a vintage red mini cooper. He's slobber-chomping at the barbeque smells in the air. Eyes closed in doggy euphoria.

At a picnic area, a woman (30s?) is patiently wading through a mass of small humans, saying: "Noah! No pinecones thrown at people's faces please. Noah! No pinecones thrown at peoples bottoms please! Noah! Pinecones outa your pants please. Noah! Come hold my hand. Yes. Drop the pinecone PLEASE."

Two women are sitting across from each other at a beach-side bench table covered in a white lacy table cloth. As one (70s?) admires the view, the other (30s?) is unpacking a china tea service. A kettle bubbling on a small gas burner beside her.

A small human (5?) is stomping around the beach in gumboots. His air is determined, he's scanning the ground. Mum calls for him to come get some lunch and he bellows: "I HAVE TO SHOW OLLIE THE DEAD SEAGULL". Junior Ornithologist has important work to do and lunch will wait.

A man (60s?) is walking down to the tideline with a tiny human (2?). Tiny Human balks at the water, but Grandad does some pretty dance steps and soon she's copying and OOPS! They've got their feet wet. Ahhh that's nice! Isn't this fun?!

Any typos spotted would like it known that they will most definitely not relinquish any pinecones on their person. If spotted, please give them a cup of tea and maybe show them the dead seagull. It's REALLY COOL.

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A small human (5?) is peering through the windows of a library, captivated by the Mystical Librarian Business going on inside. Not taking her eyes off someone shelving books, she roars at her Nan: "CAN I DO THAT?!"

Two women (70s?) are standing in the yarn aisle in a craft shop. One says to the other: "Did you know the kids love crochet again? It's the 70s all over again."
The other laughs and says: "I knew if I waited long enough I'd finally be cool!"

In a craft shop, a small human (4?) is hunting through the costume aisle. He DEFINITELY wants a dinosaur costume. No! A pirate one.
No! A Viking one!
No! He wants to be a dinosaur pirate!
No! A Dinosaur pirate Viking.
YES! Perfect!
Now... to convince Mum.

A man (20s?) is holding two take away mugs of hot chocolate. He says to his partner: "Now, I've just got to make sure there's no bumps so I don't spill these!" His partner promptly pokes him in the ribs. Cheshire-Cat grinning at his surly growl.

A small human (3?) is stomping along with a very big furled umbrella.
His mum holds up a small umbrella and says: "You sure you don't wanna carry this one instead, mate?"
He shakes his head emphatically.
He's the Umbrella Wielder and the Umbrella Wielder is MIGHTY and SHALL NOT BE DEFEATED!

Any typos spotted in this post are holding a big mug of hot chocolate. If typos spotted, please don't bump them and maybe let them know they could be a cool librarian one day too.

#Spotted at an Easter Fair in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A small human (4?) is clutching a shark plushie like a talisman as she looks around her with a thoughtful expression. She's not sure about this market business, but she's got her shark, so everything's gonna be okay.

A woman (60s?) with long silver hair is walking in the rain. She's sheltered by a red umbrella and is rocking a vivid red coat, a red beret and sparkly red boots. A passing car honks and she gives them a wave and a grin.

A tiny human (2?) is wielding a gnarled wand covered in purple and glitter. He has spells to cast and he's not sure how. Maybe poking people on the bottom is somehow involved. But wait! Grandma does not condone Bottom Magic, so now he's back to square one!

A man (30s?) wearing a camouflage hunting jacket is holding his tiny human (1?) as they watch a Zumba class perform. Dad might not be dressed in a brightly coloured sarong but he can dance. Jiggling tiny human up and down with chuckles and chortles sounding around them.

A woman (40s?) wearing no-nonsense running gear is briskly walking along a footpath with a huge sheathed longsword tucked under her arm. A passing small human (5?) holding his mum's hand looks at her with huge eyes. Who is this mighty warrior woman?

Any typos spotted in this post are Colon Poking Wizards. If spotted, please don't mind their magic wand, and maybe give them a shark plushie to hug if their spell isn't successful. Magic is difficult business.

#Spotted on a Very Rainy Easter Market Day in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A young human (8?) is dancing down a quiet street. Grinning, his eyes closed, he does a twirl here. He does a hop-skip there. He stretches his arms out and does a little tap on the spot. Unfettered joy, ignoring the rain.

A dapper man (80s?) in flat cap and neatly ironed shirt and trousers is given a cappuccino with a love heart in the centre. Smiling softly to himself, he turns the cup and saucer around a few times to view it from all angles as if to remember it properly. An unexpected, tiny happiness.

A woman (70s?) parks in a very busy car park and gets out. It's starting to rain and a passing woman (30s?) asks: "Do you want my umbrella? You can keep it. It's not expensive and I can see you don't have one." They part, one with a new umbrella, the other cheerfully walking to her car.

In a cafe: A tall, bustling woman is complimented on her shirt. She grins and says: "It's the yellow. It just looks right. On a day like this. Yellow!" Outside it's pelting with rain. Inside there's a walking ray of sunshine.

Two women (60s?) in bright raincoats are sitting kitty-corner to each other in an a manically busy cafe. Their heads are bowed together in conversation and every now and then, one cheekily offers the other a forkful of cake, laughing at the crumbs. A tiny oasis of romantic fun.

(Continued below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A man (70s?) and a small human (3?) are walking down a hilly street after a windy night, righting all the rubbish bins that have blown over. Small human is sternly supervising. He'll not rest until Grandad has everything back in its right place!

At a free brooch making workshop: A small human (4?) is very hard at work on an orange masterpiece. Mum suggests he could use another colour and he carefully sets down his scissors and gives her a long, studied look. She holds up her hands and laughingly concedes. The artist knows what's best.

Two teens wander out of a dairy* wearing hoodies and plaid pajama bottoms. They're laughing and goofing around, hip bumping each other and sharing the a huge packet of chips between them. It's the school holidays and this is what chilly mornings should be about.

At a riverbend water hole, three teens are skimming rocks, while a studious border collie supervises. Rock Skimming Supervisor Dog is evaluating technique, distance and most importantly, whether or not they are going to throw the stick he dropped at their feet minutes ago.

A woman (40s?) walks into a craft store with a teen (16?). She stops in the doorway and causally hands over an envelope, saying: "Happy Birthday Soph. Take as long as you want. That should be enough to get you started." Teen looks into envelope, squeals, hugs mum, drags her to the wool section.

(Continued Below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A teen (14?) is telling her dad about her worries about the chaos in the world. Her dad listens calmly, nodding and sipping his coffee. Finally, he says with absolute Dad certainty. "Well, love...I reakon some people just need to calm down."

A small human (6?) is helping Gran buy some paint. While they're waiting at checkout he is industriously reading every label he can spot. He is the Word Master and knows ALL the words and will READ THEM ALL!

A tall woman (80s?) wearing a purple silk dress and a huge straw hat covered in giant purple flowers is strolling through a shopping centre. She stops here and there to look in windows, smiling regally whenever someone pauses to compliment her.

A woman (30s?) is sitting across from a teen (16?) in a cafe. She says earnestly, "I don't know where you're at, or what you're planning on doing, but if you decide to go to uni, I've got you covered. I'm here for you."

A woman (30s?) in a dark green coat bustles into a bookshop with a bulging paper bag. She places it on the counter and says: "Anyone want some feijoas?! I've got loads!" Free fruit is placed on the counter for customers to take as many as they like.

Any typos spotted in this post are Regal Strolling Spellers. If typos spotted, please don't mind if they read all the books in your bookshop... and all your paint labels. And... Do you have any cereal boxes? They'll read those too.

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

Two men (20s?) are strolling through the centre of town. One's strumming a guitar and is singing snatches of song. The other's armed with notebook and pen and is suggesting phrases and words, scribbling furiously. Lyrics and melodies on the go.

A small human (4?) has abandoned his bike on the footpath and is glaring at it belligerently. His arms crossed, scowl fierce. Dad asks what the problem is. He says: "It wont go FAST ENOUGH!"
A passing man (40s?) wearing bike leathers laughs and says: "My bike too little bro. My bike too."

A man (60s?) is on his phone, getting visibly exasperated. A woman (60s?) walks up and asks what's wrong. He says grumpily: "You won't pick up your phone!" He pauses and grins sheepishly "Ah... because you're already here?"
She playfully bats him on the head. "I am already here. Idiot."

A small human (5?) struts from a barber shop. He says: "Dad? Dad? I'm better lookin' than you."
His dad raises his brows: "Why'd you think that?"
Small Human rolls his eyes. "Cos I AM! I've got HAIR."
This is obviously a profound truth, but for some reason Dad's now belly laughing.

A woman (40s?) holds a door open for another woman (40s?), wearing a spectacular brooch.
Brooch Woman nods: "Thank you kindly, maiden. You are ever so fair."
The other replies. "My greatest honour your majesty. Shall we sojourn to yon cafe?"
Cackling gleefully, they walk off arm in arm.

(Continued Below)