Renewal
Tag: communicating creatively
Outside World, Inside View
Norfolk Island – Paradise!
On 18 February 2022, my Wife, Susan and I headed off to one of our favourite places to go for a holiday, Norfolk Island for 10 nights. It was our third trip there.
Norfolk Island is located 1,766 kilometres (1,097 miles) North East of Sydney, Australia and there are only two flights in and out per week. The Island itself is an external territory of Australia that was gifted to Australia by the British Commonwealth back in 1913. It became self-governing in 1979 but then in 2015 the Australian Government took over control.
There have been 4 settlements on the Island. Archaeological evidence suggests the the Polynesians were there between (c.1150 and c.1450 AD), then in 1788 the British arrived on Norfolk Island and a Penal colony existed till 1814, then was closed down. A while later, another Penal colony was established and that was closed down in 1856.
The ‘Mutiny On The Bounty’ also had a part to play as, after the Mutiny, Fletcher Christian and the other mutineers ended up taking The Bounty to Pitcairn Island (some 7,000+ kilometres East of Sydney). Descendants of the mutineers then settled on Norfolk Island in 1856 and descendants of the 8 families are still on Norfolk Island to this day.
As mentioned, this is our third visit there, the first being our Honeymoon in 1997, then for our 10th Wedding Anniversary in 2007. This time it was for our 25th Wedding Anniversary and we will definitely be going back again.
at ‘100 Acres’.
The Island is only 34.6 square kilometres (13.36 square miles) in area and is 8km (4.97 miles) wide and 5km (3.1 miles) long however, in three visits there we have not seen it all or done everything there is to do there. It is such and amazing place that caters for all interests and tastes. Whether you are a history buff, like to relax, sketch, paint, photograph, play sports (including Golf), swim, surf, snorkel, read, kayak, paddle-board, fish, hike, go out to restaurants, live bands or shop, there is something for everyone.
Over the ensuing weeks (or longer), I will be writing some articles based on our experiences on this Island paradise.
As the Island’s advertising slogan states, ‘There’s more to Norfolk Island.’
Written by David Johnson
5 March 2022
Norfolk Island Is
Surroundings
Handprints On A Wall
Looking To Stretch Myself!
Aside from doing my Daily Art Practice aka a Watercolour Sketch a Day (mostly A5 size), for a while now I’ve been doing A4 size Watercolours. In my daily art practice I try new things (and make lots of mistakes) and occasionally, I will do one that I would like to do a larger version of. I still make mistakes when I do the larger ones, though. I’ve never agreed with ‘practice makes perfect’, I think it should be ‘practice makes better’. Hopefully, over time I will continue to get better!
I’m looking to stretch myself in my Art-practice at every opportunity.
- Arto Watercolour Paper 300gsm Cold Pressed Medium Surface – 100% Cotton Acid Free
- Winsor and Newton Artists paints
- Neef brushes
- Manuscript Dip-pens
- Art Spectrum Artists Pigmented Black ink
These are my latest:
Till next time!
Written by David Johnson
February 2022
Transformation
A Favourite Spot!
A favourite spot I (we) like to go to relax is only about 8 minutes drive from where we live. The Nepean River wanders through the Camden District (N.S.W. Australia) and it is at its widest going through Camden.
There exists a lot there to please people and caters for a diverse amount of interests. You can:
- Have a leisurely walk on man-made paths or go off-track
- Kayak/Canoe up and down the river
- Go for a quick dip (no sand on the bank, though)
- Ride your bike along a designated Bike track
- Sit by the river with a book
- Sketch, Paint, Photograph
- Play ball games with your friends and family
- Exercise in a number of ways
- Take your children to the permanent Play equipment or kick a ball
- Just relax
We use it to go and relax, go for a walk and other things. I’ve been down there to sit and read, walk, sketch, paint or just sit and relax. When Susan comes with me she will either take a book or Crotchet.
Our most recent visit was just to sit and relax on one of the benches by the river. We were joined by i/2 dozen Lizards, a few Ducks and cooling breeze on a hot day for an hour or so. We are certainly blessed to have such a place so near to us.
Till next time!
Written by David johnson
16 February 2022
Expressing Oneself
Communicating Creatively 