People have asked me how I feel about this self-isolation, this 'living in a bubble' reality. "You must be used to this Emma, living in remote Alaska for six years!"
Well actually, it has brought up a mixture of feelings, some tantalisingly familiar, some very different.  Yes, it is true I lived in a remote, peaceful community, protected in our community's physical isolation from the stresses of the 'outside world' - the hustle of city living, the constant hum of road traffic and the demands of a fast moving, answer-now society. 
In Alaska, our home sat within the cushion of a deep silence where the endless magnificence of nature could be viewed from the window or experienced just one step outside our door. However in that village bubble, we could socialise, ask each other for help, check in on our neighbours and have potluck dinners and dances together.  This caring community lifestyle, an integral part of the culture we became part of, was I believe the main reason I was so reluctant to return to 'civilisation'. 
Māori are well aware of the importance of community living. "He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata. What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, people, people."

There was a time while living in Chevak however, when the bird flu pandemic took centre stage in the world. We quickly learned  that as we lived in the middle of a large and remote bird sanctuary, a place where birds flew directly in from China, we needed to be on 'high alert'.  Birds carrying H5N1 meant symptoms that began within two to eight days that initially seemed like the flu; cough, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, headache and shortness of breath, could be symptoms of the avian flu. We also knew the disease carried a high mortality rate in humans.  Sound familiar?
 Although stored food supplies were no problem, my huge pantry bulged with preserves and long term food supplies gathered every summer, but living far from any hospital or well equipped medical facility, with no hope of medication arriving in time, we were fearful, drilled to listen for a local siren that would message 'pandemic plan, lockdown in your homes'.  All of us had plenty of food supplies but drinking water was a different problem and my biggest worry. 
​The 'imported' faculty distilled local water, or alternatively fell ill to bacteria in the local water supply. This  meant that gathering bottled water in case of an avian flu outbreak was of paramount importance.  I still remember stacking bottles of distilled and bought water under every piece of furniture until I believed our house on stilts was going to sink into the snow and ice and if we didn't die of the flu, we would be buried alive instead.

So along with Anzac Day's imminent arrival as well as the end to our Level 4 lock down at the end of Anzac weekend, I thought some of you may like to try to celebrate with my very well practised recipe, outlined below.
Happy Anzac Day everyone, enjoy your peacefulness, the tranquility of our beautiful surroundings, and stay well.

Emma's Anzac biscuit recipe
 (Thanks to Margaret Fulton )
 (Makes about 40 - and will freeze, I always doubled the recipe)​

​Ingredients
4 oz butter ( 115 gms)         1 cup rolled oats
               2 tbspns boiling water        3/4 cup dessicated  coconut
        1 1/2  tspns baking soda         1 cup plain flour ( 4 oz)
    1 tbspn golden syrup              1 cup sugar ( 8 oz)

Method
Melt butter and golden syrup in pan over gentle heat
Add boiling water mixed with baking soda
Pour into mixed dry ingredients
Drop small spoonfuls on 2 greased baking sheets 
Bake in slow oven ( 300 degrees F/ 150 C ) for 20 mins

I put them in for 10 mins then switch the trays over for last 10 mins.
Let them cool on the sheets before removing and perhaps hiding some of them 
​ENJOY

A somewhat belated HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all!  Maybe like many of you, I am shocked to discover how the year is flying past already, it may be that when it is filled with beaches, sun and visitors we lose the sense of regular time.  Out here on the outskirts of Nelson and near the beautiful beaches of Tasman Bay, we run an Airbnb from our separate studio. We have had many wonderful visitors over the summer, visits that started well before Christmas. Thankfully our regular Swiss guest Angela, is here for a longer stay, so I finally have some time to sit down and write.

This year I am planning on finishing another memoir, but right now am not quite sure what form it will take.  What I do know is that I will spend many hours here at my desk, pouring out stories from my life experiences that I hope will excite and enthral you. I am also planning on going back into the classroom when I can...there is something about the smell of classrooms that acts like a box of chocolates, always drawing me back for more. I realise of course that I am setting myself up for a busy year again, with another tour already bookended by talks in Hamilton and Tauranga in May, in response to requests received a couple of weeks ago. It is heartening to know that my talks have inspired others to promote them in my absence.  

  I will again be concentrating the majority of my talks at local libraries in Auckland's greater area and in Northland.  I will be posting my itinerary in a couple of months for you to see the upcoming tour dates.
​ Of course Gary is thrilled that we're planning on viewing more of the North Island. After this trip I think we will have been nearly everywhere, and privately I am thinking that maybe now I can finally score, "a perfect 10".​

This past Labour weekend I attended the Writer’s Retreat/Encounter at Blackball, a three-day workshop organised by West Coast writer/ filmmaker and Blackball resident, Paul Maunder. 
To say the retreat was inspirational seems trite in describing so much of the richness that happened there. The deepness of the layering of thought and opportunity to share within the arms of the ‘deep damp quiet of Blackball’ s hard to describe. Blackball, an historic West Coast settlement famous for its coal mining history, birthplace of the NZ Labour Party and upcoming opening of the Paparoa Track  bewitched with a palpable sense of excitement and revival in the air. 

Our handful of attendant writers was gathered from the coast, from each end of the South Island and through the mountains from Christchurch. Three mentors supported us, each with a unique connection to this little village.
Jeffrey Paparoa Holman, ex Canterbury university lecturer, poet and author of fiction and non-fiction, was as a child raised here. Paddy Richardson, author of ‘Into the Lonesome Dark’ an historical novel set in Blackball is currently writing under fellowship a sequel to that hauntingly rich story, and was the reason I decided to attend. I had met her when she presented at a previous Māpua Literary event. Then there’s Paul, the well-known filmmaker and ‘cultural activist’, the quiet and humble organiser who managed to pull everyone in on a shoestring budget. 

Our mentors gave us ‘master classes’ on plot, imagery and voice/dialogue.
In the evenings we huddled at restaurants, watched a play, shared stories and bonded. Precious daylight hours were spent alone writing, discussing that writing with our mentors and many more ruminating over those discussions. The attendees brought such different stories that the retreat was laced with laughter, tears and friendships forged though sharing of powerful personal journeys.  There is talk of a Readers and Writers workshop Queen’s Birthday weekend 2020. Anyone out there keen to be inspired into more reading or writing? I’d advise you to mark your calendars now, as I cannot stop thinking about it all and how very fortunate I was to attend.
 

We arrived home this Monday night, after one whole month on the road. Both Gary and I are so enthralled by the beauty of the North Island; we’re feeling privileged to live in such a stunningly diverse and breathtaking country. (I did have to drag Gary away from studying real estate brochures at times). Now several days after arriving home to Nelson, I am missing the nomadic lifestyle, but in particular the gift of friendship with strangers.
 
What a trip! 3000 kms. Beginning from the West Coast of the North Island from Waverley, all the way north to Pukekohe, then back down and around the Coromandel, the Bay of Plenty to Gisborne, then south to Carterton, where last Saturday I gave my 25th and last talk of the tour.

​I am so grateful to all the librarians who went to so much trouble in promoting my talk on Facebook, in local papers, on the radio and mailing invitations to those who had read my books. I appreciated all the newspaper interviews, the photos, posters, the morning, afternoon and evening teas that you organised, as well as all the extra ‘out of hours’ time spent in setting up listening spaces to make my talks so enjoyable for everyone.
 
I have so many poignant memories of the people I met, the stories I was told, from the many who had been to Alaska, had family there, or who were about to head there; from those to the Māori whānau in Te Kūiti, where Dad had just returned from whaling in Barrow, Alaska. Wow, what a privilege to meet you all. I sincerely hope to meet up with you again.Thank you so much for your interest in my stories, and for sharing yours.

By the way, our third passenger, our recently rescued greyhound Jody, was equally thrilled by the trip.  So much so that on our return, where she was finally able to tear around our large yard in freedom, after doing so, she immediately climbed back into the caravan and refused to get out.  “Where next?” she seemed to say.
 
 Yes we are heading north again, but not till next May, and yes I am writing another book.

Waaqa, or hi everyone! Yes, I'm still in New Zealand and have actually embarked on my first series of talks for the year starting with a visit late April to a class of Year 9 students at Nayland College, after 'rather-a-lull'.
I followed that and headed down to Christchurch mid May to speak to the Fendalton Library members at Papanui Library while Fendalton Library is undergoing renovations. This was followed by a local talk in Motueka to the 'Crafty Tarts', both events providing thoroughly enjoyable chances to meet some of my readers. My next talk is to the Lions/ Lionesses at Motueka Golf Club is on June 18th.  I've even been invited to dinner first, so with Kotz swanning off to Bali for some heat and down time, I will be definitely ready to enjoy that treat.

I am currently coordinating my next North Island tour, which starts in the Waverley Library on August 6th, and finishes in Carterton about twenty libraries and one rest home later. I will admit to being blown away by some of the librarians, way up there in the North Island, who recognised me by name and were kind enough to inform me that my books were very popular there.
I promise to publish the final North Island schedule once times are all finalised. In the meantime, a huge thank you to all my readers and for all the correspondence I continue to receive.  So lovely to know you are out there and enjoying my books ... especially now, during these chilling nights.

This year has been such a successful one. I have had such great tours in both the South and North Islands this year, that I am already planning next year’s events following requests for even more talks.  

Some of the people I have met, and many I have not, have been requesting books by mail, and so I have decided to offer a 25% discount Holiday Special for the complete trilogy- ​​Walking on Ice, Nesting on the Nushagak and Dancing on the Tundra. 

​If you would like to purchase a set as a special gift for the holiday season- specially signed by yours truly, do get your orders in quickly. Click this link. I am offering free postage within New Zealand, but it is the time of year when there can be mail delays.
If you live outside New Zealand, and would like to participate in this special, please contact me for postage costs.

It has been a huge year for me in many ways, and I would like to send out a special thank you to all the librarians and groups I have visited this year. To my many readers (and listeners), you have made this journey truly memorable in so many unexpected ways: for your avid attention, absorbing conversations and emails, thank you!

​I am intending to record Nesting on the Nushagak next, and fingers crossed Max the Fresh FM production man will be available again. His brilliance in getting the recording to such a high standard and with such a serene manner is worthy of bottling and marketing.
 
Unlike Walking on Ice, Nesting on the Nushagak does not move back and forth in time, as the entire story is based on my day-to-day experiences of living and working in a small fishing village on the ‘famous salmon fishing river ', the Nushagak.

​In the audiobook Walking on Ice, I decided to use New Zealand native birdsong for the introduction of the NZ chapters, and wolves howling for the Alaskan chapters.
 
Nesting on the Nushagak will only need a pack of wolves. Lets hope they’re ready to start howling again… that haunting sound always takes me straight back to the little village of New Stuyahok that squats by the Nushagak. It takes me deep into the long chilled nights there, nights punctuated by the mournful howling of those timber wolves.

Well folks it’s official, we’re heading north this August for a much needed migration to hopefully warmer climes.  Albeit it is only for three weeks, but I have told my trusty husband, “it will give you a good idea of what’s what in the lowerish North Island".
​(You may remember that conversation stems from his rating me as a wife, less than perfect).

So I have a wonderful trip planned starting in my childhood growing-up-place-Whanganui, winding north as far as Rotorua, then travelling south-east as far as Masterton, back up to Palmerston North, and eventually heading towards Peter Jackosn's  Wellywood.  I would love to see you if you are free to come along! Here are the library talk dates:-
 

Whanganui Davis Library: Queens Park Tues Aug 14, 6:30 pm
Taumaranui Library: Thurs Aug 16, 1pm
Rotorua library Discovery Centre: Fri Aug 17th, 1:30 pm
Taupõ Public Library: Mon Aug 20th, 1pm
Napier Library: Tues Aug 21st, 5:30 pm
Waipukerau Library: Wed Aug 22nd, 5:30 pm
Masterton Library: Fri Aug 24th, 2pm
Palmerston North Library: Sat Aug 25th, 1:30 pm
Foxton Library: Mon Aug 27th, 10:30 am
Paraparaumu Library: Tues Aug 28th, 2pm
Stokes Valley Library: Wed Aug 29th, 2pm

I have also had special requests to give talks at three retirement villages:-
Whanganui: Aug 15th, 10:30 am Jane Seymour Retirement Village
Hastings: Aug 21st, 2pm Summerset at the Orchard
Havelock North: Aug 22nd, 2pm Summerset in the Vines
 
 I do hope to catchup with you at one of these places.

​I reckon I should be getting a good 8-9 on the husband-rating-scale regarding this travel to unvisited places in the North Island, don’t you think?   Emma :-) 

​Well here I am embarking on my blogging again, and I thank you for your patience. You see the unexpected arrived, so in writing terms, here is my ‘back story’.

Kotz and I undertook our well advertised Southern Library Tour in February, an exciting time to venture out in our ’new’ 2001 caravan (see previous blog) . Along the way we met many enthusiastic fellow campers,  readers and librarians, eventually arriving in our old haunt Balclutha to spend an afternoon at Murray’s memorial service.  There, we caught up with old Balclutha buddies, wallowing in special memories of where it ‘all began’…

​

We wound our way further south then headed north again until we eventually arrived in Gore. That evening at the local library, one of the ‘talk attendees’ gave us a huge start, appearing as a dead ringer for an old dear Alaskan friend, Tom Harpole. This gentleman proved he had Alaskan roots also, questioning and interjecting throughout my talk, adding information and corroborating.  Invited to a post talk dinner, where Alaskan-adventure-sharing was a promising main course, our new friend along with his South African rancher girlfriend dined out on adventures! We reluctantly left them to head back to our cosy caravan in anticipation of a gallop up to Queenstown the following day.
 
However an over night call from Nelson informed us that my mother had suffered a stroke. Dunedin, not being too far from Gore, was where I caught a plane back home the following day, to be with my Mum. My trusty husband drove all the way back to Nelson with the caravan.

​One week later my dear mother who never regained consciousness, died with us by her side. We held a memorial service for her three weeks afterwards in Christchurch; a service attended by around eighty friends and family.  What a spectacular sunny day and a loving and laughing, meaningful farewell.

So it was, that in mid April, already scheduled for talks in Christchurch, we decided to complete the remainder of our southern tour. After visiting Queenstown, Te Anau,  Waimate (my mother’s birth place), Ashburton and Rangiora, we eventually headed home with just enough books left over. (Whew).
 
There, so now you have the ‘back-story’.
 
Since then I have been planning a North Island tour to start mid August, and have been called on to do a spot of unexpected and delightful relief teaching at a local school. As of today (ta da de dah) we have just returned from a South Pacific cruise specially for Kotz’s birthday!
 
I do plan to keep on keeping you posted.