My 2014 calendars are now available from my website- janthomson.co.nz

Each spring these amazing birds fly 11,500 kms from Alaska to New Zealand where they feed for the summer.They then make the return journey to breed.
Both Motueka Sandspit and Farewell Spit have birds arriving daily. I find it incredible that they know exactly where they're heading - no GPS or radar, on what is apparently the longest nonstop migration in the world.

The other day I decided to clean out the pantry. Because my pantry is very tall and I am not , the top shelf is mostly a mystery to me. Things lurk up there in the dark, and it was time to face them. So I climbed up and began sifting through the boxes and jars. I have to admit that when we built this house 3 or 4 years ago I unpacked kitchen items straight into the cupboards when I should have been ruthless. What was that unlabeled brown powder? Murky old jam with frilly mould growing on the top, anyone? Or maybe some tasty. well out of date milk powder left over from a tramp?(Thanks, Kids). But I did find some treasures - pomegranate molasses for example - I'm sure I read a recipe using that recently. Cayenne pepper- yes!
As I worked I mulled over the thought that I tend to use the same ingredients over and over, never reaching up there for something more adventurous. I also began thinking about my "one day box" of spare paints in the studio - colours I've bought on the spur of the moment when I've been seduced by an art supply store -  and never tried them out. Instead I reach for my trusty palette, knowing exactly what colours I can mix from my favourite pigments. So, once the pantry was sparkling I headed off to the studio, dug out the neglected box of tubes, picked out four colours and went off to sketch my chickens.  What do you reckon? I like the nice "summery " feel of these pigments. I've painted them on the left so you can check them out- magenta, australian green , australian red gold and a touch of ultramarine.
PS. The pantry throw outs headed for the worm farm, and they seem to be enjoying their new diet too!