Last night I went to a gig in Picton (doesn't happen very often!).  The Nukes from West Auckland were playing -  a ukulele trio. Wait! This is no ordinary ukulele band... They are  like a fusion of, well, CCR, Bob Dylan,  Manhattan Transfer and Flight of the Conchords....with a bit of reggae thrown in for good measure. They write all of their own songs. Who would have  thought that you could write a catchy song about worms? Or peas and carrots? Or Bruce? It was a great night. These guys are passionate about what they do and it shows.
Which gives me a sharp reminder that as an artist you need to be true to yourself. A  taste of financial success tempts you to produce what will sell, rather than what you are passionate about creating. Some artists are lucky enough to fit in both ! 

Have you ever watched the seagulls which fly beside the Cook Strait ferry? I've watched them on many crossings. They glide  along  beside the boat, soaring above the funnel, sometimes diving into the sea after some unlucky fish.  Where do they come from? Do they follow the boat all the way across the Strait? Then come back on the next sailing? Are they North Island gulls or South Island gulls? These ones accompanied me home on the Bluebridge ferry last week. And if anyone knows the answers I'd really like to know....
ps. an interesting fact - black backed gulls are one of only two New Zealand native bird species not afforded any protection.