George Penney

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: A man (30s?) is snoozing on his back on some grass in a park. A fast asleep tiny human (1?) sprawled across his tummy. Both soaking up the spring sunshine as a tūī calls from a tree branch overhead. A man (60s?) has just ordered a serve of ginger crunch and another of caramel slice. His partner laughs, asking: "They BOTH for you?!" He shrugs and says: "Yeah. Life's short, couldn't decide."* A young human (7?) and a border collie are waiting outside a dairy.* Both watching the door with total focus only to grin with happiness when a teen (14?) walks out with two sausage rolls. All sitting in a row on the bench outside, eating their lunch. (One bite for them, one for Dog Friend.) A small human (5?) is staring at a very big (and rather deceased) tarantula mounted, framed and hanging on the wall of a shop. Holding up his hand, then looking at the spider. Then holding up his hand... then looking up at the spider. Then shaking his head emphatically and walking off. Nope. A small human (5?) dressed in a dinosaur hoodie is playing a game of foosball. Doing big dinosaur roars when her players don't do what she wants them to do. Foosball Dinosaur stomping around the table when Big Sister declares herself the winner. (Continued Below)

#Spotted on a Rainy Market Day in Aotearoa New Zealand: A small human (5?) is holding an umbrella up as HIGH as he can to shelter Nan from a light rain shower. Expression solemn. This job is serious business. Nan crouching down a little to fit underneath, wearing a softly amused smile. A woman (60s?) is having a VERY serious conversation with her partner. Expression stern, voice sharp. But what is this? Her partner sneaking a piece of bacon of her plate while she's talking? And then another one? And now a bite of sausage? His eyes smiling cheekily as the lecture goes on. A man (20s?) wearing a hoodie, black jeans and battered sneakers is strutting along. Singing to himself as he goes, only to be stopped by a woman (30s?) who says: "OMG I've had that song in my head all day too!" A young human (8?) is running through the markets, roaring to someone behind her: "I'M GOING BUT I DON'T REALLY KNOW WHERE I'M GOING!" A passing man (60s?) saying: "Isn't that all of us?" A small human (3?) is clutching a wheel of camembert cheese to her chest and wearing a big watery frown. Dad asks what's wrong and she bellows with utmost distress: "MY CHEESE IS SAD!" Dad trying to commiserate in between belly chuckles. (Continued Below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: A very small indignant dog (Chihuahua cross incident report?) is MOST offended that her human has had the TEMERITY to eat the last of a biscuit without sharing it with her. Shaking in moral outrage with a tail slightly wagging just in case a course correct is required and more biscuit is available. A teen (13?) and Nan are sharing a pottle of hot chips while waiting for the bus. Heads resting together. Solving the world's problems one bite at a time. A couple (80s?) are holding hands across a cafe table, smiling at each other as steam drifts from their cups of coffee. Every now and then bursting into great peals of laughter at something the other has said. A big fluffy tabby cat has noticed that her human is home. Racing through the garden, meowing like an air raid siren only to stop right next to Human's legs. Stropping back and forward only to be scooped up for a welcome home snuggle. A small human (4?) is walking behind Dad in a supermarket, saying: "Dad if you caught a really big fish, could it eat you? Not a small fish but a REALLY BIG fish?" Dad shrugs: "Dunno Buddy. Maybe." Small Human human looks unconvinced: "Why?" Any typos spotted in this post are absolutely pancaked after a very busy weekend finishing up a 27 days writing festival. If typos spotted they'll be remembering the amazing dinner their wonderful friends cooked them last night. There's nothing like a tummy hugging meal to make a typo feel loved.

Hey lovely people. Tomorrow I'm going to be running an online Social Media for Creatives workshop that's focussed on keeping safe, sane and even having fun on social media. October 6, 9am NZT. Pay What You Can Video Available on demand for 2 weeks after. https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/social-media-for-creatives-tickets-1997303395221 #art #writing #music #film

If anyone would like to attend an online workshop about micro journaling to find positive moments in your day, I'm doing one. October 3rd 9am NZT. Pay-What-You-Can/Koha Available for 2 weeks for all ticket holders if you can't make it on the day.😊🪻🌸 https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/finding-tiny-moments-of-joy-in-everyday-life-tickets-1997294084372 #writing #writingcommunity #mentalhealth

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: A small human (5?) is MOST DISGRUNTLED with his pushbike. Hands on hips, glaring and stomping as he lectures its prone form. Pushbike appears completely unrepentant but Small Human is determined to keep lecturing until it gets the idea! A woman (80s?) with sequinned purple trousers, a tuxedo jacket and a black lacquered walking stick is striding down the street. Posture immaculate. Style personified. Later seen in a bar window, sipping a classic martini. A tiny human (1.5?) is toddle-running down the street, abruptly stopping in front of people she meets and holding up a sheet of stickers. Gifting little sparkly smiley faces to strangers. Getting smiles of thanks before she zooms off to spread more joy. A border collie approaches some traffic lights with her human and looks at him expectently. Human nods and Border Collie jumps up and boops the traffic crossing button with her nose. Both waiting patiently until the little man turns green. A small human (4?) has decided that Mum is talking nonsense when she says that chili sauce is spicy. Small Human waits until Mum's distracted, dips in her finger and... HUFFPUFF! Face turning red. Trying to pretend to Mum that nothing's happened here. Nothing. At. All. Any typos spotted in this post are rather chuffed with the sparkly smiley faced sticker they were given today. If typos spotted, they'll be looking for a good spot for the sticker on their fridge. It deserves prime place.

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: Two small humans (5 & 7?) are skipping either side of Dad down the street. Holding his hands. Their school bags bobbing up and down on their backs as they excitedly tell him about ALL the things they did at school today. A woman (20s?) wearing colourful clothes, is sitting on her pushbike waiting for the light to turn green. Smiling to herself as she does a little dance to the music in her earbuds. A small moment of happiness before she rolls on to the rest of her day. A small human (4?) is dinosaur ROARING and STOMPING towards a cafe door. Dad asks him to open it and he pushes and pushes and PUSHES. But what is this?! The door is too mighty for Small Human T-Rex's arms? Time for Dadosaurus to come to the rescue! Two small humans (3 & 5?) are piecing together a wooden jigsaw. One's technique involves considered thought before trying to see if a piece will fit. The other is going for a ram-it-in-and-see approach with added industrious GNNNRAAAAR noises. Both seem perfectly content with this arrangement. A young human (8?) in a tie dye hoodie is hovering next to Dad while he eats his breakfast in a cafe. Her fork is poised. Her attention is focussed. That hash brown will be hers the minute Dad is distracted! Thwarted! Dad gobbled it up in one bite! Hmm... what about that sausage though... (Continued Below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: A group of five women (late teens?) in jeans & t-shirts and sundresses are all standing on a footbridge over a meandering river. Laughter ringing over the water as they watch it flow to sea. The sweet smell of camelias in the air. A tiny new human has decided that she is MOST unhappy. Dad's trying with the back pats, the gentle bouncing, the rocking back and forward but NOPE. Bleating like a little lamb as Granny collects her for a snuggle and then... Quiet... (New Dad looking VERY relieved.) A woman (40s?) is trying to take a selfie of herself, her mum and her aunt. All howling with laughter as they realise every picture is of their nostrils, their chins and of the crumbs from the cake they've just been enjoying. Oh well! They're having fun anyway! Now for more cake! A man (20s?) is sitting in a sunny spot in a cafe. Eating a sandwich with all sign of enjoyment. Looking dreamily out the window. A laptop bag by his feet. There's work for later, but for now this time's for him. A tiny human (1?) has decided that she'd rather like to chomp on the lunch menu Mum's looking at. Mouth open expectantly. Watching... Waaaatching... Mum distracted! Ha! CHOMP! (numnumnum) Any typos spotted in this post are enjoying a very sunny spring day. if typos spotted they'll be contemplating an afternoon nap after a very busy weekend, maybe with the window open so they can enjoy all the nice flower smells in the air.

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: Two black swans are coasting along on an inlet as the tide comes in. Four little grey cygnets bobbing on ripples behind them. Fluffy blue clouds overhead in a vast blue sky. Snow on the mountains beyond. A woman (20s?) is holding the door of a cosy local cafe open for five women (70s-80s?) who are all wearing colourful clothes and jewellery. Thanking her before heading to their regular table. Chattering like a small flock of raucous birds of paradise. Four women (20s-30s?) are walking along a footpath in a neat row, all pushing prams with tiny humans (1ish?) inside. Heading for a nearby park to set out picnic blankets and to enjoy some lunchtime friend time. A very tall and burly man (60s?) with a big bushy beard is walking into a still-winter-cold sea. He gets up to his knees and roars: "Woo!" Then gets to plum height and bellows: "GRAGH!" before finally diving in. Emerging from under a wave with a big leopard seal grin. A flock of sheep are dotted out on a green grassy hillside in a meandering valley. Woolly rocks soaking up the sunshine. Baaing back and forward as the mood strikes them. Any typos spotted in this post spent a delightful two hours driving out to their favourite steampunk cafe in a nearby country town today. If typos spotted, they'll be stopping off to go for a walk on the way home. It's that kind of spring day.

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: A woman (70s?) approaches a friend while holding a potted rosemary plant with a big blue bow around the pot. Grinning as she hands it over, saying: "Happy birthday darl!" Her friend asks. "Rosemary?" "For remembrance." Her friend exclaims. "How could I ever forget YOU?!" They share a big hug. It's the cafe lunchtime rush. Every table is full. A queue at the till. People still approaching from down the street. And a bustling server still finds the time to do a little ninja-move dance to make the barista laugh. Grinning as he heads to the kitchen with arms overladen with dishes. A man (40s?) is sitting at a cafe table with a vintage Monopoly box (70s edition?) in front of him. Opening the lid and carefully lifting out the money and playing pieces. Holding the boot up with a faint, thoughtful smile. (4) A man (50s?) is approaching his garden gate when a huge fluffy cat darts out. Meowing an enthusiastic hello. Brushing first this way and that against his legs and asking to be picked up for a big snuggly hug. Purring like a cuddly little tractor. A man (80s?) is talking to a woman (40s?) over a pot of tea. He says in a booming voice: "Your mother was my sunshine. I'll never go a day without missing her. Lit up my life and still does. Pure sunshine." He nods emphatically. (Continued Below)

#Spotted While Roaming In Aotearoa New Zealand: A tall man (30?) in sturdy hiking gear is standing in line for coffee with his partner. He reaches into his pocket for his wallet and pulls a very odd expression before pulling out a roll of toilet paper. His partner exclaims: "What's THAT doing in there?!" He shrugs. "Made sense at the time." A tiny human (2?) is taking holding his little brother's hand very seriously as they cross the road. Walking next to Little Brother's pram with great gravitas. Big Brothering is a VERY serious business indeed. A flock of seagulls are all bobbing on a tranquil stretch of river. Convivially floating towards the sea. Flashes of white feathers as they duck under the water, here and there. A woman (80s?) wearing a big fluffy woolly jumper, with fly away silver hair and a fae air is wandering down a tree-lined street with a mishappen cup of coffee in hand. A tubby black staffy waddling at her side. Both stopping to admire (and water) some daffodils before wandering on. A man (30s?) is blowing up a pink balloon as a tiny human (2?) watches on, doing a little excited dance. Dad's cheeks puff. And puff. And PUFF. And... (OH NO!) Maybe he blew it up a little TOO much. Oh well, he's got a spare! (Continued Below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: A man (30s?) in full cowboy getup is sitting on the tailgate of his ute* in a city-centre carpark. A thermos and lunchbox by his hip. Strumming a guitar and singing in a soft baritone while consulting a small notebook at his side. A border collie asleep behind him. A portly man (70s?) is strolling along. Hands clasped behind his back. Tummy leading the way. Stopping to admire a plant here, a flower there. Expression content. Meanwhile his portly dog (terrier cross gravy boat?) is toddling by his side. Snuffling and huffling at the cars driving by. A tiny human (2?) is holding Mum's hand, pulling her past a roadworks site from digger to digger. Regarding their mechanical dinosaur frames with rapt admiration. Roaring back in Mechanical Dinosaur Language when they make noise. In his element. A bohemian couple (80s?) with flowing silver hair, in seventies corduroy chic, are nestled side-by-side in a cafe booth. Snuggling up as they drink their hot chocolates. Heads bowed together as they giggle at something secret. A lumberjack of a man (60s?) orders a coffee and a Portuguese tart and takes a seat at an outside table where his basset hound is gnawing a big tasty bone. Both enjoying their treats with an air of happy gusto. (Continued Below)

#Spotted in a Cafe in Aotearoa New Zealand: A woman (50s?) is packing a bright red suitcase into the back of her car. She crouches down, patting a silky terrier on the head, saying: "Alright m'darling. Are you ready to come for a drive?" Silky terrier gives her a tail wag and is picked up for a smooch as he's put into the car. A red cloud kelpie puppy is sitting on his human's lap at an outdoor cafe table. Eyes sharply focussed on his human's pen as she does a crossword. Mind controlling the words onto the page. A small human (3?) is sitting at Mum's feet in a cafe, frowning grumpily at the Rubik's Cube is his hands. He's not sure how this thing works. All he knows that he does not disapprove of all this blue on the red side. Hmm... maybe Dad can fix it. Three men (50s to 70s?) wearing variations of plaid and blue jeans are listening to a younger man (30s?) with a very new looking moko* and a booming cheerful voice tell them about a recent trip. Sharing news about aunties, uncles and cousins, nieces and nephews over coffees and sausage rolls. A serious looking couple (20s?) are sitting at a corner table. Holding hands, expressions earnest. But what is this?! A small human at the next table (3?) roaring: "I'M A TRAIN! CHOO CHOO!" Serious couple now stifling smiles. Maybe not so serious after all. (Continued Below)

I'm going to be talking to the wonderful poet Teoti Jardine. This coming Friday 2nd October, 10am Pay-What-You-Can. Video On Demand for two weeks of you can't make the time. (There might be some explicit words/content but it will be amazing content.) https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/the-weight-we-carry-teoti-jardine-in-conversation-tickets-1993309351930 #poetry #newzealand

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: Two plastic dinosaurs (A pink diplodocus and a blue stegosaurus?) are having a very involved and quite physical conversations on the windowsill of a street-facing office window. Two small hands holding them. A wild head of red hair just visible over the top of the sill. A dapper man (70s?) wearing a knitted cardigan and straw trilby is sitting on a park bench. An old fashioned Casio tape deck by his side playing Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2. Smoking a cigarette and smiling faintly at a quacking duck waddling by. A small human (3?) is very proud of the red plaid shirt he is wearing. Plucking at the woolly fabric and exclaiming loudly to Dad. "THIS IS VERY WARM DAD. I AM SOOOO WARM." Beaming when Dad says: "They ya picked the right one, didn't ya?" A man (50s?) is standing by his car, demolishing a big slice of pizza with gusto only for some cheese to drip onto his shirt. (Oh no!) With a laugh and a sigh, he says to a passerby: "I can't take myself anywhere, can I?" Before good naturedly finishing his lunch. A tiny human (2?) in denim overalls and a pink jumper, hair in bouncy pigtails, is doing a waddle-stomp next to Mum as they walk down the street. Singing a stompy song with utmost enthusiasm. A huge grin on her face as she goes. (Continued Below)

If it's anyone's cup of tea, the lovely Perlina Lau from RNZ's Culture 101 program (think New Zealand's BBC, NPR or ABC) interviewed me last week about Beautiful Words. It was such a fun chat and quite a buzz to get so much time to speak on such a great program. Still reeling a bit quite honestly! Would have shared earlier but I was a bit nervous about listening back to myself. (I've been a bit sleep deprived and was worried I'd just answered all questions with the equivalent of the Muppet's Mahna Mahna song.😂) https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/culture-101/audio/2019049752/george-penney-on-beautiful-words-con-and-why-silence-of-the-lambs-is-actually-a-romance

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: A small human (3?) is MOST AGGRIEVED. Tears streaming down his face, bottom lip a wibble-wobble. Mum says: "What's wrong?" He wails: "I bit Braden and he didn't THANK ME!" Mum sighs. "You bit your brother and you want him to thank you?" "YES! He ASKED me to bite him!" A tiny human (2?) has a rather special shiny black feather in her hand. She's flouncing through the shampoo aisle of a supermarket. Flitting her feather here. Flapping it there. Beaming and whispering: "Magic! Magic! Magic!" as she goes. Two women (18 & 50?) are walking through a big department stall. The older says to the younger: "It's a bit scary to work here at first but you find your feet quickly." She gives her new colleague an encouraging smile. A tiny human (2?) is riding a push-along bike down the footpath next to dad. Roaring "BRUMBRUMBRUUUUM" as she goes. A laughing passerby says to Dad: "Sounds like the muffler's gone on that bike. It's a loud one!" Dad grins: "Loud since day one, mate! Never a quiet moment with this one." A man (20s?) wearing a suit, with morning shower-damp hair runs into a cafe, skids to a stop at the counter and orders an almond croissant. Saying: "Gotta fuel up. Big day! Running late." Before skidding out the door again and run-walking down the street. Croissant crumbs trailing behind him. (Continued Below)

#Spotted on the Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever in Aotearoa New Zealand People of all makes and models are congregating in a city square. Wearing red frocks, red socks and in some cases, red crocs. Extravagant bouffant wigs. Kate Bush playing. Raucous cackles as newcomers are shown to a big bin of second hand red clothes. No excuses! Frock up and have fun! A dance instructor, dressed in red, is directing a crowd in a practice run of Kate Bush's Wuthering Heights dance. It's all going bonkers. Legs wiff-waffling through the air. Arms flippy-flapping. Ridiculous fun. A burly man with a generous tum and bushy beard (40s?) in a floaty red frock and muddy work boots, is giggling with his small human (5?) who is showing him how to do all the moves. First you sway, then pose, then wiffle waffle... then... Nope Dad's lost. Belly laughing and trying to keep up! A woman (50s?) wearing an elaborate red ball gown knows all the moves. Expression euphoric. Singing along to all the words. This is her song. This is her moment and she's making the absolute MOST of it. An elderly VERY tubby white poodle, wearing a red dress with a red rosette on her collar, is being cradled and a gently hugged by her laughing human as they wuther hither and thither. Two friends having fun. (Continued Below)

#Spotted at a Gallery Closing in Aotearoa New Zealand: A crowd is singing a waiata* to bless the closing of a community gallery. Voice merging and echoing in an empty room. The song ends and a man (40s?), speaking in a faint English accent says with quiet satisfaction: "That's the first time I got all the words right. I'm proud of that." A woman (50s?) is talking about the new gallery space that will be opening up soon, saying: "What we're hoping, is that our new space will be organised better than this one with minimal clutter." A colleague bursts into husky laughter. "What clutter? It's art! It's all art!" People of all makes and models are hugging, talking, crying as the closure of a vital community space is celebrated. A woman (50s?) says: "This was just a white box really, just white walls, floor, ceiling, but magic happened here. It'll happen at the next space too... but this was special." A man (30s?) is grinning cheekily as he takes three slices of celebratory pizza. His partner's giving him "The LOOK" but he's unrepentant. It's getting late, people are going home and there is swiftly cooling PIZZA up for grabs. Why not? A woman tells friends she's just turned 65 and announces that she's got a grand plan to give her art career a shot now that she's retiring from her day job. She says with a grin,: "I'd say I've got 15 to 20 years and I'm going to give it all I've got! No time to lose. I can't wait!" (Continued Below)

Hey lovely people. My beautiful friend Emma and I are running an online workshop about friendship and networking. It promises to be a wonderful time. The whole focus is building sustainable creative communities that see us through this rollercoaster thing called life. 4th October, 9am NZT, Pay-what-you-can. (Available for 2 weeks for people who can't attend on the day.) https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/friendship-networking-for-creatives-tickets-1997295430398 #creative #writing #writingcommunity #art #artist #musician #music

Hello lovely people. I'm running an online 3 hr crash course in indie publishing in October that'll give you all the info you'll need to get a book out there. Pay-what-you-can. Oct 7th. Ticket holders can access the video for 2 weeks after if you can't make the time. This recently sold out here at Beautiful Words Festival. The pay-what-you-can is because we want it to be as accessible as possible🪻🌹 https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/a-crash-course-in-independent-publishing-tickets-1997305616866 #books #bookstodon #author #indie #indieauthor

#Spotted at an Italian Film Festival Opening Night in Aotearoa New Zealand: A man (80s?) is sitting in an armchair in an art deco cinema's foyer. Wearing a dapper suit. Neatly parted hair. Walking cane at his side. Smiling benevolently at the crowd milling around him, chatting, laughing, drinking wine, eating pizza. Merriment in the air. A woman (60s?) is doing a wiggly happy dance as she bites into a double-scoop cone of ice cream that's covered in chocolate with nuts sprinkled on top. A couple (20s?) asks if she got it from the counter and she grins triumphantly. "Yes! Five dollars! Life's GREAT, get the double scoop!" A very prim woman (60s?) with a Hyacinth Bucket* accent is saying sternly to her husband: "Speak ITALIAN Robert. This is an Italian film. You should TRY HARDER." She sips her glass of prosecco, pinkie held out, frowning at a cackling group of women (70s?) drinking and gobbling pizza nearby. A woman (50s?) is offered a paper cup of complimentary tiramisu as she walks into the cinema and exclaims: "Terrible Sue?! Touches my lips and goes on my hips?! Of COURSE I'll have some!" A couple (20s?) are perusing the film festival program. Fingers running down pages. Debating budget and the films they'd like to see. Gobbling freebie slices of pizza, conspiratorially giggling with sneaky glee on nabbing two glasses of complimentary wine each to take into the cinema. (Continued Below)

Hey lovely people. Every now and then you'll come across me mentioning a public piano in one of my #Spotted posts, often the one at my favourite fruit and vege shop. Well, here's that piano being played beautifully recently. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BK4RnHroF/ (I know it's a FB link but it's worth it.)

#Spotted At the Beach in Aotearoa New Zealand: A weka* is VERY curious about a sandwich currently being absent-mindedly held by a man sitting in a beach chair, reading a paperback. If Weka is very quiet... And very sneaky... And sidles up like this... Maybe... It shall have that sandwich... A young human (10?) is crouched in the sand, painstakingly drawing the distant snow-capped mountains with her finger. The tide's coming in and she doesn't have long, but for now she's going to create art. A beautiful, ephemeral moment. A small family is playing a game of beach cricket. Dad's bowling. Big sister (7?) is fielding And Mum is helping Smallest Human (4?) hold the bat. Dad bowls and... WHACK! The ball goes FLYING. Now everyone's running and RUNNING. Cackles and giggles and splashing in the sea to get the ball! Two women (20s?) are sitting side-by-side on a driftwood log. Sipping take-out coffees. Bare feet held up to catch the sun as they admire the view. Gulls calling overhead. A man yelping as a weka steals his sandwich and scarpers in the distance. Six small VERY rambunctious humans (2 to 8?) are running here, and then there, and then piling on top of each other and then wrestling and then howling for AUNTIE JILL to adjudicate and then falling on top of each other again then running and playing Making memories on a sunny winter's day. (Continued Below)

#Spotted on Market Day in Aotearoa New Zealand: A teen (16?) is sniffing the air dramatically, eyes half closed. He says: "I can smell... I can smell fried chicken..." Little Brother (14?) gives him a hopeful look: "You gonna get us some?" He grins wickedly. "Nah. Just gonna smell it for a while eh." A mighty head noogie battle commences! Four adults (30s-40s?) are standing in a circle talking about elections and cost of living. Meanwhile a small human (4?) is standing in the middle, impersonating them magnificently with a scowly face, hands on hips. Murmuring the word: "Wrong wrong wrong" in a grumpy voice. She's got the idea! A tiny human (1?) is being hefted into the air by Dad. Giggles and squeals as he's thrown up... and then up... and then caught! And then up and up... And then caught! Both wearing matching smiles. Big blue sky overhead. It's a good day. A fierce woman (60s?) is marching along with her partner in tow. She says: "Hurry up darl! Someone got the last french stick* at my favourite place. I'm not gonna miss out at the other one! Soup without bread is just SAD." Eyes narrowed, she lines up at her second favourite bakery truck. A small human (4?) is frowning at the cheesy bagel in her hand. With great gravitas she announces to Dad: "There is SIGNIFICANT cheese on this toastie. SIGNIFICANT CHEESE." Dad does a double take and laughs. "Where'd ya get that word from?" She looks at him with beetling brows. "SIGNIFICANT." (Continued Below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: A tall man (50s?) wearing farm clothes, is moseying around a fruit and vegetable shop with a wicker basket tucked under his arm. A couple of onions from here... A leek from there... Maybe a cauliflower from over here... Humming thoughtfully under his breath as he selects each one. A small human (5?) is standing in line at a bakery, eyes big as he surveys pies, sausage rolls, cakes, donuts, pastries and custard tarts in the glass display case. With a breathless whisper he says: "Dad what if someone got ALL OF THIS!" A small human (4?) has learned a catchphrase and he's determined to deliver it with great aplomb. As Mum is telling him to pack up his colouring book and pencils, he roars: "See ya later... TROUBLE!" to Grandad, who feigns being stabbed through the heart, much to Small Human's delight. On a rainy day, a man (80s?) is walking slowly down the street, painstakingly making sure his umbrella is protecting his spry little dog from getting wet. Spry Little Dog looking up at him with adoration. Both carefully skirting around the puddles. Two women (20s?) are sitting across from each other at a cosy cafe table. One's knitting. One's crocheting. Colourful skeins of wool on their laps. A snoozing greyhound at their feet as customers come and go from the counter nearby. (Continued Below)

Also a new cafe has opened in my city. Locally owned, employees are lovely. The only hitch is that the owners refuse to serve tea and I am currently tempted to pop down there with my card table, tablecloth, tea pot, tea cups and set up on the footpath, enjoying a brew and a book in gentle protest. Any suggestions to make my little tea party protest for one a bit more cosy or flamboyant. would be welcome.* 😂 *Please note this post is written in total good humour, not ire. The cafe is a huge asset to the city. I just wish they'd serve tea so I can enjoy it more. (But if they don't, that's totally their prerogative.) #tea #coffee

Hey lovely people. Big announcement today. We're launching Beautiful Words, an indie writing con based in Nelson New Zealand and Online in September & October 2026. https://www.beautifulwords.net/ So many awesome events, including in-person and online Tiny Moments workshops that will be for everyone. There'll also be workshops about friend making and networking. Practical writing and publishing workshops. And some really amazing talks by some wonderful writing people. We'll be announcing the online program within the next few weeks, but if you want to make sure you don't miss anything, just sign up to the newsletter on the website or follow our new Beautiful Words account: @beautifulwords@bookstodon.com Everything at the in-person con is Koha*/Pay-what-you-can or affordable. The online program will be all Koha*/Pay-what-you-can because we know how tight the money is right now for people, especially creatives. *Koha is a Māori custom which can be translated as gift, present, offering, donation or contribution. (As always, much more, including context for the typewriter on the beach, in the alt text!) #writingcommunity #writing #books #bookstodon

Any typos spotted in this post were delighted to make a new dog friend who enjoys the granola biscuits sold at a local coffee cart. If typos spotted, they'll be drinking a cup of tea, wondering if they should get a couple of jasmine plants for their garden. They do look very pretty.

Any typos spotted would like to report that they've discovered that unicorns are the bagel's natural predator. If typos spotted, they'll be patting a magnificently sausagey sausage dog with the lowest of tums. She's a very good dog. Also, the typos would like to report that they have a rather marvellous Patreon. And while it doesn't have magnificent tits, it does have over 600 pretty magnificent Spotted posts and stories to keep you amused. https://www.patreon.com/georgepenney Or if you'd like to support the typos in their roaming and bagel eating unicorn spotting, they have a Buy Me a Coffee too: https://buymeacoffee.com/georgepenney

Any typos spotted in this post were interested to overhear all the merits of pies, sausage rolls and pretzels, with some added facts about croissants today. If typos spotted, they'll be opting for a pretzel for lunch. And maybe some jalapeno rolls to take home. Also, if someone would like to read over 3000 of these individual vignettes, the typos have a delightful Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/georgepenney Or if you'd like to support the typos in their mighty mission to get out and spot things. They also have a Buy Me a Coffee. (Well, earl grey tea, milk on the side.) https://buymeacoffee.com/georgepenney Thank you!❤️🌺🪻😊

Any typos spotted in this post are studious op shop browsers. If typos spotted, they'll be hunting through the furniture section of their local op shops, looking for a dressing table the right size. They'll find one eventually! *Op shop means opportunity shop. They're a charity shop or a thrift store.

Any typos spotted in this post tried very hard not to laugh out loud when they spotted a pony going for a beach splash the other day. Pony Rider's bruised ego was soothed by their mum who was also trying very hard not to laugh. Pony looked happy. When a pony's gotta splash, a pony's gotta splash.

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: A small human (4?) is walking along, hands waving emphatically in the air as he declares with an air of MAXIMUM gravitas: "I have so much to do Mum!" SO MUCH to do!" A woman (40s?) is rolling her wheelchair along a tree lined street. A big bouquet of lilies on her lap. A big goofy dog (Labrador cross muppet?) with a waggy tail trotting at her side. Friends on an adventure. A woman (30s?) in running gear is chatting to a friend as a very large dog (mastiff cross house?) polishes his personal whatnots at their feet. She laughs and says: "He wasn't meant to be a big dog! When we got him they said he was a runt! And look at him now! MASSIVE!" At a bus stop: A small human (5?) is fidgeting and wiggling and squirming as Dad painstakingly fixes her pigtails. Making sure her scrunchies are just so. He's got all the patience in the world today. In a cafe, two women (80s?) are learning towards each other. Talking in hushed tones as one efficiently halves a cheese scone and butters each side for the two of them. Extra butter for her friend. Any typos spotted in this post are rather sleepy beasties today. If typos spotted, they'll be looking at their to do list and then wondering if they can sneak in a short lunchtime snooze. Snoring not mandatory but entirely probable.

#Spotted at an Indie Bookshop talk in Aotearoa New Zealand: An author (30s?), looking a little nervous, a little excited is greeting guests. She's complimented on her dress which is decorated with mushrooms, holding the skirt out and looking down at it with a happy smile. The smell of paperback books and potential wafting on the air. A small human (5?) is not quite sure about all this book chat. He's being very good. And very quiet. Hugging Dad's leg with both arms. Studying the room with a sleepy expression. Dad's hand gently resting on his tousled hair. An author (30s?) is asked a question about the favourite line she wrote in her latest book and she is a little bit flummoxed. But never fear! A member of the audience has a review at the ready with quotes in it and happily reads out her favourite. The room erupts into appreciative smiles. An entire book club (20s-30s?) files into the front row in an independent small city book shop. Books piled on tables and shelves everywhere. They're here on a mission. The author is a friend and they WILL fiercely support her. Numerous people of all makes and models are filing into a bookshop for a book talk, stopping by the counter to ask the owner after her much beloved dog who's chilling at home. Bookshop dogs are best dogs and this one's well missed tonight. (Continued Below)

Any typos spotted in this post are celebrating a magnificent anniversary with their beloved partner Tony today. If typos spotted, they'll be gobbling a nice plate of cheese and crackers and contemplating an evening of watching a series of all our favourite good-bad movies. (Velocipastor first up!) *Ute is the abbreviation of utility vehicle. They're iconic in New Zealand and Australia. In this case, this was an 80s or 90s Hilux.

Any typos spotted in this post had a wonderful time at the Matariki night markets in their small city. If typos spotted, they'll be standing by a friend's stall, sipping hot chocolate while they wait for their masala dosa to be ready. It might be chilly but everyone came out and it's wonderful. Matariki is the Māori New Year. There's a whole wealth of information about it here: https://matariki.co.nz/matariki-aotearoa-the-official-guide-to-the-maori-new-year/

Hello beautiful people. If you didn't catch my post from a few weeks ago, I've been spending the past 4 months setting up a pay-what-you can/affordable indie writing festival that will be both in-person here in Nelson, Aotearoa New Zealand, but also online. (Ooohh ahh.) https://www.beautifulwords.net/ The in-person program's been announced and we're super excited. It'll be from the 1-26th September. The online program's going to be announced in two weeks and will run from the 1-10th October. We've got a bunch of marvellous guests and practical workshops. If you want to keep up to date and not miss anything, there's a newsletter sign up on the website. We'll be sending out our first newsletter in the next few days. We promise to make it interesting! Thank you so much for reading my newsish whatnot. 🌺🌸😊 #books #bookstodon #writing #newzealand

#Spotted at a Country Market in Aotearoa New Zealand A tiny human (1.5?) is crouched in the middle of a big expanse of lawn dotted with little white flowers. Junior Botanical Scientist is inspecting each flower she sees by giving it a careful poke and a wide, toothy grin. A young human (8?) is optimistically dropping crumbs on the ground to attract a new seagull friend. Seagull inspects the crumbs from a distance, then struts off to inspect someone eating a cheese toastie. But what is this? The toastie is not on offer? Hmm, maybe Seagull is friendly after all. A man (50s?) asks the owner of a bric-a-brac stall what the price of something is. She says with charming earnestness: "We only price from the heart. Whatever you feel the need to pay is what it's worth. That way no one misses out on something they love." A very determined man (50s?) in farm gear and sturdy muddy boots is striding through the markets with a massive lettuce tucked under his arm. Other people are ambling from stall to stall around him, chatting and laughing, but he's has serious lettuce business to take care of and that's that. A man (20s?) says to a woman (20s?): "Let me carry your shopping basket for ya eh?"" She shakes her head. "It's not that heavy." "Yeah, but let me be your Prince Charming." He gives her a grin. Seen a bit later, carrying a full basket of fruit and veges as she buys some fresh bread. (Continued Below)

Any typos spotted in this post are currently having a machination about re-arranging their entire house just so they can avoid a big afternoon of book edits. If typos spotted, they'll be wandering around, measuring furniture with an ominously speculative expression. *Gumboots are wellies or rubber boots.

#Spotted while roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: A burly man with a sturdy tum (40s?) is standing next to a vintage Triumph, smiling affectionately as he helps his son (12?) zip his leather jacket up. Mist in distant green valleys. A rainbow overhead. Perfect day for a ride with the boy. A small human (4?) is helping Dad grocery shop. Dad's dawdling near the sausage roll counter and she's not having it. Arms crossed, legs akimbo, she roars: "MUM SAID WE NEED POTATOES!" Dad grins: "Yeah, but she didn't say NO sausage rolls did she?" Small Human is skeptical. A teen (13?) wearing stripy pajamas is pushing her friend, who's sitting in a shopping trolley down the street in a small, bohemian country town. Both cackling uproariously as Passenger Teen's phone emits the instruction: "At the next intersection, turn left." A noble woolly brown dog (Poodle cross 18th C European Monarch?) is waiting regally by the door of a cafe. Benevolently accepting pats from adoring subjects who pass. Every now and then giving a magnanimous subdued tail wag for his human who's enjoying a coffee inside. He's a VERY good boy. A small human (4?) has just borrowed a library book that she likes VERY much and she would like everyone to know it. Walking along, reading with it in front of her face. Every now and then peeking around the side to see who's noticing. Dad's gentle hand on her back, guiding her as they go. (Continued below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand* A couple (70s?) are served two pepper steak pies in a country cafe. Their animated conversation abruptly stops. They pick up their knives and forks and get to work. There is no room for small talk when serious trencherwork is required! Two women (50s?) are sitting across from each other in a library, enjoying a game of backgammon. As they roll their dice, they chat about the weather, their families and friends. A relaxed moment of friendship and calm as the day goes by. A woman (40s?) is scouring the cookbook section of a library with at least ten books on pie making in her arms. When a librarian asks if she needs help, she says: "It's my son's twenty-first next week and he's asked for a pie instead of a cake. I haven't baked for centuries! But we'll get there!" Two men (60s?) in muddy hiking gear are sitting across from each other in a chill burger joint. Next to them a group of 20 somethings are raucously laughing but Muddy Men are silent. Eating their burgers with vigorous gusto before ordering two more. It's obviously been a big day. A tiny human (months?) wearing a teddy bear-themed onesie, is sitting on her dad's lap as they enjoy a quiet moment in a park. Tiny human has just discovered her feet and she's doing some impressive yoga moves, every now and then giving her dad a beatific gummy smile. Feet are FUN. (Continued Below)

@blindbat84@disabled.social A bread machine? Okay, that's a wonderful find! I never thought to look in my local ones for one but now I'm going to.