The Japanese probably have a word for it

I took my youngest to have his hair cut the other day. The hairdresser chatted to my son for a minute or so and then started. He combed and snipped, combed and snipped, moving round from one side to the other and back. Every now and then he would pause, step back thoughtfully and then return to work.

It proceeded this way both of them relaxed and chatting for perhaps 15 minutes or so and then suddenly it was done - a boy had emerged from the haystack.

I love to watch professionals at work. From the hairdresser to the signwriter to the mechanic and seamstress there is an ease, a relaxed economy of motion in the way they move. It is something that can only come from having done something hundreds if not thousands of times and that confidence comes through in the way they stand, the way they move.

And when they have left  I can still feel an echo of their presence in the creation before me.

I find it difficult to put into words but there is something "just right" about what has been made that makes you think "I could do that".

But you couldn't - that magic would be missing.

Something Old, Something New

This slice of Havelock North history came from the recently demolished Lavender Cottage. Lavender Cottage has been a landmark in Havelock North for a long time, sited on the roundabout at the entrance to the village. It looked every bit the run down spooky house. Unfortunately or not depending on your outlook, it has been demolished to make way for a MacDonalds. We spotted the free firewood sign there one day and grabbed ourselves some interesting bits and pieces. One of which has been converted into this characterful peg rail.

Inspiration #1

Over the next few weeks we are going to post some of the images that have inspired our designs. Starting with the iconic Norfolk Pine.