#Spotted at the Inaugural Nelson Tasman Pasefika Festival

A tiny human (2) is MOST impressed with a policeman who is minding a stall.
Walking up behind Mister Policeman with a look of utmost awe that turns into happy-teary overwhelm when he gets to try on Mister Policeman's hat.

Two men (30s?) are sitting side-by-side,
eating from big plates piled high with food.
Chatting about life, the weather, family and solving the world's problems in between amiably policing a puppy-playful battalion of small humans romping around a nearby playground.
This is the life.

A teen (14?) stops in the middle of a big crowd and roars: "AGGGHHHHHHHH!"
A friend says: "What was that about?"
"Just a noise I make when I'm with family eh."

A small human (3?) is walking along with BIG STOMPY steps. A man (20s?) asks: "What's this all about little cuz?"
Little Cuz says: "I'm HAPPY!"
Big Cuz says: "Fair enough. That's a good reason eh."

A tiny human(2?) finishes the last of his milkshake and Mum asks: "All done? No more?"
Tiny Human looks down at his milk shake cup with dawning realization: "No more?"
"No more."
He looks up at Mum, expression bereft. "No more." and then dives against Mum's leg for a comfort hug.

Any typos spotted in this post are a little tired and were almost not going to go to the Pasefika Festival but they're so glad they did. If typos spotted, they'll be rubbing their tummies after eating all the delicious food and enjoying watching some wonderful dancing.

#Spotted at the Inaugural Nelson Tasman Pasefika Festival

A tiny human (2) is MOST impressed with a policeman who is minding a stall.
Walking up behind Mister Policeman with a look of utmost awe that turns into happy-teary overwhelm when he gets to try on Mister Policeman's hat.

Two men (30s?) are sitting side-by-side,
eating from big plates piled high with food.
Chatting about life, the weather, family and solving the world's problems in between amiably policing a puppy-playful battalion of small humans romping around a nearby playground.
This is the life.

A teen (14?) stops in the middle of a big crowd and roars: "AGGGHHHHHHHH!"
A friend says: "What was that about?"
"Just a noise I make when I'm with family eh."

A small human (3?) is walking along with BIG STOMPY steps. A man (20s?) asks: "What's this all about little cuz?"
Little Cuz says: "I'm HAPPY!"
Big Cuz says: "Fair enough. That's a good reason eh."

A tiny human(2?) finishes the last of his milkshake and Mum asks: "All done? No more?"
Tiny Human looks down at his milk shake cup with dawning realization: "No more?"
"No more."
He looks up at Mum, expression bereft. "No more." and then dives against Mum's leg for a comfort hug.

Any typos spotted in this post are a little tired and were almost not going to go to the Pasefika Festival but they're so glad they did. If typos spotted, they'll be rubbing their tummies after eating all the delicious food and enjoying watching some wonderful dancing.

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

Two teens (14?) are in deep conversation while walking home from school.
One says: "I'm a very candid person. I can tell anyone anything."
"Anything?"
"Almost anything. Well, not really. But I WANT to be a candid person."

A tiny human (2?) wearing a unicorn helmet is sitting on the back of Dad's bike.
Tiny Human Unicorn is waving with suitable aplomb at everyone he passes.
Both hands (hooves?) in action.
Unicorns must let their public know they're adored!

A very fluffy black dog (poodle cross hair-salon-whoopsie) is sitting on the back of his human's tricycle. Hair being buffeted here and there in the wind.
Giving any other dog they pass a WOOF of greeting before rolling off into the distance.

A small human (3?) is a picture of utmost woe due to a cookie deficit because she has eaten her cookie.
With maximum gravity she says to Mum: "I have to go outside and hug Jess so I feel better."
She then walks just outside and hugs a patient elderly staffy while Mum finishes her coffee.

A small human (5?) is dictating ALL the rules for a game to her little brother (3?) in a park.
Her grave tone most implying that DIRE consequences will happen if the game is not played properly.
Meanwhile Little Brother is looking speculatively at the puddle near his sister's feet.

(Continued Below)

Any typos spotted in this post are candid typos. If typos spotted, they'll be explaining their firm opinions to all their errant punctuation... while maybe hiding behind a wall of reinforced dictionaries. Those exclamation marks have been known to get rowdy.

--

If you're enjoying these posts, the typos also have a marvellous Patreon with over 4k Spotted Moments as well as stories. It's got all the punctuation, we promise! (Some of it quite wild, but that's half the charm.)

https://www.patreon.com/georgepenney

--

Or if you'd rather caffeinate the typos on their mighty mission to spot all the dogs being hugged, they have a Buy Me a Coffee.

https://buymeacoffee.com/georgepenney

Thank you for reading my sundries and whatnot😊🌸🪻🪻

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

Two teens (14?) are in deep conversation while walking home from school.
One says: "I'm a very candid person. I can tell anyone anything."
"Anything?"
"Almost anything. Well, not really. But I WANT to be a candid person."

A tiny human (2?) wearing a unicorn helmet is sitting on the back of Dad's bike.
Tiny Human Unicorn is waving with suitable aplomb at everyone he passes.
Both hands (hooves?) in action.
Unicorns must let their public know they're adored!

A very fluffy black dog (poodle cross hair-salon-whoopsie) is sitting on the back of his human's tricycle. Hair being buffeted here and there in the wind.
Giving any other dog they pass a WOOF of greeting before rolling off into the distance.

A small human (3?) is a picture of utmost woe due to a cookie deficit because she has eaten her cookie.
With maximum gravity she says to Mum: "I have to go outside and hug Jess so I feel better."
She then walks just outside and hugs a patient elderly staffy while Mum finishes her coffee.

A small human (5?) is dictating ALL the rules for a game to her little brother (3?) in a park.
Her grave tone most implying that DIRE consequences will happen if the game is not played properly.
Meanwhile Little Brother is looking speculatively at the puddle near his sister's feet.

(Continued Below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand

A stern woman wearing a floral dress, pearls (80s?) is ordering a pot of tea in a cafe.
But what is this?!
A laugh?
Ah.
She's spotted the sprinkle cookies at the counter.*
There's always room for a bit of fun.

A barefoot man (50s?) wearing a singlet and work shorts is humming a cheerful tune to himself as he fills up a bird feeder.
A big flowering magnolia overhead.
Birdsong in the air.

A tiny human (2?) and Dad are inspecting some diggers with a VERY SERIOUS air.
Tiny Human is pointing and asking Dad MANY important engineering questions.
Dad answering every one with detail and thoughtfulness.
Tiny Human nodding emphatically.

Two women (20s?) in gym clothes are walking along a quiet street, passing a bunch of grapes between them. Snacking and chatting.
A skip in their step.
Sunshine warming their faces.

A VERY ENTHUSIASTIC terrier (Jack Russel cross flubber?)
is bouncing on the spot next to his human's cafe table.
Eyes on a big bowl of hot chips sitting on the table.
There are snacks to be had!
If only he can bounce high enough!

Any typos spotted in this post decided that they had to try a sprinkle cookie when they ducked out to their favourite cafe this morning. If typos spotted, they'll be laughing at an extraordinarily bouncy and optimistic dog doing his very best to get himself a chip.

*These were like amaretti with hundreds and thousands on them. (Think hageslag if you're Dutch.)

*A singlet is a vest or tank top

@georgepenney is certainly making her mark in my nearest town

#Spotted while roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A tiny human (1?) in a stripy red and white onesie is huffing, chuffing and puffing like a little steam train as she crawls in a straight line across a cafe floor towards a toy basket.
On a MIGHTY MISSION.
Mum cruising along behind, keeping pace.

A small human (4?) in a Hulk jumper is hugging Mum with a monkey grip.
Head on Mum's shoulder.
Eyes half closed.
Small Hulk might be very strong but he likes hugs too. Mum nuzzling the top of his head and smiling.

Four teens are sitting around a cafe table, laughing, joking and happily talking over each other.
Demolishing a big bowl of wedges sitting on the table between them.
Friendship and potatoes.
The perfect combination.

A small human (3?) is RUNNING REALLY FAST up to Nana while holding a bedraggled bouquet of hand-picked flowers and leaves and rather interesting sticks.
Holding them out with utmost aplomb.
Nana accepting them with a wide, proud smile.

A woman (40s?) waiting in line at a checkout is saying to a friend: "I woke up this morning and just listened to my husband sleeping for a while and I felt so happy. It's silly and it's just breathing, but I love him and it's nice, you know

Any typos spotted in this post are enjoying a cosy afternoon working while it's rainy and misty outside. If typos spotted, they'll be making a big pot of potato and leek soup and will be putting on their extra fluffy socks. It's that kind of vibe.

#Spotted while roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A tiny human (1?) in a stripy red and white onesie is huffing, chuffing and puffing like a little steam train as she crawls in a straight line across a cafe floor towards a toy basket.
On a MIGHTY MISSION.
Mum cruising along behind, keeping pace.

A small human (4?) in a Hulk jumper is hugging Mum with a monkey grip.
Head on Mum's shoulder.
Eyes half closed.
Small Hulk might be very strong but he likes hugs too. Mum nuzzling the top of his head and smiling.

Four teens are sitting around a cafe table, laughing, joking and happily talking over each other.
Demolishing a big bowl of wedges sitting on the table between them.
Friendship and potatoes.
The perfect combination.

A small human (3?) is RUNNING REALLY FAST up to Nana while holding a bedraggled bouquet of hand-picked flowers and leaves and rather interesting sticks.
Holding them out with utmost aplomb.
Nana accepting them with a wide, proud smile.

A woman (40s?) waiting in line at a checkout is saying to a friend: "I woke up this morning and just listened to my husband sleeping for a while and I felt so happy. It's silly and it's just breathing, but I love him and it's nice, you know

Any typos spotted in this post are enjoying a cosy afternoon working while it's rainy and misty outside. If typos spotted, they'll be making a big pot of potato and leek soup and will be putting on their extra fluffy socks. It's that kind of vibe.

Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand

A small human (3?) and Dad are standing in the middle of a quiet road at the top of a very steep hill.
Both armed with Matchbox cars.
Both grinning as they set them on the ground, count: "ONE. TWO. THREE!" and let them go!
Running after them laughing.
Whose car will win?!

Two teens (13?) are rocking out with some epic air guitar at a bus stop next to traffic lights.
One's going for the on-the-knees solo.
The other's going for all the air chords at once.
A woman (60s?) waiting near them pulling the horns.
Passing drivers laughing and waving out their windows.

At a small country settlement.
Two young humans (8?) have waded out to the middle of an estuary at low tide.
Up to their ankles in gloopy mud.
Mum roaring from the back porch that they should have taken their school uniforms off first!
Oops!
Oh well.

An elderly black dog with distinguished silver whiskers (Staffy cross miniature walrus?) is sitting on the deck of an old apple shed. Eyes closed as she basks in the sun. A lady at her leisure.

A tiny human (2?) is TREMENDOUSLY FRUSTRATED that his slinky isn't slinking.
Standing in the middle of the biscuit aisle of a supermarket, holding Slinky up and watery wailing: "IT'S BROKEN!"
Big brother coming to the rescue.
Ah!
NOW it's working!

(Continued Below)

Any typos spotted in this post are happy to report that blue matchbox cars are faster than black ones and it's impossible to wade into a giant pile of mud and keep your school uniform clean. If typos spotted they'll be writing notes on these highly important scientific experiments.

Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand

A small human (3?) and Dad are standing in the middle of a quiet road at the top of a very steep hill.
Both armed with Matchbox cars.
Both grinning as they set them on the ground, count: "ONE. TWO. THREE!" and let them go!
Running after them laughing.
Whose car will win?!

Two teens (13?) are rocking out with some epic air guitar at a bus stop next to traffic lights.
One's going for the on-the-knees solo.
The other's going for all the air chords at once.
A woman (60s?) waiting near them pulling the horns.
Passing drivers laughing and waving out their windows.

At a small country settlement.
Two young humans (8?) have waded out to the middle of an estuary at low tide.
Up to their ankles in gloopy mud.
Mum roaring from the back porch that they should have taken their school uniforms off first!
Oops!
Oh well.

An elderly black dog with distinguished silver whiskers (Staffy cross miniature walrus?) is sitting on the deck of an old apple shed. Eyes closed as she basks in the sun. A lady at her leisure.

A tiny human (2?) is TREMENDOUSLY FRUSTRATED that his slinky isn't slinking.
Standing in the middle of the biscuit aisle of a supermarket, holding Slinky up and watery wailing: "IT'S BROKEN!"
Big brother coming to the rescue.
Ah!
NOW it's working!

(Continued Below)

#Spotted in Country Aotearoa New Zealand.

In a boho country town, a barefoot woman, wearing a floaty blue and white dress, is carrying a small brown puppy down the street.
Calling out to friend: "First visit to the vet! She was a champ!"
Champ Puppy accepts all congratulations pats as her due.

Two teens (15?) are sitting cross legged in front of a picket fence.
Talking as they wield paint brushes paint the fence dark grey.
A fluffy white cat sitting nearby, supervising with half-closed kitty eyes.

A young human (8?) is playing a game of tennis with Dad on a country tennis court.
The net might be a bit frayed.
The court may have the odd weed growing around the edges but they don't mind.
Eyes on the ball at all times.
It's Young Human's turn to serve!

A duo of brown and white spotted baby goats have found THE BEST furry rock to play on.
It might be very big.
It might have horns.
It might moo.
But it's an awful lot of fun.
(Giant Bull is chewing his cud while being maximumly unbothered by the goat party taking place on his back.)

A tiny human (2?) is holding Mum's hand as they walk to the end of a VERY LONG driveway and check their letterbox. Waving at cars as they go by.
Doing a happy dance when Mum discovers that they have mail.

Any typos spotted in this post spent a few wonderful hours zooming into the countryside to go for a midday walk today. If typos spotted, they'll be smiling to themselves as they remember two little goats having a rather wonderful time.

#Spotted in Country Aotearoa New Zealand.

In a boho country town, a barefoot woman, wearing a floaty blue and white dress, is carrying a small brown puppy down the street.
Calling out to friend: "First visit to the vet! She was a champ!"
Champ Puppy accepts all congratulations pats as her due.

Two teens (15?) are sitting cross legged in front of a picket fence.
Talking as they wield paint brushes paint the fence dark grey.
A fluffy white cat sitting nearby, supervising with half-closed kitty eyes.

A young human (8?) is playing a game of tennis with Dad on a country tennis court.
The net might be a bit frayed.
The court may have the odd weed growing around the edges but they don't mind.
Eyes on the ball at all times.
It's Young Human's turn to serve!

A duo of brown and white spotted baby goats have found THE BEST furry rock to play on.
It might be very big.
It might have horns.
It might moo.
But it's an awful lot of fun.
(Giant Bull is chewing his cud while being maximumly unbothered by the goat party taking place on his back.)

A tiny human (2?) is holding Mum's hand as they walk to the end of a VERY LONG driveway and check their letterbox. Waving at cars as they go by.
Doing a happy dance when Mum discovers that they have mail.

Any typos spotted in this post spent a few wonderful hours zooming into the countryside to go for a midday walk today. If typos spotted, they'll be smiling to themselves as they remember two little goats having a rather wonderful time.

#Spotted at a Zinefest in Aotearoa New Zealand:

Two young humans (10?) with big hair and punk rock attitudes are explaining to a customer that their zine about what life was like in the 80s is not ACTUALLY accurate, but, like, MIGHT be accurate. (There is a dinosaur on the cover.)

A woman (30s?) is sternly ordering a mob of small humans (3-6?) out from under a bush.
Small humans charge out, laughing gleefully, heading for the nearest playground. Mum picking up the smallest, throwing her over her shoulder.
Giggles and snorts against her back.

A young human (10?) is very seriously signing a zine titled "The Wonderful Planet Snakes". A tiny little scrawl on the inside cover. Handing it over with a shy smile as a woman (40s?) approaching her table says: "I want one too!"

A woman (30s?) is sipping a vanilla diet coke while standing by her stall.
Laughing and saying: "This stuff is hummingbird nectar to me!"

A teen (13?) who is towering over his mum is saying: "Mum, when we're finished here can we go get the cake? We gotta get the cake!"

Any typos spotted in this post spent a lovely time at Nelson Zinefest this afternoon. If typos spotted they'll be reading a very informative zine about what life was like in the 1980s. (Apparently dinosaurs existed!)

Also, I definitely don't post pictures of young humans but these two have assured me that they and their parents are totally cool with it and are happy to promote their majestic brand "Loo Rolls Comix". 😊)

#Spotted at a Zinefest in Aotearoa New Zealand:

Two young humans (10?) with big hair and punk rock attitudes are explaining to a customer that their zine about what life was like in the 80s is not ACTUALLY accurate, but, like, MIGHT be accurate. (There is a dinosaur on the cover.)

A woman (30s?) is sternly ordering a mob of small humans (3-6?) out from under a bush.
Small humans charge out, laughing gleefully, heading for the nearest playground. Mum picking up the smallest, throwing her over her shoulder.
Giggles and snorts against her back.

A young human (10?) is very seriously signing a zine titled "The Wonderful Planet Snakes". A tiny little scrawl on the inside cover. Handing it over with a shy smile as a woman (40s?) approaching her table says: "I want one too!"

A woman (30s?) is sipping a vanilla diet coke while standing by her stall.
Laughing and saying: "This stuff is hummingbird nectar to me!"

A teen (13?) who is towering over his mum is saying: "Mum, when we're finished here can we go get the cake? We gotta get the cake!"

Any typos spotted in this post spent a lovely time at Nelson Zinefest this afternoon. If typos spotted they'll be reading a very informative zine about what life was like in the 1980s. (Apparently dinosaurs existed!)

Also, I definitely don't post pictures of young humans but these two have assured me that they and their parents are totally cool with it and are happy to promote their majestic brand "Loo Rolls Comix". 😊)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

Two EXTRAORDINARILY DRAMATIC huskies are singing the song of their people.
Their heads poking out the side of an electrician's van that's driving down a busy street.
People laughing as they go.
AWOOOOO!

A woman (80d?) wearing all leopard print, towering heels and gold cats-eye glasses struts up to the counter of a fancy restaurant with a man (80s?) in a suit.
He says: "Let me pay for this Merl."
She snorts. "Put your money away. This one's on me Darl. You're worth it."

A man (20s?) is riding his bike down a quiet street next to a river. A fishing rod over one shoulder. A chilly bin on the back. Whistling a tune that echoes behind him as he goes.

A very friendly dog (retriever cross theatre usher?) is greeting people as they enter a gallery.
Giving every newcomer with an amiable sniff, then leading the way inside before sitting next his favourite painting of a big tree.

A woman (20s?) is in a cafe.
Writing with ferocious intensity into a diary.
Smiling at her own thoughts.
Accepting the coffee that comes to her table with a big grin.

Any typos spotted in this post are a puddle of absolute exhaustion and elation after finishing the final workshop of their 40 day in person & online Beautiful Words festival today. If typos spotted, they'll be sitting on their porch in the sun, enjoying a nice cup of tea.

*A chilly bin is a cooler or esky if you're Aussie.

RE: https://sunny.garden/@georgepenney/117396801122151164

This is going to be in around 14 hours if you'd like to come😊🪻Ticket holders can view the video for 2 weeks afterwards if they can't make it on the live streaming time.

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand

A small human (5?) is studiously helping people fill up their water bottles at an old fashioned water fountain in a city square.
Officiously asking people to line up politely so he can "be VERY QUICK."
People complying while hiding smiles.

Two dust and mud covered men (40s?) are rolling down off a mountain biking track and into the city.
One calls to the other: "Beers after this?"
The other replies: "No beers t'night mate."
"But what was the point in goin' for a ride if we can't have a beer?!"

A woman (30s?) in a pale blue felted witch hat, wearing a fluffy blue jumper and small circular spectacles is sitting on a bench.
Gazing out at people coming and going on a sunny morning.
A faint, enigmatic smile on her face.

Two rambunctious puppies with very large feet (Mastiff cross cuddle puddle?) are rolling and rampaging through the front garden of a little wooden cottage.
A pale grey cat sitting on a nearby fence.
Judging from a safe distance.

A tiny human (2?) is RACING up to Nan with a big, wide-eyed smile on her face.
With maximum enthusiasm she bellows: "NAN NAN NAN NAN."
"What?"
"I SAW A BUTTERFLY!"

Any typos spotted in this post did not manage to spot a butterfly today. If typos spotted, they'll be having a chat with a stranger who can only be a covert witch on holiday in her most cosy hat and woolly jumper.

Hey lovely people, no spotted post today. We've just finished the second-last online event for Beautiful Words Festival and are so grateful to everyone who's attended.

The final event in two days is going to be so special.

I get to chat with the amazing, Kim. M. Watt, a tremendously successful indie author and one of the loveliest people in the business. Kim's one of the most keyed in people that I know in indie publishing, so this should be phenomenal. She always has the best stories too. The last time we chatted she told an amazing one about a swimming pet sheep!

8am NZT
9th October
Pay What You Can
Video available for 2 weeks for all ticket holders who can't make it on the day.

https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/kim-m-watt-on-building-community-vs-chasing-book-sales-tickets-1997301013096

#books #bookstodon #publishing