Daniel, aged about six as we lay on our backs on the grass at the park: “Big, big clouds. Small, small me.”

It’s good to be back on the West Coast. This might just be my favourite part of the world. I woke at dawn to thunder crashing down from the glacier, and now I’m in a warm dry cafe drinking good coffee and about to drive north to Rapahoe, a special place for me and which I know Daniel loved. Feeling grateful for all I have.

Holidaying and celebrating a big birthday with family in a luxury lake apartment rn. Life is good. ☀️

Deuteronomy 30:

I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse: therefore choose life, that you may live.

I spent a few hours with a friend walking around Christchurch. We checked out the city gardens and the food and retail precincts. New buildings and businesses are everywhere. The arts centre was a highlight, the stone heritage buildings have been strengthened and restored to their former glory. After eight years away I am surprised how heartwarming it is to be back in my second city and to see how well the rebuild is going. The place is thriving.

Epictetus:

The chief task in life is simply this: to identify and separate matters so I can say clearly to myself which are externals not under my control, and which have to do with the choices I actually control.