Keith Lightfoot Blogosphere

“How long since you visited the Tower of London?” I asked my workmates during my youthful and tumultuous UK overseas-experience.

It turned out that only “one” of my UK born and London based colleagues had actually been to the Tower, it was just too convenient and too familiar to bother, and there was always more important things to do in the weekend (garden, DIY, kids, work).

As Southlanders it is easy to ignore one of the world’s most beautiful resources, located only a few kilometres away. Yet thousands of tourists travel halfway around the world to experience and photograph our rugged coastline, our extraordinary sunsets, our native birds and other unique wildlife.

Even the often-maligned seagull looks majestic in its natural environment, compared to being covered in city smog and hovering over our barbecue, scrapping for any leftovers we throw their way.

The highlight of our *Catlins adventure came when we discovered two huge Sea Lions involved in a playful mating ritual. Fortunately we remembered and adhered to the warning notice “always stay at least twenty metres from Sea Lions” and stood in awe as the only witnesses to such a unique event. They tolerated our presence for quite a while, but when mummy-lion decided it was time for us to leave, and headed in our direction, we ran away like frightened children.

After a day at the Catlins, the drive home seemed quicker, the world seemed a little more peaceful and the car was definitely in need of a serious sand-vacuum. We smiled and chatted about our day, and we laughed at how quickly we scampered away. The DIY chores were still there when we arrived home, but perhaps those particular Sea Lions will never visit the Catlins again.

There will always be “things you should do around your house/business” and “programs you really want to watch on television”. The Catlins provides you with no shopping malls, no cell phone coverage and a rare opportunity for you to switch-off for one day, to slow the pace down a little and to explore one of the world’s most beautiful locations, just a few minutes from your home.

*The Catlins (sometimes referred to as The Catlins Coast) comprises an area in the south eastern corner of the South Island of New Zealand. The area lies between Balclutha and Invercargill, straddling the boundary between the Otago and Southland regions. It includes the South Island’s southernmost point, Slope Point.

The Catlins, a rugged, sparsely populated area, features a scenic coastal landscape and dense temperate rainforest, both of which harbour many endangered species of birds. Its exposed location leads to its frequently wild weather and heavy ocean swells, which are an attraction to big-wave surfers.  Source Wikipedia

“Excuse me” said the young bird,
“You are older than I, so can you tell me where to find the sky?”
“The sky”, said the older bird “Is the thing you are in now”.
“But this is just air?” exclaimed the young bird,
“What I am seeking is the sky!” and he flew away to search elsewhere for it.

Our house is old (think “well loved”) and needs some DIY when time and funds permit, but we love it, we feel it has a special kind of inner peace, we have made it our home and people that visit comment how “tranquil” it feels when they are here.

Sometimes late at night we stand on the decking and look into the silent sky. The stars are so much brighter without street lights, passing traffic or the city glow. I know it sounds romantic and foolish to speak like this, but we feel truly blessed in our little piece of tranquillity.

The last time I lived in Southland I was far too busy-being-busy to be looking at stars, or family, or thinking about finding a quiet spot to live (think “IT geek who looked like a young Bill Gates, working equally as hard, but without the money or lifestyle”).

Sadly I was like many young men, full of my own importance, overflowing with testosterone, pursuing a career like “a dog chasing an invisible rabbit” and instead of stopping and looking up into the night sky, I kept my head down and charged headlong into the darkness.

Becoming a celebrant has been a dream for many years. There are already many wonderful marriage celebrants in Gore and many Southland weddings are testimony to the care and professionalism of these dedicated people.

Our goal is to work alongside the established Gore marriage celebrants. It is time for me to give back to the community that cared for me during my wild youth.

A special thanks to those people who have believed in me and supported me.

GOD Bless
Keith Lightfoot