Kiwi
I was initially drawn in by the fruit, but how could I resist the ungainly bird? It’s been 29 years since I went to New Zealand, tasted my first kiwi fruit, saw the national bird, and explored North and South Islands for nearly three months. I thought I’d get back there sooner, but the years and the miles have not allowed it. Isn’t it funny how a simple taste, smell, or touch can transport you to places and release memories from long ago? Is it any wonder that drawing (and eating) a kiwi after a prolonged winter and too much time close to home brought me nearly 10,000 miles to the other side of the globe?
Drawn In 
Delightful, Jean … as a child in Australia these were still called Chinese Gooseberries. Nice memories. Hope you get to journey down under again soon.
Thanks Jann- I was reading about the origin of kiwis — I thought they came from New Zealand, but, in fact, they were imported there from China and called gooseberries, as you recall. I thought about aadding that to the page, but decided to just keep it simple. I do hope to travel down under again someday!
A beautiful page spread, light and airy! What size is your sketchbook, Jean?
Its’ Stillman and Birn Zeta, 5.5×8.5…so opens to 8.5 x 11″. I like the size for portability, but also because the two-page spread seems to work well for me. I almost never use just a single page. I just checked out your ballpoint pen work– nice!
Thank you! I’m obsessed with the ballpoint – for now! It works for me on that scale. I am going to try a size larger sketchbook, and see if I like the big spread…
I look forward to your posts!
Well your blog travelled 9,450 miles too! Hello from New Zealand! Thanks for sharing your art.
How great! Thanks for checking in! I’m curious– how did you come across it?