I'm officially back from New Zealand and back to the world of writing, working and
dreaming about our next trip. I wanted to share a little bit of my vacation with you because my travels always find a way into my writing and because New Zealand is meant to be shared with as many people as possible!
Obviously we visited Hobbiton...I mean did you even go to New Zealand if you didn't visit Hobbiton? Hands down, one of the most incredible experience of my life. The Shire is stunning, and exactly the way J.R.R. Tolkien described it in the books.
As a writer, there is something so special about seeing another writers world come to life in the real world. I felt the same way when I visited the Harry Potter sets in London, as I did standing in The Shire. (Like a kid on Christmas! Also I tired really hard not to cry...)
If you're ever in New Zealand, I'd highly recommend popping by for the banquet dinner tour and fall in love with Tolkien's world all over again!
"I THINK I'M QUITE READY FOR ANOTHER ADVENTURE." - BILBO BAGGINS
To be completely honest with you, I didn't write much while I was away. I meant to, I swear! But I got caught up in the adventure and beauty of New Zealand. Can you really blame me?! You can?? Okay, I'm sorry and I promise to make it up now that I'm back. :)
Anyway, there was one afternoon we arrived at our campsite early, (Yes we camped...well RV'ed the whole south island) and I did take out my computer. It took me all of two minutes before Robert, Violet and Alyssa started chatting away in my head.
**Spoiler Alert! We will see Alyssa in Book 5!**
I couldn't have asked for a more inspiring location, in a
more beautiful country.
Honestly, this is what life and writing are all about; adventure, exploration and beauty.
Now I did say I was ready for another adventure...and boy did we find it! Queenstown is the adventure capital of the world and known for extreme sports.
I thought if Bilbo had enough courage to fight off a dragon, then I could summon the courage to plummet 229 feet and swing 984 feet across a canyon in the name of adventure and exploration. If you have the stomach to watch the video, just click on the image below. :)
IT WAS A BLAST! A BLASTY-BLAST!!
Everyone should take a page out of Bilbo's book and go on that adventure!
I could spend all day telling you about New Zealand...so buckle in...just kidding!
I didn't want the trip to end and wished so much that we could have spent even more time exploring. I may be back in the real world, but my creativity and sense of adventure are still going strong!
In order to keep the adventure, exploration and beauty going, I purchased this journal. Click on
the image to check it out yourself. :)
On every page there are instructions you must follow and get creative with! It's seriously the coolest thing I've ever come across!
Starting October 1st I'm going to do a page a day and if you want to join me, you're more than welcome! I'll post pictures of my pages on instagram and my facebook.
Let's see how creative and adventurous we can be!
Until Next time!