Sharyn Smart – Page 8 – Smart Writing

Learning in the outdoors on Mt Taranaki

November 13, 2013 by Sharyn Smart

Alex Smart making his way to Wilkies Pools.

Alex came racing in the door “Mum we’re going to camp at Konini Lodge up the mountain. Can you come?” The mountain Alex is referring to is Mt Egmont and one I had never tramped even though I live in New Plymouth!

Visions of the last camp I attended flooded back; sleeping in a hall with 60 children and 10 parents, exhausted from spending the day in the sun doing activities on the beach, and children still talking at 2am in the morning. One thing I remember was being woken at 5am by voices, only to see two girls playing cards with the dimmest of lighting from the kitchen.

“Not if I don’t have to” was my hasty reply.

But as I put the necessary paperwork in saying Alex was allowed to go, I thought about it and I decided to go too. Perhaps it was the write coming out in me, time to think outside the square and push previous thoughts to the back of my mind.

For those not familiar with Mt Egmont here is a bit of a history lesson. Captain Cook named the mountain Mt Egmont after John Perceval, 2^nd Earl of Egmont, the First Lord of the Admiralty. In the 1980’s it was ruled that its official name is Mount Taranaki or Mount Egmont – there is still controversy about which is its rightful name. For me it was a mountain, which meant I was going to have to do a bit of tramping, great!

Fonzi – From thoughts to print

November 13, 2013 by Sharyn Smart

If you have ever had a dream of writing your own book you will know that the process is not as easy as it seems. Getting those ideas down on paper and then readable can appear an impossible task. But sometimes it all comes together and after many rejections from potential publishers, one of them finally says ‘yes’ and that dream becomes reality.

You will undoubtedly have read one of Sharyn Smart’s interesting articles in our digital magazine, Kids Friendly NZ, as Sharyn is a regular writer here. Sharyn has given us a glimpse into how she got her first book published. Who knows, it might just inspire you to get your ideas down on paper and write your first book.

Sharyn’s dream started back in November 2004 when she did a comprehensive writing course by correspondence through the Writing School. One of her assignments was to write a juvenile fiction story.

Discovering Waihi in the North Island, New Zealand

November 13, 2013 by Sharyn Smart

Oh how things go in circles.

Growing up we lived on a dairy farm. I certainly didn’t get involved too heavily in farm life. I enjoyed huts made in the hayshed, jungle adventures in a small patch of bush, island adventures involving our para pool, numerous hours playing house, restaurant and shop, helping feed calves, helping feed out, washing down the yard but avoiding the cowshed when the cows were there.

At the age of 12 we left the farm and became “townies”. This life I could relate to with shops and NO cows!

Fast forward 25 years and I am now married and we have children of our own. For a family holiday what do we do? – Go and stay with friends on a dairy farm!! What is really crazy is my husband Campbell and son Alex, nearly 10, love the farm life-style. Daughter Kate (13) and myself are townies through and through.

The major bonus of this farm is – it is in Waihi. There is so much to see and do around the area that I thought I would let you know what we have discovered.

The most beautiful place I love is Whiritoa. Only 20 minutes drive from Waihi on the road to Whangamata, our friends took us to a lovely lagoon. The golden sand was a major for our Taranaki bred children as we only have black sand. All around the Waihi area we couldn’t get over the amount of shells.

“Moving forward – positively”

November 13, 2013 by Sharyn Smart

With the New Year here, once again we all start making New Year resolutions.

In 2002 my resolutions came looking for me. Life over-whelmed me, which in turn forced me to make some drastic changes.

I broke a bone in my foot, in December 2000 and spent a lot of 2001 having physio and not exercising much. The slightest step on uneven ground sent my recovery back to the beginning. This meant that I spent a lot of time sitting around and eating. I made a minimal attempt at using the time to change careers and started a writing course by correspondence.

In 2002, I got offered a part-time job. The hours were great so I went for it. Unfortunately it meant that for 10 weeks, I had to use my lunch break to race to kindy, home to our neighbours to drop off Alex and back to work, until Alex turned 5.

My husband, Campbell, ended up at A&E at all hours of the day and night in excruciating pain in his side. They eventually decided it was kidney stones. There were many blasting operations and stent operations. Everybody was on alert in case he needed to get to the Hospital. Every time he groaned in his sleep or got up to the toilet I was ready to organise his parents to come and take him, as I would need to stay with the children. A good nights sleep was a thing of the past.

South Island On Wheels

November 13, 2013 by Sharyn Smart

Join the Smart family from New Plymouth as they take a trip of a life time to the South Island.

After three years of planning and budgeting we were pulling out of the drive-way on our micro South Island holiday. I was quite nervous, as all I had been allowed to book, was the ferry and it was the September school holidays.

We camped at relatives in Waikanae, Wellington. Overnight I was worse than the children. I was sooooo excited. Our holiday was about to begin. Our children, Kate 12½ and Alex 9½ had never been on the ferry. Both were a little nervous of the unknown. Many horror stories had been told about rough crossings and we were all hoping for smooth seas. Lucky for us, that’s what we got.

The trip across the strait involved games of noughts and crosses, connect the dots, the gaming room, hot chips and numerous walks around the ship. We got off the ferry at Picton and drove to Blenheim. It was hard to believe we were in the South Island! We arrived in Blenheim exhausted and grateful to finally stop travelling. We ate tea and fell into bed and slept!.

I had loosely drawn up an itinerary. After a day spent with friends, we went to Kaikoura. The highlight of our trip was Wings over Whales. Yes you read right – an aeroplane ride. Our children had never been on a plane and nerves crept in.

We spent the night in a beautiful Top 10 Holiday Park. We had what is termed a Motel Unit and were very impressed. We treated ourselves to a spa. Alex loved the fact we had full Sky television (something we don’t have at home!)

Big Brother Big Sister Programme Taranaki

October 20, 2013 by Sharyn Smart

Community Focused: Case manager Nic Willis (left) and Senior Constable Paul Lampe (right) are focused on ensuring that young people have a positive role model in their life. Photo : Sharyn Smart — Community Focused: Case manager Nic Willis (left) and Senior Constable Paul Lampe (right) are focused on ensuring that young people have a positive role model in their life.
Photo : Sharyn Smart

Taranaki volunteers are getting behind the Big Brothers Big Sisters programme making it one of the biggest agencies in the country.

The Taranaki branch has 120 matches in the New Plymouth, Waitara, Inglewood and Hawera areas.

Programme manager Snr Constable Paul Lampe said the focus in Taranaki was on children aged 7 to 10 years who could stay matched until they were 18.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programme is for any child who wants and needs a mentor in their lives,” he said.

The youth mentoring programme focuses on children at an age when they are most likely to bond with the volunteer, creating a good friendship base and potentially life long friendships.

“The whole point about mentoring is for the volunteers to have fun with the young person that they are matched with,” Mr Lampe said.

Volunteers spend time being a big brother or big sister by doing things they already enjoy doing such as kicking a ball around, taking a walk on the beach, going to the movies or just hanging out.

‘Big and little sisters’ enjoy outing to Pouakai Zoo

October 20, 2013 by Sharyn Smart

Voluntee Fun: New Plymouth “little sister” Wiki enjoys her ultimate animal experience encounter kindly sponsored by Fiona Carson of Pouakai Zoo. Photo: Supplied — Voluntee Fun: New Plymouth “little sister” Wiki enjoys her ultimate animal experience encounter kindly sponsored by Fiona Carson of Pouakai Zoo.
Photo: Supplied

After being a volunteer for 18 months Nic Willis decided that she loved the Big Brother Big Sister programme so much she joined the team.

Miss Willis, of New Plymouth, has been matched with Wiki, 13, since April 2011 and thoroughly enjoys spending time with her “little sister”.

“I just like seeing Wiki grow up and see her confidence grow,” she said.

Some of the things they do together are as simple as walking the dog, doing some baking or heading to the Big Brother Big Sister clubrooms at the Tasman Club where they play darts, cards and board games.

“We just hang out and do everyday stuff,” she said.

Wiki has good supportive parents who wanted something extra for her.

Indoor softball drawing in players

October 20, 2013 by Sharyn Smart

FAST FUN: Charlie Smith, Hawera, smacks the ball into the outfield during an indoor softball game in New Plymouth. Photo: Sharyn Smart — FAST FUN: Charlie Smith, Hawera, smacks the ball into the outfield during an indoor softball game in New Plymouth.
Photo: Sharyn Smart

Softball is being revamped in an attempt to attract new players.

The Taranaki Softball Association under the watchful eye of Allan Prestney, Witt’s Kaitakawaenga – Maori and Pasifika support co-ordinator, has shortened the game and moved it indoors to get more people involved.

“With it being mainly a Saturday afternoon sport we are loosing players due to work commitments,” she said.

Mrs Prestney said that too many games get rained off between October and December and moving indoors would enable play regardless of the weather.

She encourages people to have some fun and exercise by joining a team.

“We have mixed composite teams. So it’s just about giving it a go,” she said.

Teams are generally made up of nine players but can play with a minimum of 7.

ANZA Challenge supports Halberg Disability Sport Foundation

October 20, 2013 by Sharyn Smart

Stratford Paralympian cyclist Nathan Smith Photo: Supplied — Stratford Paralympian cyclist Nathan Smith
Photo: Supplied

NZ Challenge: Harcourt’s John Christiansen, left, and Halberg disability sports advisor John Sigurdsson are joining forces to raise funds for disabled children in Taranaki. Photo: Sharyn Smart — NZ Challenge: Harcourt’s John Christiansen, left, and Halberg disability sports advisor John Sigurdsson are joining forces to raise funds for disabled children in Taranaki.
Photo: Sharyn Smart

Stratford paralympian cyclist Nathan Smith is part of the New Zealand team competing in the ANZA Challenge later this month.

Mr Smith has focused on his career after last year’s London Paralympics, working fulltime as charge pharmacist at McKay Pharmacy in Stratford.

“When they asked me to do it (the ANZA Challenge) I said it will give me a reason to get back on my bike and train for something. I was dead keen,” Mr Smith said.

The charitable event will pit two celebrity teams, representing New Zealand and Australia, against each other as they compete for national pride and raise money for their nominated charities.

Mr Christiansen, New Plymouth spokesperson for Harcourts, said it was a great honour to be principal sponsors of the ANZA Challenge.

The New Zealand race of the ANZA Challenge will begin in Wellington on October 15 and move through Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin and Hamilton, with their charity being the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation.

Taranaki Huntaways win silver at Pony Club Champs

October 20, 2013 by Sharyn Smart

TARANAKI SUCCESS: Representing North Taranaki the Huntaways team of C Herbert (left), V Berrie, A Spurway, S Megchelse, S Henderson, O Thompson-Booth, M Henderson, P Grayling and Coaches: H Marshall and L Quay won second place at the North Island Show Hunter championships. PHOTO: Supplied — TARANAKI SUCCESS: Representing North Taranaki the Huntaways team of C Herbert (left), V Berrie, A Spurway, S Megchelse, S Henderson, O Thompson-Booth, M Henderson, P Grayling and Coaches: H Marshall and L Quay won second place at the North Island Show Hunter championships.
PHOTO: Supplied

Riders, ponies and horse-floats took over Foxton earlier this month.

Pony clubs from around the North Island competed for the Show Hunter Championship title.

Representing the North Taranaki Pony Club, the Huntaways finished a close 2^nd in the team event at the annual Manawatu Pony Club run event.

Wellington Gold was first and Carlyle (Waverley) was placed third out of 23 teams from the North Island.

Joint coach Holli Marshall said the event had been held since 2007 and the level of competition had grown and improved every year.

“Riders have been training, trialling and working hard with their horses and ponies. Many people made this event a success,” she said.

Huntaways team captain Cassie Herbert said it was a successful end to a great event.

“Everyone in the team rode really well and we all had some real good individual results which made the team come out on top,” she said.

Award winning design by Cake Alicious

October 20, 2013 by Sharyn Smart

Wedding masterpiece: Alison Lythgow, owner of Cake Alicious in Bell Block, returned from Fashion Week after being named as runner-up for the North Island in the cake decorating section. Photo: Sharyn Smart — Wedding masterpiece: Alison Lythgow, owner of Cake Alicious in Bell Block, returned from Fashion Week after being named as runner-up for the North Island in the cake decorating section.
Photo: Sharyn Smart

Being handpicked to take part in New Zealand Fashion Week was a proud moment for New Plymouth business owner Alison Lythgow.

“I was so excited, what an amazing experience,” she said.

Mrs Lythgow owns a cake decorating business aptly named Cake Alicious, which she operates from her Bell Block home.

Her reputation for perfection and high quality work has resulted in Mrs Lythgow being picked along with eight other cake decorators from the North Island.

“It’s a great honour to be named one of North Island’s best cake decorator’s,” she said.

Quadruple Overtime for Good Home Taranaki Mountain Airs

October 17, 2013 by Sharyn Smart

With the biggest crowd of the season watching, The Good Home Taranaki Mountain Airs put on a show deserving of a win, only to be nudged out in the FOURTH extra period to lose to the Otago Oceana Gold Nuggets 137–145 at TSB Stadium, New Plymouth last night.

MountainAirs Coach Dave Bublitz said he has never known a game to go on and on like this game did.

The close game was very physical and at times out-of-control as players flew in all directions with inconsistent decisions from the refs.

The fourth quarter saw the Mountain Airs playing “catch up”. Amazing work from Airs’ Jack Leasure, Link Abrams and Ethan Rusbatch saw the gap close. The calls from the refs were starting to have a big impact on the game as Nuggets’ Mark Dickel took a swing at Airs’ Link Abrams. The crowd chanted “off, off, off” but the ref only gave Abrams 2 shots. This decision would haunt the Airs.

With 4.07mins remaining on the clock Nuggets’ Benny Anthony was fouled out of the game and expressed his displeasure to the crowd. At full-time the scores were locked 93-93 with a clutch shot from Airs’ Jack Leasure sealing the deal.

Airs’ Kenny Gabriel had a quiet night adding only 10 points and 6 rebounds to be fouled out in the second of the four extra periods.