Saturday, January 19, 2013

Taking refuge

 As I do another round of proof-reading, this time the 'dye-lines' from Hong Kong (I wrote sky-lines so you can tell where my thoughts are drifting to), my mind is wandering. The dye-lines are a mockup of the whole book, but at a low and slightly fuzzy resolution. I've also got the laminated cover, but it shows a silvery tone on the dark areas. My son spotted a typo on the spine, the one place that I hadn't proof-read. I didn't expect the title to be spelled wrong, but I've discovered that the designer can't spell, so if she has to type in words (rather than import my text) the red lights need to flash.

So my mind is wandering back to Huia, and the cool bush walk I took one day, to the Karamatura Valley.
The sun was blazing down, and I couldn't wait to get into the bush. But I had to pause to read the plaque at the entrance. It told the story of how the Te Kawerau a Maki tribe would go shark fishing in the harbour,
an activity commemorated by this impressive carving, like a guardian, at the entrance to the track.
 This area was extensively felled, and the giant kauri trees transported on a  tramway that was constructed through the bush. Here is the remains of one of the logs. If I was standing in the photo, it would be higher than me.
And all the while, along the track, I could hear the river chuckling as it ran over boulders and stones of all sizes. There is something cooling about the sound of a stony river on a hot day. And soothing. Sometimes when working to reel in my book and bring it to land, I feel like a shark fisher. So it feels good to revisit the bush with you today, as I attend to more detailed tasks, knowing it's the last chance to get it right.

12 comments:

Vicki Lane said...

I am fascinated by New Zealand-- thanks for sharing our beautiful country with us.

Juliet said...

* Vicki, it's a pleasure. Thank you for visiting.

Diana Drent said...

I am also fascinated by New Zealand. The beautiful scenery, the culture, unfortunately I have never been there.

I'm satisfied because with the technology of today I can see New Zealand and all the other country's that I love.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Juliet ... great photos .. and that typing element - you'd think people can spell wouldn't you ... I found one or two errors in the Service sheets I had for my mother's funeral and memorial services had errors in because the woman had typed without checking ... even though my type written drafts were correct ... Was I frustrated - but such is life - teaches a lesson ...

Good luck with all the edits, proof reading etc ... cheers Hilary

Hotly Spiced said...

I'm sure with all the editing and proof-reading you're going to need some time outside, clearing your head. And the outdoors is so beautiful xx

Juliet said...

* Diana, we do have beautiful scenery, with great variety. I'm glad you can enjoy it through the blog.

* Hilary, what a frustration to have such an important document done incorrectly! I'm gradually getting through the checking; found some more errors but too late to correct at this stage apart from a couple that are really important. As you imply, a bit of letting go is necessary too.

* Charlie, there's nothing like being in the bush and near water to clear the head; you are so right.

Thank you Diana, Hilary and Charlie for your comments. I do appreciate them.

Lynley said...

Thank goodness for our wonderful natural environment Juliet. We are very blessed to live in such a wonderful country, especially when we need to escape technological challenges.

I have a new laptop running Windows 8 and I am having to play around a lot to become familiar with it. Mostly I am using this trusty old laptop still until my confidence and knowledge improves.

I can hear your burbling stream in my head......

Juliet said...

* Lynley, we are very blessed. Good luck with learning the new system, and what a good thing to have an old laptop to fall back on.
Thank you.

Penny O'Neill said...

Such a wonderful walk you must have taken, Juliet. I am smiling with pleasure of your words and the thought of the "chuckling" river. All those trees, so magnificent, felled. I can only imagine how tall they were by the looks of the girth of the one pictured.

My dear, good luck in this final phase of getting the book into print. How frustrating that misspelled word on the spine must be at this point, but, I suppose, all part of the process. I'm glad you had the cool bush walk to reflect upon right now, Juliet.

Juliet said...

* Penny, the cool bush has helped to soothe these fraught moments. It was so lucky that my son spotted the error, as I hadn't thought to proof-read the spine! there are a few more little glitches to sort out before the final approval, but I'm getting close.

Thank you so much for your good wishes - much appreciated!

cm said...

Going into the bush on a hot summer day was always my favourite thing! good for you taking a wee moment for yourself .. it must be such a pressure getting it all right and being so close to the end~!.. well done juliet.. cecilia

Juliet said...

Cecilia, lovely to see you here. The bush was so soothing; nice to know that you love it too, especially when it's hot (if you can imagine such a thing right now in your chilly conditions!) Thank you.