Mink

I felt a bit nostalgic this afternoon and started to go through old photos of Mink. He turned up in 2003 - quite literally turned up, as he was a stray kitten who just appeared on my doorstep - and has been a huge part of my life ever since. Who knew that he would move with us to Texas one day?

Being an idiot in the backyard of our first place.

Mink's first snow!

Ungainly sleeping.

Minkshelf.

Going after a sandwich.

Mink in the garden.

A noble beast.

During this session, I also learned that about 85% of all the photos I take are of Mink. Seriously. Almost all the space on my computer and in our albums consists of photographs of Mink, sometimes only slightly varied in composition and setting. It's a disease.

My Christchurch - Rachel Goodchild

Christchurch continues to stand strong and recover after the 22 February earthquake. For ways in which you can help, visit The Red Cross New Zealand website.



After living in a big city (Sydney) the level of natural friendliness of the locals in Christchurch was enough to put me on edge. The people in the supermarket smiled and chatted to me and my (then) husband. The guy at the petrol station gave us advice on the best places to live. The waitress at the cafe gave us some tips on places we should investigate. It's sad to admit that we were so not used to the openness of people that we began to feel unsettled. What was with these people?

We grew to love the people in Canterbury for their fortitude, friendliness and desire to help out. Walk with a map in your hands, trying to find somewhere, and someone will stop and give you directions. People look you in the eye, they connect with you.

We went to Christchurch because that was where the job was, and because we knew it was a beautiful place to live. We stayed because of the people.

Now living in Auckland, it remains one of my favourite places to stay. We have just returned from three days there. Yes, we saw devastation in parts. We related to people who were once so staunch, and now are often fragile, we experienced the ground reminding us of it's power.

But my Christchurch is still the same. The majestic trees still turn their leaves the colour of fire. The people are still magic. And outside the CBD there are many places the earthquakes haven't ravaged.

Canterbury is still a place you feel welcomed in. My heart may rest inside my ribcage, but it longs to leap back to Christchurch as often as I can get there.

Rachel Goodchild is a TV presenter (look out for her relationship advice on TV One's Breakfast), author of more than twenty-seven books, journalist and social media guru. Her tweets during the 22 February earthquake were a lifeline for many New Zealanders. You can read her blog and articles at Ask Rachel.

More from Tess

So, it turns out I have a 1920s German twin (on the far right). Spooky! And the girl next to her looks a lot like my sister.

I love old photographs. The image is from here.

Monday morning! Where are the weeks going at the moment? It seems to be a new Monday every time I open my eyes. LOML's birthday is this week, though, and I'm so looking forward to revealing his present. I am an absolutely dreadful secret-keeper and it has been excruciating trying to keep quiet about it. Only a couple more days, though.

I'm also starting to get excited about Tess's grand opening! It has been fun to be a part of a new company and watch it go from strength to strength. I'm looking forward to seeing the shots from the last photo shoot, as well (and being able to show you the dresses properly) ... until then, the full story of the shoot is here.

The Tess models posing on our car.

Theresa!

A stylist's work is never done.

Trying not to float away. (We gave the balloons to a little girl when we had finished - she was thrilled!)

The photographer, Amber, preparing her shot.

Mike (Theresa's husband and Director of Operations) surveying the set.

Preparing for shots on the street.