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Home / Whanganui Chronicle

Mastering the art of hard things good for me

By Kathy Cunningham
Wanganui Midweek·
18 May, 2018 02:50 AM3 mins to read

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Stacking firewood can be difficult
Stacking firewood can be difficult

Stacking firewood can be difficult

Over the past four days, I have stacked wood on three of them. No one told me how hard is was to stack firewood.

Why does the timber tumble like a game of dominoes when you least expect it?
I thought this would be easy, but it's not! If the wood
is not placed exactly in the right place in the right way, it falls. Three times the chopped wood fell, making a melodic sound and looking like grains of sand moving from an upheld hand.
It will take me too long today to master the art of wood placement and I have lost my patience.
The wood is stacked in a haphazard manner but safe from the elements to remain dry for this winter, and that's all that matters.

Have you ever tried to paint clouds?
Even drawing them is really difficult. If you use coloured pencils, oil, charcoal or water colour, attempting to capture the textures, depth and variety in the shades and colours can take years of training and practice to perfect. And, it's really hard.
Clouds tell stories.
Was it a thunderous storm or glorious day depicted in the painting that was created centuries ago? Could you see the animals in the black and white photograph of clouds in a big, open sky?
And, the idea of miracles when the sun shines through a gap in the clouds always makes me smile. Aotearoa is the land of the long white cloud.

As a result of taking a te reo Maori language class at Te Wananga o Aotearoa last year, Rob and I decided to continue our studies this year. Rob is going for full immersion, while I am studying to a level four certificate. And, it's really hard.
Actually, it's not that it is difficult, especially when you apply yourself, but it is a commitment of time, energy and focus. Diligence in completing mahi kainga (homework) is essential too!

Doing something difficult, especially first thing in the morning is good for you. You accomplish something that is hard to do and the rest of the day feels like a breeze. It makes you feel like great since you have accomplished something that you may have procrastinated about. Trying new things that are really hard is good for your brain!
It makes you think and act in different ways and perhaps even in a manner that will make you more productive and happier.

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To experience and see what many believe is really hard go to The Sarjeant Gallery's current exhibition on clouds — it is a must see to experience what real talent in creativity, patience and experience is and it's on until the end of May.

If you are interested in learning Te Reo, contact Te Wananga o Aotearoa.
And, as for the firewood, my body aches in a really good way and I hope we will not need another load of wood to make it through this winter.
I'll remind Rob it's his turn next!

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