By Sarah-Jayne Shine

Birthdays, chasing bees and passion projects

By Sarah-Jayne Shine

Birthdays, chasing bees and passion projects

We're in March! Which means we are in the final stretch of Q1.


Which means Lemonface Creative has just celebrated their birthday. Nearly double digits. Not long now before we become all moody, unreasonable, indifferent, non-committal and irrational. Best get your work in then while we’re still enthusiastic and keen to please, bhahahahaha.

On a serious note through, we’d like to know what Lemonface means to you. What have we done that you’ve loved and what would you like to see more of?

Womanhood Journal 2024

Well, contrary to unpopular opinion, when I’m not to be found frolicking in the sunflower fields I have actually been working hard in the background. Notably, The fourth Womanhood Journal has been printed and was available for International Women's Day (IWD) celebrations in Kāpiti and Horowhenua. IWD is a day when women are recognised for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political.
IWD has assumed a new global dimension for women in developed and developing countries alike. Of course the special events in Kāpiti and Horowhenua in celebration of this annual global event didn't dissappoint. The Horowhenua Company put on a networking event with speakers from the journal and the Kāpiti Chamber of Commerce invited Rosie Overcomer to speak about her powerful story about escaping from Gloriavale.

Copies of the journal are still available. I’m really delighted with the end result. It really is one of my favourite jobs of the year as I can be creative in my work and it means I can give something back in the process too.

We have raised $4500 to be split between Kāpiti Women's Centre and Women's Refuge. Anna, Jess and I are just so proud to be part of this work.


Admission

Sunflower field at sunset, Mangamaire, New Zealand

Dahlias

Me: My name is Sarah-Jayne Shine......and I have an addiction to sunflower fields.

Flower fields Anonymous: Welcome Sarah-Jayne. You’re not alone.

Feels good to have that off my chest. You see I have been spending a little bit toooooo much time frolicking in sunflower fields/wildflower paddocks/pick your own flower fields of late. Just me and my camera. And bees. And some of you lot too.

I’ve really enjoyed producing the odd summer portrait for you and being out in the golden fresh air. That said, I know I really do need to get back into work mode now. Less frolicking. More mahi-ing. Genuine question – anybody else struggling to get back into the ‘24 groove?

So, what did I learn in February?

  • Getting back into a work routine is hard especially with a bunch of morning people (great snap by the lovely Helen Wall)

  • Office life is colourful (both in fashion and personalities) and I love it

  • Frolicking in flower fields is easy,

  • Finding said fields is also easier than once thought

  • Networking - oh how I have missed it! I've been meeting lots of new people this month and it fills my cup!

  • I currently have multiple to do lists... they are overwhelming, but by taking a few tasks from each list and putting them on my daily to do list, it is much less so.

  • Having a work space that inspires work, makes all the difference to productivity

Boo update


Boo has been super lazy this month, rarely makes an appearance from the lair unless food is waved in her face. She is also finding it hard to get into work mode and is not in the party mood.