Driving along the motorway from Auckland this morning, occupants of the car in front of me heaved packaging out their window that had previously held the “Big” hamburger and large fries they’d devoured. It joined other unwelcome litter alongside the road, and I thought out loud, “Ok, you guys, cut that out: It’s just the planet, after all.”
Only two things get me going more than litter, and that’s 1) the plight of homeless animals, for they too are really, “Just the planet” and 2), which is really number one: global warming. Just how did we let this get so out of hand? Now that I’m of a mature age, I think about ideals like preserving this place where we live and respecting all of its life. I believe that’s the message of this site, as we invite you to see Mother Earth, but to do it responsibly and with forethought: Oh, and while you’re at it, live large, learn and have fun, with our expert help. We care.
I live in Charlotte, N. C., Laguna Niguel, Calif., and Auckland, where I’m a permanent resident. I’m happy to say I’ve traveled to most of the places I’ve wanted to see, much of that accomplished as an airline spokesperson for United, then-Texas International, and Continental. Careers in radio and television then evolved into print journalism; it’s nice to have a cat on my lap while I pen for this exceptional Web site and other consumer and custom publications. My experiences in New Zealand are some of my favorites: There’s always a great walking (tramping) track nearby with a beautiful waterfall, and you’re never more than 50 miles from either ocean. The food, wine and spirit of this place are enchanting and if you haven’t been here yet, what are you waiting for? Yep: It does look just like it did in The Lord of the Rings. We’ll welcome you with a Kia Ora! and G’day! Promise.
See more of my work at
www.stephens-ink.com, and hear voiceovers at
www.StephanieStephens.com.
