Well, can you believe it? Less than one week to go till Christmas and two weeks till 2012. Gosh, where does time go? I know, I’m an old fart for saying that, but it’s true.
Anyways, I’ve been indulging in some photo gluttony with my camera lately, so I’m thinking I might have to fill this next week with just New Zealand posts for a good cleanse, that ok? 
Today I wanted to focus on this great little city, Christchurch. It has literally been through hell and back since the February Earthquake. In fact, many people refer to it as “the day the earth roared.”
Gosh I remember that day, but only because we were worried sick about family. Luckily everyone was safe. In fact, it was my mother in law’s day off work. She worked in the city Centre, which is now the red zone. I think God had angels on her that day. We are thankful for that!
But despite the devastation, this city came together and poured out great love and kindness. They say that the city may not look the same, but the people are forever changed, and with that it’s made this city even more full of beauty.
Last week we finally made it downtown. I knew the hubs would be a little sad going but it was something he just had to see for himself. The last time we were there together was 2007. We parked far and decided to walk the long way around since most of the streets were still in the red zone.
We passed by a few restaurants and bars which had yet to be touched since the earthquake. I guess they are not allowed to go back in them quite yet. You can see the plates and glasses are still shattered on the ground. Crazy!
Then there is the Centre. This is just one part of it.
Most of the damage you cannot see but trust me, it’s there. In fact, the coffee shop we used to hang out in is in there somewhere.
Just a few steps away from the red zone there is the another zone. I like to call it the NEW BEGINNING Zone.
They knocked down a lot of the damaged buildings and replaced them with crates. These crates have been turned into bright vintage stores and cafes
Even the town’s oldest grocer made his way back to the center.
New flower pots next to the rail, and new city flags flying high.
Christchurch is coming back slowly but surely. As you walk these streets there is a somber feeling but there is also a peaceful feeling….
an “all is well” feeling.
And with that being said, I wish you all an ALL IS WELL this Monday!
Take hold of it, embrace it, and share that WELL feeling this week before Christmas.
You’ll be glad you did.
Sending LOVE from Christchurch,
LC
Aww, so good to see the people in Christchurch are going on again! Thank you for sharing this!
Those crate-stores are sooo cool! I am always amazed at people’s ability to create something beautiful from devastating circumstances; the human spirit is so resilient and resourceful! Love it!
me too! it was so modern yet anitque-ish. haha, if that makes sense?!
Ahhh, I love seeing your photos of Christchurch, especially the New Beginnings Zone (love the naming!). I live in Wellington and haven’t been down to Chch in years- really want to but am now a bit scared! The beauty you portray makes it so much more appealing and is so inspiring! Thank you for that 🙂
Nikki, you need to come visit! i think you will be surprised at the beauty! I’d love to visit you as well. We’re here till March. 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing such wonderful pictures and a truly amazing story! 🙂
so glad to share with you Lauren. The story just touches my heart. oxox
I bet this was quite a shock for your husband to see again. I like your spin on new beginnings and that all is well. Hugs!
yes, he was quite sad but also felt like the town was really coming together again. So in away, that made him happy to be home.
Hugs right back! xoxo
Wow this was very very humbling to read. Thank you so much for sharing, I had no idea they had been through this devastation. I am so so glad that all of your family is okay and that you are able to look at the positive. New beginnings are good for everyone.
me too! its been nice to be here and support them during this time. Especially during the holidays. I know you know just precious that time is!
The New Beginning area is so inspiring! I wonder if any of those boutiques would be down with selling healthy bites?
You need to get the seed money for that vineyard!
PS- Wino Windsay…Lmbo.
i looking into it. Plus some other markets. I love all the little start up shops here. They have such heart!
p.s.
Maybe i should start another wino blog. we could share it! hehe.
Yes, we could start a collective blog!
The rule is you can only vlog or blog after two glasses minimum and you are not allowed to think about what you are going to write or say before you start.
Who’s in?
oh my gosh i am so on board. How hilarious would that be!!?
Merry Christmas, Cotters! Praise God for new beginnings and the hope this season brings. 🙂
xoxo
Yes, Praise God! He is good! xoxo
Love reading about these adventures – bring on the pictures this week! 🙂 Lots of Love headed to Christchurch, too!
Thanks Heather! Christchurch embraces that Washington Love!
😉
Sending LOVE right back to you Linds! This is such an inspirational post! You can see God working through the people of Christchurch right there 🙂
yes!! God has touched so many lives here, and that is a beautifl site to see personally.
Oh man, poor little city. I bet it was so hard going back there. I like that it’s a new beginning though and that it’s slowly but surely getting built back up. It’s weird how I get so wrapped up in my bubble and then read this and realize there is so much going on in the works around me that is so much greater. Thanks for sharing. My heart goes out to all those who suffered.
i know! i tend to think we are in a bubble too. Safe and protected, but its a very eye opening experience to see this all with my own eyes.
Wow, it’s amazing to see how the town has rebuilt itself in those crates. There’s something so inspiring about the capacity to pick yourself up and start from scratch—especially if its in the same place where you once lost everything.
Thanks for these gorgeous photos. It’s lovely to get to experience new corners of the world in such an intimate way.
oh i agree!! and some people are building their whole life back up from scratch, including the loss of loved ones. I can’t even imagine. But these people are inspiring and incredibily strong. I just admire their hearts so much.
HUH. That’s so interesting! And neat to see how they’ve rebuilt! As devastating as those events can be, it’s incredible to see how people come together after the fact!
yes, i agree! a positive outcome through a tragic event. People are changed, hearts are BIGGER! <3
New beginnings for everyone! I love your photo of the oldest shopkeeper.
he is such a cute man too! so passionate about his customers!
so glad to see the town coming back together, we could only imagine what it is like. I bet there are so many memories there and that everyone is thankful for a new chance, a second beginning in a way.
HUGS
yes, it was weird to see where James and I had been in old pictures and then go see the destruction. But time will heal this city, it already is.
What an amazing and inspirational post! My prayers are with you and your family and Christchurch during this time of regrowth and healing! 🙂
thank you Amanda. Such a healing time for us all. Well said.
I can only imagine how eerie it would be to walk through there and see all of the destruction and abandonment. So thankful your mother-in-law was spared from any harm during the earthquake. I love that the grocer made his way back into the new development!
it was indeed, but at the same time I could feel the growth and renewal working within. I can’t explain it, i could only feel it.
xoxo
And I thought the little earthquake scare we had over the summer was freaky. I can’t imagine what it must have been like in Christchurch! It seems like people are positive though and the city is gathering itself back together. A new beginning is a great opportunity for a place like Christchurch to show just how strong the community really is!
yes, this was 7.5 or higher i think. It was devestating. I keep thinking i am going to feel one soon. Eerie. But you are so right, the community here is amazing!
It’s amazing how quickly time is flying by this year. I am baffled that this weekend is Christmas and the New Year’s right after. What the heck? Embracing it, enjoying it, and just thankful that I have my health, family, and friends. Life is good and I hope you had a good start to the week as well. xoxo
no kidding! time flys! Hey weren’t you planning a trip to austin next year?
😉
I am certainly sending love back to you Lindsay! Something like that is so devastating but gives the community the chance to bounce back like this one seems to be doing… new beginnings like you said 🙂
its going to take a while to bounce back but they really are making this community stronger through. So surreal to see.
Love your LOVE! xoxo
More pictures!! Always more pictures!!
Especially in this kind of situation. Shocking and humbling all at the same time.
oh good! Glad you like my collage of pictures. I really wanted to just stand there and take more. Taking it all in was extremely humbling.
Wow, what a great post. I am glad Christchurch is bouncing back slowly but surely. I am glad your loved ones were safe and I love the perspective you gain through events like this 🙂
Yes! God always has his plan, ya know? Even when it comes through tragedy.
Sending some love right back to you! It’s insane the amount of damage that a natural disaster can cause. But I think it’s really neat how the community is coming back together and working to rebuilt itself!
oh thanks Linz! i will take that love for sure!! The rebuilding is such a joy to see, especially during the holidays. Warms my heart.
I have a new website, www.glutenfreedomblog.com that I am trying to spread the word about! I love yours! I am having huge giveaways from many wonderful gluten free companies soon and was wondering if you would help me get the word out?! Thanks!
of course! i will spread the GF love!
I love to see the rebirth of a community after a disaster. I feel like despite the tragedy, it usually results in improvements that wouldn’t have been possible without the tragedy. It requires a TON of hard work and support – but we grow when we make it through hardships! I know that’s true in my life too!
Yes, so true!! It is so much work but one that just come naturally in that state, you know? How are you feeling these days?
I think I had a breakthrough on Thursday last week – sounds silly, but when I realized that my weight gain meant that my digestive system was starting to work like normal and I could eat oats again, i just mentally started feeling better! I haven’t had a new infection for over a week now! I think it really was about attitude! Thank you for asking!
How are you feelings.
wow… something like that really would change the community in so many ways but also change the meaning of the word “community”. That’s nice you guys took the time to go walk around and see it for yourselves.
well said Sabrina. community has a whole new meaning and a more powerful one. I like that!!
It’s amazing and awesome how people come together after devastation!
i agree. Sad to think it had to happen that way, but still amazing to see!
Love it, Lindsay. Beautiful photos, beautifully written. New beginnings are exciting – fresh starts, clean slates, it’s all good 🙂
yes, and you know that so well. I’m sure you’ve seen it from the start! oxox
p.s.
For some reason i am not getting your posts in my reader anymore. 🙁
Oh really? Any suggestions on how to rectify this? I am so dumb when it comes to technology – I did just change my feed though, so maybe re subscribe?
I admire everyone and their ability to press on and find the good in the situation! It’s amazing what tragedy can do to bring a group of folks truly together. I love the bright colors those crates are providing and that the grocer was able to make it back too. And yes PLEASE continue with showing us this wonderful part of the world that you are currently occupying! <3
oh i know you can relate to this Christin. You’ve been through a tragedy and come out stronger! plus you have left such an impact on our hearts. <3
Awwwe, thank you Linds! <3
SO sad..I can’t imagine losing so much! Praying for renewal and rebirth!!
i know, it is very surreal. But God is so evident during those times too, ya know? I missed you this weekend. hehe.
how wonderful! definitely great to remember, especially during these times 🙂
yes, i couldn’t agree more. Its a perfect time to reflect and be thankful for what is. ya know?
it’s so amazing how people can come together in times of need and truly embrace community (both local community and worldwide community). it really reminds me that we’re all brothers & sisters, despite distance, color, or otherwise.
oh agreed agreed! we are one! WE come together lend a hand. Makes me feel blessed to know all of you too.
Wow – further proof that you never know what could happen. Your plans can only take you so far!
(I don’t blame you for the 1000000000 pictures. 🙂 )
i know, really! scary but true. Much keep that perspective and be thankful for the day, right?
I love how you’ve called the area outside of the Red Zone the “New Beginning Zone” That is such a perfect name for an area that has come together to overcome disaster and rebuild.
What they’re doing with that area is posivitively beautiful – I see more and more of those “crate” stores, and I love the idea. It’s so much better for our environment as well.
Beautiful pics, thank you for sharing!
Love from way on the other side of the world! XOXO <3
it truly is a new beginning zone, and it is beautiful! made me so happy to see. Such heart going into restoring it too!
this brought tears to my eyes, both happy and sad!
I am always in awe of those inspirational folks who, during times of disaster, get up and with a positive attitude, start putting things back together.
big hugs to you both! <3
I couldn’t agree more. They truly have the strength to overcome anything and thats what living is all about. Right? Striving to bring beauty in this world. So good to hear from you! I have to admit, i wish i could have stayed longer in the states just to enter into all your fun giveaways recently. Bugger!
I was so sad when I saw about that earthquake on the news. It’s truly amazing to see how it’s on the road to recovering and getting back to normal! Hopefully it’ll be even better and more beautiful than ever 🙂
God works wonders through these situations, ya know? And He definitely is making his love seen here!
oh my, this is devastating to see. I’m happy to hear they are rebuilding slowly, it must be incredible (and sad) to be seeing in person though.
its an odd feeling to be honest. You don’t know weather to smile or to be still. I think i did both.
Wow. A new beginning, indeed and everything is looking so fresh and new.
yes! and it really is gorgeous. It makes my heart so happy to see!
This is just increible, When you are so separated from the devastation it just doesn’t seem real, it couldn’t be real, but then you encounter the aftermath, even months later and it all comes into perspective – not the reasons, but the proof.
its very SURREAL to me. I just had to take it in and say a little prayer.
Wow.
Mother nature’s power can be devastating…
But you are absolutely right. For every catastrophe, there is a new beginning. I like that perspective. I lived through a few massive wildfires in San Diego and while the earth is nothing but blackness in the months after a fire, there comes a point where new buds start to shoot up out of the ground and wildflowers (some only bloom after a fire) start to appear.
Reading this post reminded me of that.
Thank you.
Wow, i bet that was a hard time but like you said, new buds started to grow and that ALL IS WELL feeling came back. I hope its being restored today even more beautiful than before.
🙂
I am going to carry around the “all is well” thought during my busy but blessed day. 🙂
good! and don’t forget to pass it along. xoxo
I find it both sad seeing the ruins of Christchurch, and happy to see the healing taking place…as you know it holds many emotive memories for me and the Kiwi…it’s a mixed bag of feelings that your pictures and words stir up, both painful and tearful, and fond and glad. I am SO happy that your hubby’s family were all safe <3 xyx
I was thinking about you and your kiwi when writing this post. I know you have such a history with CC. ANd i can see your heart here. I hope you two get to come back sooner than later.
<3
Wow. This post gave me chills up and down my spine. Incredible.
it gave be chills just walking through the area. SO powerful.
Gosh I remember that day! I was worried for James! I am glad the town is rebuilding and it is true that in the face of tragedy people do come together!
I know, and it feels like it was just yesterday. It’s kinda like the fire situation in TX. Everyone coming together and restoring and rebuilding what was lost. And so so much was lost.
Hope you and Keith are having a good Holiday season friend.
Oh I love this little photo tribute to a rebuilt town. The devastation is sad to see, and I’m sure even sadder BEING there during it too. It seems like a gorgeous place to live.
and the pictures only capture so much. To be here in person had been a blessing. I can see so much heart! <3
I’m sending love to Christchurch! I’d like to give that grocer a hug- how cute is he!?! And does that bright red building say…Certified Coffee Company? I bet that building is brilliant…coffee in general is brilliant but that place looks like fun!
he is so cute and so full of life! One section is dedicated to just candy so all the kids were running around that area. It was a fun site to see!
What a great post my friend. Sometimes new beginnings have so much potential don’t they?
yes, i agree! its a chance to rebuild up stronger!
i agree……new beginnings are the best. i LOVE all your photos 🙂
And the more they rebuild, the more beautiful it becomes. Perfect for the season ya know?
p.s.
Glad you like the photos. There was so much more I wanted to capture. hard to stop snapping!
Sending lots of love to you!
Im glad the town is getting back to itself again!
Love you!
me too friend. its a wonderful site to see, especially during the holidays. Love you!
sending you LOVE BACK!
and thanking you for letting us experience all this vicariously.
ahh thank you Carla. I will take that Love and hold onto it.