#spotted

George Penney @georgepenney@sunny.garden · 4d ago

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: A tiny human (2?) is holding Mum's hand, pointing at a digger hard at work. Looking at passersby with an awed expression. Trying to communicate the majesty of what they're witnessing. A server is roaming around a cafe with a coffee in each hand. Looking here Looking there Laughing and saying, "This place isn't THAT big, I have NO idea where they've gone!" Seen still wandering with coffees over five minutes later. (Seen sneakily drinking a coffee a little bit after that.) A woman (60s?) is grumpily directing her husband as he reverse parks a ute* piled with firewood into their driveway. He's grumping out the window: "I can drive ya know. " "Then why're you trying to run over my rose bushes?" "They looked at me funny." She bursts into laughter. A small human's (3?) nose is pressed up against the window of a toy shop. Making direct eye contact with a pink plushie toy that looks just like a friendly muppet. Absolutely enraptured. A no-nonsense woman in an apron grins as a couple (40s?) moseys up to her cheese counter. She says: "What'll it be this week, team? We thinking soft, hard? Strong? Mild? Or should I just surprise you?" "Surprise us!" (Continued Below)

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George Penney @georgepenney@sunny.garden · Aug 05, 2026

#Spotted at an Indie Bookshop talk in Aotearoa New Zealand: An author (30s?), looking a little nervous, a little excited is greeting guests. She's complimented on her dress which is decorated with mushrooms, holding the skirt out and looking down at it with a happy smile. The smell of paperback books and potential wafting on the air. A small human (5?) is not quite sure about all this book chat. He's being very good. And very quiet. Hugging Dad's leg with both arms. Studying the room with a sleepy expression. Dad's hand gently resting on his tousled hair. An author (30s?) is asked a question about the favourite line she wrote in her latest book and she is a little bit flummoxed. But never fear! A member of the audience has a review at the ready with quotes in it and happily reads out her favourite. The room erupts into appreciative smiles. An entire book club (20s-30s?) files into the front row in an independent small city book shop. Books piled on tables and shelves everywhere. They're here on a mission. The author is a friend and they WILL fiercely support her. Numerous people of all makes and models are filing into a bookshop for a book talk, stopping by the counter to ask the owner after her much beloved dog who's chilling at home. Bookshop dogs are best dogs and this one's well missed tonight. (Continued Below)

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George Penney @georgepenney@sunny.garden · Aug 03, 2026

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: A small human (4?) is walking along, hands waving emphatically in the air as he declares with an air of MAXIMUM gravitas: "I have so much to do Mum!" SO MUCH to do!" A woman (40s?) is rolling her wheelchair along a tree lined street. A big bouquet of lilies on her lap. A big goofy dog (Labrador cross muppet?) with a waggy tail trotting at her side. Friends on an adventure. A woman (30s?) in running gear is chatting to a friend as a very large dog (mastiff cross house?) polishes his personal whatnots at their feet. She laughs and says: "He wasn't meant to be a big dog! When we got him they said he was a runt! And look at him now! MASSIVE!" At a bus stop: A small human (5?) is fidgeting and wiggling and squirming as Dad painstakingly fixes her pigtails. Making sure her scrunchies are just so. He's got all the patience in the world today. In a cafe, two women (80s?) are learning towards each other. Talking in hushed tones as one efficiently halves a cheese scone and butters each side for the two of them. Extra butter for her friend. Any typos spotted in this post are rather sleepy beasties today. If typos spotted, they'll be looking at their to do list and then wondering if they can sneak in a short lunchtime snooze. Snoring not mandatory but entirely probable.

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George Penney @georgepenney@sunny.garden · Aug 01, 2026

#Spotted on Market Day in Aotearoa New Zealand: A teen (16?) is sniffing the air dramatically, eyes half closed. He says: "I can smell... I can smell fried chicken..." Little Brother (14?) gives him a hopeful look: "You gonna get us some?" He grins wickedly. "Nah. Just gonna smell it for a while eh." A mighty head noogie battle commences! Four adults (30s-40s?) are standing in a circle talking about elections and cost of living. Meanwhile a small human (4?) is standing in the middle, impersonating them magnificently with a scowly face, hands on hips. Murmuring the word: "Wrong wrong wrong" in a grumpy voice. She's got the idea! A tiny human (1?) is being hefted into the air by Dad. Giggles and squeals as he's thrown up... and then up... and then caught! And then up and up... And then caught! Both wearing matching smiles. Big blue sky overhead. It's a good day. A fierce woman (60s?) is marching along with her partner in tow. She says: "Hurry up darl! Someone got the last french stick* at my favourite place. I'm not gonna miss out at the other one! Soup without bread is just SAD." Eyes narrowed, she lines up at her second favourite bakery truck. A small human (4?) is frowning at the cheesy bagel in her hand. With great gravitas she announces to Dad: "There is SIGNIFICANT cheese on this toastie. SIGNIFICANT CHEESE." Dad does a double take and laughs. "Where'd ya get that word from?" She looks at him with beetling brows. "SIGNIFICANT." (Continued Below)

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George Penney @georgepenney@sunny.garden · Jul 30, 2026

#Spotted at a Gallery Closing in Aotearoa New Zealand: A crowd is singing a waiata* to bless the closing of a community gallery. Voice merging and echoing in an empty room. The song ends and a man (40s?), speaking in a faint English accent says with quiet satisfaction: "That's the first time I got all the words right. I'm proud of that." A woman (50s?) is talking about the new gallery space that will be opening up soon, saying: "What we're hoping, is that our new space will be organised better than this one with minimal clutter." A colleague bursts into husky laughter. "What clutter? It's art! It's all art!" People of all makes and models are hugging, talking, crying as the closure of a vital community space is celebrated. A woman (50s?) says: "This was just a white box really, just white walls, floor, ceiling, but magic happened here. It'll happen at the next space too... but this was special." A man (30s?) is grinning cheekily as he takes three slices of celebratory pizza. His partner's giving him "The LOOK" but he's unrepentant. It's getting late, people are going home and there is swiftly cooling PIZZA up for grabs. Why not? A woman tells friends she's just turned 65 and announces that she's got a grand plan to give her art career a shot now that she's retiring from her day job. She says with a grin,: "I'd say I've got 15 to 20 years and I'm going to give it all I've got! No time to lose. I can't wait!" (Continued Below)

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George Penney @georgepenney@sunny.garden · Jul 29, 2026

#Spotted in an Op Shop* in Aotearoa New Zealand A woman (70s?) in a floor-length fake fur purple coat and a matching pill box hat is admiring a display of teapots. With a huge smile she picks up a pink one and exclaims. "These're all STUNNING, but THIS one's m'favourite." A tiny dog (poodle cross feather duster?) is trotting by a row of vintage chairs. His human (80s?) is asking him, "Which one do you like buddy?" After much inspection and sniffing, Tiny Dog and Human decide that a canework rocking chair is the right one for them. A woman (20s?) is hunting through racks of men's jackets with a pensive expression. This one? Hmm nope. This one? Yeah.. nah. What about... THIS one? She pulls out an old tweed coat with patches on the elbows. Needs a bit of mending around the collar but... yep this is the one for her! A teen (16?) and Dad are browsing teacups. Suddenly Teen reels back, face screwed up in abject horror: "WOOF! Dad you are SO full of toxic masculinity right now." Dad shrugs. "Not my fault. You made the baked bean toasties this mornin'" A man (30s?) wearing a fabulous pink sparkly top is searching through a handbag display, purring under his breath when he discovers an antique mesh purse at the bottom of the pile. Snatching it up and gleefully bustling to the counter. (continued below)

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George Penney @georgepenney@sunny.garden · Jul 27, 2026

#Spotted at an Italian Film Festival Opening Night in Aotearoa New Zealand: A man (80s?) is sitting in an armchair in an art deco cinema's foyer. Wearing a dapper suit. Neatly parted hair. Walking cane at his side. Smiling benevolently at the crowd milling around him, chatting, laughing, drinking wine, eating pizza. Merriment in the air. A woman (60s?) is doing a wiggly happy dance as she bites into a double-scoop cone of ice cream that's covered in chocolate with nuts sprinkled on top. A couple (20s?) asks if she got it from the counter and she grins triumphantly. "Yes! Five dollars! Life's GREAT, get the double scoop!" A very prim woman (60s?) with a Hyacinth Bucket* accent is saying sternly to her husband: "Speak ITALIAN Robert. This is an Italian film. You should TRY HARDER." She sips her glass of prosecco, pinkie held out, frowning at a cackling group of women (70s?) drinking and gobbling pizza nearby. A woman (50s?) is offered a paper cup of complimentary tiramisu as she walks into the cinema and exclaims: "Terrible Sue?! Touches my lips and goes on my hips?! Of COURSE I'll have some!" A couple (20s?) are perusing the film festival program. Fingers running down pages. Debating budget and the films they'd like to see. Gobbling freebie slices of pizza, conspiratorially giggling with sneaky glee on nabbing two glasses of complimentary wine each to take into the cinema. (Continued Below)

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George Penney @georgepenney@sunny.garden · Jul 25, 2026

#Spotted on the Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever in Aotearoa New Zealand People of all makes and models are congregating in a city square. Wearing red frocks, red socks and in some cases, red crocs. Extravagant bouffant wigs. Kate Bush playing. Raucous cackles as newcomers are shown to a big bin of second hand red clothes. No excuses! Frock up and have fun! A dance instructor, dressed in red, is directing a crowd in a practice run of Kate Bush's Wuthering Heights dance. It's all going bonkers. Legs wiff-waffling through the air. Arms flippy-flapping. Ridiculous fun. A burly man with a generous tum and bushy beard (40s?) in a floaty red frock and muddy work boots, is giggling with his small human (5?) who is showing him how to do all the moves. First you sway, then pose, then wiffle waffle... then... Nope Dad's lost. Belly laughing and trying to keep up! A woman (50s?) wearing an elaborate red ball gown knows all the moves. Expression euphoric. Singing along to all the words. This is her song. This is her moment and she's making the absolute MOST of it. An elderly VERY tubby white poodle, wearing a red dress with a red rosette on her collar, is being cradled and a gently hugged by her laughing human as they wuther hither and thither. Two friends having fun. (Continued Below)

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George Penney @georgepenney@sunny.garden · Jul 23, 2026

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: A tall man (50s?) wearing farm clothes, is moseying around a fruit and vegetable shop with a wicker basket tucked under his arm. A couple of onions from here... A leek from there... Maybe a cauliflower from over here... Humming thoughtfully under his breath as he selects each one. A small human (5?) is standing in line at a bakery, eyes big as he surveys pies, sausage rolls, cakes, donuts, pastries and custard tarts in the glass display case. With a breathless whisper he says: "Dad what if someone got ALL OF THIS!" A small human (4?) has learned a catchphrase and he's determined to deliver it with great aplomb. As Mum is telling him to pack up his colouring book and pencils, he roars: "See ya later... TROUBLE!" to Grandad, who feigns being stabbed through the heart, much to Small Human's delight. On a rainy day, a man (80s?) is walking slowly down the street, painstakingly making sure his umbrella is protecting his spry little dog from getting wet. Spry Little Dog looking up at him with adoration. Both carefully skirting around the puddles. Two women (20s?) are sitting across from each other at a cosy cafe table. One's knitting. One's crocheting. Colourful skeins of wool on their laps. A snoozing greyhound at their feet as customers come and go from the counter nearby. (Continued Below)

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George Penney @georgepenney@sunny.garden · Jul 21, 2026

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand* A couple (70s?) are served two pepper steak pies in a country cafe. Their animated conversation abruptly stops. They pick up their knives and forks and get to work. There is no room for small talk when serious trencherwork is required! Two women (50s?) are sitting across from each other in a library, enjoying a game of backgammon. As they roll their dice, they chat about the weather, their families and friends. A relaxed moment of friendship and calm as the day goes by. A woman (40s?) is scouring the cookbook section of a library with at least ten books on pie making in her arms. When a librarian asks if she needs help, she says: "It's my son's twenty-first next week and he's asked for a pie instead of a cake. I haven't baked for centuries! But we'll get there!" Two men (60s?) in muddy hiking gear are sitting across from each other in a chill burger joint. Next to them a group of 20 somethings are raucously laughing but Muddy Men are silent. Eating their burgers with vigorous gusto before ordering two more. It's obviously been a big day. A tiny human (months?) wearing a teddy bear-themed onesie, is sitting on her dad's lap as they enjoy a quiet moment in a park. Tiny human has just discovered her feet and she's doing some impressive yoga moves, every now and then giving her dad a beatific gummy smile. Feet are FUN. (Continued Below)

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George Penney @georgepenney@sunny.garden · Jul 21, 2026

#Spotted At A Country Market in Aotearoa New Zealand: A woman (40s?) is walking along with a skip in her step. Two jasmine plants in sturdy pots tucked under each arm. A triumphant look on her face. Jasmine plants wibble wobbling at everyone she passes. A woman (60s?) with a kind face and a husky smokers laugh knows everyone in the markets. Trackable by the sound of her infectious raucous cackle as she talks with friends. Smiles still on people's faces after she's moved on. A walking ray of sunshine. A small human (4?) is riding his BMX next to Dad. He says: "Dad, dad, dad, dad, dad, DAD, dad, Dad, dad." Dad, ever patient, says: "Yeah bud?" "Dad are you watching me ride my bike?" Dad rubs small human on the back. "Yep. You're a good rider eh." Small Human glows. A tiny black dog with the air of a noble general, is sitting on the knee of his human who is navigating the markets in an electric wheelchair. They're heading for the coffee cart and Tiny Dog's expression says this plan meets his approval. There are cookies there and he SHALL conquer them. A small human (5?) wearing a fairy costume over stripey pajamas is scaling a climbing frame with a determined expression. Mum calls up: "You gonna come down so we can say hi to Damo?" Small Climbing Human calls back: "Yeah. But I have to get really high first." She continues her mighty climb. (Continued Below)

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George Penney @georgepenney@sunny.garden · Jul 20, 2026

#Spotted at a Country Market in Aotearoa New Zealand A tiny human (1.5?) is crouched in the middle of a big expanse of lawn dotted with little white flowers. Junior Botanical Scientist is inspecting each flower she sees by giving it a careful poke and a wide, toothy grin. A young human (8?) is optimistically dropping crumbs on the ground to attract a new seagull friend. Seagull inspects the crumbs from a distance, then struts off to inspect someone eating a cheese toastie. But what is this? The toastie is not on offer? Hmm, maybe Seagull is friendly after all. A man (50s?) asks the owner of a bric-a-brac stall what the price of something is. She says with charming earnestness: "We only price from the heart. Whatever you feel the need to pay is what it's worth. That way no one misses out on something they love." A very determined man (50s?) in farm gear and sturdy muddy boots is striding through the markets with a massive lettuce tucked under his arm. Other people are ambling from stall to stall around him, chatting and laughing, but he's has serious lettuce business to take care of and that's that. A man (20s?) says to a woman (20s?): "Let me carry your shopping basket for ya eh?"" She shakes her head. "It's not that heavy." "Yeah, but let me be your Prince Charming." He gives her a grin. Seen a bit later, carrying a full basket of fruit and veges as she buys some fresh bread. (Continued Below)

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George Penney @georgepenney@sunny.garden · Jul 18, 2026

#Spotted on Market Day in Aotearoa New Zealand: Two women (80s?) wearing a delightful assortment of floaty whatnot are walking arm-in-arm down the street. They pass a clothing store window and one booms: "You know my tits were MAGNIFICENT in my twenties." The other nods and smiles: "I remember. They were bloody lovely weren't they?" A man (30s?) is kneeling in front a small human (3?), helping her do up her bike helmet. Small Human is aiding the process by doing a vigorous noodly dance and singing a song about smelly frogs. Dad totally chill. A sausage dog with a very low tum is complimented by a stranger in the street. Sausage Dog's human (80s?) chuckles and says: "Her name is Bossy Bessie after my mother in law!" Bossy Bessie accepting all adoring pats as her due. In a park: A small human (5?) is telling mum that "IT'S COOOOLD!" Mum says, "If you ran REALLY fast to that tree and back you'll warm up." Small Human leaps into action. Seen still warming up ten minutes later, no signs of stopping, while Mum reads a paperback and enjoys a take away coffee. A small human (3?) wearing a fleece unicorn onesie is given a bagel by Dad. Gripping it with both hands, she emits a triumphant ominous cackle and then takes a big CHOMP, chewing with maximum enjoyment. (Continued Below)

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George Penney @georgepenney@sunny.garden · Jul 17, 2026

#Spotted While Roaming During the School Holidays in Aotearoa New Zealand: At the beach: Mum (40s?) is presiding over a picnic table covered in a plastic polka dot tablecloth. Smacking Dad's hand with a serving spoon as he reaches for not one but TWO barbecued sausages. Dad howling in feigned outrage. Young humans cackling gleefully. Perfect family moment. At the beach: Mum (30s?) is patiently holding a fishing rod, waiting for a catch, sea calm. Meanwhile her small human (3?) is doing some incredibly successful imaginary fishing next to her while holding a driftwood stick. Triumphantly roaring: "I GOT ANOTHER ONE. AND ANOTHER ONE! OH YEAH!" A small human (4?) dressed in multiple tutus, a red plaid jacket and gumboots* is helping Dad mow the lawn by skipping along behind him, blowing bubbles with a MASSIVE home made wire bubble wand. A tiny human (2?) is helping his cousin (8?) play on a public piano in front of a country fruit and vegetable shop. Cousin is doing his best to get in a smooth C scale. Tiny Human is headbutting the keys while providing an avante garde: "LAAA LAAA LAAA OWWW" accompaniment. Art in progress. A small human (3?) is helping Dad shop in the tool aisle of a hardware store by insisting he explain to her blue plushie horse what each tool does. Blue Plushy Horse seems rather unimpressed at the news that drills make holes in things, but Dad doesn't seem to mind. (Continued Below)

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George Penney @georgepenney@sunny.garden · Jul 16, 2026

Boosted by

Trending Bot @trending@homestead.social

#Spotted at the Beach in Aotearoa New Zealand: A small EXTREMELY stubborn pony has decided that he would very much like to trot into the sea for a BIG splash. His small human rider is roaring and spluttering about this NOT being a good idea, but Stubborn Pony's not having it. It's in the water for them and that's final. Two small humans (5 & 6?) have decided that the best way to build a sandcastle is on the tideline. That way... Every shovelful of sand they pile up... Washes away IMMEDIATELY! Oh no! Recriminations! It's definitely the architect's fault, not the engineers! (They're having SO much fun.) A young human (9?) is stomping up to Mum and announcing in a disgruntled grump: "Mum, Levi is SO ANNOYING!" Another young human (7?) races up behind him, radiating outrage, stating emphatically. "No! I'm NOT annoying. I'm just DIFFERENT!" A man (30s?) is setting up a GoPro on a tripod to film his tiny human (1?) playing on the sand. But what is this?! Tiny Human has just run head-long into the tripod?! (Whoopsie Daisy!) Dad scooping her up and making it all better. Maybe cuddles are better than pictures anyway. A couple (20s?) are snuggled up in the back of a camper van under some fluffy blankets on a chilly winter's day. The back door's open, giving them a clear view of the beach and snow-capped mountains beyond. The hint of coming rain in the air, but they don't care. Cosy and warm. Together. (Continued Below)

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George Penney @georgepenney@sunny.garden · Jul 14, 2026

#Spotted while roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: A burly man with a sturdy tum (40s?) is standing next to a vintage Triumph, smiling affectionately as he helps his son (12?) zip his leather jacket up. Mist in distant green valleys. A rainbow overhead. Perfect day for a ride with the boy. A small human (4?) is helping Dad grocery shop. Dad's dawdling near the sausage roll counter and she's not having it. Arms crossed, legs akimbo, she roars: "MUM SAID WE NEED POTATOES!" Dad grins: "Yeah, but she didn't say NO sausage rolls did she?" Small Human is skeptical. A teen (13?) wearing stripy pajamas is pushing her friend, who's sitting in a shopping trolley down the street in a small, bohemian country town. Both cackling uproariously as Passenger Teen's phone emits the instruction: "At the next intersection, turn left." A noble woolly brown dog (Poodle cross 18th C European Monarch?) is waiting regally by the door of a cafe. Benevolently accepting pats from adoring subjects who pass. Every now and then giving a magnanimous subdued tail wag for his human who's enjoying a coffee inside. He's a VERY good boy. A small human (4?) has just borrowed a library book that she likes VERY much and she would like everyone to know it. Walking along, reading with it in front of her face. Every now and then peeking around the side to see who's noticing. Dad's gentle hand on her back, guiding her as they go. (Continued below)

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George Penney @georgepenney@sunny.garden · Jul 13, 2026

#Spotted At the Beach in Aotearoa New Zealand: A weka* is VERY curious about a sandwich currently being absent-mindedly held by a man sitting in a beach chair, reading a paperback. If Weka is very quiet... And very sneaky... And sidles up like this... Maybe... It shall have that sandwich... A young human (10?) is crouched in the sand, painstakingly drawing the distant snow-capped mountains with her finger. The tide's coming in and she doesn't have long, but for now she's going to create art. A beautiful, ephemeral moment. A small family is playing a game of beach cricket. Dad's bowling. Big sister (7?) is fielding And Mum is helping Smallest Human (4?) hold the bat. Dad bowls and... WHACK! The ball goes FLYING. Now everyone's running and RUNNING. Cackles and giggles and splashing in the sea to get the ball! Two women (20s?) are sitting side-by-side on a driftwood log. Sipping take-out coffees. Bare feet held up to catch the sun as they admire the view. Gulls calling overhead. A man yelping as a weka steals his sandwich and scarpers in the distance. Six small VERY rambunctious humans (2 to 8?) are running here, and then there, and then piling on top of each other and then wrestling and then howling for AUNTIE JILL to adjudicate and then falling on top of each other again then running and playing Making memories on a sunny winter's day. (Continued Below)

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George Penney @georgepenney@sunny.garden · Jul 09, 2026

#Spotted at a free Light Festival in Aotearoa New Zealand: A small human (5?) with a fluffy unicorn hat is giving Big Brother a supercilious look as she demonstrates her ballet moves. Can Big Brother plié? NO! Can Big Brother pirouette? NO! For some reason, Big Brother is not looking impressed! (Quel horreur!) Hmm. Maybe a majestic leap is required... A small human (4?) is MOST distressed! Wailing, tears flowing, mouth aquiver. Mum's explaining that they have to wait 10 minutes for their fish and chip order to be ready. Abjectly devastated by this horrendous news, Small Human wails: "BUT THAT MEANS I CAN'T FEEL THE YUMMY IN MY TUMMY NOW!" Four small humans (3 to 6?) are engaged in an amateur Puddle Jump Championship. They have found the BIGGEST puddle and are doing the HUGEST leaps across. Arms flailing, crowing triumphantly when they succeed. This is FUN! A small human (3?) pauses in a VERY detailed recitation of what Granny Said Yesterday. Mum looks away from a food truck menu and says: "Well, you definitely have good ears doncha bub?" Small Human nods seriously. "I'm REALLY good at hearing EVERYTHING." A woman dressed in fairy couture is wafting around outside a beautifully lit cathedral. Raising a giant bubble wand, she WHOOSHES is through the air. BUBBLES! Suddenly a flash mob of small humans appear! Jumping, leaping chasing and popping bubbles with absolute glee. (Continued Below)

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George Penney @georgepenney@sunny.garden · Jul 08, 2026

#Spotted at a free Light Festival in Aotearoa New Zealand: Three teens (14?) are all piled on a pushbike, wobbling down the street. One's on the handlebars, One's on the back, And one's trying to pedal furiously but is not getting anywhere fast. Will this precarious pile of people make it to their final destination?! Who knows, but they're having fun! A man (70s?) wearing a woolly red bobble hat, with a kind face is saying excitedly to friends: "M'daughter's commin' to visit for a month next week from Aussie. I can't WAIT!" He beams, happiness radiating at a thousand watts. A tiny human (2?) is RUNNING SO FAST. Dad's in hot pursuit, weaving through a crowd as Tiny Human Escapee evades capture. But what is this?! Tiny Human Escapee's stopped at the candy floss* truck?! He's now looking at Dad unrepentantly?! Dad clutching knees, laughing and catching his breath. A small human (3?) and her dolly are wearing matching hand-knitted jumpers with teddy bears on the front. Small Human is surveying a crowd of people with an unsure expression. Dolly looks fine with this situation, hair half-chopped in an avant garde style, marker pen lipstick on her face. A small human (4?) with a sparkly octopus painted on his cheek marches up to an uncle and roars: "I'M ARRESTING YOU!" Uncle's brow raises a fraction: "Yeah, right. Why?" "BECAUSE YOU'RE NOT EATING A SANDWICH." The sparkle police have spoken! For some reason Uncle doesn't look repentant at all. (Continued Below)

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George Penney @georgepenney@sunny.garden · Jul 07, 2026

Boosted by

Trending Bot @trending@homestead.social

#Spotted at a free Community Dance Party in Aotearoa New Zealand An MC and DJ* are raising havoc on a community stage. Base pounding. People of all ages makes and models dancing. At the front, a team of very small break dancers (3 to 6?) are busting some moves. The MC, shouting them out with a massive grin. Look at 'em go! A small human (3?) wearing sparkly fairy wings is being whirled around and around by dad as the beat goes on. Laughter mixing with the sound of people cheering each other on, singing along and calling out to friends. Dad grinning with happiness. Face illuminated by the light from the stage. A woman (60s?) wearing a leopard print onesie is teaching two small humans (4 & 6?) how to dance. Nan's got the whole Salt N Pepa toolkit in her dance bag and is pulling every move out with glorious abandon. Small Humans gleefully trying to keep up. Nan's got style! A woman (50s?) in full steampunk regalia, with a silver teapot stuck to her top hat, is doing a rather impressive hip shimmy to the delight and amusement of her friends. Skirts flying, sensible boots stomping. Teapot glinting with the glow of the fairy lights strung from overhead tree branches. A group of teens (15?) have started a conga line. (Woo!) Suddenly, dads of all makes and models have found a purpose in life. Snatching up their small humans to sit on shoulders, joining in the line, laughing, following one after the other. Snaking through the dancing crowd. (Continued Below)

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