Taste of Kiwi: Blog of Author Shelley Munro

On 5th November 1605 a man called Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the British houses of parliament. He was part of a group of men and their mission was to kill King James and several of his leaders by setting barrels of gunpowder below the room where a meeting was to be held. Guy Fawkes was meant to light the fuse but the plot was discovered, Guy was captured and subsequently hung.

As early as 1607 the day was celebrated. King James declared the day a public holiday because he was so pleased the plot was foiled. Ever since, Guy Fawkes Day has been a time for merrymaking. It is a holiday that both children and adults can enjoy. And the fun really begins when darkness falls, then “the “Guy” is tossed onto the bonfire, and set alight. Then the fireworks go off, and “the Guy” goes up in a flames.

With our English connection (we’re a member of the Commonwealth and Queen Elizabeth is our sovereign) we celebrate Guy Fawkes day here in New Zealand. During past years accidents with fire crackers, injuries and property damage have increased to the point where there is continual talk about banning the sale of fireworks. This year fireworks went on sale on 2 November. Already we’ve had accidents and fires. Personally, I’m not a fan and our little dog is terrified of them. Things are a little easier now she’s going deaf but she’ll be sleeping inside for the next two weeks until everyone in the neighborhood uses up their supplies! It wouldn’t worry me at all if firework sales are banned to the public and only public displays were allowed. We normally have a family get together, a BBQ and when it gets dark the fireworks come out.

Does anyone else celebrate Guy Fawkes day? What do you do to celebrate?

We had an awesome weekend in Rotorua and Taupo, although the weather wasn’t the best. I’ll post some photos later in the week but my highlights for the weekend were spending time with hubby, going to the Blueberry and Honey places (lots of yummy samples) and our visit to Wai-o-tapu, a thermal area between Rotorua and Taupo. I see Wylie has tagged me with the same meme that Rhian has so visit tomorrow and I’ll reveal all about Auckland.

Woohoo! Hubby and I are off to Rotorua and Taupo for a long weekend. I’m going armed with the camera to take heaps of photos so I can do a photo essay for my upcoming story Playing to Win.

Playing to Win was the first story I ever wrote, although it’s come a long way since the number one draft. It’s a romantic suspense complete with a very scary and determined stalker. The main characters, Lane and Kate go off to Taupo for a weekend, and of course, things take a romantic turn.

We’re also going to Rotorua, which is a thermal center, complete with geysers and bubbling mud pools. I used Rotorua in Never Send a Dog to do a Woman’s Job so I might do a photo essay for that story as well.

Hubby and I watched a DVD tonight of The Marine staring wrestling champ John Cena. There wasn’t much plot but they blew up things and had lots of fist fights. I’m not sure if it was meant to be funny but we laughed a lot. I enjoyed it.

Have a fun weekend. I intend to!