HOROSCOPES

ARTS + CULTURE HOROSCOPES HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS – what your stars hold for November

Aquarius (the Water Carrier) 21 January - 19 February You do have a lot on your mind and keeping busy is certainly not a problem. Be aware of keeping your priorities in the right order. You don’t want your work-life spilling over into anything personal. Take on what you know you can do and speak up if it’s too much. Pisces (the Fishes) 20 February - 20 March If you have to make any adjustments this month it might be a few days before things are noticed. It might be that you have made subtle changes to your appearance or to whatever's going on in your life. If something has changed, then it’s for the best. Finally, your time is here. Aries (the Ram) 21 March - 20 April It really is the time to get motivated. If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask for it. If somethings are getting in the way of achieving your dreams, then you need to address these issues first. Don’t be afraid of speaking up for yourself. You will have more members on your team than you realised.

Taurus (the Bull) 21 April - 21 May You have many goals and ambitions in your life and you have been fortunate that some have been achieved. The feeling that you have of being underwhelmed is only temporary and it won’t be long before you’re back to being your enthusiastic self. Maybe some self improvement is on the horizon. Gemini (the Twins) 22 May - 21 June Try not to be tempted by the latest musthaves at the moment. It might be a time to reign in your spending a bit. Christmas is just around the corner and you want to be able to enjoy yourself. Take stock of what you have materially, and you’ll see you have everything you need. Cancer (the Crab) 22 June - 22 July Being individual isn’t something new. In your own way you have always been different. It’s taken you a while to finally get to the point where you’re happy at the way things have turned out. Whatever the future holds for you it’s with an open heart that you can say, “so far I’ve had a fantastic life”.

Leo (the Lion) 23 July - 21 August Whatever confusion there is around you at the moment might make you want to start all over again. If you’re unsure of how to start a new project, just remember you have the ability to scrape together whatever you need to start something fresh. Don’t listen to discouragement that might start up again. Forge ahead with any new plans. Virgo (the Virgin) 22 August - 23 September It might be time you realise that there might be those around you that are purposely trying to slow you down. Whatever their motives are, it really is for your own good. The path you may be on might not be taking you to the right destination. Look for the signs. They are obvious. Libra (the Scales) 24 September - 23 October Don’t lose focus of the obvious. If you’re taking on too many responsibilities, it could be because you need to stay in control. Make an effort to think about what you’re doing rather than letting someone be responsible. Step back when you need to.

Scorpio (the Scorpion) 24 October - 22 November You’ve had lots of ideas bouncing about in your head but there’s one that has been in there for a while that keeps presenting itself. The conditions might not be ideal and if you’re waiting for the perfect situation, you have to know there is no perfect time. Follow your heart. Sagittarius (the Archer) 23 November - 22 December Something has been holding you back or even closing you off from everyone it seems. You might be trying to protect yourself from getting hurt. Unfortunately, life will be full of hurdles you must bypass in order to feel free. Navigating isn’t always easy. Capricorn (the Goat) 23 December - 20 January Maybe you should have a go at leaving behind some of your past and start working on your new future. If you’ve felt held back because of the life you were leading and feel it’s not easy to step away and create your own way, try it. If you don’t succeed try again.

Yes, my dad was actually a ‘bushman’ right into his old age. He was a staunch blokey type male role model that my brothers adored and strived to be like. But not me!

My mum was my hero, introducing me to musicals, old movies, along with handshaking me through Doris Day, Judy Garland, Grace Kelly, Bette Davis and more goddesses of the silver screen (metaphorically speaking). She surrounded me with music of all genres and filled our home with music, singing and dancing. This was my happy place and the company of women always made me feel the most relaxed. You will see that I have used music throughout the book as a timeline. Each chapter is named with a song that is relevant to that particular period.

However, there was a dark side to growing up in a big wellknown family in such a small town... being left out...picked on, called a ‘POOFTER’ ‘PANSY’ ‘HOMO’, not only by outsiders but also within my own home environment. Living life with undiagnosed ‘Anxiety’ was certainly challenging especially through puberty and beyond. Meltdowns, breakdowns, dark places, deep holes which felt impossible to climb out of made me impossible to be around sometimes and as a result I was called ‘highly strung’ from a very young age - Ugh !

In the 90’s doctors treated me for depression. Anxiety wasn’t really talked about as it wasn’t really a ‘thing’ at that stage, and the medication made me feel worse - or even numb. Writing this book/memoir has helped me with my recovery and has been extremely therapeutic.

The Bushman’s Son takes you through this journey and introduces you to some of the powerful, glamorous women, and other individuals in my life along with the stories they shared with me of life experiences in New Zealand during the Napier earthquake and WW2. It weaves in and out of my whakapapa (Nga Puhi) in the Far North and the on-going search for peace/acceptance and love...along with the undiagnosed ANXIETY.

My true Kiwi story spans generations and will test all emotions as the journey takes you from early last century to more recent times. Brace yourself!

Who is The Bushman’s Son?

Name: Terry Arnold Pomare Fergusson Hughes Born: Tokoroa, South Waikato Lived: Most places

Experienced: As much as humanly possible without dying.

Awards: Titirangi Emerging Artist Awards – Finalist 2015; Adams Portrait Award 2016 – People's Choice Award; Finalist Kiingi Tuheitia Portraiture Award 2019.

Quotes: ”It’s okay to look at the past, just don’t stare.“ “Never take life too seriously – Have more fun!”

Bloody Proud of: The Bushman’s Son, My Book, debuting at #11 on the Indie Top 20 Bestseller List* a week after its launch! *Indie Top Seller List ending 13 August 2022

Available online from all your favourite e- sellers and The Women’s Bookshop, Ponsonby.

The Covert Theatre in Mackelvie Street, Ponsonby is NZ’s home of improvised comedy. With workshops and shows every night of the week there is something for everyone.

Be sure to check out www.coverttheatre.com

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