I mostly read electronically these days, but given my birthday is close to Christmas, at this time of year, I am given presents of multiple hardback books - my favourite type of gifts!
Last Christmas season, I was given Annabel Langbein’s memoir Bella and this Christmas season, I was given Desiree Whitaker’s The Spirit of Cardrona.
I have long been a fan of Annabel Langbein, her “Essential” volumes taking pride of place (and use) in my kitchen - as previous summertime gifts. I am not a whisky drinker, so was less familiar with Desiree Whitaker.
This summer, reading about the Spirit of Cardrona, I was in awe of Desiree Whitaker’s dreams and drive - a truly, wonderful, sensory read I can highly recommend.
Both these women came from outside the Otago region to call this region home and with it they brought their indomitable spirit, determination and zest for life. It made me think about how little we know about people’s stories.
You see, I have never met Annabel Langbein I have only seen her on TV. Yes, I loved her recipes, but I kind of wrote her off as a slightly uppity Aucklander (sorry) who got in trouble for planting the wrong type of trees in Wanaka. Don’t we miss out on so much by judging people who dare to stand out — why do we do it?
The books also made me think about how we might do more to celebrate and acknowledge our southern spirit and how, by doing that, we might evoke a new generation of entrepreneurs.
What does southern inspiration look like?
Think of all the activities we fit into our days while those in larger cities are stuck in traffic. Think about the creativity which can be inspired by our magnificent mountains and our wild shores. I swam in the ocean this weekend and nearly had a heart attack when a massive seal popped up beside me!
Think about the lack of corporate structures here which means people look for alternative paths to build a life. Think about our children who can still wander their neighbourhoods, exploring areas like Ross Creek, Outram Glen and Glenorchy.
Think about the fact that our community still looks out for each other on a daily basis. I am reminded of when I got a phone call from a stranger in Mosgiel to say that my son had crashed his BMX, she was looking after him and cleaning up his grazes. The tears were gone by the time I arrived.
Our landscape can inspire greatness, but sometimes our small community inspires small-mindedness. I am so saddened by the anger and confusion reigning all over the world right now. Perhaps, here in Otago, we can be an outlier, a community that welcomes diversity of thought, a community that celebrates outstanding people, a community that lives in harmony with our magnificent landscape. Is that too big a dream?
Happy new year everyone!
- Anna Campbell is a co-founder of Zestt Wellness, a nutraceutical company, and a partner in AbacusBio Ltd, an agri-technology company.