Dear Elizabeth Rose(Libby)....

Our English lass - Libby

YES! - Same person....

 Don't be deceived by looks, people. This young women is a FORCE to be reckoned with. A self-professed Tom-Boy, Libby Gent is a very talented young woman.

Born in Reading, England, Libby is the youngest of four children & grew up in a village of 400 residents only 40 mins from Reading called Frilsham.

Our Libby received her residency 6 months ago. When asked if she misses home, she says yes, her family & friends, but has made her home here in Martinborough. She has lived here on and off for 3 yrs, and in that time has toured South & North Island. Libby keeps in touch with her family and friends back home, via skype and telephone.

Martinborough reminds her of her home town.
Her passion for horses and the training of them has been a major part of her life. At the tender age of 7yrs, Libby was given a choice by her parents. "Ballet or Horses" as an extra curricular activity. And there, her journey began.
In her 27yrs, Libby has competed in the British Academy, trained race horses in Austrailia, Canada & England, learned the art of "Natural Horsemanship aka Horse Whispering" via the very talented and well renowned Gavin Morrison, here in Martinborough. This involves learning the horses body language, reading them and giving them options. (It sounded like "Tough Love 101" for parents with their kids - Libby, could you work with my darling 12yr old boy?)

Libby doing trackwork

One of Libby's favourite memories (other than relaxing spas first thing in the morning), is when she was 10yrs old. Her mother woke her at dawn, early one winter morning to go cubbing. She remembers the foggy forest, cold and damp, and the trees sparkling with frost. (when asked by this ignoramus, the reason behind the early cold starts with fox hunting is the scent is stronger in these conditions)
Her first actual 'fox hunt' took place when she was only 9 yrs old. What a legend!

Libby grew up independent due to both of her parents working hard, throughout her childhood.

BUCKET LIST

• Be her own boss (no surprise there...the spirit of a majestic horse)
• More travel preferably South America
• Suba Diving  (She adores heights and 'Jumping off Shit' (her own words, but her accent makes it sound fun...not the jumping, but the word 'shit')   

Libby's hobbies & passions are worlds apart in many ways.

Though not a ballerina, and no desire to be, she has a VERY creative side.

Her art form is photography. Check these stunning works out.

 

 You can check more of Libby's work out on her website www.elizabethrose.co.nz

Whilst still in Reading, Libby had her very own exhibition, in which more than half of her works SOLD!
Well done Libby ...

BUT wait there is more!

Libby can sing too!

Her favourite music to sing is 90's  Pop ie Pink, Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey.. (Wow!)
Last year, she was asked by her sister to sing at her wedding. Libby performed John Denvers Annie Song & Sunshine On My Shoulders.

Her greatest fear is reaching old age and not have achieved anything = Wasted Life (Ummmm Libby, I think you have already done MORE than many have on this plantet...but hey - You GO GIRL!!)

Favourite Food = Sausages (Why am I not surprised - A FENCING Rural chick, Tom-Boy, Horse lover)

Thai food is high on the list also - anything SPICY! (Just wait til Jerry & Caroline hear this..they may amp up the curry JUST for you one night?)

In Libby's opinion Martinborough needs a RAVE Dance club...(that will go down well with the locals?)..she misses the dance clubs in London.  Oh well, Karaoke at Reload isnt that bad really, is it?

A note for Mum & Dad - We are taking good care of your baby girl. Here is a link to show you a little about this cool town called Martinborough.
https://www.facebook.com/MartinboroughUpClose

It has been a pleasure young Elizabeth Rose...thank you for your openess and time. 

Brentos - "With A Hint Of Minty Freshness!"

Where on God's green earth do we start?
What started out, in the interview, as like 'Pulling Teeth'..this young man flawed me with fascinating facts and figures.

Brent, perusing the scene

Brent was studying to be a scientist (he certainly has the brains) but realised that it was the most boring process on earth. Chemistry & Physics twas the plan, now he works on chemistry with the girls and getting 'physical' (well that's what he tells me...more to be revealed, later in the profile)

In case you have noticed he is a little 'different' - the reason is, he use to be a JAFA....15yrs in the BIG apple, then relocated with his family to the Wairarapa. His father (his best friend and mentor) has worked in Forestry most of his career. 

Brent went to Kuranui College in Greytown for his later school years and established himself quickly, by making friends and settling in. He went from a school in Auckland of 4000 students to a college of 400 for his 6th & 7th form years. 

This young man is not afraid of hard work. He clocks up 60-80hrs per week, dividing his time between The Village Cafe & The Martinborough Hotel Bar & Grill. Needless to say - he is an insomniac!

No rest for the wicked!

If this wasnt enough, Brent also is a local Fire Brigade recruit volunteer, which tacks on 1 1/2yrs of study for fire training modules. 

His passions are the Fire Brigade, Photography & reading. 

Some of Brents photography

Snow in Wairarapa...Brents photography

He loves to learn. An avid reader of Sci-Fi (It's life 'Jim', but not as we know it), Old Horror - HP Lovecraft (sounds like porn to me), Edgar Alan Poe 'Fall Of The House Of Usher'  (YAWN)....a self proclaimed GEEK, Brent is one fascinating young chap!

Brent says he gets his 'foodie' traits from his father. His Dad, according to Brent is the smartest man he knows, and a great influence. It is obvious he is very close to his Dad, as he considers him very wise. 
His mother, keeps 'him' in line. (Brent that is, not his father) 

It is clear that this young man is forging his OWN way through the world. Smart, yes! Relaxed...YES! Enjoying life, as it presents itself to him. No fixed plans, however does speak of his feeling torn between two places. Some of his best friends live in Auckland. He had the honor of being best man at 'both' of his friends wedding early this year. 

Although the friendship is still intact with the bride, Brent sure pushed the boundaries on the Stag night. For him and his friends who accompanied the Stag do, it was like a mini reunion. 
A stripper party bus (with poles), a DJ on deck, toured them around to a local Brewery, then off to the Casino...ALL who went to the casino WON!  

Brent confessed that he utilised this opportunity of his friends Stag Night, to the best of his ability to make up for the fact it was his very own private 21st celebration. A two in one party - & with strippers!  Good on ya Brent!!!  (any photos?)

One favourite movie of Brents is 'Into The Wild" - so much, in fact, that he wanted to renact one of the scenes. Lost in a snow storm in Canada for 2 weeks (hours) trying to find his way back to the motel...

Let's rewind....

Brents Aunty, (Father's sister) passed away, and left her brother some inheritance. Brents father (the recipient) decided he wanted to 'recreate' the memory of his late sister, by taking his family on a 3 week road trip to the States. (just as he had done, with his sister, years prior) And the journey began....

Whilst in Vegas - Brent was GUTTED. No drinking, no gambling for this young 20yr old (legal age is 21yrs)...so, unhappy with the situation, I am certain he sulked!

BUT....once they hit Canada!!!..........Wahoooooooooo - it was all on! Their law allows sulky 20yr olds to drink and gamble...so Brent went out on his own and celebrated. He won $400 that night. ...and ended up with frostbite in two toes, from his encounter with 'Into The Wild' snowstorm.... (okay, that part about the frost bite was purely for good reading...it didnt happen)

So, what began as a boring interview (in his words)....we have these lovely little snippets of Up Close & Personal....but wait there is more!

Brent casually admits to 'writing' (and being published) on a comedy website called 'Cracked.com'....
He would write for this website, and would be paid $50 an article, if accepted. (extra money when at Univeristy)
His published writing was called "6 Ways To Influence Someone To Have Sex With You" - $50 later, I asked "How is that working for you Brent"? - He said "It hasn't!" 

Though a published writer, bartender, trained barista, beauty school dropout, SCI-Fi Freak...this young man is still single and a VIRGIN. So girls of Martinborough....feel sorry for the lad, and buy him a beer when you see him next. 

Brentos (fondly named by his workmates)...it has been a true pleasure!

PS: One day, when you own your own cocktail bar - remember us, won't you! And are you still keen to be auctioned off on behalf of The Martinborough Hotel Bar & Grill? I am sure there will be some young single girls in Marty who may want your Chemistry & Physical expertise? 

We all wish you every success in the future. 

Raquel, Rach, Rachael - NOT Rachie....Houghton

Featherston born Raquel (Rachael) Houghton is hitting a milestone this year. Yes indeedy! It is her 30th Birthday celebration. Much to the envy of 2 of her colleagues at The Martinborough Hotel Bar & Grill...who happen to turning 40 this year. (I won't mention names...YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!)

Raquel & her two 'luffly' daughters Jasmine (12yrs) & Sian (6yrs)

Our dear Rach has been hairdressing for 23yrs (must have started at the age of 6yrs, but let's not worry about such trivia). Her decision to get into hospitality has been an easy one. She loves it! You can tell! Described by her colleagues, she is always chirpy and fun to be around. For the last 5 yrs, she has been working part time at Jims (Barber Shop) in Masterton, doing what she loves - cutting hair.

A little birdie told me, NEVER let her near you with a pair of scissors when she has had a few drinks, and is annoyed at her ex! (unless you want to sport a Annie Lennox kinda do!)

Mr Bean's hair do, after he asked 'R' about her ex!

Though Featherston born, Raquel has spent all of her life here in Martinborough, other than a bout in Wellington. Her mother used to work at the Hotel, and she fondly remembers helping her Dad out (alongside her siblings) 'feeding the pokies' at the tender age of 4yrs. Her father moved to Martinborough at the age of  18yrs old. He is now 70yrs of age, and Raquel describes him as her 'rock'.

Raquel has a passion for food, and the actual industry, due to her mother being a local caterer in Martinborogh for many years. In fact, she & her sister organised the catering for their sisters wedding including 120 guests! The guests commented on how great the food was. Well done Raquel!

Our Sushi Queen aka Raquel, aka Rach, aka ...(dammit "R" is now your name for future reference!) adores Ewen McGregor but doesn't like scotsmen! So difficult to please, I was quietly thinking to myself. She has dreams of visiting Zimbabwe one day, just to collect a flag!

Boys, make sure you don't look at R for too long...very fertile wee lass this one! One 'wink' oughta do it!

Her beautiful daughters were both conceived whilst she was on the contraceptive pill (VERY UP CLOSE & PERSONAL INFO)

Raquel dislikes brussel sprouts, broadbeans, mushrooms, seafood (ALL seafood) and German chefs who do not understand this simple fact.

When 'R' decides to do something, she does it! Her strength of character and tenacity comes from some very dark periods in her life. Due to her past experience with domestic violence, 'R' is a true champion, to get up and fight again. Her lessons learned in life, have not slowed her down. Incredible resolve. This woman in my opinion is like the bruised reed that did NOT break. Raquel has appreciated all of the loving support she has received from friends and some family, who were instrumental in her recovery. It is a very brave thing to be able to talk about this issue. It is only through openess, and getting rid of shame that more victims will speak out. (male or female)

Raquel - beauty from adversity

Her laughter is contagious, her humour fantastic and edgy.

Did you know 'R' has close to 80 pairs of shoes???  How many feet does this woman have? (Born in Featherston, one has to ask)

Just a small portion of what is in storage

Did you know "R" has coloured and styled her own hair for 18yrs, due to not trusting anyone with it?

Did you know 'R" has managed to keep her New Year resolution (minus her thumbs)- ask her about it. Can you please also ask her about her fetish for 'moles'!

Did you know "R's" pamper time includes a bubble bath, with a cheeky glass of red?

This woman is ACE in my books!

Raquel - you have lived to tell the tale, and in your own famous words "GO HARD OR GO HOME"

It has been a pleasure :)

Who da Mann?

Hailee's favourite people in the whole world

When meeting Hailee for the 'Up Close & Personal' profiling, she suggested that she was quite boring and rather non-interesting.

The furthest thing from the truth!

I found her to be most interesting. Hopefully she will go away from this thinking the same.

After given permission to 'peruse' her facebook photos, and to add to this blog it soon became evident that this lovely young woman has her priorities in order. She adores her family, and is very close to her Mum.

They say a picture paints a thousand words...and her photos do not lie. The two largest albums on her facebook are 'Family' & 'Friends'. It is obvious Hailee values relationships.

Hailees first school was Martinborough Primary. They relocated, then returned to Martinborough when Hailee was 10yrs of age. This is where she has formed many of her long lasting friendships. She considers her strongest attribute as being a loyal friend.

Hailee with friends from Martinborough at La Belle Italia in Petone

Self professed to be rather shy around new people, myself included - and it didnt help having someone asking random questions!

Hospitality has been her career thus far. Rather than plan it, she has eased into it. Her previous job whilst living in the Hutt was waitressing at La Belle Italia 2008-2010. It is here where she first met Jerry & Caroline Dolan (her current employers at The Martinborough Hotel Bar & Grill)
Caroline Dolan, briefly interrupted the casual interview, by adding "I just have to say that Hailee is our ROCK! Always available to stand in, very reliable, and we couldn't do it without her".

As a child Hailee loved animals, and had a certain affinity with dolphins & whales at the age of 11yrs. The closest she has got to these mammals was at Seaworld in Brisbane.

Due to the fact that NZders can not have whales or dolphins as pets Hailee settles for "Tun' (I wonder what she will call her first child?)

 

When asked about hobbies and the like, Hailee was not very forward. Her response was she was boring. Then  'Touch Rugby' was mentioned- she went along once.  Her latest interest is Pilates, held at the local Ambulance Hall on a Tuesday. (she certainly doesn't look like she needs the exercise ...you will soon see why she needs to stay 'nimble'...

Her favourite pass time is wrestling.....................ELEPHANTS!

This girl has NO fears!!!

Kind hearted, Hailee does NOT wrestle the baby elephants.....

As you can see, this non-assuming local (who considered herself boring and uninteresting, is FAR from it!!)

On the 8th of May, Hailee is doing her Europe Contiki with a friend for 3 months. Visiting 17 countries, starting in London, over this period. She has traveled abroad already, and this trip is the icing on the cake. It is obvious that Hailee is goal orientated, a hard worker, and saves towards her goals. A happy young woman, who appreciates the important things in life...Family & friends. 

Hong Kong 2008

Laughter comes easily to Hailee. Her friend and work colleague Rachael, will often have her in fits of laughter. Perhaps Rachael will share, with the group, one of the latest emails she sent Hailee...sharing is caring?

Favourite Food from The Martinborough Hotel Bar & Grill menu:

Tian of Prawn, avocado and tomato with a capsicum coulis

OR

Grilled garlic chicken with Greek style salad of tomato, kalamata olives & feta with flat leaf parsley.

When asked about her motto in life - she had none. 

This is what I percieve about Hailee. She LIVES it...walks the walk, no time to talk it.  What a refreshing insight into a much loved local, and valued resident of Martinborough Township. 

It has been a true pleasure to spend some 'Up Close & Personal' time with Hailee. 

Three Things You Didnt Know About Hailee:

1) Hailee wants to skydive one day

2) Hailee is great friends with Eminem (He even named his daughter after her "Hailee Jade") - talk to Hailee about the details - its all a bit foggy ;)

3) Hailee's chocolate addiction began at the age of 3yrs (when staying at her Nanas, she would wake up in the middle of the night whilst Nan was asleep, and eat sugar by the scoop, straight out of the bulk sugar bin) 

Here Hailee - the girl who LOVES to shop (for shoes?) and eat chocolate....a perfect gift...

Pure chocolate fashion label Italian shoe...HAPPY EASTER HAILEE

Thank you Hailee for your time. It has been a true pleasure. 

A girl who deserves the BEST!