AnnieBannie (She/Her🧶📚🌈)
@madhmstr.bsky.social
“Don't waste hate on pink geranium.”
Professional aunt.
Trans rights are human rights.
Posts about black cats, picture books, and random other stuff.
5th generation Pākehā Aucklander, of UK heritage.
Professional aunt.
Trans rights are human rights.
Posts about black cats, picture books, and random other stuff.
5th generation Pākehā Aucklander, of UK heritage.
Pinned
Time for a pinned post.
I live in Aotearoa New Zealand.
I post about, in no particular order:
Our cats: Midnight and Jasper.
My clothes.
My life.
Books.
Being a children's librarian.
Sports, especially #womenssport.
Craft.
Random shit.
Boosting / sharing creators' work.
I live in Aotearoa New Zealand.
I post about, in no particular order:
Our cats: Midnight and Jasper.
My clothes.
My life.
Books.
Being a children's librarian.
Sports, especially #womenssport.
Craft.
Random shit.
Boosting / sharing creators' work.
I keep my copy on my bedside table so I can randomly open to an entry and go to sleep smiling.
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And if you'd like to read a book of small joyful moments, you can get one here: www.swashbucklerpress.com/tiny-moments...
Tiny Moments of Joy | Swashbuckler Press
Delightful moments captured from people watching in a small city in Aotearoa New Zealand.
www.swashbucklerpress.com
January 3, 2026 at 12:45 AM
I keep my copy on my bedside table so I can randomly open to an entry and go to sleep smiling.
🇳🇿📚
🇳🇿📚
Reposted by AnnieBannie (She/Her🧶📚🌈)
And if you'd like to read a book of small joyful moments, you can get one here: www.swashbucklerpress.com/tiny-moments...
Tiny Moments of Joy | Swashbuckler Press
Delightful moments captured from people watching in a small city in Aotearoa New Zealand.
www.swashbucklerpress.com
January 3, 2026 at 12:15 AM
And if you'd like to read a book of small joyful moments, you can get one here: www.swashbucklerpress.com/tiny-moments...
Reposted by AnnieBannie (She/Her🧶📚🌈)
New Zealand... we need to chat. Other countries settle for a scrawl of the sausage and plums.
But you with your can-do energy and optimistic DIY spirit said "This needs to be mixed media! This needs perfect 3D spheres! This needs ACTION!"
And you achieved it. It is magnificent. 10/10 no notes.
But you with your can-do energy and optimistic DIY spirit said "This needs to be mixed media! This needs perfect 3D spheres! This needs ACTION!"
And you achieved it. It is magnificent. 10/10 no notes.
January 2, 2026 at 8:06 PM
New Zealand... we need to chat. Other countries settle for a scrawl of the sausage and plums.
But you with your can-do energy and optimistic DIY spirit said "This needs to be mixed media! This needs perfect 3D spheres! This needs ACTION!"
And you achieved it. It is magnificent. 10/10 no notes.
But you with your can-do energy and optimistic DIY spirit said "This needs to be mixed media! This needs perfect 3D spheres! This needs ACTION!"
And you achieved it. It is magnificent. 10/10 no notes.
Reposted by AnnieBannie (She/Her🧶📚🌈)
I say this often but it bears repeating: if you make your money from creating art then you NEED to find an art or craft where you just do it for fun and don't try to be perfect or make any money from it, and when anyone tells you to monetise it you say 'No', because otherwise your soul will die.
Have needle. Have thread. Have scraps of paper. Have free will. Have made a notebook.
January 2, 2026 at 9:10 PM
I say this often but it bears repeating: if you make your money from creating art then you NEED to find an art or craft where you just do it for fun and don't try to be perfect or make any money from it, and when anyone tells you to monetise it you say 'No', because otherwise your soul will die.
I'm sure there's absolutely no connection between two innocent cats and the fallen over solar light.
January 2, 2026 at 9:49 PM
I'm sure there's absolutely no connection between two innocent cats and the fallen over solar light.
After saying that I clean better alone, but there's always someone home... the bastards both left today! And, I'd tidied my bedroom yesterday.
Which meant, today was the pit of doom by my chair in the lounge.
1. Empty it.
2. Midnight explores.
3. Sit down to knit.
Which meant, today was the pit of doom by my chair in the lounge.
1. Empty it.
2. Midnight explores.
3. Sit down to knit.
January 2, 2026 at 9:35 PM
After saying that I clean better alone, but there's always someone home... the bastards both left today! And, I'd tidied my bedroom yesterday.
Which meant, today was the pit of doom by my chair in the lounge.
1. Empty it.
2. Midnight explores.
3. Sit down to knit.
Which meant, today was the pit of doom by my chair in the lounge.
1. Empty it.
2. Midnight explores.
3. Sit down to knit.
Reposted by AnnieBannie (She/Her🧶📚🌈)
I do think sometimes that there's more of a discussion needed about how one can 'find' reading rather than being told 'you're not doing it'. Simply accessing stories is not the most straightforward thing for everybody & then, when you couple that with the swathes of closed down / hrs cut libraries!
It's the national year of reading in the uk in 2026. Instead of asking "why don't kids read any more", ask "how can I help them find the stories (and non fic) they will fall in love with". Less "get off my lawn whippersnappers" and more "come, sit on the lawn, here's a comic".
January 2, 2026 at 10:03 AM
I do think sometimes that there's more of a discussion needed about how one can 'find' reading rather than being told 'you're not doing it'. Simply accessing stories is not the most straightforward thing for everybody & then, when you couple that with the swathes of closed down / hrs cut libraries!
I'm never going to get my skirt knitted like this.
January 2, 2026 at 7:37 AM
I'm never going to get my skirt knitted like this.
Reskeet with the most recent pic of your pet.
January 2, 2026 at 4:51 AM
Reskeet with the most recent pic of your pet.
Reposted by AnnieBannie (She/Her🧶📚🌈)
i think the main thing needed is not a specific person, it's the machine
greens under Shaw pulled centrally, & deprioritised networking & on the ground capabilities. Mamdani has an enormous, consolidated network of staffers, volunteers & funders - I don't think we have anything like that here yet
greens under Shaw pulled centrally, & deprioritised networking & on the ground capabilities. Mamdani has an enormous, consolidated network of staffers, volunteers & funders - I don't think we have anything like that here yet
Who will be our Mamdani? The obvious choice is Chlöe Swarbrick, but voters are weird about voting for the Greens. 🤦♂️ #nzpol
"We will govern expansively and audaciously. We may not always succeed, but never will we be accused of lacking the courage to try."
Boy it would be nice to see more of this energy in politics broadly.
Boy it would be nice to see more of this energy in politics broadly.
January 2, 2026 at 2:10 AM
i think the main thing needed is not a specific person, it's the machine
greens under Shaw pulled centrally, & deprioritised networking & on the ground capabilities. Mamdani has an enormous, consolidated network of staffers, volunteers & funders - I don't think we have anything like that here yet
greens under Shaw pulled centrally, & deprioritised networking & on the ground capabilities. Mamdani has an enormous, consolidated network of staffers, volunteers & funders - I don't think we have anything like that here yet
I can live with that.
January 2, 2026 at 12:36 AM
I can live with that.
Reposted by AnnieBannie (She/Her🧶📚🌈)
Oh and this one "taxing the wealthiest few" ... actual tax reform, seriously. I know this may make the least sexy & most boring policy lecturer on the planet, but reversing the trend towards flatter & flatter tax tiers is just so hot.
You listening, Aotearoa New Zealand?
bsky.app/profile/atru...
You listening, Aotearoa New Zealand?
bsky.app/profile/atru...
Mamdani: "The cost of childcare will no longer discourage young adults from starting a family, because we will deliver universal childcare for the many by taxing the wealthiest few"
January 1, 2026 at 8:51 PM
Oh and this one "taxing the wealthiest few" ... actual tax reform, seriously. I know this may make the least sexy & most boring policy lecturer on the planet, but reversing the trend towards flatter & flatter tax tiers is just so hot.
You listening, Aotearoa New Zealand?
bsky.app/profile/atru...
You listening, Aotearoa New Zealand?
bsky.app/profile/atru...
Bits haven't been done, because of reasons. But, mostly done.
January 1, 2026 at 10:28 PM
Bits haven't been done, because of reasons. But, mostly done.
Reposted by AnnieBannie (She/Her🧶📚🌈)
Excited about the Feb.24 launch of I'M BUSY, written by @michaelianblack.bsky.social
& illustrated by yours truly (Simon & Schuster BFYR), part of our I'M series about kids' emotions. Available for pre-order!
Thanks Kirkus for nice review: www.simonandschuster.com/books/Im-Bus... #KidLit #ImBusy
& illustrated by yours truly (Simon & Schuster BFYR), part of our I'M series about kids' emotions. Available for pre-order!
Thanks Kirkus for nice review: www.simonandschuster.com/books/Im-Bus... #KidLit #ImBusy
January 1, 2026 at 7:54 PM
Excited about the Feb.24 launch of I'M BUSY, written by @michaelianblack.bsky.social
& illustrated by yours truly (Simon & Schuster BFYR), part of our I'M series about kids' emotions. Available for pre-order!
Thanks Kirkus for nice review: www.simonandschuster.com/books/Im-Bus... #KidLit #ImBusy
& illustrated by yours truly (Simon & Schuster BFYR), part of our I'M series about kids' emotions. Available for pre-order!
Thanks Kirkus for nice review: www.simonandschuster.com/books/Im-Bus... #KidLit #ImBusy
I was going to do an accountability post: I'm going to tidy it my room, hold me to account if I don't.
But, I have enough guilt at having NOT done it, I don't need external pressure.
Once again, it got on top of me.
Too much stuff. Too little space. Too little energy. Low priority.
But, I have enough guilt at having NOT done it, I don't need external pressure.
Once again, it got on top of me.
Too much stuff. Too little space. Too little energy. Low priority.
January 1, 2026 at 7:42 PM
I was going to do an accountability post: I'm going to tidy it my room, hold me to account if I don't.
But, I have enough guilt at having NOT done it, I don't need external pressure.
Once again, it got on top of me.
Too much stuff. Too little space. Too little energy. Low priority.
But, I have enough guilt at having NOT done it, I don't need external pressure.
Once again, it got on top of me.
Too much stuff. Too little space. Too little energy. Low priority.
Reposted by AnnieBannie (She/Her🧶📚🌈)
🧵Spotted at the Beach on New Year's Day in Aotearoa New Zealand:
An entire huge family rushes en masse into a choppy sea. Shrieking, laughing, splashing, roaring. Half of them running straight back out again. Grins and goose bumps as they head for a big pile of towels and toys on the sand. (1)
An entire huge family rushes en masse into a choppy sea. Shrieking, laughing, splashing, roaring. Half of them running straight back out again. Grins and goose bumps as they head for a big pile of towels and toys on the sand. (1)
January 1, 2026 at 6:48 PM
🧵Spotted at the Beach on New Year's Day in Aotearoa New Zealand:
An entire huge family rushes en masse into a choppy sea. Shrieking, laughing, splashing, roaring. Half of them running straight back out again. Grins and goose bumps as they head for a big pile of towels and toys on the sand. (1)
An entire huge family rushes en masse into a choppy sea. Shrieking, laughing, splashing, roaring. Half of them running straight back out again. Grins and goose bumps as they head for a big pile of towels and toys on the sand. (1)
Reposted by AnnieBannie (She/Her🧶📚🌈)
#NewIllustrationOfTheDay is back with a hopeful picturebook for the New Year. The Big Green: Everyone can make a difference by Ken Wilson-Max, about the planting that created the Great Green Wall of Africa. Otter-Barry Books 8 Jan. May your 2026 be full of illustration. @otterbarrybooks.bsky.social
January 1, 2026 at 9:23 AM
#NewIllustrationOfTheDay is back with a hopeful picturebook for the New Year. The Big Green: Everyone can make a difference by Ken Wilson-Max, about the planting that created the Great Green Wall of Africa. Otter-Barry Books 8 Jan. May your 2026 be full of illustration. @otterbarrybooks.bsky.social
Reposted by AnnieBannie (She/Her🧶📚🌈)
Psst.
Hey, come closer.
No, closer.
I have a New Year’s secret for you.
It’s this:
If you care about people you don’t even know, and try to live your life that way, you are absolutely beautiful no matter what you look like.
Hey, come closer.
No, closer.
I have a New Year’s secret for you.
It’s this:
If you care about people you don’t even know, and try to live your life that way, you are absolutely beautiful no matter what you look like.
January 1, 2026 at 8:59 AM
Psst.
Hey, come closer.
No, closer.
I have a New Year’s secret for you.
It’s this:
If you care about people you don’t even know, and try to live your life that way, you are absolutely beautiful no matter what you look like.
Hey, come closer.
No, closer.
I have a New Year’s secret for you.
It’s this:
If you care about people you don’t even know, and try to live your life that way, you are absolutely beautiful no matter what you look like.
May 2012.
I've always imagined this image of me and a little one turned into a silhouette tattoo.
I've always imagined this image of me and a little one turned into a silhouette tattoo.
January 1, 2026 at 7:58 AM
May 2012.
I've always imagined this image of me and a little one turned into a silhouette tattoo.
I've always imagined this image of me and a little one turned into a silhouette tattoo.
Reposted by AnnieBannie (She/Her🧶📚🌈)
What the KENNEDY Center used to be…
Remember that time Aretha Franklin performed at the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors, paying tribute to Carole King, who co-wrote “You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman,” and it brought a tear to Obama’s eye and everyone to their feet? And Carole King’s reaction. Wow.
Remember that time Aretha Franklin performed at the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors, paying tribute to Carole King, who co-wrote “You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman,” and it brought a tear to Obama’s eye and everyone to their feet? And Carole King’s reaction. Wow.
January 1, 2026 at 5:04 AM
What the KENNEDY Center used to be…
Remember that time Aretha Franklin performed at the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors, paying tribute to Carole King, who co-wrote “You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman,” and it brought a tear to Obama’s eye and everyone to their feet? And Carole King’s reaction. Wow.
Remember that time Aretha Franklin performed at the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors, paying tribute to Carole King, who co-wrote “You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman,” and it brought a tear to Obama’s eye and everyone to their feet? And Carole King’s reaction. Wow.
In 2012, we commemorated Dad's 10th death day witha flotilla of origami boats.
Last night we used origami boats to help scatter Mum's ashes in her beloved swimming place.
SibK said one of the locals still tells his grandkids to "watch for Noelene" as he carefully steers around the point.
Last night we used origami boats to help scatter Mum's ashes in her beloved swimming place.
SibK said one of the locals still tells his grandkids to "watch for Noelene" as he carefully steers around the point.
January 1, 2026 at 7:53 AM
In 2012, we commemorated Dad's 10th death day witha flotilla of origami boats.
Last night we used origami boats to help scatter Mum's ashes in her beloved swimming place.
SibK said one of the locals still tells his grandkids to "watch for Noelene" as he carefully steers around the point.
Last night we used origami boats to help scatter Mum's ashes in her beloved swimming place.
SibK said one of the locals still tells his grandkids to "watch for Noelene" as he carefully steers around the point.
Status: currently resentful of real life needing to be done while I'm nearly at the end of HedgeWitch by @witchnwords.bsky.social 💜.
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🇳🇿📚
January 1, 2026 at 3:30 AM
Status: currently resentful of real life needing to be done while I'm nearly at the end of HedgeWitch by @witchnwords.bsky.social 💜.
🇳🇿📚
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Two long cats.
🇳🇿🐈⬛️
🇳🇿🐈⬛️
January 1, 2026 at 2:47 AM
Two long cats.
🇳🇿🐈⬛️
🇳🇿🐈⬛️
For December, I sent my siblings (and had another at home) a Month of Mum: 31 photos of Mum since her wedding day.
I also sent some photo pegs, for them to display how they wanted.
SibK took hers to the bach, which they bought off the family (ex-Mum & Dad's).
I also sent some photo pegs, for them to display how they wanted.
SibK took hers to the bach, which they bought off the family (ex-Mum & Dad's).
December 31, 2025 at 11:07 PM
For December, I sent my siblings (and had another at home) a Month of Mum: 31 photos of Mum since her wedding day.
I also sent some photo pegs, for them to display how they wanted.
SibK took hers to the bach, which they bought off the family (ex-Mum & Dad's).
I also sent some photo pegs, for them to display how they wanted.
SibK took hers to the bach, which they bought off the family (ex-Mum & Dad's).
Reposted by AnnieBannie (She/Her🧶📚🌈)
First mating of the 2026 #kakapo breeding season! True to form, it was Pearl and Boss on Whenua Hou, who mated on the night of 28th Dec. They were also the first two to mate in the last two breeding seasons. We're expecting a bumper year, so follow for updates! #conservation #parrots
December 31, 2025 at 8:56 AM
First mating of the 2026 #kakapo breeding season! True to form, it was Pearl and Boss on Whenua Hou, who mated on the night of 28th Dec. They were also the first two to mate in the last two breeding seasons. We're expecting a bumper year, so follow for updates! #conservation #parrots