May at A Deer Cottage – Taking Things Gently, Finding Joy in the Small Moments
- adeercottage
- 5 minutes ago
- 4 min read
May has been another quieter month here at A Deer Cottage Bed and Breakfast in Kaukapakapa, Auckland, as autumn settles over the hills overlooking the beautiful Kaipara Harbour.
The changing season has brought cooler evenings, golden sunsets, and a reminder that sometimes life asks us to slow down and take things one careful step at a time.
Navigating Health and Learning to Slow Down
This month has continued to involve ongoing investigations into my health, with appointments and testing becoming part of everyday life for now. I’ve completed a sleep apnoea test, which showed mild sleep apnoea, have undergone a CT scan and am currently awaiting results, with a pulmonary lung function test still to come.
As many of you will know, waiting for answers can sometimes be one of the hardest parts — filled with uncertainty, concern, and the challenge of trying not to let anxiety take over.
My cardiologist has encouraged me to take things quietly while we continue to investigate what may be causing my heart and lung symptoms. For someone who loves keeping busy, gardening, and always having a project underway, this has certainly been an adjustment.
But it has also reminded me of the importance of accepting help and finding joy in gentler things.
Kindness, Friendship & Community
I have been incredibly grateful for the kindness of people around me this month.
A lovely friend has been coming to help with the gardening here at A Deer Cottage — something I’ve appreciated more than words can say while needing to take life a little easier.
We’ve also had wonderful people help remove our old piano and deliver my sister-in-law’s piano here to our home Waihora Lodge. In a slightly unexpected new chapter, I’ve decided I’m going to try teaching myself how to play piano! Whether I become any good at it or not remains to be seen, but I’m looking forward to the challenge and the simple joy of learning something new.
Time Away & Time to Reflect
Sadly, May also brought loss for our wider family. Te Kani lost a beautiful first cousin, and within the same week another cousin lost her partner. It has been a time of sadness and reflection, reminding us once again how precious family, connection, and time together really are.
To take a small breath from everything, we spent a few peaceful days at Bland Bay. A gentle walk along the beach, sea air, and simply stepping away for a moment was exactly what we needed. Sometimes healing isn’t found in big solutions — sometimes it’s found in quiet places and small pauses.
Continuing to Grow A Deer Cottage
Even through the slower pace, A Deer Cottage continues to bring us great joy.
We have once again been working with Signville, (click on their name to find out more!) who are currently adding beautiful A Deer Cottage decals to our car — another exciting little step in helping share our peaceful bed and breakfast with more people travelling through the area. Supporting talented local businesses continues to be something very important to us.
Behind the scenes, I continue managing all of our Facebook and Instagram posts, website updates, and marketing for A Deer Cottage. It is something I genuinely enjoy, especially being able to share the beauty of our little corner of Kaukapakapa with guests both new and returning.
Guests Who Feel Like Friends
One of the loveliest parts of hosting is welcoming returning guests who begin to feel like extended friends.
At the moment, we have a wonderful guest staying with us from Australia for ten days — her third or fourth stay at A Deer Cottage. She loves the hospitality, peaceful atmosphere, and especially the stunning sunsets across the Kaipara landscape. During her visits she spends time catching up with nearby family and reconnecting with friends, and it means so much to us that guests continue to return year after year.
We are also incredibly grateful to continue receiving 5-star reviews from our guests. Knowing that people leave feeling rested, welcomed, and cared for means the world to us.
A Place to Pause
This month has reminded me that life doesn’t always move at the pace we expect. Sometimes we are asked to rest more, wait more, lean on others more, and trust that clearer days will come again.
And perhaps that is part of what A Deer Cottage offers — not just accommodation, but a place to pause, breathe, and simply be for a little while.
Whether guests come for a romantic getaway, a wedding nearby, family visits, or simply to escape the busyness of life, we are always grateful to share this peaceful space in the hills of Kaukapakapa.
Until next time,Warm wishes,
Angela & Te Kani
A Deer Cottage – Kaukapakapa, Auckland 🦌❤️🦌
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