An entry from Maxine Bennett's blog, "Blackbird Has Spoken: Having a go at this blogging lark" (http://www.blackbirdhasspoken.com). The entry for 12 February 2013 is titled "Of sorrow and salvage. Op-Shop Show-Off Feb 12th 2013". Maxine writes, "I’m Max, an English girl in, and in love with New Zealand, and the New Zealander husband. In an almost forgotten previous life I worked as a psychotherapist and psychiatric nurse; now I’m the contented stay at home mother of Claudine who's almost 3, and the baby-boy-currently-gestating. We live a quiet life in a small rural town in our arts and crafts house, but dream of moving out to some land one day, to build our own home and enjoy a long view. I like to laugh, be outside, craft, grow, op-shop, read and cook. My little Kiwi family, learning new things, quiet, beauty and reading blogs make me the happiest of all. My blog is a record of my enthusiasms, fleeting and enduring, and a means of communication with you kindred spirits near and far." Note that the blog post has been converted to PDF format for archiving, which may have resulted in changes to the formatting and layout of the page.
The facade of Victoria Black on High Street is supported by a stack of shipping containers. The ruin of the Excelsior Sports Bar on Manchester Street can be seen through the security fencing.
The Odeon Theatre on Tuam Street is supported by shipping containers.
Broken and open windows in the Canterbury Pacific Trust building on Worcester Street, viewed from behind security fencing. The interior of the building has been gutted.
The Canterbury Pacific Trust building on Worcester Street, viewed from behind security fencing. An open door shows the interior has been gutted.
Damaged buildings and empty demolition sites. The building on the left has had tarpaulins placed on it to prevent weather damage to the inside of the building.
The Octagon Live Restaurant, formerly the Trinity Congregational Church, on the corner of Worcester and Manchester Streets. There has been considerable damage to the front wall, and wire fencing has been placed around the building.
Shipping containers support the facade of the Isaac Theatre Royal.
The Pink Pussy Cat building formerly Lawrie & Wilson Auctioneers. Beside it the Odeon Theatre is supported by shipping containers.
The Pink Pussy Cat building formerly Lawrie & Wilson Auctioneers. Beside it the Odeon Theatre is supported by shipping containers.
A view down Manchester Street of damaged buildings and vacant lots. The facade of the Excelsior Sports Bar building is supported by a stack of shipping containers.
The facade of Victoria Black on High Street is supported by a stack of shipping containers. The ruin of the Excelsior Sports Bar on Manchester Street can be seen through the security fencing.
A vacant demolition site looking towards Tuam and High Streets. Weeds are growing on the site.
The gutted Canterbury Pacific Trust building on Worcester Street, viewed from behind security fencing. Debris surrounds the building.
A broken window in the Canterbury Pacific Trust building on Worcester Street, viewed from behind security fencing. The interior of the building has been gutted.
A view down Manchester Street. On the right-hand corner is the damaged Octagon Live Restaurant, formerly the Trinity Congregational Church.
Construction workers on the scaffolding which surrounds the Millennium Hotel. Fencing has been placed around the buildings to restrict access.
Damage to the north side of the cathedral. A walkway from Gloucester Street to the Square was opened up for a few days to allow the public a closer look at the cathedral.
Damage to the north side of the cathedral. A walkway from Gloucester Street to the Square was opened up for a few days to allow the public a closer look at the cathedral. Weeds can be seen growing around the war memorial in Cathedral Square.
A demolition area and a digger seen through a security fence.
Members of the public sitting in the outdoor seating area of C1 Expresso's new location in the Alice in Videoland building.
A security fence stands behind fallen rubble and the charred remains of the McKenzie & Willis building on High Street. A portable toilet has been placed on the road next to a steel beam which is supporting the building.
An abandoned cafe located in the Pavilion building on Cashel Street. A dead plant, magazines, and newspapers are laid out on the counter and the reflection of Les Mills Gym car park can be seen in the window.
A meal that has fallen off a table can still be seen inside a cafe in the Pavilion building.
The temporary Transitional Cathedral, also known as the Cardboard Cathedral, under construction in Latimer Square.
The refurbished facade of the Pavilion building on Cashel Street.
A string quartet from Christchurch Girls High School plays on the riverbank before the River of Flowers event held in Riccarton Bush, commemorating the second anniversary of the 22 February earthquake. In the foreground people wait for the event to start.
An entry from Gallivanta's blog for 1 May 2013 entitled, "Designed to make me smile".
Christchurch City Council workers placing planters on Colombo Street in preparation for its re-opening.
An issue of New Zealand Freemason magazine, published in December 2013 by Freemasons New Zealand.