Final weeks in New Zealand were rounded out by shooting film with my Diana Mini {which reminds me, I’ve got ten films yet to be developed}, celebrating my 24th birthday {Mad Hatter’s style}, and hiking the 32 kilometer epic, gorgeous Routeburn Track.
Where it quickly turned to Winter…
And then to Spring…
And with the onset on Spring, came wedding bells. I married my soul mate on a crisp but sunny Spring day in alpine Australia.
Our Love Party, as it was affectionately nick named, brought our immediately family to the mountains, where together we marveled at the stunning place Glen and I had lived for the last six months. The time that I was able to spend with both my parents {who have seperated} and their partners, as well as my two little brothers and Glen’s family was absolutely invaluable to me; I will never forget how seemingly effortless it was for the four families to mingle together, prepare meals and celebrate, as if they were one. I am forever grateful.
With my then-upcoming wedding most likely being the catalyst, 2011 saw me turn a great deal of attention to my health. I jumped head first into raw foods…
And with raw foods happily came more research, which resulted in an innate passion and inspiring view on plant based recipes and veganism…
And from there, I was able to identify what it is that I believe in and stand for. With that, I was able to give my blog a voice.
2011 was the year that I wholeheartedly fell in love with instagr.am…
and Melbourne…
I found my spiritual happy place on honeymoon in Bali…
And now, I’m back in the snow, in a different hemisphere; in Whistler, Canada.
I’ve heard a lot of bad reviews on 2011, it seems like it was a crumby year for a lot of people. I must have been one of the lucky ones. This year has been a gem for me, one that I’ll always treasure. Rest assured though, my mission is to make 2012 even more spectacular. There’s a lot of beautiful mystery in starting a new year, isn’t there? Everything is so unknown. In fact, the only thing I know for sure about this year is that I’ll be in Mexico for the month of May {poor me}, the rest is a totally blissed out jumbled up mixture of fate/luck/destiny/whatever. Just how I like it.
To you, thank you for reading, supporting and commenting on such.different.skies; this blog has become a huge part of my life, a part that wouldn’t exist without your enthusiasm for my photographs, recipes and opinions. I hope your year is filled with inspiration, adventure and lots of green juice!
Happy new year!! I agree that 2011 was pretty kick-ass, though you have me trumped for awesome life events, like getting married! I’ve always wanted to go to Bali…definitely on my top 10 list of places I want to visit ASAP. Where are you headed to in Mexico?
@Allysia
Honestly, we have no clue! We’re going for a month, and so far there is nothing planned, though that’s kind of the way we like it! So, we’re totally up for recommendations. Cancun?! :)
Gorgeous photos Tara! I’m looking forward to another year of sharing in your beautiful pics, recipes and musings.
Jas xx
I found you through a link on another vegan blog, and I’m so happy I did. Your story on your “please read” page is soooo inspirational. I’m a new vegan. I was vegetarian for a really long time, but I think vegan is the best way to live. I too used to think that I could never go vegan, but after about three weeks of being vegan I love it and can’t imagine going back. I am feeling the best I’ve felt in about six years.
I think blogs are a great way to find a community, get support and educate yourself. I started a vegan blog called Et tu, Tofu, which is a spot I will use to collect recipes, post info about cruelty-free products, and hopefully learn something in the process.
Thanks for sharing something so personal, and keep up the good work! Happy 2012.
You have had such an incredible year and I’m so happy to read this review and visualise some of the places you’ve been that I know well too. Happy new year! We visited Whistler in summer last year. Are there still heaps of dogs wandering the village in winter? I loved that they were everywhere!
Your photos are lovely. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to say that each year was the best year yet. Proof that things are always getting better and brighter.
Yeah, my Mexico recommendations are basically limited to one city! Though if it were my vacation and it wasn’t a family event, I would’ve avoided the whole Americanized party thing and gone somewhere more interesting. But Cancun had decent proximity to some ruins, which is the kind of stuff I like seeing, though I think Chetumal is closer to a lot of it. Either way, open-ended vacations are the way to go. :)
@Lucent Imagery Thank you so much for stopping by! Yes, the dogs are still there… really gives this place a sense of community amongst all the hussle and bussle of tourists! :)
@the real mia Hi Mia, that’s the plan… one can only wish! Thank you, I’m really glad you like my photos… I don’t even have a decent camera anyone, so that’s a huge compliment :)
@LolaYou rock, go girl! Vegan it right up…. I’m still in what I like to call the transitioning phase. Trying to make the process slow and organic, so there’s still a little bit of cheese that sneaks its way into my diet, but that’s something I’m hoping to change in 2012. DO NO HARM MAN!
What a HUGE year Ta’s… a hard one to beat, but you seem to be on such a wonderful, genuine path that’s so right for you… I hope the positivity just keeps on growing!
x Catherine
What an amazing year. May 2012 be just as magical!