The valley was blanketed by a thick mist. Blue glacier-water trickled down the side of the mountain, gradually transforming into a bubbling stream. It looked beautiful against the light silvery rocks. To listen more clearly, I inhaled deeply and held my breath. As I observed the pitter-patter of the rain and a bird’s distant melody, I was increasingly aware of my solitude. In front of me stood a mountain engulfed in clouds and century-year-old ice, Franz Josef Glacier. Although it was the peak of summer and only a few kilometres away from the beach, the unmelted ice was shining blue with the cold. Exhaling deeply, I smiled.
It was surreal, almost dream-like. Who would have ever anticipated that I would close the end of a year in New Zealand? Certainly not I.
2016 came to a surprising and abrupt finish. After a 7-year career working in Human Resources, I closed the doors to pursue my passion, photography. There is something equally terrifying as it is exciting, to leave behind the security of a well-established vocation for something unknown. Rather than drown in fear and uncertainty, I am frequently reminded to keep going with my partner’s unconditional love and support.
To gather my thoughts, he spoilt me to a last-minute holiday to New Zealand, my favorite country. So here I was. In a valley with a heart filled with dreams, with the freedom to ponder and to take any path I decided. It was the most generous gift.
When I consider this year, I can only exclaim in disbelief. I walked along the Atlantic Coast of Portugal. I relocated to Australia, and “Curated Life” developed a steady group of followers, you. Words are unable to describe how humbled I am to have shared the past 12-months with you all. Thank you for your ongoing support, your comments, and most importantly, thank you for your friendship.
Although the focus for this year will be to find balance, it will also be a year of great change. In February I am returning to University to improve my photography skills, and I am transforming “Curated Life Studio” into a business. My partner and I are planning to travel to either Iceland or to trek from the North to the South of Scotland (we are still undecided).
With 12 new chapters and 365 new pages, what story will be written for you in 2017?
I also want to extend my thanks to, in no particular order:
Udaya for your ge
nerosity and for your friendship.You have restored my faith in the kindness of strangers. Your strength is inspiring and I want nothing for you but all the happiness, and success in the world.
I want to thank Robert for his ongoing support. You are an incredible man, an inspiration, and I am grateful to have met you. You add so much value to people’s lives and ask so little in return. I have no doubt that if more people were like you, the world would be a better place.
I want to thank Veeyah for her friendship. I have so much admiration for your creativity! You have the voice of an angel, your writing is gorgeous to read, and your work always resonates with me completely. There is nothing you can’t do or create! x
and finally…
I want to do a private shout-out to my sweetheart. Nobody will ever love me, or support me like you have. It is for your ongoing faith and encouragement, which has made Curated Life not only possible but to grow and thrive like it has. You are my inspiration, my best friend, and my only future. My love for you will last a thousand years.
Hey There, I’m Kylie. My passion is plant-based recipes and I want to help you create something gorgeous!
I believe in taking a slow approach to food – to eat locally, seasonally and consciously.
When I’m not taking photos, you can find me wandering the coastal paths of South-East Australia.
Veeyah says
Kylie!!! I am sooo happy for your accomplishments for 2016! So many new things, so cheers for braving through them like the champion that you are!
It’s always exciting to go back to Uni, especially to pursue the fulfillment of your passions and dreams, so good luck to you on that! It’s almost February!!! I can tell you’re pretty excited about that. 🙂 Also, congratulations again on establishing Curated Life Studio as a registered business!
Aahhh! I can tell there will be MAJOR major changes for you this year! No doubt you can handle them, though. I want to thank you for your friendship too, and believe me, I don’t really “connect” with many people on the internet, but I’m glad the friendship is mutual for us! Hahaha. The internet has become a friendlier, prettier place when I found you and your blog. There’s no post on here that doesn’t make me feel all giddy inside! I’ve told you this in a previous comment, but I really feel lighter whenever I read something from your blog. 🙂
Ah! I feel like I’m writing a love letter, hehe. I just wish you the best of everything this 2017. Thrilled to be considered a friend!!!
Kylie (Author) says
The internet has definitely been a prettier place since we met! Thank you so much for your support, I’m looking forward to spending 2017 by your side! 🙂 <3
Kris says
New Zealand is totally a phtographer’s dream. The landscapes are amazing and it looks like every corner is worth it for a shot!
Good luck to your new career and it’s good to know that you are following your passion. Change is something that we always fear, I guess it’s worth giving a shot as long as the change is something that you really wanted. 🙂
Kylie (Author) says
Thank you so much for your congratulations, Kris! I think all experiences, whether good or bad are valuable.
New Zealand really is a photographer’s dream, I had to stop myself from taking 1000 photographs a day! 😉
Claire Algarme says
Those are beautiful photos! The best travel I did in 2016 was also to New Zealand. I just received a photobook of my New Zealand trip, so it’s still fresh in my memory and then I read your blog post about it!
I love the place and I would definitely go back there. I was there for a few days in North Island so I hope to see the South Island if I get the chance to visit the country again.
Your story is also inspiring as it reminds me that it’s never too late to do something new, especially if it’s something you are really passionate about.
Kylie (Author) says
What a coincidence, my photos are from the South Island! Perhaps an excuse for you to visit again? 😉
Swayam Tiwari says
Hi Kylie, I am so happy to read, no, rather see this blog. What incredible photographs! But more than your content, it is the manner of thanking your friends Robert, Veeyah and Udaya. I wish I could be in your circle of friends…
Kylie (Author) says
Swayam there is absolutely no reason why you couldn’t be in my circle of friends. Stay in touch and I have no doubt that we could be the greatest of friends. 🙂
Maria says
I guess 2016 was a big year for you! Pursuing your passion and doing what you love really is one of the best things in the world. Thinking of just doing what you love can give you butterflies in your stomach. I am so happy with your accomplishments and your photographs are so amazing!
Kylie (Author) says
Thank you so much for your comment Maria! It is a mixture of emotions, ‘butterflies’ explains it perfectly! 🙂
Jill says
Lovely photos you got there! They speak so much about your 2016. I also admire you for thanking those people who took part in creating an awesome year with you! I am looking forward for more beautiful photos this year! 🙂
Sabine says
What an impressive post! Such a beautiful photos and I love the way you write. Robert is such an incredible and inspiring man! I agree 🙂 and thanks to him, we meet online.
Keep up the good work in 2017 and have a good Sunday for now!
Mimi says
Your pictures are truly breathtaking. I wish you all the best in the business that you’re going to pursue! I believe that you can make it – you have such beautiful works here and your passion shows. Happy to know that this passion has made you achieve some accomplishments which you can truly be proud of. 🙂 Good luck!
cieri of thewonderfulkind.com says
You have gorgeous photos and I am so glad that you pursued your passion!
I am a Human Resources professional too and a part-time blogger. You inspire me to pursue solely blogging in the future.
Gryselle Mae says
New Zealand is definitely a wonderful place! Your writing style is exquisite, and the way you write inspires me to improve my own skills. The photos were stunningly as well! 🙂
I know Robert too and he indeed is a man who I am greatly thankful for meeting in the year 2016. He helped me a lot with my emotional struggles and his words are really inspiring.
Stella says
I think it is great that you are following your dream of photography. You are already very talented. I wish you the best of luck in school. For me, I only know that 2017 will bring a lot of travel and adventure!
jared's mum says
It is so easy to see why this is your favorite country, everything is majestic and picturesque. I must agree that you made a good decision to pursue your passion for photography, you take such stunning photos. I sure hope I can see these images up close one day soon.
The new year presents exciting possibilities and here’s wishing you success in whatever plans you wish to pursue with your partner. As for me, I hope to create more beautiful memories with my small family this year.
Although our travels for this year might be limited to local destinations, I hope we make the most of it and take as many photos as we can! 🙂
Erica M Poyauan says
It’s been three months. I am still hoping for more travel adventures and road learnings this 2017. Though I must admit I am having a shift in priorities for this year so it could mean lesser travels for me. But I am hoping for the best! We still have how many more days??? Good luck to us!