off the grid
{postcards from nydia bay, pelorous sounds}
hello friends,
a new year, the turn of a page, every new day that begins is a chance to start fresh. wash off the slough of the previous day and face the sun with clear intentions and a hopeful heart.
returning to a simple, uncomplicated life (even if only for the tiniest moment) was the way we chose to greet the new year. we were off grid – no cell-phone reception, no telephone, no tv, no internet – in a cabin with solar power, septic tank, wood-burning stove, water from a dam up the ridge. floating in the cool, still water of the morning in the silence of the bay, i didn’t wish for my life to be anything other than what it is. i sit. i breathe. i take it all in.
bliss.
i have had time to contemplate a word-for-the-year and it seems likely to have chosen me. tapping me insistently on the shoulder, vying for attention amongst the rest of the clamour that goes on in my head. i find my self paradoxically rested and restless. feeling like i am gaining a deeper understanding of myself, all the while standing on shaky ground.
hoping you have peace in your heart and are excited about the year ahead
with love, always
~
our transportation – a float plane dropped us right in the bay
part of the marlborough sounds
works end
the living quarters
early morning swimming
i think this kettle has been around for as long as the shack!
no fishing
pet eels
a tribute to andy goldsworthy – one of my many sources of inspiration
red or white?
picnic spot around the bay
a dinghy rests amongst the ferns
Tor
07/01/2011 at 09:39 //
What a wonderful way to bring in the New Year. It looks wonderful. I know I’d love it there too. And Andy Goldsworthy has been a massive inspiration to me too. He rocks. xx
Jo
07/01/2011 at 09:45 //
What a wonderful, wonderful place. Blisssful. x (and ditto on the AG)
green ink
07/01/2011 at 13:25 //
What a perfect start to the year!! xx
Amy
07/01/2011 at 20:11 //
Oh my, you lucky, lucky girl. What an incredible way to ring in the New Year. My eyes just about popped out of my head when I saw your photo of Marlborough Sounds, and everything else looks so wonderfully peaceful and perfect. I’m glad you were able to have such a fantastic experience, and glad that your inner and outer world both look so bright.
Ashley
08/01/2011 at 05:07 //
Wow! That place looks like paradise. Complete with pet eels! Can you pet them?
Emily
08/01/2011 at 10:30 //
Sounds so fantastic! Gosh. Your morning swimming photo almost had me packing to leave and go back to your country. I have been missing the quiet of nz so much so that I’ve entered a couple of competitions to win flights back there. In the interim, I’m catching up with the Attenborough Life dvds with our curtains closed
Happy new year to you! Looks like the weather treated you to some gorgeous blue skies ~
xo
Alexia
09/01/2011 at 16:19 //
Beautiful, beautiful photos!
Though the eels did freak me out a bit.
rachel awes
10/01/2011 at 16:49 //
leonie, you are back, you are back! youyouyou, who i am too so glad you are just who/where you are! gorgeous photos! breath-taking/giving. yes to bliss. yes to you. looooooooooooove to you! xoxox
Swirly
11/01/2011 at 14:23 //
Looks like absolute heaven. These photos are breathtaking.
Ruth
13/01/2011 at 13:54 //
Thanks for the comment, Leonie! Your photographs are stunning. I especially like your Andy Goldsworthy tribute.
Elizabeth
14/01/2011 at 01:22 //
It looks like absolute bliss – the perfect way to close out one year and begin another.
(I confess to being slightly freaked out by eels, though now I wonder if you can pet them?)
Di
17/01/2011 at 08:42 //
I could smell it … remember it.
Ufff, beautiful!! as always.
xo
flowing moments
17/01/2011 at 12:30 //
wishing you a magical new year 2011, as i see, it has started blissfully !!!
bisous
nathalie
jaime
21/01/2011 at 06:37 //
Oh my gosh Leonie…I can’t think of a more perfect way to bring in the new year. These images are incredible! Can I come to New Zealand? Wow. And double Wow.
V-Grrrl @ Compost Studios
22/01/2011 at 13:51 //
Stunning photos and a strong sense of place. Great visual storytelling. Happy to have shared your experience here on the other side of the world.
Becky
30/01/2011 at 23:04 //
This place looks wonderful, the pictures look great, do you have any ideas for good cameras, as i’m to looking to buy a new camera but i am not sure what sort?