I have been away from home for a substantial part of my life – exactly half to be precise. I think this explains why our whole family are pretty much best friends as we don’t get to spend much time together.  I trudged off to boarding school at the meagre age of 13 and had some of the best years of my life (except for church on Saturday nights and 2 hours of homework every evening). A constant slumber party with a house of 30 boys next door, how could that not be fun! Fast forward university and a much needed gap year, 13 years later I am living in Australia, like the rest of New Zealand.

I went home for Christmas last year and truly fell in love with the place I get to call home. Usually I get so antsy and negative about the weather, the boredom and overall lack of everything, however this time was different. I think I’ve grown up a little bit. I took in the stunning surroundings, went on bush walks with dad, stayed in a caravan in our backyard, visited nana and grandad every day for tea and cakes and kind of enjoyed the two weeks of torrential rain. Bizarre I know! When the sun tried it’s hardest to come out, my sister and I decided to head out and take some photos on our beloved beach; black sand, grey skies and all.

Moments in time that remind me to remember my roots.

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