A Letter to 2024

 

Spring this year was absolutely beautiful. One of the most common trees in Barranquilla is the Guayacán Rosado (Tabebuia rosea), also known as the Pink Trumpet Tree, Rosy Trumpet Tree, or Apamate. Although I couldn’t capture photos of the trees themselves—especially the one in front of my building across the street—the fallen flowers on the ground brought me so much joy.

Around this time of year, I would go to church with my mom, and our morning walks became even more delightful. Strolling along concrete paths covered in flowers felt like walking on my own little catwalk.

One day, we took a bus that dropped us off on another avenue lined with even more of these stunning trees. They weren’t on concrete this time but on sand, making them look even more magical. I couldn’t resist capturing the moment, and the photo turned out great—or at least, I think so! The soft hues are my favorite color palette, if you ask me.

Beautiful bougainvilleas (Trinitarias)—I jokingly call these the ungrateful flowers. My mom has tried to grow them at home, but they just refuse to bloom and often get infested with pests. She still holds out hope, but I’ve been telling her to give up on the idea of having more plants altogether.

Admiring the beauty of the moon, mostly during the early morning hours before the sun fully rises. I’m proud of these shots, but I’m still chasing that perfect, closer capture of the moon.

Flowers make me SO happy! Here's a little feature of what I believe to be a Pink rain lily and a Orange Cosmos. Spotting these beauties during my morning walks was such a treat. I paused to admire them, took a moment to snap a few pictures with my phone, and continued on my way with a huge smile on my face. Moments like these made my days feel brighter and so much better. .

I gathered all the sunset photos I took this year and turned them into a collage. I’m absolutely loving the soft pastel hues in these shots! I might even use this as my lock screen. It makes me so happy to have captured these moments, even if there weren’t as many as in previous years.

Finding this trio of tiny mushrooms (fungi) made me smile. I’m glad I captured a photo of them, as the next day they were dried and dead—such a short lifespan.

A beautiful butterfly resting on a vibrant Yellow Cosmos—such a simple yet breathtaking moment of nature's beauty.

A lone palm tree standing tall. This photo evokes a sense of stillness and peace, a quiet moment frozen in time. And the bird that made its way into the shot? It made the moment even more perfect, turning it into a 100 times better shot. 

After a beautiful 'spring' season, summer arrived, bringing with it the rain season. One of my favorite things to do is watch the rain through the window, whether from my room or while seated in the car.

I love picking flowers from the ground, and after a beautiful springtime, I couldn't resist collecting one of these rosy trumpet flowers. Here’s one resting on my lap.

More sunsets! Here’s my take on what I call the 'dramatic' sunsets and skies. The colors are always so beautiful—truly a delight to witness from the balcony.

This view from my window—perfect!

We’ve had a few foggy mornings lately, and the weather has been quite nice during these times. I live on the 6th floor, and this was my view. 

In addition to sunny, rainy, and foggy days, we were also treated to a couple of rainbows this year. They always feel so magical. And of course, I’m sharing more flowers I picked: Top right is a Carruther's Falseface, and bottom left is a Frangipani (Plumeria).

These photos were taken on January 1st, 2024, featuring a Cape leadwort (Plumbago Auriculata) and my Calvin Klein crossbody bag, a gift from one of my tias. I remember photographing this flower back in 2012 when I was just starting out in photography. I first saw them at the entrance of a place where I took my English course. One day, as I was leaving to go back home, I picked one, tried to keep it safe, and took as many photos as I could. One of those shots became one of my favorites to this day.

There are also some palm trees at my favorite roundabout, alongside what I believe are pink China Aster flowers (Callistephus chinensis) 

December's sky hits differently. I don’t know about you, but here in Barranquilla, and I believe all of Colombia too, we have this custom where, whenever December comes around, we say, 'Oh, it smells like December' or 'The sky is so December.' It's because we mostly have clear blue skies and no clouds, making the days feel brighter. It's similar to how we say things like, 'This sun looks like it’s going to rain' or 'This sun feels so beach-y.' 

More of this beautiful blue sky featuring a palm tree. Just looking at this photo makes me want to go to the beach. I’m not sure why... Oh, wait, I know—it’s because the sun looked so beach-y. ;) laughs

As I reflect on 2024, I find myself filled with gratitude for the experiences, the growth, and the quiet moments that have shaped this year. Through photos, I’ve captured glimpses of the beauty around me—each one a reminder of the moments I want to hold onto. In this letter, I share not just the words but the images that have made my journey this year uniquely mine. Here’s to the memories, the lessons, and everything 2024 has given me.

With that, here’s a little letter I wrote to 2024.

---

Dear 2024,

You began with a heaviness I couldn’t quite shake—an undercurrent of sadness and waves of anxiety that I now realize were tied to the milestone of turning 30, along with other personal struggles. For months, it felt like I was caught in a haze, searching for something I couldn’t name. But as the year unfolded, so did I. By October, the air felt different, lighter. You felt like a sunrise—slow to rise, but you brought light and clarity when I needed it the most. Now, as I look back, I feel a calm I haven’t known in a long time—one that I had asked for so many times in my prayers. Slowly, I began to bloom, stepping into a version of myself I had been waiting to meet.

There was happiness in the small, quiet moments—the glow of a sunset painting the sky, the delicate beauty of a flower in bloom, the peaceful light of the moon on a still night. Just like last year, moments like these were so beautiful, and as you can see from the photos I’ve shared, they became my anchors, reminding me to pause, breathe, and find joy in the world around me. Even in the simplest things, there was so much to be grateful for. A reminder that there's a Creator who made everything to perfection. Moments like these make me smile, and I thank God for the beauty He has created with His hands. Through these little joys, I know I’m not just appreciating the world—I’m praising Him.

This year, I’ve been reminded of the importance of those who walk alongside me—my family, my friends, and the ones who continue to support me, even from afar. I am grateful for their love, their patience, and the memories we’ve shared. I hold them very close to my heart. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate every second I spend with my loved ones. Just like last year, mom and I have connected in ways I never thought we could. I truly cherish our daily conversations and reflections. Haha :)

There were things I didn’t accomplish once again, but there were also lessons learned and growth experienced in moments I least expected. I’ve finally learned that patience is a virtue I am continuously being tested on, but I know it will be rewarded in due time.

As I mentioned before, I turned thirty—the most awaited birthday, one I had so many expectations for over the years. But when the day came, it was just a good day, albeit a bit awkward. Normally, around this time, I would experience anxiety, wear my heart on my sleeve, and feel nostalgic, but this year felt different. I felt a calm I had never experienced before. I was genuinely happier, and I’m still much happier now. This is what I’m carrying with me and highlighting as I move forward—and once again, I feel hopeful for what’s to come.

---

On a more personal note, let's revisit the 'realistic goals I set earlier this year' :

*Wardrobe Change: This one’s a work in progress, and I’ll admit, it took longer than I anticipated. I didn’t make as much progress as I hoped, but I’ve come to realize that it's a long journey, and I’m still at the start.

*Finances: I’m really proud of myself for sticking to this one. I’ve been keeping track of my finances and saving diligently. I’m about to reach my first milestone in my savings—and I can already see the progress I’ve made. Maybe one day, I’ll re-share my full story on this, as I’ve mentioned before, but unfortunately, that post is no longer on the blog due to some deleted old posts. Either way, it feels good to be making strides here.

*Health & Fitness: I’ve really enjoyed my morning workouts, which now include weights along with barre exercises—all from the comfort of home. And while I’m not quite there yet with doing a proper push-up, I’m getting closer every day.

*Read More: As much as I wanted to read more books this year, I’ll admit I didn’t quite hit that goal. Instead, I found myself diving deep into the world of perfume notes and learning all about Hermès, which has been just as enriching. Knowledge comes in many forms, right? Oh, and I can’t forget—I also took another online fashion course, which was not only enriching but also eye-opening. And of course, I always make sure to investigate the names of the flowers I come across. 

*Blogging: I wanted to blog more this year, and while I didn’t reach the frequency I envisioned, I still made progress. It’s definitely been better than the past couple of years, where I only managed two posts total. Better than nothing, right? But as I’ve always said, I blog whenever I feel inspired—I never force myself to post. I love and enjoy it most when it’s spontaneous. This little blog holds a special place in my heart and life, and I try to keep it alive with the things I truly want to share.

*The Art of Noticing & Romanticizing Life: The pictures I’ve shared throughout the year truly capture the essence of 2024. They became my way of celebrating the little moments that once again stood out as the highlights of my year. I’ve learned to appreciate the simple beauty of life more than ever—in fact, it was nature that first inspired me to start exploring photography. This small 'activity' became even more meaningful after losing my grandmother. In those difficult times, I tried different things to keep myself distracted, but I found healing in the simple beauty of nature and in God’s presence. Peace came in the soft hues of the sky, dramatic sunsets, and the delicate beauty of flowers.

This year felt different. Putting these photos together made me realize just how beautiful 2024 was, despite everything that happened—or didn’t happen. It’s a feeling that’s hard to put into words, but I can say this: I’ve embraced joy and deep gratitude for every fleeting moment, and with each one, my soul has echoed, ‘How Great Thou Art.’

---

While not every goal was fully achieved, every step I’ve taken has been meaningful. They remind me that life isn’t about ticking boxes, but about learning, evolving, and becoming. I’ll carry these lessons into the new year, embracing what’s ahead with an open heart and a renewed sense of purpose.

As 2024 draws to a close, I carry forward the strength, the peace, and the gratitude you’ve given me. With a heart full of appreciation for every step—big or small—I step into the new year ready for what lies ahead. Thank you, 2024, for everything. Here’s to growth, to blooming, and to the beautiful things yet to come.

I look forward to what 2025 has in store—the challenges, the victories, and the quiet moments that will shape me along the way. I can’t wait to embrace the new experiences and the growth that will come with them. With an open heart, I’ll continue my journey, knowing that each year brings something new, something unexpected, and always something worth cherishing.

To my lovely readers, if you've made it this far, I wish you all a beautiful and happy New Year. May your days be filled with the very best, not just today but always. As always, thank you for being part of my journey and life. I truly appreciate every comment and interaction. Thank you SO much! See you in 2025. 🤍