Gifts from the Land

When you look at one of the gardens we have at work you would think that it isn't really bustling with anything. Here we not only look on the the ground but we also look to the trees…

Mountain Apple

Sour Sop

Jack Fruit

Kalo

Pinapple

New Loop

I find so much rejuvenation in nature and the act of exploring. Today I went hiking in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. I like hiking but often struggle with the hike-the-same-way-out-that-you-came-in idea. Loops are hard to find in HVNP. So I studied my map and discovered that I could piece together a hike from several intersecting trails. It was a beautiful hike that got my heart beating a on couple of occasions and offered a diverse terrain with beautiful features tucked in along the way. I definitely look forward to revisiting this loop in the future.

Fern Frenzy

 Fern Frenzy with the native beauties...#Uluhe #’Ama’u #iheartnature #bigislandbliss #caughtintherain #HVNP

Dis-Patch

 My embroidery experience has now moved to the smaller scale as I took the leap into making patches. As another friend from work leaves the island, I thought it only fitting to give him a representation of the landscape that we both have grown to love.

Merrie Monarch

My first year on the island I tied and failed to get Merrie Monarch tickets. This hula competition is the biggest festival in Hilo and brings visitors from all over the world. The competition is close to Easter every year and yet you have to submit to buy tickets in December of the year prior. I didn’t even attempt my second year. This year I didn’t try for tickets either, instead I received the wonderful surprise from my housemate. She applied for tickets and got in, but her mother was supposed to join her. It ended up that her mother’s couldn’t make the journey after all so she offered me the tickets!

I had heard stories about the experience and did my nest to prepare for the hours of sitting. The picture of the stage was all I could muster as there was a strict no photo policy.

It was all well worth it as these amazing women, with such grace and poise, displayed the talents they have been developing for so many years. Some just floated across the stage with such elegance. And there hands! So expressive. Hula is really in the hands. In the end I am glad I chose to go to the first night of competition. It was the Miss Hula competition and then shortest night of the three evenings. Thanks go to Auntie Lyn for such a wonderful gift. I feel an added richness to my Hawaiian experience because of it. Mahalo nui.   

Hokulea

I was walking to work the other day and say this sea faring vessel come though the harbor. It didn’t take me long to realize what I was seeing. 4 years ago the Hokulea took sail from Hawaii to travel around the world using only the stars to navigate just as their ancestors did on their voyage to Hawaii. I still find it hard to believe that people just decided to jump in a Wa’a taking with them plants and supplies to help them survive in a place they had yet to discover. My “adventurous” spirit is nothing compared to theirs. Such amazing courage.