Christmas Wreath Project

Last year I took a class at the Department of Forestry and Wildlife. This class involved loading up into a van and driving to Saddle Road forestry land. We spent time picking and gathering flowers and plants that were suggested. Then we head back to HQ and learned how to construct our wreath.

This year I decided to use what I had learned and go out on my own reliving the experience while gathering to make wreaths as Christmas presents.








The first round my friend Jean joined me as did some rain. I was afraid that it would pour but the permit was for that day so we took the risk. Soon the blue sky broke through and we left with bags full of wonderful plants. Some like the O'hia we could only admire and leave behind.























I started with my ring and went through the steps I remembered from the class. Knowing Jean was constructing a wreath too gave me motivation to continue and not be overwhelmed.

No project is without its hiccups. My issue was supply. I was running out. When picking for a project you think you are walking away with so much as bags are overflowing. Well, I ran out. Fortunately, I had a back-up plan that added the perfect touch to the final product: a wonderful red bow.

 

After hitting a shortage of supply from my first wreath, I took a different approach to my placement as I made the second one. I learned some of the place where I could stretch things out if I needed to. So I started building from the middle. 

To say I wasn't pleased with both wreaths wouldn't be true. They were different from each other but exactly what I needed as those receiving them were two different people.   

 A week later, I was out with my permit picking again. This time it was a beautiful, clear day and I was picking for my own wreath.

Mauna Kea in all of its glory

Step one: get a ring

Step two - cover with ti leaves

Step three -gather and organize pick plants

Step Four - Make bundles and pin them down. Repeat.

Yes at this point I noticed that I didn't pick enough again. As the week prior, I used what I had to see how far I could get it to go. It wasn't far enough. Even with an added bow. Instead, Providence stepped in and a friend showed up at my door that wanted to go up the mountain for some star gazing. I asked if I could have 5 minutes to gather some plants on the way. It was possible.

So after two trips in one day. I finally had enough for the finished product. It was well worth the effort as it makes me smile every time I go to open my door.

Home Between the Holidays

November 28 - December 5, 2017

I thought I wouldn't make it. I thought I would go the entire year never stepping foot on an airplane. I thought the most depressing thought ever would come to pass.

But it didn't.

I got my airplane ride and on the other end I live 6 glorious days with family and friends I hadn't seen in over a year.

Dad and Aunt Barb

I am thankful. Oh so thankful. As so many things had to fall into place to even make this trip happen. But they did and it did. New memories were made as some old ones were remembered during a trip that felt like two weeks but was only 6 days. Thousands of miles traveled by two daughters from different sides of the Earth. Every hour spent on the journey was well worth the time spent at the destination. Love you Family!

Hilary and I hitting all of the tourist spots in Port Huron

Oldest lighthouse in Michigan

Bluewater Bridge to Canada

Dinner with the Studaker Family

And intense game of Aggrivation

Game night with the Watsons and Adams

Hilary looking for the Super Moon at Lexington Harbor

Sunrise on Lake Huron

Brisk morning selfie

Lexington Beach

Dad and his daughters

Gathering in Aunt Barb and Uncle Steve's kitchen

Adorable Uncle Phil

When Ladies Gather

I hind is difficult to articulate what happens when a group of ladies of all ages and backgrounds gather together. "Something special" is all I can think to say.

Our little women's gathering at church was no different. I went not knowing what to expect. Some women shared what was on their hearts while others shared their gifts and talents.

When a piece of yupo paper was handed to me I could only chuckle inside as it reminded me of my days in PA when yupo paper reined.

I have to admit it was nice to interact with paint in this way again- to let it move and be however it wanted. Perfection wasn't the goal for me. I was living in and focusing on the play.

We all had the same goal in mind whether to portray jellyfish or a mermaid's tail. No two paintings were a like just as no two techniques where the same. And that is the foundation for what makes it special: The differences. Having similarities is good but differences bring about learning and discovery. Oh course that's is what makes things hard but similarities can do the same. It two people like to be in control their similar need can result in conflict. In the end, no painting has any depth if it doesn't have both light and shadow.

Kona Coffee Cultural Festival

A much needed trip to the other side of the island came at just the right time. The rainy season in Hilo is beginning to set in and there are only so many days I can go without sunshine. Although I am not a coffee drinker and have to admit that I don't even really like the smell, I accepted the invitation to go to the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival. Even without the word coffee in the title, it sounded to me like an enriching experience.

Disappointment didn't come as there were plenty of food items and displays that weren't coffee related. My friend Annie and I had the opportunity to pound our own poi - a staple in Hawaiian cuisine. Live music and other displays and demonstrations were at our disposal. My favorite part was the lei making contest. What beautiful craftsmanship. The hours poured into each could be seen in the intricate details. Nothing short of inspiring.

Morning Surpise

My early morning walk to work brought this beautiful surprise perfectly situated over the complex. So thankful for moments orchestrated in such a way that all I have to do it take notice and enjoy.

Pushing the Creative Limits

Last year for Halloween I created the "5 Dollar Challenge" for myself. I the past I have stuck to the day before Halloween to making my costume. Due to my injury this year adding WAY too much time to sit and think to my daily schedule, decided to dial it up a notch. 

First I looked at my assets. My hair wasn't getting any shorter and was the longest I have let it grow in years. So, why not try and find a costume that specifically needs long hair to make it work. 

This led me to Gimli. With the beard in the bag, the rest of the costume had to take shape on a very tight budget. I took inventory of what I had and how I could make it work. Then constructed a list of all that I needed to make. Here is how it played out...

Have:

Two old T-shirts that could be used for "tunic"

Brown pants

Grey shirt and sleeves for "Chainmail"

Hiking pole for rod of ax

Black, white, and gold paint

Old T-shirt strips

Old bike tire tubes

Packing tape, painter's tape, scotch tape

hot glue

Cardboard

Need to make:

Helmet (key piece)

Tunic

Ax

Belt including crossing straps

wrist braces

Shoulder guards

Need to purchase:

Flour 

(used paper mache to make part of the helmet)

Boots

(Found for $2.50 at a thrift store)

Paint

(Brown, Red, and Silver/grey)

Clear Hair Bands

(To make the beard a reality)

I didn't log the number of hours I worked on this costume. I needed the goal. I needed the process. I need the challenge to prove to myself that I am still capable of something. AND I was able to stay within budget keeping the tradition alive. The added bonus: I walked away with 3rd prize for the costume contest. 

I think if I would have been fat, I would have been more recognizable and therefore walked home with second place. However, padding was not an option as I was already sweating with a long beard insulating my neck. (If this was in Michigan. I would have welcomed the extra warmth.)

Now the only thing left is to figure out what to go as next year. 

What is it About Sisters?

One of my co-workers had a visitor this week - her sister. When she told me that her sister was coming we talked about different ideas of what they could do. Naturally, I suggested the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens as it is one of my favorite places.

When I suggested it, I had no intention of inviting myself along; however, the invitation was extended. How could I refuse? After all, my enjoyment of this place is only enhanced be watching others experience its beauty for the first time. This time, I had the wonderful privilege of witnessing more than that.

Having an older sister, I found it fascinating to watch two other sisters interact. At times I felt like I was looking in a mirror as they laughed at each other's jokes. I too love the way just being around each other brought out the silliness like they were back to being school girls living in a care free world.

Time and the shared experience of growing up together as family can't be replaced. Having a sister is truly the best.

I 

Solo Camping

Sunset

As the car-sitting continues, I had to attempt to cross another item off my list: Sunset behind Mauna Kea. Well, it might not have been the best evening to attempt this with cloudy skies and the smell of rain in the air. However, my one and only attempt was worth it. Seeing rain in the distance, hearing the swell of the waves hitting the rocks, the wind tossing my hair...I couldn't help but stop and take in slow, deep breaths. In those moments, I found exactly what I needed.

Lauapahoehoe Point

When someone asks me if I will go to the airport with them in their car, then keep their car while they are away with the condition that I have to pick them up when they return; I always say YES! I loving call this action "car sitting" and today is my first full day. With opportunity to explore on my own schedule, I drove North on the Hamakua Coast and made my first stop at Lauapahoehoe Point. I could have done research about it. I could have looked for historic markers of some kind. Instead, I found the perfect rock formation that created a natural recliner and dove into my book while absorbing the peaceful sounds of nature on a beautiful afternoon.