Signs of Christmas

A Hui Hou

I moved to the Big Island over two years ago not knowing a soul. I found myself among a group of ten that all felt the same way. Annie was part of that group. 7 members of the original 10 have left the island. It was a quick decision for some, but we stuck with it. We made it to our first year and kept going.

2 years and 4 months later we shared our last meal together on the island. She has been and adventure buddy (Oh Maui!),  a wonderful spring board, and an analytical companion. We would sit and bounce ideas around and unpack ideas and observations for hours.

Now her adventures take her back to the mainland. Your presence on this island and in this small town will be missed my friend.
Get working on that book!

Until we meet again. A Hui Hou

Spontaneous Sunset

Yes a phrase like "spontaneous sunset" doesn't really make sense as there is absolutely nothing spontaneous about the sun setting. It happens everyday. We have it down to the minute.

The spontaneity in this particular sunset came from where I was standing when I witnessed it: over 9,000ft above sea level on an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

At the beginning of the day I was exploring a neighboring Pu'u. Then gathering plants for my Christmas wreath.

While I was constructing my wreath I had the door open to let in light and a fresh breeze. To my surprise an old friend walked through the door. He had an idea to go see the star gazing presentation at the visitor's center on Mauna Kea. He wondered if I might join him.

This was a win/win/win in essence because I hadn't been star gazing since my birthday, the drive there would go right by the area where I could pick more plants for my wreath project (very quickly of course), and I could get yet another adventure in for the day, but this time with friends.

Our timing was perfect. We got to see the view in the day light just as the sun was dropping. With clear skies we saw Mauna Loa, Hualalai, and Haleakala on Maui. I know I use the word "magical" frequently but that is the only word I can find right now that best fits the experience.

I love nature. I love the majesty of it all. I love the beauty displayed. And I love sharing those experiences with other people. Yeah, it is true. I am a nature nerd. But I am so thankful for that and the people in my life that are too. For without it, I would miss so many magical moments that bring me so much life.

The Hidden Forest

The view from the road isn't very inviting. From the top you can see Mauna Kea across the road. No doubt, a glorious sight. Around you is loose stone, sparse vegitation and fine dirt and dust. Then you turn round and head toward the back side. For on the backside of the pu'u you are standing on, this warn down cone in a lava field is a hidden forest...beautiful oasis. Yet another wonderful, magical place found on the island.

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.