Kindred Spirit

So glad I found this treasure at work. She is a definitely a kindred spirit with such an amazing heart! Happy Birthday dear friend!

Lei Day

May 1st is lei day and I decided to really embrace it this year by buying a lei needle. Two words: Game Changer!! Everything slide on the needle so easily. This has definitely opened a whole new dimension for me. 

A gift for my supervisor

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.

Wood in Hawaii

One of two displays showcasing all of the different types of wood in Hawaii. With over 100 pieces exhibiting remarkable craftsmanship and artistry, this was the first to draw me in. I wonder what that says about me? #iheartnature #cheerstodiversity #fingerprintsofgod #delightinginthedetails #ilovelearning

There and Back Again

I never thought I would ever have to get on a plane to go to a doctor’s appointment, but today I did exactly that. Because of me new found pinched nerve/back situation, my doctor wanted me to have some nerve test done on my legs. This required a specialist naturally. The pattern has been that a doctor based in Honolulu will fly over to their local office on the Big Island about once a month. This doctor ran slightly different in that he would wait for a certain amount of patients before coming over. I waited and waited. The day never came, so instead I got on a plane and headed to the doctor. Buses and a taxi naturally became part of the experience as well. However, I did have some time to kill. After doing some research, I discovered some of the local free attractions that were in walking distance from the doctor’s office. I found it so humorous that the painting that drew my attention was portraying the Big Island! Just a subconscious reminder for where I really wanted to be.

Caught in the Rain

Serenity Stroll

A friend noticed I was acting a little on the stressed-out side of the continuum and ask me, “When was the last time you spent time in nature?” I had to pause and think about it for a minute. The length of the pause was proof enough that it had been far too long. Grateful for friends who mirror my needs and offer the means to fulfill them. #iheartnature #thanksadam #annetteappreciation #bigislandbliss #serenitystroll

Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival

Hawaii is more than beaches and palm trees. It too has the signs of spring as seen at the Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival in Waimea. Beautiful day to take in nature and the Japanese culture complete with Taiko drumming and Bon dancing. #iheartnature #springisintheair #bigislandbliss #isawthegovernor

Moon Over Mauna Kea

On January 31st we experienced a blue blood moon lunar eclipse. I ended up missing it because I thought it was the night of the 31st instead of the early morning (around) 1:30am of the 31st. Although I was a day behind I was giving a wonderful treat on my walk to work: the moon setting over Mauna Kea. Totally satisfied.