The Glow

The glow of fissure 8 has become a staple in the night sky for many. On a clear night I can see the glow from street almost 30 miles away. Photographs of the fissures and lava river are all over the internet. I couldn’t help but venture a little closer to the glow. Like a moth, I felt its draw. So one night I drove to Pahoa to see what I could see. The rain clouds could only dim the light. Even with all of the rain, the glow was magnificent.

 

Of course I can not take credit for the photo of the glow from Mauna Kea. The credit goes of one of the many great photographers documenting the flow. I only wish I could remember which one…

 

As the Island Grows

Weeks have passed and the lava has given no indication that it is going to stop. Fissure 8 is pumping molten lava out like a gushing artery. So many have lost their homes. The landscape is changing every minute as the lava now dumps into the ocean. The fumes and gases are causing the landscape untouched by lava to turn various shades of brown.

Taking the line of greatest decent, the lava took a turn for one of the treasured places one the island - Kapoho. The tide pools that were full of coral and marine life are now covered over. Within two days, houses were swallowed and new land was created.

The summit of Kilauea has continued to cave in on itself as all lava has disappeared. With each drop, the earth shakes. HVNP is closed to visitors as cracks are forming in roads and foundations of buildings become unsafe.

The mind still struggles to wrap around all that is taking place. The effects are spreading far beyond the reaches of the landscape as so many lives have been affected. The community is banding together in so many ways. Although the reason is tragic, the human race truly has the ability to rise to the occasion and extend some profound generosity. Tension still exists in many ways, but the tireless effort of the leaders of the community are doing their best to keep all informed with the facts and are collaborating to make the greatest impact for the community as a whole. 

Zentangle

My friend Jean is one of those people that are always on the move and always looking for new exciting things to do. Without her in my life, I would never have experienced so many of the hidden treasures on this island (a bush shaped like a whale, the islands largest bunny rabbit, etc.). This time she led me to an art class in a room I never would have found if she hadn’t already been there once. And so my Sunday afternoon was filled with the calming and surprisingly easy joys of Zentangle. A doodle art form that is perfect for any one that can draw circles and lines for it everything is broken down into those basic forms. Change the size and the quantity and the possibilities are endless! Thanks Jean for yet another fantastic experience. 

Nature’s Paradox

So much activity has been taking place on the island. Fissures are opening in the earth. Lava is flowing. So much lava is flowing. No one knows when it will stop. The world has turned their eyes to the Leilani Estates and the Kilauea volcano. Natural the news everywhere else is sensationalizing the events making it seem as the whole island if not state is on fire. Hardly the case at all, but still lives are being tossed out of the norm as more and more families are being displaced. Yet, when I look at the photos that are coming in hourly, I can’t help but be mesmerized by its beauty- creation in destruction. How often do we get to witness such a natural paradox?

Geology on the Beach

I have been to the green sands beach on the south part of the island more than once now. I have seen the many olivine deposits that fill the cove. Lately my mom has been getting into geology and crystals. This has raised my awareness and caused me  to take a closer look at the earth around me. I went to one of the local beaches today and looked around with my new observant eyes. What did I find all round me, olivine. But this was slightly different as most of it was still at home in its mother rock.

 

The Earth is Shaking

I have felt a couple of earthquakes since moving to Hawaii. I can even remember feeling an aftershock in Michigan one time and the picture frames in my office rattling on the wall in my office at Duke. But those experiences don’t even come close to the past few days. I have been woken up at the earth hours of the morning from my bed shaking. I have lost my balance while walking because of the early moving beneath my feet. Such a crazy sensation! One I will definitely never forget. And the craziest part as they keep happening. I find that I can lay in bed and wonder if I am feeling an earthquake, but then I realize it is just my heartbeat shaking me body. So many are on edge wonder what all of the activity means. The fact that I live miles away from the source spots puts my mind at ease to some degree. Still, it will be interesting to see if the pattern holds and, if anything, all of this means.

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.