We are Definitely Family

The timing of my trip to Michigan was somewhat extraordinary as I was able to see so much family in such a short period of time. Cousins from far off places, new additions, and an uncle I couldn’t recall the last time I saw. Everytime I visit I find new ways to appreciate my family. I am more in tune I feel to the hurts of the past, and the way they affect the happenings of today. But this visit was one that brought me to a new place within myself. I love my family, with all of its scars and their gems, their quarks and their brilliance. By loving them I am finding new ways to love myself, for I am indeed cut from the same cloth.

Changes Every Day

The happenings on the Big Island are still on the forefront of my mind. I check pages and posting regularly to keep up to date with all that is happening. I often feels like I am following the characters of a soap opera.

My favorite way to get information is through the maps that are posted. They have a been a fantastic help to me as I have been explaining all of the events and changes that have occurred over the past few months.

Thanks to all those who are working to produce these maps. You are the unsung heroes catering to the needs of the graph/map/visual aid community.

 

Northern Michigan

 

I recently learned there is some debate as to where Northern Michigan actually begins. I had no idea that Michigan covered 5 latitudinal lines or that there was such a distinction between the parts in the north of the Lower Peninsula. All this was revealed to me as I continued my mainland travels by visiting my aunt and uncle in Houghton Lake, Michigan.

Growing up as a kid, we would drive up to the Houghton Lake area to go visit my grandpa and grandma. The memories from childhood always seem so much smaller than what you remember. This was no exception as my aunt drove us though their old neighborhood.

Memories flooded in on more than one occasion of exploring the woods at the end of the road or biking around the neighborhood. Now everything was just closer.

We did venture out further taking a day trip up toward Traverse City and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. I got my workout climbing up the massive dune. With each step I traveled half the distance as the sand slipped beneath my feet. The climb, however, was well worth it as I enjoyed some beautiful views from the top. The trip down is really where all the fun was a I could help but slide down as if I were skiing on snow instead of sand.

My aunt and uncle have always made me feel like I am their favorite niece as this time was no different. My uncle pulled out all the stops cooking some fantastic meals. Thanks you two for reintroducing me to Northern Michigan.

Golden State Weekend

Nothing fills a transitional period like a little traveling and time well spent with and old, dear friend. My mainland adventure started with a few hiccups as my flight from Kona was delayed which caused me to miss my connecting flight to San Jose. Laura, being the amazing friend that she is, worked on the fly and drove to pick me up at the San Francisco airport instead. This set the stage for a beautiful drive down the 1 along the coastline, stopping along the way to explore shorelines, the Pigeon Point Lighthouse, and the quaint town of Pescadero.

The weekend had a great balance of city and nature. Canoeing, geocaching, and having a reunion of the Maui clan are only a few of the highlights. I too was introduced to the Nintendo Switch and found myself hooked to Overcooked. This chaotic, co-op cooking game really focused on teamwork instead of competition and it was such a refreshing spin on the video game world.

This I feel will be my last visit to Mt. Hermon. Change is in the wind for Laura as she is looking to move closer to the east coast. I am excited for her, but also a little sad as I have been to visit her here so many times it is hard to imagine her living anywhere else. Next time she will get to show me around her new city and see where our newest geocaching venture will take us! Thanks for your friendship and wonderful hospitality Laura!

Surprise Legacy Project

Almost 2 years and 11 months ago I started working at Pacific Quest. The journey has been one that I never would have imagined for myself. It has pushed me to emotional levels that I probably would never have ventured to otherwise. Each day unpredictability was expected. Thinking of the fly, managing your own needs and emotions while helping others do the same was the daily norm.

Since August I have been out of the field and working a slightly less stressful position filling empty gaps here and there. Changes in the structure of the company as well as they layout of the building have been developing and coming to fruition. I was asked to make a simple sign to help one manager have a few less eruptions in her day as people are trying to figure out which new door lead to which room. This request started the chain of events that led to the creation of my legacy project.

I will no longer be walking the halls of Pacific Quest, but my signs will be there adding a splash of color and helpful information. Mixed emotions reign as I will definitely miss aspects of my job, but I also am excited for the prospects ahead as I move into a teacher’s assistant position at a public charter school in early August. The PQ chapter has officially ended. Time to start the next chapter.

37 Years in the Making

Another birthday has arrived. I haven’t even figured out what being 36 means and here I am turning 37. I started the day having a beach to myself and ended the day with one of my favorite activities. Line dancing at the Elks definitely keeps me feeling young. I thought I would make it through the evening with no one knowing it was my birthday, but it leaked. I am so thankful for this community. Like going to a family gathering each week, they have turned in to part of my extended family. My local Ohana.

4th of July Rodeo

Headed to Waimea this morning to experience the 56th Annual Parker Ranch Rodeo and Horse Races. With our early arrival, the crowd trickled in for the event on this beautiful day. The pace quickened as the first steer was released for the Po’o Wai U event. With keiki barrel racing, team roping, and horse races woven in between my long, holiday weekend kicked off brilliantly. Thanks @hmatthews4 for joining the fun. ❤️ #bigislandbliss #hannahsfirstrodeo #happy4th #parkerranchrodeo2018 #throathurtsfromcheering #horseracingissothrilling

Only One Night

The cycle of plants amazes me. This plant-a gnarly cactus-produces this magnificent flower. But the catch: it only blooms for one night. I caught its beauty in the coolness of the morning. Now it begins its next journey of transformation into pitaya also know as dragon fruit. #iheartnature #morningsurprises #asbigasmyface #thisplanetisamazing #fingerprintofGod

50 Years

Oh the sweet smell of plumeria filling the summer air! So thankful my neighbor let me gather as many blossoms as I could reach to make this lei to celebrate my friend’s 50th birthday. Little did I know plumeria are her favorite flowers. #happybirthdaykimi #ohthecolors #giftfromtheland #bigislandbliss

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