Honeymoon Adventure Day 3

Up with the sun and inspired. This seemed to be our mantra for the entire trip. The journey we took this particular day required us to drive over 2 and a half hours to the west side of the island, to our final destination in Kona. The positive side to this seemingly dreadful notion of being stuck in the car for more than 2 hours, was the ever changing paradise we were able to see along the way. Tropical rocks and fields transformed into desert plains, back into flowing valleys with horses, into explosive mountains, and finally into a rich coastline, booming with people and resorts.

Our first stop was the birth place of King Kamehameha, who under his rule, united all of the islands of Hawaii. To the Hawaiian people, he was a symbol of their strength, culture, and dedication to preserve their homeland and values. It was somewhat surreal to walk through the very place where he first made his entrance into the world, especially knowing the incredible impact he had on his people. Before we could begin the main focus of our day, snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay, we wanted to get out on the water and kayak around the cliffs and beaches. This kind of excursion is not for everyone as it requires significant upper body strength and synchronization, two things Jerry and I thankfully both have! Being out in the open water was a very humbling experience. At any time we could have been swept away by the pounding waves that smashed against the jagged cliffs. The sure strength of Mother Nature becomes all to evident when you are completely immersed in her. Talk about feeling small!



Upon returning our kayak, we took a short walk over to the dock where we entered our double decker cruise boat. The staff of the Fair Winds cruise were all very insightful, light hearted, and entertaining. They provided us with all of the necessary snorkeling gear, as well as a plethora of information about the boat, island, and it's history. Two beers and 45 minutes later, we reached our destination of Kealakekua Bay, the location where Captain Cook perished. Kealakekua Bay is an underwater sanctuary, heavily protected by the National Parks and Government because of the unique environment and wide variety of sea creatures that thrive here. While snorkeling we swam with what appeared to be clouds of tropical fish, corral in every color imaginable, and even saw a 3 foot shark swimming just feet below us. The pictures we took aboard this amazing part of our trip do not to justice to what was actually seen.





Driving back towards our hotel, the sky around us was on fire. Neatly nestled in the lava rocks on either side of the main stretch of highway were bright white rocks spelling out names and messages. One of my favorite quotes was "YOU ARE FREE". It really seemed to capture the overall conscious feeling of our day. Beyond exhausted from an active, adventurous day, we called it a night after a delicious pasta dinner at a local restaurant. Day 3 had proven to be more than memorable.

Honeymoon Adventure Day 2

We rose with the sun each morning, up while it was still dark, to beckon the sun with the rest of the island. Some of the most peaceful moments on our trip came from sitting on the rocks, clutching a hot cup of coffee, talking, laughing, and waiting for the sky to rise and light up. This morning ritual became the only way to start each day's adventure, something I miss dearly now that I am without it.


Our first stop on our long list of things we could and would do, was the Volcanoes National Park. The National Parks system best describes this majestic location as a place that "displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution -- processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with unique ecosystems, and a distinct human culture. The park highlights two of the world's most active volcanoes, and offers insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and views of dramatic volcanic landscapes." The most unique attribute to this worldly wonder is how quickly the terrain and landscape changes within such a short distance. One minute you are viewing the steaming smoke pouring out from a 2 mile wide crater, and the next you are walking through a wet rain forest. We spent several hours here, covering every hiking trail, look out point, and special attraction. The lava tubes you could walk through underground were especially epic.




Upon our departure from the park, we drove south towards the southern coast of the Big Island. There we witnessed first hand the sweeping landscape, powerful waves, and whipping wind. Most of this outing was in silence as words could not do justice to what was really experienced.

As you could imagine after spending most of the day exploring, we worked up quite an appetite. In downtown Hilo, we found the absolute best burger place you could ever imagine. (thank you iPhone applications!) The building itself stood out in red and black, as most were weathered and rusted from the unforgiving climate on the Big Island. Once inside, we immediately began to dissect the menu. All of their burgers were made from 100% free range, Kona Beef, and constructed in the most appetizing of ways. Cuisine concoctions that could only be imagined by the most educated of taste buds. This place was so good, we made a second trip on our last day!

Filled to the brim with beef and french fries, we made our way back to the hotel for some relaxing snorkeling and swimming in the bay. Right beneath our room was a crystal blue waters, filled with coral and tropical fish. We finished our day soaking in some sun, floating in the water, and drinking more of our favorite Longboard beer. Day 2 SUCCESS

Honeymoon Adventure Day 1

After a long, yet surprisingly pleasant flight, we arrived in Hilo, Hawaii. Even as our plane landed on the runway, the landscape that surrounded us was surreal. Tropical flowers, fields of green, and crystal blue waters, overwhelmed our sense of sight and really hit home that we were far from it.

With most of our day taken up by traveling, we decided it was best to familiarize ourselves with our new location, as the Big Island of Hawaii would be our playground for the next few days. Our first venture was a scenic drive up the Hamakua Coast. This stretch of highway drops you right along the coastline, heading north along the east side of the Big Island of Hawaii. (A little known fact about the Big Island of Hawaii, is it is the only place in the world that has all 7 different climates. Depending on the direction you travel, your terrain changes like pages in a book.)

The Hamakua Coast itself is extremely lush, magnificently tropical, and intensely dense. Entire neighborhoods and structures are consumed with vegetation, exotic plants, and bright blooming flowers. Along the way there are several look out points where you can stop and soak in the dramatic views of cliff sides, ocean waves crashing into rocks, pineapple fields, and so much more. It was hard not to become emotional while making this journey by car, as the thriving environment around you served not only as natural wonder that left you in awe, but a reminder of how small and rather insignificant we are in the scheme of things.

Our evening ended with a great Mexican restaurant in downtown Hilo, followed by a few bottles of delicious Longboard Ale, while watching the sun go down on the dock of the bay at our hotel. Within a matter of hours, Hawaii had won our hearts.

Strength and Love in Structures

Despite the consuming thoughts that race within my mind about the medial tasks to complete before our wedding in 3 days, this morning I felt it was important to reflect on the reasons for our union and why the location of our ceremony is so special.

The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco is an absolutely stunning location on its own. The architecture and landscape alone make it a storybook place to celebrate any occasion. What drew us in to wanting to commemorate our union as a married couple here was not only the sense of awe and wonder you experience, or the respect this location commands, but it's history and metaphorical connection to us as a couple.

Not many who have visited this incredibly popular spot know of its history. After the devastating earthquake that struck San Francisco in 1906, the project to construct the Palace of Fine Arts was meant to show the world that San Francisco was industrious and could rise from the ashes, rebuild, and become stronger after such a monumental natural disaster.

Throughout the decades, with unending support from the City and its community, the Palace of Fine Arts has survived through 2 World Wars, weathering, and erosion. Efforts to preserve this monument between the 1950's to the 1970's is the only reason this amazing structure can still be visited.

Sometimes I feel as though Jerry and I are up against a similar battle. Marriage was once considered to be a sacred union, one that was only entered into out of love, commitment, and genuine need for the other person over a lifetime. Unfortunately today, marriage does not have such a happy connotation. Long-term, healthy relationships are few and far between, and part of the reason I choose to marry, is to re-instill the sanctity of it. I grow tired of the new age thought processes that seem to run from any and all responsibility or commitment. In a way, we're taking the idea of marriage back to what it used to be.

I have no doubts that our wedding day will be all that we hoped, but more importantly, I have no doubts that our marriage will last and prove how strong we are as a couple and eventually as a family.

Children of Monsters

I thought this was pretty amazing and wanted to share.

"Eleven years ago Dave Devries started the Monster Engine project with one single question: What would a child’s drawing look like if it were painted realistically? This month, Dave’s art is being celebrated at the INDYINK gallery where dozens of artists are putting their own takes on children’s sketches."

A Different Pathway

For as long as I can recall, the way I was taught to deal with conflict was to take swift, immediate action. The problem with this type reaction is I never gave myself the proper time to evaluate any and all possible means of resolution. When put into a situation where I was upset or angered, the world around me was no longer shades of grey, but just black and white... right and wrong... crime and punishment.

Throughout the years, communication with people has been severed, much like a head on a chopping block, without allowing myself to take a moment to really consider what I was doing. Pride and internal supreme visions of justice over took my ability to take a step back and view the world as a third person observer.

In my recent moments of habitual family chaos, it became evident that this way of "dealing" with the things I cannot control or fix, has caused my vigilante brain to slow down and create a new neural pathway. Rather than bolt up the metaphorical mountain on a well-beaten and familiar path, I now wander slowing through the brush, chipping away at the ground below. Reaching the top of this mountain is still the goal, but reaching it the right way is now the motivation.

Chakras

My latest tattoo project that I am very proud of and feel very empowered by, is the set of 7 chakras. This has been a project I have always wanted to do because these Sanskrit symbols resonate deeply within me as a healer and spiritual being.

To give a little background information, the Sanskrit word chakra means "wheel" or "turning". Our chakras, the rotating energy centers of our bodies, are, if unblocked, spinning constantly, sending and receiving energy. These energy centers receive and transmit energy from within and from our surroundings in order to balance our energetic bodies.

Historically in Asian cultures, chakras are depicted by the lotus, a sacred flower that opens its petals out like a funnel, connecting the structure of the lotus to the function of a chakra. Interestingly enough, the lotus lives its life on the water without ever becoming submerged in it, just as a self-realized master lives in this world without being effected by the illusion of it.

As I progress further down my spiritual path, I find peace in this kind of beautiful imagery.

Breaking the Mold

Over the weekend, my fiancé and I visited the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre in San Francisco, the place in which we will marry one another in less than 2 months.

While most couples choose to plan expensive and elaborate ceremonies, we chose to take the road less traveled. Rather than place importance on the orchestrated politics of planning a wedding tailored to other's needs, a simple elopement ceremony, with the blessings of our loved ones, is how we prefer to start our married life together.

My idea of fully committing myself to another person, is a very intimate and important event, one that I believe has more meaning if it is done solely for the person you are devoting yourself to. On our wedding day I want to be swept up in the pure emotion and light that is the love we share, without any outside distractions.

I am very thankful to have been given such an amazing man, who shares the same core values and ideals that I do. Not many "brides" are as relaxed and stress free as I am, with their wedding merely 2 months away. Regardless of the objections we have faced by making this decision, our union will be unique, beautiful, and everlasting.

Simple Words

"Leave no stone unturned,

no bridge burned,

no lesson unlearned,

no praise unearned."

Accept every challenge, live life fully engaged,

and rest assured that the view at the journey's end will be spectacular.

The Jar (Thanks Dad)

A professor stood before his philosophy class with some curious items in front of him.

When the class began, he picked up a very large and empty jar and filled it with golf balls.He then turned to the students and asked, if the jar was full. They all agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. Shaking them lightly the pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He again asked the students if the jar was full. And again the students all agreed that the jar was now full.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. The sand filled every nook and cranny. Once more he asked if the jar was full. And once more the students responded with an unanimous “yes.”

As the students laughter subsided, the professor said, “Now, I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.

The GOLF BALLS are the important things; family, children, health, friends, and your favorite passions… things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The PEBBLES are the things that matter like your Job, house, boat and car.

The SAND is everything else: The small stuff.

‘If you put the sand in first, there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.’

The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

Three Years and Counting...

For the past three years, my life has been drastically changed by one man. Each and every day we bring out the best in each other. I simply cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with him. I love you Jerry!

Sometimes music is the best way to express how the heart feels.

Finding Freedom in Material Possessions

I have never been an advocate of owning expensive possessions because I felt, and still do feel, that is not the material things you have that define who you are as a person. However, as my purchases become larger and more lavish, I justify the expense of possessing these items by the freedom and happiness they cultivate.

Our newest "piece of serenity" that we added to our ever growing collection was a 2010 Harley Davidson Street Bob. Since I was a child I was raised on these American Made Machines, taught to respect the road and the rider. Some of my fondest memories as a girl came from riding through the mountains with my father, clutching his thick leather jacket and feeling the whipping wind all around my tiny, little body. I witnessed first hand the community of misjudged men and women, who under their harsh and alternative exteriors, were some of the sweetest and most loyal people I have ever encountered.

It is no surprise to me that the man I marry would share a similar appreciation and passion for these beautiful and timeless motorcycles. There is an overwhelming sense of joy I feel from watching the smile stretch across Jerry's face when he rides his Harley. I not only adore the ritualistic way he prepares for each journey, but also the way his cheeks are flushed red when he comes home from his ride.

As ironic as it may seem, spending money on the things that truly bring light into your life, is a great way to reward yourself for the hard work of the daily grind. I wonder what is next...

20TEN Roots

It has been well over a year since I have last posted an entry, and I must admit, I have missed this creative outlet.

Over the last 13 months, the affirmations I worked so hard at becoming reality, are now tangible. One of the most gratifying accomplishments of 2009 was the purchase of our first home. My fiancé and I decided it was time for us to really build a solid foundation for our future and the best way to do that was to invest in property.

Last March we set forth on our uphill journey towards home ownership. After 5 long and grueling months, which in reality felt like an eternity, we managed to accomplish what seemed impossible to us before. From the moment the keys were placed into our hands, home ownership has proven to be the most rewarding experience we have ever gone through together. Years before I met my husband-to-be, my head was filled with notions that my personal freedom would be jeopardized & my spirit trampled, if I was to ever lock myself into a huge commitment, such as marriage or a home mortgage. I now see that these were the whispers of jaded person, who for countless reasons, feared being happy and feared the opportunity to break vicious cycles.

In all honesty, my home has been and still is a constant learning experience. Whether it was practicing patience while dealing with a chaotic real estate market, adjusting to to "adult" worries such as property taxes and insurance, or allowing myself to embrace the wife and mother I will become within these walls, my home is the catalyst of these major life changes.

"It takes hands to build a house, but only hearts can build a home".