Hawaii Part One

Hawaii seems like a distant memory already.  How can it have been three weeks ago that we were surrounded by paradise?  I was so nervous to go and yet I was so welcomed by the relaxation and peace that came with it.  That combination along with nature's pure, breath taking sights was enough to fill my senses and I'm hopeful that sensation will last awhile!

Our first sunrise on Maui.

How do I go about writing a recap of a week that meant more to me than words can say?  This trip was long overdue. This trip was about leaping on too good a deal on air fare.  This trip was planned by friends whom we consider family. Every last detail was thought out and reservations made.  All I really needed to do was pack and show up.  And sometimes, that felt like a lot. . .because I'm a nervous flier.  And it's a long flight.  But the pros outweighed the cons and we were in it.  We were ready for rest, relaxation, and adventure.  Maui did not disappoint!

 This was "Big Beach" and it had some really BIG waves!  Notice the red flags.  Lifegaurds were asking people to stay out of the water, which I happily obliged, rule follower that I am.  The beach and mountains were gorgeous, but those huge, crashing waves were fierce.  My feet never felt the ocean on this beach.

We had to go to the La Haina Luau, because everyone must go to at least one in their lifetime!  This is the same one I went to about fifteen years ago with my parents, little brother, and papa .  It hadn't changed much and the traditional food was even better than I remembered, or maybe it's just that I appreciated its authenticity so much more now.

I had a drink and cheers-d my dad, who was celebrating his birthday three thousand miles away at home.

The thing about this trip, is I was very much a noticer.  There was so much lush beauty to take in, and I really tried to. . .when I wasn't reading one of my many books I brought along.  A vacation wouldn't be great if I wasn't able to bring my voracious appetite for books.  This trip did not disappoint in the least!  

Speaking of disappointments. . .I don't think I can ever eat a California shaved ice again.  There is no comparison!  Uluanis Hawaiian Shaved Ice was absolutely the best EVER!  So good, it will only ever be THAT good there in Hawaii.  

Speaking of good. . .I had to get myself a Dole Whipped, because, well...Hawaii! 

It was mighty tasty, but nothing compares to that shaved ice!  Nothing, I tell you!  These simple adventures would have been enough, but there was so much more.  There's a whole camera I haven't even downloaded pictures from!  These are just snapshots of our first couple days with my phone.  I think I had to wait awhile to go back and begin documenting this trip.  First, I needed to not be missing it so badly.  And next, the writing of the recap now, is just what I need to keep my mind set in the second honeymoon phase with E and I home together for the next couple weeks.  I'm smiling as I write this.  Our trip was a good one, probably the next best trip to our honeymoon because it was all about us.  Just us.  We missed out on the chaos of home and it was good.  So good it's going to take me awhile to get all our pictures in.  Bare with me.  This adventure is one for our memory books.  And if you're reading this:  get out there and create some new adventures of your own!  You will never regret it!

Leaping Fearlessly

It's the morning of our departure.  I awoke to a sweet text from our twelve-year-old.  I awoke to cool breeze finally flying through the hall way.  I stood on the lanai and looked out into the darkness with waves crashing loudly against the shore.  The sound of the wind almost howling as it rattled palm trees.  We have not felt breeze in the whole week we've been on the island.  It has been humid and breeze-less, so what a fitting exit this is.  It's as if the skies are saying their good-byes with a little taste of how good it can be here when it's not a stormy season.

I watched the sun rise again.  Ernie joined me,coffee cups in hand, out on the lanai.  We watched glorious colors pour from behind pure white cloud puffs as the sun rose.  I do not think I would ever tire of this majestic sight.  I seem to miss this at home regardless of my early arising.  It just doesn't look the same. But I am realizing, it really isn't the same.  This being away has showed me that.  There are two different worlds I am living in. There is no real work for me to do here.  No housekeeping. No raising of littles.  All that is here is beauty and fun and us.  And what a fabulously rich trip it has been!This morning looking through pictures of our adventures while here,  God planted the song, "These are Days" by 10,000 Maniacs. I played it for E and we reflected on moments during our trip and I laughed until I cried.  Or maybe I cried and then laughed. I can't recall which came first because both were from such a joyous place!

But life beckons and we must return to our eager littles. And I'm ready and not ready in the same breath. The peace that is in this place is very different than the peace I must make in my own home.  I am reminded of the need to create: be it beauty, time, or adventure. . .I must continue to create and carve out pockets of fun and opportunities for me to keep practicing to live a fearless life. Yesterday on the boat I saw a tatoo on a woman's back. It simply said, "Leap Fearlessly."  And I couldn't help but focus on it.  While I stepped out of my comfort zone this trip...and a chronicle of our adventures, will definitely follow. . .I was reminded to LEAP.

Maui will be the vacation I remember for the leaping.  Saying yes to this adventure before I had worked out the details was definitely a leap.  I want to continue leaping, and being fearless, goes without question. I've dedicated a whole year to that word--and probably need a lifetime of practice!  When I think of the word, fearless, I also hear my father whisper, "Fear not, for I am with you."  So, this afternoon I take that comfort and get back on an airplane, back to the life I love completely refreshed and renewed.
Aloha!