Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Oahu: North Side

We took a trek one day along the North Shore.  The waves weren't that high, but we found a spot with some huge spray and big rocks.  This particular day was a very sad one for me though, because my favorite flip flops died.  I've had them for years and years and years.  They had seen me through painting the INN office, going on mission trips, walking in a flooded bathroom, and a myriad of other scrapes I managed to get myself into.  I almost shed a lone tear.  However, I happened to be right next to a general store and went in to joyously discover a replacement pair.  Definitely not the same, but they sufficed to allow me to continue my journey. 

North Shore

North Shore

North Shore

North Shore

Oahu: The Valley

Behind our beach house were some seriously majestic mountains, along with a working cattle ranch that gave different types of tours.  We went on a jungle trek in a little Swiss Pinzgauer (the ranch was inordinately pleased about their Pinzgauers) and were able to go over the mountains and see the valley.  Absolutely gorgeous scenery.

Valley

Valley

Valley

Valley

Valley

Valley

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Oahu: Kaaawa Beach House

We have spent the second half of our trip in a private beach house.  About 10 feet from our back door, we have our own beach to laze about on.  Nothing is quite as relaxing as enjoying the life-giving sun without a crowd of people around you.  The house is as you would expect-- nothing grandiose, nothing luxurious, nothing extraordinary.  However, they have everything we could possible need-- boogie boards, snorkeling gear, kayaks.  Not to mention a lanai to eat every meal under, impossibly clear views of the stars that nearly take your breath away, sounds of breakers in the distance that lull you into a blissful state, shallow waters that you can walk out in for a seemingly endless distance, and a stunning view in all directions.  Yes, life has been grand.

I leave you not with pictures of the house, but rather of the things surrounding it.  The things that matter far more than the mere structure on the beach.

These first two are some of the fabulous sunrises we got to see
Kaaawa Beach House

Kaaawa Beach House

Kaaawa Beach House

Our Beach
Kaaawa Beach House

Kaaawa Beach House

Friday, December 18, 2009

Oahu: South Side

By sheer ignorance or happy accident, depending on your point of view, we ended up going around the south side of Oahu on our way to the private beach house we are currently at.  We added several hours to our trek, but decided it was beyond well worth our time. 

We heard crashing waves. 
We felt refreshing wind gusts. 
We saw swaths of blue. 
We tasted salt spray. 
We smelled fruity air. 
We.  Loved.  It.

South Oahu

South Oahu

South Oahu

South Oahu

South Oahu

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Oahu: Waikiki

I'm a detail person.  Always have been.  Always will be.  While you'll find some of my pictures to be the sweeping big picture, most of them are the small things.  The extraordinary ordinaries of life.  Here is just a wee taste of the details I chanced upon in Waikiki.

Waikiki

Waikiki

Waikiki

And a rather large detail... the view from our hotel room.

Waikiki

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Oahu: Hotel Renew

Warmth.  Sun.  Beaches.  Water.  Relaxation.

Do I really have to go home?

I'm currently on Oahu for the week and wanted to share a bit of my time here.  I will put up multiple posts as I go along so that you can see some of my fun.  This first one is from our stay at Hotel Renew in Waikiki.  I have nothing but great things to say about this little boutique hotel.  I completely dislike Waikiki because of the mass of tourists and the caricature of what Hawaii is really about.  It's so fake.  I don't understand how anyone can enjoy it.  However, our hotel was an oasis in the middle of the madness.  They mixed up our reservation, but then bent over backwards to make sure that we were taken care of.  Hotel Renew truly was a renewal. 

Hotel Renew

Hotel Renew

Hotel Renew

Hotel Renew

Hotel Renew

Hotel Renew

Hotel Renew

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Elijah

Watch out girls.  This boy is soon going to be breaking your hearts.  Those freckles.  That hair.  The gigantic grin.  A quiet spirit who loves to laugh.  Yes indeed, he'll be tugging at your heartstrings before you know it.  Not to mention that his favorite subject is math!  You're getting all that and a bag of chips too. 

Here is more of this fabulous guy.

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Sunday, November 15, 2009

Sister Sister Fall Photo Shoot

My gorgeous sisters.  One from the same womb.  One from marriage.  Odd thing is, someone mistook the one who has no relation to me as my twin.  Bizarre.

We spent an hour or two frolicking in the leaves.  Freezing cold and ending with a dubious substance on a sleeve or two that was suspiciously excrement-like in substance.  We didn't care.  They were beautiful.  They were fierce.  They smized to make Tyra proud. 

I love my sisters.  Click here for the full set of photos.


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Thursday, November 12, 2009

Deliciousness

What do I do in my spare moments not taking pictures?

Whipped Hot Chocolate.  Creamy.  Frothy.  Rich.  One friend need a moment to do this after tasting it.  Not even joking.

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Apple Andama Coffee Cake.  Dense.  Warm.  Fragrant.  A barely-sweet molasses and cinnamon studded apple cake.  Perfect for breakfast with a steaming mug of coffee.

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Thursday, November 5, 2009

Emily Senior Pictures

Emily.  A girl who has walked through all sorts of life experiences in her 18 years.  A girl who lacked confidence 4 years ago has blossomed into a caring mom who wants nothing but the best for her son.  A girl who is discovering who she is in this world.  A girl who knows with all certainty that life is unpredictable but she must make the best of it.  A girl who still has a long future ahead of her full of discovery of the roads less traveled but more full of beauty.  A girl who will take the scenic route without realizing it, but who, at the end of it, will surely say she is better because of it.  Emily, may your path be clear and may your life be filled with the laughter that's bursting to get out of you.  Enjoy your journey and treasure it all, be it easy or difficult.  Especially the difficult!

Click here for more of this beautiful girl.

Ems

Ems

Ems

Ems

Ems

Ems

Ems

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