One my favorite Mark Twain quotes is:
"Concerning the difference between man and the jackass: some observers hold that there isn’t any. But this wrongs the jackass."
While visiting the island of Kauai, he visited Waimea Canyon, which he dubbed "Grand Canyon of the Pacific. As you know, I am bit partial to the island.
Happy Birthday, Mark Twain!
As I sit in front of my computer, wearing my favorite flannel PJ's and Ugg's, trying to keep warm. I daydream of a warm day, in the not so distant past.
A day that started like any other day in paradise. Watching the sunrise and mediating on the Pacific ocean; wondering how the day will unfold. One word popped into my head: BICYCLE.
Off we went to Coconut Coasters in Kapaa, on the east coast of the island, to rent basic beach cruisers. This great bike shop is located on the new bike & pedistrian path, Ke Ala Hele Makalae: "The path that goes by the coast".
The path hugs the coast and you see areas that can't be seen by a car. The path will some day stretch from North of the airport, in Lihue to Anahola. It's a bit of secret with the vistors but the locals use for walking and biking.
You ride along and than you see unexpected pieces of history, in front of you.
This is what is left of an old Pineapple pier. It's the only reminent of the old plantation.
There are older pieces of history, along the path. But you wouldn't know it, if wasn't for this sign.
There are a few beach acesses, that you can't see from the road.
Along the path are these pavillons with tables. Perfect for picnic.
Reminincing of this day has indeed warmed me. Ahhh Kauai.
All of this beauty, 3 bikes and a few hours, only cost us $68. It was the bargain of our trip. So if you are ever on the island of Kauai, rent a bike, pack a picnic and ride the path. You won't regret it.
Why Kauai?
I am asked this question so many times over the years, that my answer is starting to sound canned and contrite. This year's visit to her beautiful shores (Kauai is female to me) started the internal conversation within in myself.
Why Kauai?
Here are my answers.
It's the color of the sunrises, over the Pacific ocean.
It's the rain and the rainbows.
Each island has a color. Kauai is purple.
It's her hidden coves and beaches.
And not so hidden beaches..................................
It's the small towns that still have the feel of the "old" hawaii of yesterday.
It's her majestic Waimea Canyon.
These are only a few of the reasons, I return to Kauai. Feeling the warm trade-winds on my skin, listening to the doves & Mayna birds sing outside the window makes my soul soar.
It's my definition of paradise. That's why it's Kauai.
Did you all wonder if I had fallen off the face of the earth?
No.
Or was I kidnapped by aliens?
No.
I was here, can you guess?
There will be a lot more posts of this trip. I promise.
Stay tuned.
Aloha.
Soon I will wake to your lovely sound.
Soon I will walk your shores.
Soon I will smell your scent.
Soon I will watch you surf.
Soon, my beloved Kauai.
As the leaves start to drop on my back deck; images of turtles, sandy beaches, swaying palm trees and warm tradewinds, populate my thoughts.
I whisper, "Soon"
Yes, that's right. I am having a horrendous longing to be on my beloved island, Kauai.
Hanalei Valley
The longing starts to rear it's painful head, around this time of year; the "vacation" season or mid-summer. Watching others post their vacation pictures or update their blogs of wonderful locations or joyful respites from the daily grind of life, makes me pine even more for a summer playtime.
Shipwreck Beach
To combat these summer/vacation blues, I start to count the days until I too can relax and play. Once the countdown starts, I reminisce of past visits to the lovely Garden Island.
Plumerias
I try to remember the smell of the ocean, the plumerias, a proper Mai Tai, suntan lotion and sun rising over the Pacific Ocean.
You ask, "Why don't you plan a vacation in the summer"?
Good Question.
Habit, I think.
Now that it's the half way point of summer, I start to yearn for that sultry, summer vacation. It's about this time of the year, that my heart & soul yearns for the Hawaiian trade-winds to brush my skin and to taste the salt from the sea on my lips. To listen to the waves crash below the lanai and the sweet sounds of the Ukulele from the stereo, while I nurse my Koloa Cocktail; the perfect vacation moment.
But due to scheduling conflicts of two jobs and pickiness for certain type of accommodations; the month of October is vacation time for this gal. So this picture will have to suffice, for now.
Aloha Friday!
Life is a series of "Hellos & Good-byes".
I was told this several years ago. For me this was a new concept of timing and change is one's life.
At first, I struggled with this very simple but spirtiual concept. Then it struck a deep chord within me.
Yes, Life is a series of hello's and good-bye's.
Life is a series of "Hellos & Good-byes".
Perhaps it was my youth, that I only thought of the new people that came into my life, the "Hellos", not the "good-byes". There was no endings, only possibilities & opportunities. It also seemed like there were so many new experiences to enjoy/feel.
Oh, I had plenty of good-byes, believe me. But I didn't dwell on them. Was that my youthful resilience?
Life is a series of "Hellos & Good-byes".
In the last 24 months, it seems that I have experienced more "Good-byes", than "hello's.
Is it my age, that has me focused on the endings? Or was it a death of a parent that gave more weight to my morality? Or both?
Is it my growing years that makes it difficult to cultivate "hello's"? Nah!
Life is a series of "Hellos & Good-byes".
These past months have only been a bump in time, more like a speed bump. A wake-up call, to remind myself that a life fulfilled is one in which I am present and mindful, in this moment.
The sun will rise and set, every day. I will enjoy both.
That being said, Hello!
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