A Sari-Sari Life-Hawaiian Style

January Blues?

2012-01-21T09:25:00.001-10:00

The days have been beautiful, sunny yet crisp during the early January days I was visiting Northern California.

Its beautiful to think that even on the west coast in Northern California, they can have such wonderful and moderate winters so you can actually enjoy being outdoors. Today there were clear blue skies, rolling hills and miles and miles of vineyards. (Or is it just the days that I was lucky enough to have perfect timing to visit?)

Spending the day up at Sonoma County up at the Russian River Valley at Martinelli Winery for a simple gathering and potluck is a wonderful way to spend the day and visit with old and new friends.

I really enjoy the day visiting, eating some delicious foods and drinking some amazing Sonoma Valley wines and just admiring the amazing views on this day.

It’s fun trying out all the old farm equipment, even if most are antique and rusting away.

Wild turkeys roam the entire county, even though these are family pets.

Ah yes, eating is a fun pastime and the cup cakes were too good to pass up!

Such a nice visit, I’m glad I got to visit and enjoy the day here at the Russian River valley.

Time for Playland at Ocean Beach

2012-01-16T10:03:00.001-10:00

I just love trains….

I always come back to the conservatory of flowers during the holiday’s so I could visit the holiday train exhibit – its one of the pleasures of visiting San Francisco during the holidays.

This years exhibit was geared towards the old Playland which originally was along the ocean front of San Francisco and had its heyday during the forties and fifties and ran all the way to the early 1970’s. The exhibit was a lot of fun seeing recreated parts of the ocean front and the huge cliff house along the edge of the cliffs.

A close up detail of the many trollies from the city going to Playland.

The ornate Cliff house, hugging the cliffs of the city and facing the expansive ocean beach into Playland.

I never saw the large victorian Cliff House here, I think it burned down in 1907, just one year after the great earthquake of 1906. It must have been the place to visit while in San Francisco back then.

As usual the place is packed with children coming to see the train exhibits and jostling to have fun at the toys and props that they can play and climb on.

How do you make this go, I’m sure this kid is wondering?

I love these special exhibits and am fortunate to see this when I visit during the holiday’s. Hope you enjoyed the visit also!

Happy New Year From Hawaii Island

2012-01-11T10:12:00.001-10:00

Its such a beautiful day today, in fact the whole week has been amazing with beautiful blue skies.

Even so this is our rainy season and the weeks prior were filled with non-stop days of drizzle, slow rain to bucket loads of rain coming down in one day. It wouldn’t be unusual to have a day with over ten inches of rain in just one location.

But today. it’s a gorgeous day and we do go outside to enjoy the day and just sit to watch the magnificent views.

Happy New Year to all from beautiful Hawaii!

What a Wonderful Parade.

2011-12-17T08:58:00.001-10:00

To say that this is a totally zany parade is an understatement. Welcome to the Pahoa Christmas parade in East Hawaii, where you wont find the typical types of floats, people and Christmas cheer everywhere else.

Here, we celebrate the unique, crazy and fun that happens to everyone in this neck of the woods and the parade, really manifests the entire spirit of this community.

Don’t you think this is different?

I always love antique cars, especially when they are dressed in beautiful

flowers

Look even Aunty Claus’ sister made a guest appearance today!

I think this little tot, was going for the best float award in the parade, what a cutie!

Plenty of free hugs to go around today from the teletubbies.

Whats a parade without our local ukelele marching players?

one of my favorite troups, Da Puna Wieners all dressed up…

I’m dressed up and still looking for my treat, have you seen it?

Roller derby is hot in East Hawaii, these are the champion Hilo derby girls.

Past USO performer and still going strong, doing it for the Toys for tots drive, way to

go!

Horses and tinsel, whats not to like?

Chicken man is a well known attraction here in Pahoa town…want to buy a souvenir

chicken?

Our local circus group, does a very colorful show with unicycles, twirlers and sweet kids.

Our local version of santa on a sleigh, here he comes in a Big Yellow truck, courtesy of our

local fire department.

That’s the Parade at Pahoa, hope you enjoyed the whole show, it was another

special parade for participants and marchers alike.

Christmas Treat

2011-12-15T07:50:00.000-10:00

Where's my christmas treat, i've looked everywhere...

Christmas is Here

2011-12-06T07:40:00.000-10:00

Okay, I"m ready....where's the paaaarty???

Peace at a Zen Garden

2011-12-02T10:02:00.001-10:00

Oh how I would love to come here often and just have some time to be

quiet, breath

and relax

maybe just take a moment to contemplate about my life

and where I’m going

but its too easy to get

distracted in this space…

- its just too beautiful here …

I love this tactile environment - I want to run my hands all through this beautiful

moss, then look at all the details

up close

down

every

little micro-organism.

Its very green and lush here, a perfect environment for this moss to grow

along with these ohia trees with their peeling bark and crevices filled with

green fungus

mold

and bumpy looking bacteria

growing

on their stong limbs and stems.

I look up and see the focal point atop a small mound of lava rocks and moss

lies a beautiful and simple buddah head

– its sits there so peacefully and

invites you in to come in and enjoy this welcoming environment.

Aaaaaaaah – yes breath in this forest

and enjoy the moss!

I wish that I could visit here more often…..

The Waterfalls are Amazing

2011-11-19T07:46:00.001-10:00

With the almost non-stop days of rain in East Hawaii, the plants around paradise are happy.

Even with the constant rain, its easy to be outside to do errands and still enjoy the day. Driving to a party at Honomu town, I decided to stop and visit the beautiful waterfalls at Akaka Falls. The falls should be amazing now with the rush of waters coming down from the higher elevations of Mauna Kea into the canyon gulches below before they flow into the Pacific ocean.

Wasn’t I right? Its is amazing to see this - sometimes you just need to take a

break from the everyday routines to enjoy the moment and nature around you.

Especially when it puts on such a spectacular display.

Rainy Day Garden - A Photo Study

2011-11-08T11:51:00.000-10:00

Its been raining all week, putting a slight damper on doing fun outdoor activities...

Although being able to photograph some garden vignettes in the rain is still doable as you can see and clouds actually make for a better light for detailed studies like these floral and plant displays.

The colors of these tropical plants tend to become more saturated and vivid....shadows add more detailed focus on the the highlights.

Not the Boogey Man!

2011-10-31T08:58:00.000-10:00

Don't be afraid of the Boogey man and have a safe Halloween everyone.

Look Deep into Nature

2011-10-26T07:01:00.000-10:00

Look deep, deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.

- Albert Einstein

Butterflies are Free

2011-10-21T07:10:00.000-10:00

There you are sitting on that stunning flower….can you hold for a sec…..


Oh too fast – I just want to take a pict….

                  Again too fast for me to get you in focus

                                  please stay awhile.

Ah - you are a pretty one – will you pose for me please?
                   Thank you
                       you are a beauty


           Wow you are stunning with your orange wings -

                                the light is magical

                                       and that flower does look so inviting…..

                                Okay, there’s enough for two to share – take it easy now…
                                                                I do want get both of you in for your portraits!

                Beautiful, now hold the pose for me.
                                      Its perfect …. you’re a natural.

I’m enjoying the time visiting and just watching you sitting there.

                        this just made my morning, thanks for dropping by and greeting me.

Peek Into a Beautiful Garden

2011-10-13T09:08:00.002-10:00

Tell me…..

Where do you lead to?

You draw me in completely

with your colorful bouquets and exotic displays

I want

                                                                                  to

                                                                                    see

                                                                                     more

                                                                                         please…..

don’t keep me in suspense – I know there’s more exciting things to see beyond

this magical entry

am I right?

Aaaaah yes…..

- it is beautiful here……

Everything seems to be in bloom.

And the colors are all so vivid and glorious!

Jewels in a sea of green.

It is a beautiful world here – thanks for letting me visit and take a

peek – I hope my friends visiting also enjoyed the tour.

Hawaiian Lifestyles, Just a Slice of it.

2011-10-05T12:41:00.003-10:00

Lifestyle Portfolio - Images by Noel Morata

A few favorite photos I’ve uploaded to my website, showing how we enjoy the outdoors, activities and the simple life here in Hawaii.

Vivid colors seem to predominate in all the photos. From the clothing, the colorful environments and tropical florals, to the various shades of blue in our ocean. Nothing seems to be out of place here.

The Farmers Market at Maku'u in East Hawaii

2011-09-11T09:22:00.002-10:00

It’s farmers market day at our local market at Maku'u in East Hawaii….

   Aaaah, I smell something good cooking at the food stalls just around the corner.

                        What do you think, anyone for some fresh huli huli chicken?

No, that’s not the good stuff

                    - here’s the real deal below!

In Hawaii, we say ‘ Its Da Best ' !

A Black Sand Beach at Punaluu and Turtle Refuge

2011-09-09T09:13:00.001-10:00

I love going to this beautiful black sand beach at Punaluu on the southern part of Hawaii island. It is a turtle refuge and sanctuary for endangered Green and Hawksbill turtles. Punaluu means fresh water with underground fresh water flowing into the bay. Ancient tribes living here utilized the underground streams for survival in this mostly arid and dry region of the island.

The area is also a sacred area filled with ancient temples or heaui complexes used for rituals by the ancient peoples living in this area. It is a very special place and an amazing area to visit on the south side of the island.

Hawaiian Tropical Gardens, A New Gallery Collection

2011-09-04T08:55:00.001-10:00

Hawaiian Tropical Gardens - Images by Noel Morata

Aloha,

Finally I have my gallery photography site up and running. Here’s a quick preview of the gallery of Hawaiian Tropical gardens. If you have time, please drop by and visit my photowebsite, there’s a lot of garden, plants and landscape oriented photography.

Enjoy the visit.

For other Sunday scenes go visit http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com/

Hilo in Full Bloom with the Rainbow Shower Trees.

2011-09-01T08:19:00.001-10:00

(click on image for full view and the slideshow)

Hilo is in full bloom again with the rainbow shower trees or Cassia x nealiea lining most of the major roads coming in and out of town. These beautiful trees are showy with their long cascades of red, yellow and orange flowers in large clumps dripping down their many branches.

Beautiful blooms next to huge monkey pod trees and the large bandstand.

It’s a beautiful time to see this in town and even just to enjoy a brief moment to really see them in their full glory, wouldn’t you agree?

Witnessing a New Day at Pu'ukohola

2011-08-14T06:58:00.002-10:00

Experiencing something new in Hawaii is always something I cherish while living here .

Seeing a new day begin with a special Ceremony at Pu'ukohola – a sacred heiau (temple) in

west Hawaii was one of those new experiences for me.

This event marks an annual right for the Hawaii nations to commemorate their ancestors, rights of passage, their history and this ancient heiau.

The ceremony is quite intimate and grand at the same time, a authentic event celebrated by the participants and viewers alike.

To see other views this sunday go visit http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com/

A Green Sand Beach and Photo Journey

2011-08-09T07:28:00.000-10:00

Exploring a green sand beach in East Hawaii, is a rare treat, most of the beaches on this side tend to be black sand, blank and white or just pebble beaches. This is unique and bringing my camera along to explore the flora and surrounding landscape was a great part of the experience.

I'm also presenting some of the abstract photo imagery that I created in the process. Hope you enjoy the views!

To see other worlds this tuesday go visit http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/

Time for a Luau

2011-07-24T06:46:00.000-10:00

Going to a real luau to celebrate some special occasion is part of enjoying life here in Hawaii. When you include all the trimmings for a party like the kalua pig and hawaiian cuisine and of course the mai tais - it makes a real authentic and personal experience.

Hula dancers add to the excitement and entertainment for the event. A local Halau or dance troop performs dances that are relevant to the luau and the celebrants of this special party.

If you get invited to participate in a luau, don't hesitate and wear your best aloha wear - you will have a great time, guaranteed.

To see other scenic sundays go visit http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com/

A Visit to Marrakesh

2011-07-15T08:48:00.001-10:00

Enjoy the tour http://issuu.com/noelmorata/docs/marrakesh

to view around scenic sundays today go visit http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com/

A Travel Journal - First Visit Barcelona

2011-07-08T06:42:00.001-10:00

Its been awhile getting re-adjusted to a slower pace here in East Hawaii and I've actually been playing around with new software and presentation sites. Here is the first segment of my travel journal covering the beautiful city of Barcelona.

http://issuu.com/noelmorata/docs/barcelona_2011

Enjoy!

To visit other near themes go and visit http://tnchicks.wordpress.com/

Exotic Adventures

2011-05-04T05:27:00.000-10:00

Aloha friends,

I'll be on a short hiatus for the month visiting exotic Spain and Morrocco.....stune tune for exciting updates when I return mid June.

Beautiful

2011-04-29T08:18:00.000-10:00

Making leis is a beautiful craft and at the yearly Merri Monarch Festival celebrating all things hula, the craft shows are lined with master crafters that make spectacular leis

Usually in the front of the craft centers these amazing crafters lure their audience with dazzling arrangements, colors and did I mention the heavenly scents.

The middle lei, filled with jasmine and gardenia....can you smell the sweet scents?

A beautiful lei made completely with natural fibers and plant materials, none of these are died materials.

Here's a whole collection just displayed as a whole, the colors are really amazing to see.

This piece just draws you in completely.

Each piece is truly a work of art and something worth wearing if only for the rest of this exciting week.

.

The tough decision is always to choose which one you would like to wear for these events.

Aren't these amazing, hope you enjoyed them.

This is my contribution to scenic sundays come and visit http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com/

Earth Day Celebration

2011-04-24T17:45:00.001-10:00

I went to the Volcano's National park to view a special hula celebrating Earth day and it was a wonderful experience to be in the presence of nature and the active lava in front of us. These hula dancers from Waimea are paying tribute to Pele who lives in the caldera known as Kilauea.

The hula celebrations are a monthly performance and educational opportunities for the various halau's (hula dance troups) to perform for an audience at the national park. Being in the presence of a living eruption, and a historical presence at Kilauea adds to the excitement of this performance.

The Kumu (instructor) shared many stories about how important nature and the native Hawaiians care and respect for the aina (land). They used only what was essential in their daily rituals and dances. The ancient people's took very special care of the land, the environment and all the resources that were utilized by the native population. And in a similar tradition, the kumu's dance troup are starting to grow most of their own plants that are becoming more rare even in Hawaii.

With the scarcity of these resources necessary in many decorative costumes and materials for their performances, the troups planting of native plants has created a real appreciation to how important the aina is and respect for utilizing these resources with care.

Facing the active Volcano, the hula dancers perform as a tribute and also entertains the audience with dances commemorating Pele, Laka and other important alii (rulers) from the ancient times. The ancient Hawaiians revered and were frightened by Pele - the goddess of fire, and hulas were a common activity to appease her.

A sweet smile makes the audience more engaged with the performances.

The halau takes their final bow for today's performance....very well done.

Fronting the magical presence of Kilaeau Volcano, it is a very spiritual area.

It was a wonderful performance and such a nice sunny day to be outside sharing this event. This is my contribution to our Earth Day, thanks for visiting.

Too see other worlds today go and visit http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/

A Roman Feast

2011-04-19T06:13:00.001-10:00

Our international food group gathered again on sunday to celebrate a roman feast, it was a real challenge for most of the members to come up with an amazing dish and considering that there was a prize for the most spectacular presentation.

Considering there were no peacocks or flamingoes or other exotic meats to be found on our island. It was challenging not to have use of the typical ingredients we associate with Italian meals like tomatoes, rice, potatoes and various grains. There were still many creative and flavorful dishes presented that stole the show.

Everyone was dressed in their best Roman finery for this gala and it was a very festive party.

Our hostess greeting the guests and introducing the dishes that will be served in succession.

Even the weather was perfect, beautiful blue skies and a slight breezy wind. Off shore, a mother whale and baby were playfully making a guest appearance to our exotic event and giving us flipper slaps and breaches, like a high five to add to the fesitivies.

A gorgeous full moon completes this amazing dinner celebration, it was a party not to be missed.

Hope you enjoyed viewing a piece of my weekend...to view more worlds today go visit http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/

Photo hunt Challenge

2011-04-09T07:54:00.000-10:00

Its a cool and wet morning today so I'm on the my computer with a cup of coffee enjoying the morning and surfing the net. Well of course its photohunt day today and the of theme is trees is today's challeng. We have so many beautiful one's to show you in Hawaii, but what always comes to mind are coconut trees. Usually a beautiful grouping by the ocean with amazing vistas of the shoreline or moody skies. This scene I could never get tired of, its a picture along the shore where I take regular morning walks. Talking a picture and seeing it here, just immortalizes the beauty of this area - don't you agree?

I hope you enjoy the views from Hawaii.....

To check out more photohunts go to http://tnchick.com/

A Great Morning

2011-04-02T10:13:00.000-10:00

Its been a very wet week with constant rain and cloudy skies. Saturday morning the clouds cleared, on my regular walk around the shoreline in Hawaiian Paradise Park. It was truly a beautiful morning sunrise filled with pastel colored skies. The golden cast illuminating the surrounding rocks along the coast and creating a breath taking moment that I just had to capture with my camera.

I really am in awe with my morning walks especially when I can see these constant changes taking place in front of me.

To see other worlds today, go and visit http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com/

Tidepool Fun

2011-03-25T15:38:00.000-10:00

Aaah, playing in the tidepools here are just as exciting than hanging out at the beach, especially when they are just the right size for kids to play in.

Splashing, holding ones breath for the longest time or even fishin' for small bait fish is part of the fun in these tiny pools.

I wonder if we can find anything interesting below the surface, maybe some starfish or crabs?

To see other views of the world this sunday go visit http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com/

DId you Know I Sing?

2011-03-22T11:06:00.001-10:00

Outside of blogging, one of my favorite activities is singing with the Puna Men's Chorus and last weekend was our singing retreat down in Kapoho, a beautiful sunny area close to the ocean.

It was a good time to also take some great shots in our formal outfits and lei's. Here's a photo of our fearless music director - Amazing Amy!

Aaaah, yes time to just relax and have a nice potluck by the pool!

Taking the day to practise, practise and more practise along with some team building, picture taking and doing some voice training. It was a fun day and seemed to just buzz by so quickly.

Its time to eat again....yeah there's always time for munchies and breaks.

One of these, day's I'll post a you tube of our current line up of country tunes we will be performing around the island.

By the way we are performing May 1st at the Volcano Art Center for Lei Day and down in Kalani later in the evening. Stay tuned for announcements.

Thats my world this Tuesday, to visit others go to http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/

A Solitary Moment by the Ocean

2011-03-18T20:35:00.000-10:00

I love taking long walks along the shoreline at Hawaiian Paradise Park, the vistas are amaing in the morning and the jagged lava rocks have such amazing patterns and convoluted shapes.

Today's view to the ocean and the stormy clouds were just amazing to view, i'm glad I brought my camera today so i can share this with you.

This is my submission for Scenic Sunday. see others at http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com/

Mardi Gras Moments

2011-03-06T08:56:00.001-10:00

The fairy is coming from the magic forest to welcome guests to a Mardi Gras party ... come on down and join us won't you?

Oh wow here are some of the rare peacock beauties primping at their best.

The king and queen of the event with our ever present Jester, not a serious moment in this party, love the crowns and jewels...

Can we have more partyers with beads and features in this pic please, I just don't think we have enough here...

Waddya think..are my feathers purty enough???

High five!

Here's our hostess with the mostest...love the bow tie man.

Time to git down and boogie oogie to the beat....

To visit other worlds today go to http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/

Three Miles of Ocean Front Property for Sale.

2011-02-28T11:31:00.000-10:00

Guess what, for just a mere forty million dollars you can be the owner of three miles of ocean front property with a very rare green sand beach and well over 2,100 acres of raw tropical land. This area is untouched by any development and has been largely intact for many decades.

This area really feels like Jurassic Park with old trees, jungles, coconut fringed beaches and ocean inslets that are rarely seen by the public.

The estate is privately owned by an Oahu family that rarely visits and originally had plans to build a mega resort here on the East side of Hawaii until family plans made them change course.

There are no structures but a small picnic overhang with stellar views of a beautiful inslet with green sand, one of only two places in Hawaii Island to have a green sand beach.

So now you can be the owners of this beautiful and pristine land a real piece of paradise....any takers?

For other great views of other worlds today go see http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/

Living on the Edge of a Live Volcano

2011-02-25T07:21:00.003-10:00

Ever wonder what it would be like to live on the edge of a live volcano where unpredictable eruptions and lava can overtake whole subdivisions at a whim? Amazingly people do choose to live on the fringe here in Hawaii, with no electric, no water and sewer systems, everything is done off grid and water is collected from the roof or trucked in.

As you can see lots are plentiful and cheap here, all boasting ocean views...and wonderful volcano views at night!

That trail of clouds actually is a trail of lava and steam coming down from the hillsides to the ocean.

Large tracts of once forested and beautiful lands are now scorched. But amazingly, new plants and trees actually sprout from pure rock and rubble - its nature at its best!

This home looks like its engulfed in lava, where actually it was sited between large areas of lava that probably had a flat lava lake where the home now sits. Creating paradise from this land is quite an endeavor.

This is my contribution to skywatch from the edge of Hawaii, to view others go visit http://skyley.blogspot.com/

Sunset on the Red Road

2011-02-20T07:25:00.001-10:00

Last night, the skies were ablaze with magic all over the red road. Before the sunset, vivid hues of lavender, dusty pinks and indigo blues painted the skies with pastel colors.

The immediate foreground of flora was a perfect foil in silohuette against these magnificent skies.

Strange rocks looming over like gaurdian tiki god over looking the ocean waves crashing just added to the exotic vibe of the sunsets.

To see other wonderful sunday views go to http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com/

A Beautiful Hike into Onomea

2011-01-31T08:34:00.000-10:00

On the way to Onomea Bay is are some amazing vistas of the bay and separate beaches including an amazing botanical garden. The hike down to the bay displays some amazing vistas of the bay, tropical plants and a real journey into it seems a world untouched in a very long time.

The botanical garden here is world class and filled with amazing specimen plants. I'll save that for another timeframe for use to visit because the hike down to to the beach area is spectacular. You can just hear the waves crashing and inviting all the come down immediately to see the beautiful views here.

.

Doesn't this look great now that we've made it to the bottom? A beautiful waterfall and stream emptying into the ocean create this beautiful vista point. There's no-one down here which makes that place feel even more special.

To view other worlds today go visit http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/

Skywatch Along the Red Road

2011-01-21T10:07:00.003-10:00

Finally the storms have past our island, even though the rain is welcomed and the garden is replenished. I long to spend some time outdoors and enjoy the beauty around me.

The skies are blue today with soft billowing skies, its a nice time to reflect by the shoreline and just enjoy the beauty of my surroundings.

To see other wonderful skies today go visit http://skyley.blogspot.com/

Graffitti Work - Its Over the Top

2011-01-17T10:46:00.000-10:00

While I was visiting some fun and exciting places in the city (sfo) early in January, I happened to see an exciting alleyway in one of my favorite haunts on Valencia Street. In fact there's alot of artwork on painted buildings all over the neighborhood which makes it a very visual area to walk through and see whats new or changed on a particular building. Here are a few of my favorites from the many you can see on this street.

Not seeing any official name for this long alleyway, I'm dubbing it graffiti alley and its pretty cool - I let the images speak for themselves.

The message in this work just says it all.....

Here I am hanging out with some new friends I identify with....I think we may have alot of things in common.

All the works are quite fantastical if I can say this word - a little fantasy alot magical.

The imagination is just over the top and the amount of craftsmanship and detail with all this artwork quite amazing, don't you think?

even the little details and added window boxes have so much humor in this this expansive installation.

I think I like this work the best, I seem to fit right in....colorwise that is :)

I love seeing fun public art like this especially when you just happen upon it. Valencia Street in San Francisco is just one of those exciting places where you can see this happening all the time.

This is my world visit on Tuesday to visit other worlds go to http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/

A January Walk In Mendocino

2011-01-15T11:01:00.000-10:00

What am I doing at 6 o’clock in the morning walking around in freezing temperatures, let alone the harsh wind chill factor along the cliffs in Mendocino Town, about three hours drive north from San Francisco.

Tossing in bed all night, I couldn’t get to sleep and caught a glimpse of the purple and red skies starting to break. Automatically I grabbed the camera, my coat and a scarf and ran immediately to the cliffs. Knowing that winter skies are some of the purest skies to photograph in the morning, I knew I was in for something special. Opportunity only comes to those that sacrifice that warm bed especially on a very cold morning. And boy did I feel it immediately, with the wind whipping freezing artic blasts of air into any exposed skin not protected from the immediate rush of chill, I though again about heading back to my warm bed.

The sun is coming and casting golden light to the village on the edge of these magnificent cliffs.

Despite all the crazy thoughts, I trudged on and blocked out all thoughts of the brutal cold. Giddy with the morning scene unfolding before me and only a few like souls, I spent the entire morning explore all the various nooks and vistas along the rugged coastline.

There are a few trails leading all the way down to little coves filled with roughed up timber. I decide to just follow the coastal path along the cliffs affording wonderful vistas of the town and the surrounding areas by the water

I explore many of the trails and try to take many pictures but the cold and harsh winds just burn my fingers, fighting for refuge in my thin rain coat, which I accidentally grabbed on the way out the door.

A beautiful throne chair lit up and inviting me to just sit and admire the new day rising to great everyone brave enough to walk in this trail.

Finally morning has appeared and my stomach is grumbling, time to have a hearty breakfast. At least an inspiring morning walk deserves a big country breakfast. Don’t you think?

This was a pleasant hike and one I would not repeat again with an early morning trek so I’m glad I did this on a whim since these are the only pictures I took along the shoreline that day.

To view other scenic sundays go visit http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com/

What a Sweet Place

2011-01-10T14:53:00.001-10:00

This is always what I say when I visit the town of Mendocino, about three hours north of San Francisco, a beautiful community on sheer cliffsides, fronting the blue Pacific ocean. I visited before the New Years with some friends to enjoy a different New Years celebration and it was a treat to be here during non-peak season and enjoy the town without the hordes of tourists.

What I didn’t expect to see during this cold, damp winter season was some actual gardens still presenting some beautiful blooms especially considering the cold artic front that has been approaching from the last few days in the New Year.

I happened across many beautiful homes and gardens hidden behind grand picket fences with Victorian facades. This one is a garden leading to a local bakery/eatery with an outside dining terrace.

A sweet gate welcomes you into the garden and up to the terraced area.

I spotted this still blooming abutilon by the stairway, it was such a nice greeting especially for such a cold and windy morning.

-isn’t this just the type of bench you would love to have in your garden, or at least sit on to enjoy the entire garden unfolding before you?

I’ve never seen these bright fushia colored gazanias before, really intense hot pinks and orange throats, very cheery on such a drab morning.

The last blooms of this hybrid rose before the eminent artic blast coming that night along with I’m guessing is some type of milkweed or viburnum shrub in the background.

Can’t avoid that sweet bench again in the corner….

This is a nice combination of borage and a pink flower I couldn’t identify.

The hebe in the border was flush with purple blooms and the last of the roses starting to bud were still putting on a show.

To visit other worlds this Tuesday go to http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/

A Sea Cliff Hike to Lands End

2011-01-05T08:41:00.000-10:00

It is one of those wonderful sunny mornings in the city when the sky is cristal blue, beckoning you to be outside and close to the ocean... I took a friends bike out to Lands end by the Cliff House to walk the new trails connecting Lands end to China Beach and then to Baker Beach. You can almost walk in a nature preserve all the way along the edge of the hills and cliffside without bumping into skyscrapers or condo complexes. The trails are nice and flat making it accessible for everyone to traverse.

I take the stairs down to the concrete observation area next to the Cliff house to observe the waves crashing and the beautiful vistas of the Marin headlands...its really brisk but clear, so you can see all the way down to Point Reyes in Sonoma.

I've always dreamed about visiting Sutro Baths during its heyday and playing in these huge pools, they are still fun to walk around and pretend...I can visualize it during its peak filled with screaming children.

Solitary croppings with holes cut out draw my attention and I look around for wildlife...

- like these huge and ominous looking crows...just waiting for something.

I love that the residents and city took alot of effort in preserving this area and getting it right, also they made it accessible to all including disabled access ramps and walkways. The area is amazingly untouched even though its highly desireable development grounds.

Walking through these gnarled and jumbled limbs of monterey pines and cypress trees is like going through an ancient forest out in the middle of nowhere, only we are in the edge of San Francisco.

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This area is special, it should be enjoyed by all especially on days like this don't you think?

This is my contribution to watery wednesdays to view others go to http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com/

Blue Skies at Last

2010-12-29T06:43:00.000-10:00

The Christmas holiday visiting family and friends in San Francisco and the Bay Area was something I was looking forward to despite the dreary cold and rainy weather forecasted ahead for the holidays. And it has been dreary and wet.

So when I saw a brief hint of blue, I dashed to Bakers Beach which is a only a few blocks away and was rewarded with Beautiful skies crowned with puffy blue skies and the city looked dazzling again at least for this bright and yet brief moment in time and amazingly I was the only one at the beach to witness this magic moment - what a treasure!

The sky was starting to turn into its brilliant sunset colors, ending a cold and wet day on a slightly warmer and golden note and I was glad to witness this and enjoy the moment.

To view other watery wednesdays today go visit http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com/

A Wonderful Christmas Surprise

2010-12-14T11:25:00.001-10:00

Have you seen this lovely Christmas YouTube. Its so beautiful and it so well done. I also sing in our local men’s chorus and have secretly wished we could do something special like this.

Actually, our men’s choral group called the Puna Men’s Chorus just wrapped up our Christmas performances and it was very successful. We are just so thankful to all the wonderful supporters and glee enthusiasts that are encouraging our little group to grow.

Who knows, maybe one of these day’s we will be posting something fun and surprising like the video above.

Along the Red Road

2010-12-09T07:00:00.002-10:00

This area along the most eastern coastline of East Hawaii used to have a one lane red asphalt road running the entire length of its shoreline and nicknamed the red road. Even thought the road was widened and black asphalt laid down, its still lovingly called the red road. The entire puna coast is magical and filled with lush forests, rugged coastline and coconut groves which all allude to a place unchanged in decades.
I love to explore this area and visit regularly to see friends and just enjoy the amazing views.

There are many lava tubes that can be explored along the ways that have been used by the ancients to bury relatives or even store provisions. These places are quiet spiritual and have such an alluring presence.

The coconut groves along the shorelines seem to extend forever and ancient trails connecting many old communities along the coast are still intact and used by locals to traverse and find secret fishing spots or areas to relax and watch all the stars at night.

This is my contribution to skywatch friday, to visit others go to http://skyley.blogspot.com/

A Second Anniversary Party at the Beach.

2010-12-04T12:20:00.000-10:00

This event marks our second anniverary as the Big Island international food group gathered for another spectacular feast. What has started as a low key group of foodies getting together with themed cooking events has blossumed to a full fledged non-profit group, adding on educational programs to our gatherings, monthly contributions to our local food basket and even volunteering there with group sorting and packing work. We hope to influence and help others in need with the community and will be doing more outreach and supporting scholarship funds or other educational programs through our efforts.

This just shows that a collective gathering of like minds can make an impact outside of simple potlucks, but collectively can make a contribution to our community.

We made special placemats filled with photos of previous cooking gatherings from the past including our french, filipino, tapas to our first wine tasting and pupu party.

Tonight we recreated a chinese banquet to celebrate the first event gathering which was a chinese theme and the selections ranged from lemon chicken, to hot and sour soup to pot stickers completely made from scratch.

This event also marks a special aloha to our friend Kathleen who has just recovered from a major car trauma and was here to celebrate her recovery and enjoy the festivities.

.....As you can see the food line started up early and the plates were easily filled up.

Whats an anniversary party without having it at the beach in Hawaii, these are the sous chefs that make each and every event special. It was a special night and the photo shows how wonderful each sous chef is to this group.

I thank the sous chefs who have made a tireless effort to make each and every event special, aloha to you.

Too see other worlds today go and visit http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com/

Wordless Wednesday with just Exotic Orchids

2010-12-01T09:27:00.000-10:00

To see other wordless wednesdays around the world go to http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/newhome/

Our Local Food Bank

2010-11-24T10:13:00.001-10:00

The Hawaii Island Food Basket, serves all the main charity and food organizations throughout Hawaii Island and is always in need of donations and hands on volunteer help. Thats why our international cooking group decided to spend the day in two shifts to help out with sorting, packaging and cleaning the warehouse to prepare for the deluge of food needs from the various charities.

One of the main group projects was to put together ten pound bags of proteins to be used by the various charities for meals. These bags included appetizing canned foods including beans, spam, vienna sausages, tuna fish and imitation meat spreads as the typical contributions and needed items. Unfortunately, we found out that there were alot of shortages included the beans, spam and other canned meats to include in the protein bags. Sad to think that this qualifies for protein meals, but for these charities in need it is sufficient.

Our group was very happy to see that the regular food contributions have made some impact and seeing the need for additional protein, made each of us realize what is necessary and lacking from these contributions.

Aaah its break time and enjoying some time with friends.

We do hope as a group to participate in more of these group eventsand help out our food bank. Its such a small thing but makes a big difference. If you are on the island and would like more information on helping our local food bank, please visit or make a contribution to this wonderful organization. Here is the webside for more information http://www.foodbaskethi.org/

Happy Thanksgiving holidays to all my family friends and viewers and thank you for following my blog.

noel

Photo Hunt = Juicy

2010-11-18T09:01:00.001-10:00

I always enjoy some of the photo hunt weekly challenges because it stretches one's imagination and I enjoy seeing other interpretations of these themes, they can be quite inspiring, funny or totally off the wall. This week's challenge calls for something Juicy.

Well that to me is very simple and quite easy, breakfast tends to be my juiciest meal starting off with a fresh and ripe papaya, some delicious and yes juicy rambutans (red fruit in photo, tastes like a lychee fruit), yogart and toast with sweet jam . The papayas I harvest from my trees, and if I don't have any ripe ones, they are readily available at any farmers market - six or seven for a dollar, how can you beat that?

This always starts off my day right and I'm so addicted to this meal, I never seem to want to change this from my morning routines along with a nice browse on the internet :)

To view other photohunt Juicy themes go to http://tnchick.com/

A Different Sunset

2010-11-11T08:14:00.000-10:00

It took me a long time to process these pictures of my trip to Yosemite, I was still working out the kinks to a new computer which can be very time consuming. But, when I finally got around to getting the pictures completed, I was completely captivated by what I saw the first time seeing my first sunset at Glacier Point, it felt like reliving a treasured moment and one that you would love to see again and again.

It truly is a spiritual experience watching the canyon slowly darken with the shadows of high granite peaks and the last rays of the sun creating a golden light on Half Dome and then later blanketing the skies with orange and pink hues that remind you of fake California sunsets over famous monuments. But this time its real and I'm witnessing this magic scene it for the first time.....just amazing to see.

To see other gorgeous skies for friday go visit http://skyley.blogspot.com/

Day of the Dead

2010-11-01T07:34:00.003-10:00

Our international cooking group through our host Atma really educated our cooking group a few nights ago with a Day of the Dead celebration showing everyone how important family and tradition is. Remembering beloved deceased members by visiting their graves and creating special dishes that they loved is what many cultures do to celebrate this occasion and enjoy this joyous event.

We usually do not celebrate this festive event in Hawaii compared to Halloween. But this event was a wonderful experience to really celebrate the origins of Halloween and understand both the pagan and christian beliefs that have lead to the actual events we know today as the Day of the Dead, the end of summer solstice, All Saints Day and our well celebrated Halloween all wrapped up into these various celebrations.

Our version included dishes we made in honor of some special in our lives and each made a tribute to that person and what this dish signified. It was a very symbolic and wonderful evening, something really experienced to the best intent of what this holiday signified and that is our Ohana or family.

Toss in the odd ball but fun mummy wrapping contest and it really brought out the crazy...talk about a strange tribute to our ancestors. You can tell this was not a very serious event most of the time.

Whats a celebration with out loud drumming and a wonderful bonfire to do some wild dancing and burning out the rubbish.

Atma made a special alter so we can bring photos of our relatives or friends and do a nice tribute to them, typical of what latin based celebrants do in their respective cultures in honoring the dead.

A more A-typical celebration to end our evening is the fire spinning display from one of our hosts, its was truly exciting to see in the dark!

This is my contribution to My World Tuesdays, to visit other views of the world go to http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/

Its Dark out There.

2010-10-29T07:04:00.003-10:00

Its Dark out and the party has just begun...don't be afraid of shadows in the night - its only Halloween and our friends in Honolii are having their crazy Halloween event filled with some very lively characters. Tonight we have some familiar local politicians, pimps and fairies, Miss Dot Com to Cleopatra checking in for a visit. Things started off quickly thanks to the smashing drinks with the famous margaritas our host has created for these thirsty free-loaders.

Hmmm pizza, anyone up for a slice?

Its still early but our local pimp was working the hilo crowd and pimping away...not sure if business was brisk or not that night.

Aaaah the fairie from Volcano dropped by I see...boy she really got her party dress all shiny and ready

Our local politician Aunty Emily with her estranged husband who ran off to Alaska and claimed spousal abuse...I guess its going to be a tight race again this year with all the mud wrestling out there.

Cleopatra is all bejeweled and looking glamorous.

Don't they just make a lovely couple, just love all the dazzle.

Aaaay...I've been pillaging waaaaay to long, time for a nap before we check out the goodies!

What do you call this wild get up - well you can tell everyone you've seen a Puna-mabob for the first time, consider that a treat!

Miss Dot.com loves to roll the dice with these two high rollers....keep it coming were going for broke.

Aaaaah Aunty Emily, always the first to the buffet line and working the crowds for the Puna vote :)

No I am not a witch says candidate Christine O'Donnell, although I love my black hat and pearls...btw where are my fellow tea baggers?

Aaaah the hot pink Leilani butterfly has dropped in for a bit of nectar...wonder what makes her eyelashes so pink??

What can I say, all that glitz in one corner is bound to attract alot of flies.

Well this is the first time I've seen a gorilla in tie-die, i guess he was in town for another crazy banana fest. Those Hilo partiers really know how to have a good time don't you think?

To see other posts about the dark go visit photo hunt today http://tnchick.com/

Photohunt Challenge = Orange

2010-10-23T07:01:00.000-10:00

I enjoy the weekly photohunt challenges and this week the theme is orange. What a perfect theme to start of our halloween agenda just around the corner and orange is really the predominant color of this season.

One of my favorite Halloween spots is in the city of Petaluma about an hours drive north of San Francisco. Here you will find one of the largest corn mazes in California, along with the ubiquitous pumpkin patch, petting zoo and horse rides, huge sunflowers and of course lots of squeeling children.

The spectacular and huge blooms of these giant sunflowers are just that...bursting and huge circled eyes filled with millions of seeds. I'm surprised the birds haven't attacked all the flowers already - they look so inviting!

Well there were so many of these cute cut outs, I just had to ask someone to take a picture of me in one of these cute/silly frames - what a ham :)

Children are so fun to watch and their animated gestures and excited nature in participating in an event so delicious and lets them play is really special. I love to capture wonderful moments that shows you some of these magical moments.

Miniature pumpkins spilling out of containers and large displays of squash and other strange pumpkin colored vegetable draw you in to pick up one or more of them to take home for your Halloween displays.

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I really felt like a child again seeing all the colorful displays, the happy children and beautiful sunflowers and pumpkins, this time of year brings out the playful in everyone and thats such a nice thing to celebrate with family and dear friends.

To see more exciting photohunt submissions go and visit http://tnchick.com/

What a Gem

2010-10-19T14:09:00.003-10:00

This is how I feel about this beautiful museum....visiting the De Young at Golden Gate park and just seeing the amazing views from the tower is worth the admission alone, the interior galleries are very eclectic and contain unusual combinations of treasures varying from local glass artists, to large contemporary artwork, to early California Lifestyle and history and then the wonderful temporary exhibits including the current showing of Impressionistic masterpieces on loan from the D'orsay Museum in Paris. Photographs are allowed with no flash, but unfortunately no photos were allowed for the Impressionistic exhibits. So, let me show you some of the galleries that I love to re-visit when I frequent this wonderful place.

I just love this gallery of local and international glass artisans that make such amazing glass sculptures and intimate objects with such color and imagination. The glass collection is so diverse with blown glass pieces to slumped or caste creations that just oooze with such vigor and draw you in like eye candy especially this huge collection of fruit almost the size of a human being.

Amazing sculpture attracts me immediately especially anything that uses backgrounds to create patterns and shadows like these exciting pieces by Ruth Asawa which is in a concrete room ,perfect for the cast shadows of her work.

These sweet ceramic teapots are so animated...the museum did an entire show of unusual teapots in an earlier exhibit and these are the remainders from their main collection. Another ceramic piece that drew me in immediately was this free formed piece over five foot tall and color, lines and curves were just magical.

Popular local artists like Wayne Theibaud and his gum ball machine along with the Bay Area figurative artists were predominant. I love to use people observing artwork like this couple fronting superman, I think the man was imagining being Clark Kent. Children doing papers on a artwork they were inspired, were an interesting to photograph as part of an overall composition to these photographs adding more dimension to these museum studies.

The entire building wrapped in copper metal sheathing was a sculptural piece in its own. I really enjoy walking around the building which was sited to create drama and exciting vistas within the park and I think it works so well in this area.

If you are visiting Golden Gate park in San Francisco, go and see this magnificent museum, it is one of the highlights of visiting the city.

This is my contribution to Thats my World to see other posts go visit http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/

A World Below in Miniature

2010-10-15T05:50:00.000-10:00

Going back to the city to see some of the amazing museums San Francisco has to offer is always an enriching experience when I visit. The De Young Museum in Golden Gate park is one of my favorite destinations. Not only are the exhibits outstanding, the beautiful vistas from the tower and various outlooks into the gardens and the outdoor exhibits make the entire visit a complete and satisfying experience.

One of my favorite things to explore is the tower which offers floor to ceiling vistas and almost surreal city views from the park all the way to downtown. There are amazing bay and hilltop panoramas one can explore up here to many of the areas in the city.

Isn't it amazing to have these fantastic views, stay tune for some of the interior treasure's I would like to show you on another post.

This is my contribution to this weeks photohunt challenge for miniature, to see other posts on this meme go visit http://tnchick.com/

Inspiring Views in a Beautiful City

2010-10-04T06:33:00.000-10:00

Its wonderful being in San Francisco again at this time of the year...Arrived on a very Balmy 85 degrees, and then it cooled down considerably to winter-like conditions. Since I'm staying out here in the Sea Cliff area, very close to the Golden Gate bridge, I can feel the cool winds and see the fog roll in and out at different times of the day. Fortunately, I brought a nice warm Gortex jacket to windstand the cold and windy elements that I'm not used to.

There's so many exciting things about this area, just a block away on Clement street there are over 40-50 different restaurants with cuisine around the world in a three block span. There a many local produce markets providing fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms - its so amazing to see this much variety and at bargain prices.

I've been taking alot of walks along the myriad of trails nearby along the coastal cliffs in Sea Cliff - a gorgeous and wilder area around the Golden Gate, left intact because of the steep terrain and difficult building topography - that was actually a saving in disguise from many centuries of developers that I'm sure would have loved to take advantage of the magnificent views of the Golden Gate and the even more spectacular coastline, Take a look at these amazing views of this coastline and forested areas.

More to come on my visit back to the bay area, please stay tuned.

This is my contribution of views of the world today, to see other posts go visit http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/

County Fair Time

2010-09-27T05:56:00.000-10:00

County Fairs are always a fun event for me, seeing all the local groups and special interests that make our island unique. This was my first time to this event and I was participating with our photography club and also singing with our local choral group so that was action packed.

In spite of the limited attractions to agricultural and home craft displays that are usually predominant in these venues. I noticed that the star attractions are geared towards children and that covered games and rides.

Which was a little disappointing, but I took advantage of the twilight timeframe to go out explore and find some interesting shots to take in this colorful event.

Following are some of the highlights, I was able to capture at the Hilo county fair.

Screaming to their hearts content!

To see some more interesting world views go visit /http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/

Fireworks

2010-09-20T06:48:00.001-10:00

Holy smokes, its really glowing right now! Vivid red hot colors contrasting against cold steam and vog are putting out a show tonight. While I was waiting for the sun to come down, the lava entering the ocean was churning and screaming in hot fiery colors and getting more intense as the sun came to its close.

I'm glad I decided to stay and watch the evening lava show come out in all its glory, and yes it was worth the wait. Even the tour boats bobbing dangerously close to the cliffsides were giving the boatloads of tourists amazing scenes of the lava pouring into the ocean. Their views look directly from the lava pouring down the cliffs to the ocean, something I would not be able to photograph since standing on the edge of crusty and unstable cliffs is more than a foolish thought, its immediate death. I'm sure most of the tourists on the boats thought the few people on land were just as crazy standing so close to the edge of live lava pouring down into the ocean.

The skies that evening were also quite beautiful, colorful sunset hues also gave us show over the kilauea mountain range. Sunsets are not typical on the east side were we get sun rises starting off our early days on the east side.

It was a fun hike exploring this area and seeing this amazing show, I'm glad I got to do this and have the opportunity to show you a little about my world here in East Hawaii.

To see other unique views of the world today, go and visit http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/

Getting a Close Eye View of an Active Lava Flow

2010-09-13T07:19:00.000-10:00

As you can see this part of the island is alive and active with lava continuously flowing down from the Kilauea Volcano down to the ocean. Even recently, just a few weeks ago this area you are seeing had an active flow spreading through this virgin forest and torching all the beauty around this wilderness. Its sad to see but Pele ( the goddess of Fire) does not spare anything in her pathway to the ocean even through vast areas of untouched beauty. In spite of this singed area, we are constantly reminded that this island is still alive and growing new lands and new beaches.

Fortunately the tradewinds here are blowing all the smoke and what we call vog down southwest and off to the other islands. The vog is quite toxic to alot of people and whole agricultural industries have been devastated in our own county alone because of this recent phenomena.

Walking through the torched forest is not only eery but the ground is still very hot and soft to walk on, making me feel a little aware that I might still be walking on very tender crust that may easily collapse at any moment. Even though the active flow has moved further down to a new ocean entry, the ground closeby is still fragile and quite dangerous.

I decided to keep on hiking all the way to the lava entry since I saw quite a few hikers continuing towards the lava " I know blind, leading the blind ", despite the fact that the ground was still warm in this area where the lava entered recently. But since I was following behind a hundred yards, it was a good indicator that things looked relatively safe. Here's a photo of me at least a few hundred feet away from the entry.

It is getting close to dusk and there's still alot of light but I really wanted to stay later and see the red glow and embers from the lava entering the water so I decided to stay a bit and walk around to see some more amazing discoveries along the way...here's a preview of what I'll be showing you on the next installment - Fireworks!

Unfortunately, I forgot my tripod again so the shot is a little blurry with the reduction of light, but stay tuned for some amazing captures that I was able to get in my next post.

For more views around the world come and visit http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/

A Hike, Active Lava Flows and a New Beach

2010-09-06T08:09:00.001-10:00

I usually drive past this portion of East Hawaii on my way to playing volleyball closeby. On my drive I always see the amazing plumes emanating from the lava flows entering the ocean.

One day, I decided to take a nice long hike along the ocean to see how close I can go and wanted to see for myself the destruction and activity in the area since the flows have been very active again in the area and has also torched alot of virgin forests. Its about an hour hike to see the lava entry along the coastline which is a very scenic area.

Starting with cloudy and sprinkling skies I was relieved not to hike in the hot sun against black lava. But that quickly changed as the skies turned in a beautiful pure blue and made my hike a little more heated. Fortunately, I followed the paths along the shoreline so the vistas were quite spectacular and the trade winds were really picking up, it made the hike more bearable.

Along the way I past an old beach that was covered with the recent lava flows and despite being overtaken by lava, a good portion was still left intact with fresh new sand born on its shores, it is called Ka'awaloa.

Isn't it just spectacular and the new sand is so fine and an intense black color.

We are getting close to the active part of the lava entry which is just around the next bend, along the way I'll show you some of the recent areas that have been torched from a recent flow not even a few weeks old. Stay tuned for my next posts showing the rest of my hike to this amazing area.

To visit other worlds this Tuesday click on this link http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/

The Night Moon for Skywatch

2010-08-27T07:52:00.001-10:00

The somber hues of an ominous, dark forest are suddenly illuminated under the emerging face of the full moon. ~Kim Elizabeth

Another skywatch friday brings us to the rim of Volcano's National Park in Hawaii, overlooking the caldera of Halema`uma`u crater. I was amazed by the full moon's glow over this caldera which was also glowing on its own with vivid red hues and intense smoke plumes eminating from the crater. If only I had though about bringing my wide angle lens then I would be able to capture both the moon and the red glow of the volcano and show you both the amazing combination of white and red lights, a really magical moment.... But, I didn't bring my lens....oh well, so I am now focusing on our beautiful full moon to present to you.

At many points, the clouds were swirling quickly around our moon and creating different effects and moody skies, very dramatic and somber. I loved the ethereal and wispy atmosphere surrounding this full moon.

I wish I was not such a clutz controling my camera on night scenes, I always have a hard time seeing my camera settings with my poor vision during the night. But, at least I got some decent shots... okay, just passable, I am too critical for details.

Come and check out all these other amazing skies for skywatch friday at http://skyley.blogspot.com/

Fun with the Ladies

2010-08-24T08:38:00.000-10:00

What could be more exciting than spending some quality with these amazing ladies...well when you combine Mahjong with this gathering then you know just what I'm talking about....crazy fun!

A really good time - and intense playing combined with a little jabbing humor tossed in....yeah those gals will keep you on your toes!

Since I'm relatively new at this game, I'm still learning my Pungs, from my Kongs and when its ideal to really mahjong. The fun part is the comraderie and enjoying alot of wonderful stories from these lovely ladies.

Okay thats another mahjong and I only got 10 points, boy have I got alot of things to learn to play with the big guns....so ladies, the hula dance class is afterwards, can I join toooo????

To visit other fun worlds this Tuesday go to http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/

Cajun Night

2010-08-17T06:36:00.001-10:00

We had another fun night Sunday with our Big Island International Cooking group and boy was the the Cajun theme going strong. Everyone was in a very festive mood with alot of hungry people ready to dive into all the delicious spicy cuisine.

But before everyone started on the buffet, we had an educational requirement for each gathering to do something in relation to the theme. That night, we prepared and made spicy cajun sausages with pork, chicken along with various cajun spices and even some fruit added to the mix.

Feeding the sausage preparation into the casings and twisting the sausage to finish the ends.

You can't help but laugh at some of the funny moments when it comes to making sausages and shaping them into the various shapes and sizes - and that induces some large guffaws!

As you can see it takes a group collaborative to use the equipment and create the end product, lots of serious concentration going on here (no not really).

An of course more funny moments that make you want to laugh again...what is it about making sausages that put people in an endless, and humorous mindset?

Now thats some good looking sausages, don't you think?

Ah, finally enough with the joking and time for some serious eating, we have jambalaya, shrimp etoufee, dirty rice, lobster bisque, cajun eggplant and chicken casserole, shrimp creole, and too many other dishes to even try in one seating, let alone the different types of sausages made for the night.

Everyone find a spot - its time for some serious eating and no talking now!

Its always food made from scratch and what alot of fun it is to try to make something new and unexpected with our cooking group. Okay, its time for dessert, did I mention we have a whole table set up for desserts to....oh boy!

Hope you enjoyed your visit, to see other worlds this Tuesday, go visit http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/

Photohunt Challenge = Orange

2010-08-13T19:11:00.001-10:00

This weekend's photohunt challenge is right up my alley today. Orange is the theme, and what tropical climate doesn't include this hot and vivid color in its many flowers, you are surrounded by so many shades of orange everywhere you go in Hawaii.

I went recently to our Orchid show sponsored by the Hilo Orchid Society, and there were so many amazing new varieties of orchids being introduced at this show. Hawaii island in case no-one knows is also called the orchid isle due to the many orchid growers, nurseries and enthusiasts that grow and hybridize these exotic and special plants. This truly unique show covers the gamut of many orchid species including dendrobiums, cattleyas, cymbidiums, epipdendrums, phapiopedilum, phrags or lady slippers, vandas and too many others that are always being introduced at this show.

The first orchid shown is a truely exotic specimen that won the blue medal for phapiopedilum or lady slipper entry. Called Gertrude Hauserman, (I'm assuming the owner dedicated the name to someone significant) is quite spectacular and unusual because of its intense orange glowing effect and clustered nature.

Here's a side profile look of this beauty.

I've also included other oranged hued specimens that did not win medals but were showstoppers in their own right.

Here's another exotic beauty that just glows from the backlit light, isn't this one gorgeous?

Another beautiful cattleya that I was able to capture close up, but I didn't get a chance to find the markings on this one. I think the cattleyas are quite showy and dainty at the same time.

If you ever come to visit Hawaii island, come and visit a tropical nursery, a farmers market or some of our amazing botanical gardens. You are bound to see some exotic plants including some truly amazing orchids on display.

To see other blogs today with orange theme posts go visit http://tnchick.com/

Watery Wednesday on Hilo Bay

2010-08-11T06:57:00.001-10:00

Aaaah, being on the water again is exhilarating here in Hilo, Hawaii, especially in a really fast sailboat. Even though these small hobies are small, they are quite zippy and easy to manuever. Feeling the sun, wind and occasional splashes of water is such a rush.

Hilo has such a picturesque bay with beautiful vistas of the town, the Hamakua coastline and the Mauna Kea Volcano in the background. Today the weather is cooperating and the sun and wind is quite amazing. Yes, its good to be out on the water especially on these really fun boats and engaging conversation.

For other watery views this Wednesday go visit http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com/

Photo Hunt Challenge = Colorful

2010-08-06T07:09:00.003-10:00

My colorful photohunt challenge this week was very easy, I recently went to visit this ti nursery close to where I live in Hawaiian Paradise Park in the Puna District and took an exciting photo tour of this colorful property.

This grower started his nursery as a hobby to eventually turn this into a full time business when he retires. Meanwhile, he has a stunning show garden and nursery up and running for business. I discovered this nursery after seeing his wonderful ti plants at the local Macuu farmers market in East Hawaii and after seeing all the vivid and colorful varieties, I was inspired to see I could visiit and photograph his nursery.

What I didn't expect to find was this exotic and other-worldy show garden in addition to this simple nursery. He grew some of the most exhuberant, bold, and variegated accent plants. Every time I turned to a new angle I was confronted with exciting compositions.

Intense colorations and intense shades of red from just this one plant... isn't it striking?

All the curved surfaces and raindrops remind me of the sensual curves of another abstract painter with a very colorful palete. This is a very inspiring place, don't you agree?

I hope you enjoyed this ti farm tour, its a very special place on this side of the island.

To visit other unique interpretations of this colorful theme go visit http://tnchick.com/

Photohunt Challenge = Public

2010-07-30T08:50:00.000-10:00

Our Saturday photohunt challenge was to interpret the word public and here in Hawaii everything is open to the public. One of my regular haunts is this beautiful japanese garden in Hilo called Queen Liliuokalani Gardens right off banyan drive, this is a scenic area with beautiful views of Hilo bay,the town and the Hamakua coastline.

This authentic japanese garden was built in the early 1900's as a tribute to Queen Liliuokalani who was the last reigning monarch in Hawaii before its annexation to the United States. The gardens are also a memorial to the many japanese immigrants that migrated to the Big Island to work at the many sugar plantations during the turn of the century during the annexation period. Many nationalities of immigrants including the japanese went to Hawaii to work at these plantations and build a new future for themselves and create this new melting pot called Hawaii.

This thirty acre garden is filled with amazing Hawaiian and oriental plantings, intimate and grand walkways, pagodas, beautiful ponds, bridges and vistas to Hilo, the bay and large green areas for picnicking.

One of the favorite areas is this shaded dell with thousands of impatiens blooming underneath these huge monkeypod trees...it just illuminates this shady corner of the park and creates a magical area don't you think?

I just love public gardens like this. Isn't this a great park to just explore and wander, or find a nice shady tree to relax and take a nice long nap with the wind blowing behind your back.

To enjoy other interpretations of public go see http://tnchick.com/

A WorldWide Photowalk

2010-07-25T07:43:00.000-10:00

I can't believe I'm waking up at 5am Saturday morning to take some morning pictures with a photo club I've just joined recently here in Hawaii. And now my first photo tour with them is to do a photowalk around Hilo Bay with an early sunrise start. But this will not be any morning excursion, its a world wide photo walk and competition with over 30,000 registered participants that will compete in one single day of shooting to submit only one photo for consideration as their best work.

A tough thing to do even with our small gathering of over 30 photographers, taking photos in a small area to come up with a unique image captured and explemplify our own work.
It was very hard to choose my best picture since I did quite a few pictures that day, some good, some deleted very quickly and here are my final choices...please help me decide which ones I should submit including the top photo.

This one is tough for me to decide which to submit, please help me decide with your comments below and thank you for your suggestions.

To view other beautiful scenic sundays today go visit http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com/

A Special Gathering

2010-07-18T06:37:00.002-10:00

The weather was gorgeous yesterday, perfect to go to the beach and enjoy the outdoors.

There is nothing better to do on a weekend but to gather outdoors by the ocean and enjoy the company of our Ohana (close friends or non-familial we consider family). Being outside, getting the grill started and starting to munch on all the amazing appetizers, its what life is all about.

But today is also very special,,,,, good friends and strangers gathered today to celebrate a very dear friend's coming back to our island after a difficult trauma and recuperating timeframe. Our friend Vicky has returned to Hawaii, its also a surprise welcome for her and you can see from the pictures it was a real surprise!

Oh, can you see the pure joy and real aloha everyone is sharing with Vicky, she is the type of person that makes friends with everyone here, from the life guards on the beach, to people she's just met at our local Home Depot - she makes an immediate impression.....one of pure aloha. These are the types of generous souls we have living in our island.

There's nothing like greeting your friend's here in Hawaii with fresh leis and flowers to adorn a loved one.

Thank you Vicky and welcome back home to your Hawaii, you light up our little corner of the world today!

To see other beautiful views today go visit http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com/

Oh so Pretty

2010-07-13T07:25:00.000-10:00

This weekend, I went to an art collaboration with five artists at the Wailoa Center in downtown Hilo. At the entrance you are drawn immediately to this free floating cascade of 1001 cranes and want to be immersed in all the colors, forms and patterns presented.

The light and colors pull you in to reach out and admire these paper objects up close and personal.

At a closer view you see that there is a story - and it says that the cranes are made with love and are dedicated to the local Hilo Hospice with any donations. You can take home a whole strand of these lovely pieces home and then leave a nice string/donation card to claim your art piece that you would like to take with you.

It was a very nice gesture ...very simple, yet profound.

It is amazing how the curator, blended so many complementary forms of arts to include a silk/textile artists, a landscape painter, a wood sculpture/wood worker, a cement/sculpture and a glass artist. The Wailoa Center is a beautiful art center with a huge volcano like fountain jutting out into the middle of the open courtyard, really unique and powerful.

If your in Hilo town, come and visit the show at the Wailoa Center, its open for the month.

Thats my world on Tuesday, come and see these other stories at http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/

Free to Enjoy

2010-07-10T04:40:00.000-10:00

It's amazing too think alot of what you can see and do here in DC is free and open to the public seven day's a week...The museums here are truly an amazing treasure that is a gift to the public and yes free is good!

The National Gallery of Art is a place one can discover so many unique spaces, artwork and people converging into this amazing space. To have free time to explore these places without a crowd is a real treat!

A whole room devoted to one of my favorite artist, Calder and the amazing free floating sculptures he has created here are captured magnificantly in this space.

I love the free floating forms, the interesting shaddowed affects and the interplay of all the kinetic objects, I can spend alot of time just seeing all the movements.

Aren't the shadows amazing and magical ?

Free for the viewing at one's own time and desire, what a real luxury and generous offering, a true gift....thank you Smithsonian it is wonderful.

To see other interpretations of free go visit http://tnchick.com/

A Coastal Hike to the Golden Gate

2010-07-06T10:34:00.000-10:00

Seeing and hiking the Coastal trail by the Golden Gate is even more spectacular when the wildflowers are blooming and the day is just set for being outdoors.

Visiting friends and family in the bay area is always a nice detour from island living especially when I get to be outdoors and seeing nature in a different environment.

The ocean and bay views here are quite spectacular, don't you agree?

I really enjoy coming back to the bay area in California in the summer time especially to take wonderful hikes like this.

To visit other world's on Tuesday go see http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/

Open is the Photohunt Challenge

2010-07-03T07:19:00.000-10:00

Open Wide, this is how large the Hippo mouth is when it seizes an opportunity to show its tusks. The animal displays at the Natural Science Museum at the Smithsonian in Washington are really out of this world and so animated like this hippo.

To see more interpretations of Open on the photohunt challenges go to http://tnchick.com/

The President's First Home

2010-06-28T09:51:00.001-10:00

No, this is not the White House... I'm talking about our first president, George Washington. He loved his Mt. Vernon. It is a beautiful place and one that I've always wanted to go and visit. Now I can understand why he loved this place so much and always longed to return here and eventually be at rest.

An expansive view overlooking the Potomac from the rear of the home, the views have been preserved and the areas across the river saved from development to leave the viewers this pastoral scene of how things looked during the presidents timeframe....just amazing to still see it intact.

When you try and visualize how this place actually looked and worked like during Washington's timeframe, you really get a wonderful slice of life to Washington's experience away from the capitol and how he really enjoyed living and planning everything in his estate, during his entire stay here.

One must sit on the porch relaxing on these rockers and just enjoy the view, a real nice touch to the tour. I'm sure the President and his family enjoyed relaxing here, drinking tea or imbibing something exotic at the end of every day.

I was very surprised how meticulous and expansive the grounds were, and how all the adjunct buildings, gardens and home show an entire village and how plantation life was for one of our founding fathers. It did take an entire village to make this place work efficiently.

A view of the separate kitchen building, kept separate from the main home in the event of unlikely fires caused by accidents.

A canning storage and hanging place for food and fowl that would be used for the nights consumption.

The separate laundry room which would be unbearable to work in during the hot summer months, and the laundry work was done all day long.

One of my favorite rooms, the drying room for all the preserved meats, it actually still smelled strong with aged ham hocks haning on these hooks.

One of Washingtons immaculate carriages taking him to the Capitol which was a very long ride from his country estate.

The gardens are also expansive with areas for decorative cutting gardens, a formal parterre and actual potager gardens, vegetable farms, animal pens and fruit orchards. Washington did alot of experimentation and imported plants to test in his plantation along with growing for food production on a massive scale.

A wonderful surprise was the amazing museum which housed many dioramas and extensive genetic studies of how Washington really looked like in during many timeframes of his life, including this diorama of him at a battle scene....the craftsmanship quality and shows were really a fantastic experience and one I wish I had more time for.

No, this is my nephew Carlos being a ham, like he always is....oh Carlos!

Wasn't that a beautiful place and museum, well worth the effort getting out of town to explore Washington's life in a well preserved plantation, home and garden.

To see other worlds this Tuesday to visit http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/

Purple is the Color

2010-06-26T07:13:00.000-10:00

Back to participating on the fun photohunt challenges that occur everyweek and this weeks word is Purple, not a typical color I see when I do my photography. Outside of sunset skies and dark landscapes turning into dark night and purple colored flowers, I went for what I typicially will find my environment.

On a recent hike to a beautiful garden I was able to capture some wonderful macros of an artichoke bloom drawing a busy bee foraging through its sticky pollen anthers. The shocking lavendar/purple constrasting against the yellow and black body of its busy guest.

The little fellow was too focused on his task to notice my poking lense at his every move....and seeing his every move in detail.

To see other purple interpretations go visit http://tnchick.com/

Clear Skies at the Capitol

2010-06-25T08:23:00.000-10:00

The sun is setting at the Capitol another magical night and my first time seeing the Capitol lit up after a long 12 hour flight from Hawaii. I rushed from my hotel to the grounds knowing that the sun is starting to set and there will be a hoard of people coming to participate in the annual PBS special at the Capitol, another first experience for myself.

The crowds, the music and the night was totally magical, I was so grateful to be there and just participate!

To see other skywatch fridays go to http://skyley.blogspot.com/