LIfe in Kailua

Well I've been here for almost 4 days now and honestly it feels more like I'm living here than visiting. Everyday has been filled with all sorts of new sights and adventures and a renewed sense of peacefulness. I find myself surrounded by beautiful views of the aquamarine-colored ocean on one side, and lush, green Jurassic Park-like mountains on the other. Honestly, the way the clouds shrouded the mountains, I was sure that I'd see a pterodactyl come flying down out of the mist!

Yesterday I ventured out on my on my own via bicycle on a photographic journey. The wind was blowing like crazy and the sky held clouds heavy with rain that threatened to open up at any minute, but I wasn't going to let that stop me. I was on a mission to discover the plumeria plant growing in the wild. It wasn't long before I saw them in nearly every yard I rode past. They are very beautiful and have a wonderful fragrance. My art interest has been focused on painting some of them. After not having much success, I figured going out and seeing them would be the best way, rather than trying to use reference photos. I love flowers but they have always presented a challenge to me for some reason. So I guess that's why I choose them for my subject matter, at least for a while. I even gathered some blossoms that had dropped to the ground to take home. Such a lovely smell!

Just out of Kailua Beach, the bike trail takes a pretty major climb. I made it up better than the last time which means my bike legs are coming back. Even against a very brisk and steady headwind I managed to pedal to the top. I asked a lady to take my photo by the Lanikai stone monument. Noticing she had a mask and snorkel in her hands I asked her how the water was. She told me that she had seen lots of sea turtles but because of the wind and waves, the visibility was murky but that they were visible from the beach. I decided to ride down to check it out but had no luck. But on the way back down to Kailua, just past the Lanikai tower, guess what my eagle-eyes spy down in the water along the rocks? A turtle! At first I didn't believe it, then I saw it pop up again for another gulp or air. I was so stoked and I was told by a local couple that it's a sign of good luck when you spot a sea turtle. I won't argue with that; gimme some! Next turtle spotting is gonna be in the water though. :-)

Part of my return ride was in the rain, but I don't melt!  I did however, get a bit lost but thanks to iPhone's GPS map feature and some common sense, I arrived home safely.

My artwork is also coming along and my free-flowing attitude is welcoming. My goal is to just "fire in there" and do it because not doing it equals ZERO! Since I am also my own worst critic, I am freely sharing my artistic sketches, doodles, photos and hopefully, masterpieces for your viewing pleasure and like it or not, that's cool. I am truly blessed to have been able to make this opportunity to allow myself this time to just be ME.

Today is Veteran's Day - 11/11/11 - and I am so happy to be spending it with Matt and some other young people that are stationed here serving in our military.

Thanks for viewing my blog. Ma halo and Aloha!