Images from Hawai'i

Usually, when I travel somewhere, especially somewhere new and so beautiful, I keep my camera glued to me, shooting photos of anything and everything I do, eat, see, etc.

This time around, I put my camera away quite a bit and just enjoyed myself. It was a good decision.

Instead of worrying about how I was going to capture the sand and the sea, I just reveled in how both felt against my skin.
Instead of thinking about how the dreamy sunlight would translate on my photos, I just let it warm my shoulders.
Instead of trying to document every second of every experience, I just enjoyed the experiences themselves and let the memories make their own impression on my heart.

Still, I'll share with you some of my favorites images from the limited collection I gathered.

Sunrise on the water.

Demelza and Craig - I'm so glad I was able to witness this amazing relationship. To say they were meant for each other doesn't even cover it.

The ocean as it greeted me on the first day there.

Kailua Bay at Sunrise.

I can't remember the name of this hike, but I'll never forget the beauty I found there.

At the Pearl Harbor Memorial - The U.S.S. Missouri is in the background.

Sunset over the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Plumeria blossoms - these were everywhere and they smell divine.

Where my flip-flops lived while I wrote in my journal.

First day there, happy to be on vacation in such an amazing place.

You know I love me a lighthouse, and this one was particularly gorgeous.

Standing in the Light
(this is Demelza, and this is one of my favorite photos of the whole trip.)

It was a sensational time.
I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to experience Hawai'i at this time, with these people, in this way.
It was just what I needed.

52 photos project * Nourish *

One of my intentions for this year was to improve my photography skills, both technically and creatively. As such, I'm always on the lookout for reasons to take photos and for prompts that help me think of unique ways to express myself photographically.

So, you can imagine my delight when I heard about my girl Bella's new collaborative photo project 52 photos. Basically, she posts a prompt every Sunday and on Wednesday, I (and everyone else playing along) will post our photographic interpretation of that word. I'm so excited to participate!

The word for this week is 'Nourish', which could not be more perfect for me. I just returned from vacation in Hawaii and there is nothing that is more nourishing to me than to spend time by the sea. The water soothes and calms me like nothing else can. I am drawn to the power of the waves and the rhythm of the tides. I am intrigued by the mysterious beauty that shows itself, bit by bit, as treasure wash up on shore. I am awed by it's vastness and comforted by it's continuity. The ocean nourishes me.

Sunrise on Kailua Bay, Oahu, HI

Checking Out

Because I need a break. badly.
Because I haven't taken a vacation that's all about me...well....ever.
Because I completely trust that my child will be safe and loved by my sister.
Because I get to spend a few days with the twinners first.
Because I can't wait to sink into the peace that I can only find by the ocean.
Because salty skin and sunscreen is my recipe for heaven.
Because I get to spend time with this amazing woman.
Because it's about time.

I'm heading out for a couple of weeks of fun, family, sun, sand and surf.
See you on the flip.