Maui, Surfing and Photography 101.

Sitting on what I would pretty much call a deserted stretch of sand on a beach in Maui. Listening to the waves looking at lava rock sculptures coming out of the ocean, seeing all these little yellow butterflies flying everywhere (an occasional goat through the bushes), seeing God's creation. Enjoying the peace and tranquility, feeling a breath of fresh air down in my soul. This moment was brought to you by the Maui tourism board kidding -  not really but we're in a place called La Perouse            bay and Mike is out surfing in a place that not a lot of surfers get the opportunity to surf, that makes it unique. So unique it was only Mike and two other guys.

Being the brilliant photographer I am....Mike hands me his new GoPro and he wants me to capture this unique moment. It looks dangerous to me just walking over to the spot he is surfing. Over some lava rocks out to the point and standing on all these burnt pieces of earth and white coral on the jagged coast line. Waiting.... Waiting, waiting for Mike to find his wave. I am ready to go GoPro in hand. I have decided while standing and waiting that watching and waiting for someone to find their wave is like fishing or whale watching. A lot of down time in between nibbles, sighting and sets.  

Those way out there dots in the water... Mike and his surfing buddies. 

Oh great looks like he is going for this wave... Fire up The GoPro, oh no where did Mike tell me that ON but was? oh here it is OK - it doesn't look like it is flashing. Didn't Mike say something about a little red light flashing on the front. OK let me just flip it over and look at the front - ahhh a close up picture of my nose, it was blinking. Mike will love that. I don't know - I don't know -  OK well now I'm aiming at the water I think it is blinking and on? better check flip it over.  Oh no this time it is a close up of my eye and nose… Oh no why am I squeezing the off button, again I missed it. Back to waiting waiting waiting... Next wave set is coming in just another few short 8 minutes…. (it is hot standing on this lava rock) hoping I will get it this time… Here he goes, I will capture this and it will make the sulfide videos of the week… Oh no not my nose again - again the same out come! Where was that on button…  Absolute GoPro fail. 

 I did manage to get a few with my big girl camera.   

Mikes review.  Loved it, good water, he wasn't alone in the water  (you should never be alone in the water you don't know what lurks underneath and it is just a good idea to have someone in the water with you.  Trust me besides not being a GoPro expert, I am not a lifeguard).  He said it was really amazing to look at the coast line from the water and see NOTHING man made and to surf such a unique spot. He called it the most unique spot he has every surfed.

This was a new place of discovery we had never been past Makena.  Great Hike to the surf spot, flat (my favorite).  If your on Maui we give it  4 pineapples.  Next time we need to snorkel here and look for the dolphins that the spot is known to have frequent it's waters.

My Date. Defiantly suffers from multiple personality disorder - so many faces. 

Met up with these lovely Irvine friends. 

Last nights Sunset. Beautiful - Love blue water but throw in a little pink and it is eye candy.... 

Found this in the lava when Mike was surfing.  Yes, thinking of Rich always with me.  It was 4 years ago on September 18, 2011, we stood on the beach steps from where I am blogging at this moment and renewed our wedding vows.    

Thanks for your legacy of showing us how to live Rich Hyland.  Aloha for now.  

Tahiti Amazing Experience! Review and Recommendation

Has it really been 2 weeks since my return to reality and life in Irvine. Tahiti, captured a piece of my heart and my travel loving enjoyment. Just about perfect is how I would describe a trip that almost didn't happen since the timing didn't seem right.  Proving once again, there is no time like the present and besides a lot can happen in a year - for that matter in a week. Take a leap, spend the time and the resources to do something different. I am so happy Kathi and I decided the right time for our trip was NOW. Truly, this was a vacation and not an adventure (although for me just getting on the plane and getting seated in one of the torturer seats is adventure enough for the first 12 hours after TSA has there way with you).

Janet Clarke, a good friend of mine who owns "It's a Snap Vacation",  put this trip together for us and between her and the Paul Gauguin people it was flawless.  I have to add it was probably one of the best valued vacations of my lifetime.  All top notch, top shelf and exquisite without being bossy (be here be there - you must do this) overbearing or intrusive.  Beautiful, unique and with so much to do to indulge your senses it is an experience and there is not a lot of down town, unless that is what you want.  Judges  - 9.8 to a 10 for overall experience.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS.... and a few photos.

Raise your hand if you have ever visited a motu!  A favorite for Kathi and myself has to be the motu on day 2 in Taha'a. We did a morning tour of the Island and then we were "tendered" in the afternoon to the motu.  When we found out what we had missed we both agreed MOTU is the way to go for the entire day, skip the island tour.  But we did discover later on in the trip not all Motu's are the same. This one was outstanding. WHY.... perhaps it had to do with the floating bar in the water (how did I miss that photo op), the BBQ with fresh foods, the gorgeous warm water, seeing all the PG staff having a great time and talking with other cruisers and getting to know them.

While eating our wonderful meal - Kathi and I were asked where our husbands were.... I looked at my drink in the coconut (a Mai Tai for Rich) and said why they are right here.  Rich and Bob affectionally became our coconut dates for the day.  Everyone enjoyed a nice chuckle as we briefly explained we were just two widows traveling and enjoying life. We didn't meet and talk with all 180 passengers on the cruise but, we met and shared time with several of them and became friends.  More on that later!

If I ever come back to earth as a thing I hope it is a coconut on a Motu. As you can see a few of them were sacrificed, for our pleasure. Those are not just Kathi and my coconuts pictured.  Although that would be a story to tell!  Those things in the water are Sea Cucumbers and the story is that they are part of the reason the water is so clear. The ocean did look like a swimming pool (perfect temperature). POOLS OPEN.  Below: Kathi, modeling the motu! 

Above: clear, clean ocean water.  Although still really salty.  

A few pics from our morning tour.  It really poured rain this day but you dry quickly. Our tour guide, vanilla (not worms) and a giant leaf.  It fascinated me. 

People you have to have people... or however the song goes.  Life on the Paul Gauguin pictured below (yes it looks like a postcard). The ship holds 320 max and on our cruise there were only 180 passengers.  You better be nice to everyone since you never know who you might be seated next to at dinner (like the people who were in front of you for 8 plus hours on the plane and we are still laughing over that story). One night our new PG family got just a smidgen out of line and it was like we had scurvy, they stopped serving us wine and libations.  Truly, I don't blame them.  We finished dessert and headed for the nightly entertainment and after we would follow it up with some time at the Disco all 12 or 15 of us. It was never crowded which left more room to get down on the floor.  Which some people did including a guy we called Mr. Butter.  He was so smooth on that dance floor with his lady.  He had moves that would make John Travolta jealous. Like butter slipping off of hot corn on the cob!  Wow that was quite a discription.

The times we spent getting to know these people, which part of the country or which countries they were from, hearing about their real life back home.  It was all part of an outstanding experience.  And yes, we exchanged emails, became Facebook friends and all have standing invitations to visit one another.  

Below is our new PG family.  Someone came up with the name the ADAMS family for our group.  It might have something to do with this certain couple from Boston -  Kevin and Rosemarie?  We had so many laughs with these people that I would wake up giggling at night and in the morning you would have a laugh ache in your tummy.  Such fun.

We met Cristian Frew, the cruise director on our first night as we were embarking at 11:30 at night.  He was all smiles and so happy, we were just tired it was already 2:30 am at home and we still had to sign in, find our room and unpack.  He was an amazing fellow (great English accent too) and so accommodating and he LOVES his job as does everyone on the PG, which is probably why their staff is so serious about their job but friendly and accommodating.  I adopted two or three of the staff members.

After the motu (always "after" the fact I have great thoughts and ideas),  I said to Kathi we should have saved a couple of those coconuts for Bob and Rich. We each brought along some of their ashes and we thought it would be healthy for us to leave some of them in Tahiti.  They would have loved a tropical trip like this one. What to do, what to do.  We met up with Cristian again one day at Happy Hour  and he just happened to ask is there anything I can do for the two of you. I bet he was not thinking we would take him up on his offer.... Why yes Cristian, is it possible you can get us a coconut for our husbands, after the shocked looked (only momentary), we explained and he did.  A  few days later when he had the coconuts ready for us we went to pick them up.  He asked Kathi and I to join him for dinner.  Seriously, not an offer I have ever had in my life to have dinner with the Cruise Director himself.  Of course we would love to and we did! I think of the cruise director of a ship as perhaps a bit stuffy and stand offish.  Again not true with anyone on the PG. Very approachable and down to earth - Refreshing.  Thanks Cristian for making it really special for us with dinner and coconuts.

Look what else was in Bora Bora.   Yes, it is bottle of Rendarrio wine and yes that is a rainbow beaming from the top.  Kathi, brought this little gem to dinner one night and we shared it with the Adams family.

As the trip was winding down we decided Moorea would be a great place for our sweet hubby's. We were at a great beach (we went their by Taxi with our friends Ron and Vicki from Michigan) that Bob and Rich would have loved, a view of Tahiti, coconuts and flowers.  It just felt like the right thing to do for our loves. We snorkeled them out a little ways, let some of the ashes from the coconuts  go over the coral and sent their coconuts off into the vast blue of the pacific.  Kathi and I would have swam out a little further but the current was giving us some resistants and it was scary.  One last goodbye and we headed to shore.  By the time we got out with the currents we could have ended up in Hawaii! It was all worth it and thanks to Cristian for helping!  Although this is not a highlight you will find in the travel brochure on cruises it was perfect for us.  Sweetness and smiles has replaced sadness.

Local guys - below a coconut crab.  Apparently they do taste like coconut when you cook them and they live in the trees not the ocean... fun fact.

More from under the sea... a swim with rays and sharks

I won I won I won the map.

Our last night -  back in Tahiti... Great Entertainment every night.  Oh and I won the navigational map.  Everyone has to come visit it on my wall at Hylands' Island including all of our Gauguin family.  

A shout out to a wonderful perfect friend - Kathi, you make life bearable and your adventurous spirit your willingness for new memories and adventures with me is such a blessing in my life. You are the best. It took a few people a moment or two to figure out we were good friends, not an item or a couple. Which made us roar with laughter and run to the ladies room!

Hugs and Aloha 

and until next time PG and French Polynesia, and I can hope and pray next time would be very soon!

here is the link to Paul Gauguin and if you want my friend Janet's email or phone number drop me a note. 

Birthday Bashes, Living Life, Follow up and Follow Through....

Aloha, a blessing and a birthday Prayer.

I have to be one of the most blessed people that I know. Sounds funny to say that about myself but I am. Many of you who read my gibberish blog (when I get around to blogging), came to celebrate the turning of my birth clock to 60 (mentally 40). What a joyful day for me to see our friends and my friends from the past 60 years. Everyone is very unique and inspirational in my life. 

My mom, who was the only one in this group who was present at my birth (thank goodness). And why is it mom's always like to tell birthing stories no matter their age (mom is almost 79)?  Can I just say AWKWARD..... to hear my mother telling people at my age how I came into the world butt first, naturally (that explains a lot). 

Then we had Rich's friends from High School and the CDM water polo team, one of which is our family Dentist , Rich was the best man or groomsman for the other two. Forty-two years of friendship. They are the old school friends. 

Having my church friends come celebrate.  Truly, with all three of the Pastors stopping by for some prayer, tacos and socializing, I felt like a Lutheran celebrity. So many other church friends being there made the day outstanding!  Within that church family new relationships have grown and continue to grow with my Haiti family team. Two of my closest friends are in my life thanks to Haiti!  They are so supportive and I think one of them made me a mystery cake for my birthday.  

Pastor Tom always makes me laugh.... He is probably saying  "no worries we will pray for you. It takes a group in your case, Jackie".  Below PT and his wonderful better half Jane.  

Great  People... They can ROCK a Lei....  

Twins of different ages.  Mike and Chad.  Honestly these two could be brothers. Below some of my Haitian Team sisters.

Delightful neighbors, from the Eastmont/Shooting Star days and my Limewood neighbor friends (where does the time go? we have lived on Limewood for 12 years already).  Lifetime friends, Kathi, the Lawrence's. Having my grand-babies, sons, daughter in law and her family.  The other Hyland's who travelled from the central coast (Laura, I just include you as a Hyland).  A few of my Adhesive Sista's (scrapbooking), Monday Mom's,  Bunco Baby's, friends of friends.... the list goes on.

Hunter, we talked him into putting the Hawaiian shirt on so he could be like Papa Rich.  It may have been on for 3 minutes. Thus, the reason he looks uncertain in the picture. Below, niece Kelly with Jarred, my mom and great niece LeeAnn. Kelly's face painting at the party was a HUGE and FUNNY hit. 

Mom Hug

Central Coast Family Kevin and Laura

Aloha, this party was not even so much about celebrating my birthday but more importantly it was for me to be thankful for all the gifts I have in my life by the presents of all these amazing people.  I could humor everyone for hours with stories about everyone who was there. To often celebrations are held and people come together when someone has passed.  One thing Rich taught everyone is NOW.  Now is the time to celebrate life, love and blessings. For those friends, who could not come because of miles or prior commitments, you were all there in spirit.

It would not have been a party without the help of Barbara, Yvonne, Summer, Nancy, Danielle, Dale and Diane. Dale was climbing ladders and hanging tissue balls (I love his Martha side) and Nancy climbing the waterfall rocks in the yard to hang decorations. The Eaton's and Albers for being the libation managers...!  Francheska, for the one of a kind birthday cake (you are so talented not only can you make cakes but you rock making a web site too). Mike, for cleaning scrubbing and trimming the Island. Special SPECIAL did I say Special thank you to Josh and Erica Render (kids too), for providing JJ as entertainment (if anyone ever needs some nice entertainment for an event call me we will get you in touch with JJ). Thanks JJ, Amber and girls!   

More Pictures to Enjoy....

Toby, makes me want to sing "Red Solo Cup" 

Flower Face painted Friends selfie.

Dale Rocking his Pineapple - Wave

These two are fresh off the plane from Hawaii....

Before and Below After... Honestly, these people put the "F" in FUN.

DOUBLE DOUBLE... Mike and Mike on one side and Kevin and Kevin on the other.... and they look alike too.
 Below Barbara, dessert Master.

 

Don't we all take pictures in our remodeled bathroom with friends. 

 Nothing says party like Bathroom. 

The cakes....

Franceska's Cake

Mystery Cake?????? Amazing - if anyone knows anything about this cake... I need more clues.
 I still think it was somehow related to the amazing SUMMER!

CHEERS and thanks again to everyone who made my day special. The flowers from my Prayer Partner and Tony and Family in Texas, Deslattes and Boyles for my fabulous Hawaiian Halo, direct from Oahu. A cute bottle of Tequila (yes, Tequila can be cute ), the champagne, angels and assorted other gifts and cards. Very much appreciated. 

Follow up and follow through.  Several of you graciously donated to our Good Samaritan - Esther Fund.  (This is where I start tearing up while typing).  In lieu of people buying cards and gifts (at this age I don't need or know where to put stuff - exception tequila and champagne (I know where it belongs at the right time). I was thinking if (no obligation), we collected $200.00 for the Haiti fund next year that would be GREAT.....  Another blessing from my gracious friends, we have checks and cash totaling almost $1500.00.  Absolutely blown away by the generosity of so many for my passion.  WOW WOW WOW. Trust me the Haiti team will use this next year to glorify the kingdom, directly hands on in some passionate way next January. Some of you may recall reading the blog with my story of Esther this past January.  She changed the lives of several team members.  Fabienne, our/my Haitian, friend and sister has continued to keep me updated these past two months on Esther.  I received the following messages from Fabienne on March 27th.

My Dearest Jackie. I found out that Esther passed away peacefully this week. Her two children are being cared for by family who have been very thankful for all you and the team have done in help and concerns. Please continue to pray for them. I love you. Fabi.

FabI

Thank you... I sent a reply to your email. Hope you are enjoying your weekend. Take a look when you have a moment,.. Hugs... Love you, Jackie

Fabi then sent the following message:

I read it and did some research. It took the pastor a week to get up to where Esthers family lives up in the hills and a good 4 days to get back down. I am understanding that she passed in the early part of march but it took some time for the mssage to get to me. I pray for you, that March be a time of light hearted- ness and not heaviness. I used to feel like that for june. Not anymore. Your generosity is intense and beautiful. I can't wait to see you at home. A few more weeks. Fab

although this was sad news it was not unexpected. Hard to explain what and how the spirit can move you at times. Esther, was a gift for a few short hours in my life. She is helping me daily keep things in perspective here in California. Thank you, all so much for the birthday gifts that will help other people like Esther and her family in the future..... HONESTLY, this is one of the best gifts I have ever received to be able to do more. We can't do everything, we can't necessarily fix the problem but we can do something. That is powerful (reaching for that tissue again).

Again to anyone reading this, I just want to say to all my party going, lei, coconut, grass skirt , Hawaiian shirt wearing friends. You all have a place in my heart. You are gifts. Would you all not agree I am blessed?

Don't cry because it's over. Smile Because it Happened. Dr. Seuss 

(one of Rich's favorite sayings)

My Dr. Seuss quote:

SOMETIMES YOU WILL NEVER KNOW THE VALUE OF A MOMENT UNTIL IT BECOMES A MEMORY.

LOVE, HUGS, ALOHA, BLESSINGS .... GOD BLESS.

Jackie