Island Food Experiences

While in Hawaii we had so many great food experiences, whether it was at Matsumoto’s in Hale’iwa where we had incredibly yummy shaved ice…. Yes, I will take mine with Lilikoi, Coconut, and Mango flavoring please, and could you just put that incredible sweetened milk on the top and yes, I will have the splash guard. Thank you.
To Kahuku Grill on the North Shore.
Let me tell you, this place is faaaamous!! Even the Governor of my humble state of Utah thinks it’s great. They even have his picture as an endorsement hanging on the front of the restaurant, along with his “Vote for Gary Herbert for Governor” picture.

But by far and away our most incredible dining experience was Mama’s Fish House located in Pai’i. OGM (inside joke that was had by all on the trip) it was fabulous. The views were amazing.

I walked the shore and picked up a few shells that were really absent everywhere else on the island. But don’t let me kid you….this picture really isn't about the shells - - - it is all about the bracelet! An amazing piece that I invested in while on the Island.

The flower arrangements inside …. Stunning. They even arranged flowers on the toilet....Seriously....
The décor was incredibly eclectic. We were all fairly certain that the gentleman in the photo, dark hair, back to me, was someone famous… we weren’t sure who, but Al pretty much confirmed he was a character actor in….well something.

Dinner was scrumptious….something that I know the Pioneer Woman couldn’t have even accomplished. Do I look happy? OGM, it was amazing!

Seeking My Soul

Seems as though life takes us on journeys and we sometimes wonder when/if we bought tickets for the ride….and while on this adventure we feel like we left something at home, like your toothbrush or camera…

Well my journey has been so crazy lately, that I think I left behind my soul/heart somewhere. I am not sure if I lost it on the last adventure, or whether it accidentally got kicked under the bed and I just can’t find it. My world has seemed so twirly lately that I had to do something…And at the risk of being overly metaphorical, I can just say that I wasn’t capable of putting someone else’s oxygen mask on when I was totally gasping for air myself. Taking care of everyone else first was just killing me.

There are few places in life where I can go and center myself. Sometimes it is just in my own space of creativity, but mostly it is at the ocean, on the beach, and more specifically in the water at Leo Carrillo Beach. So I went.

This is the place…right here….in these waters…

And in this sand...

And of course Lifeguard Tower #3 holds special memories… and I won’t go there right now…but I can still see Sandy the Lifeguard’s face…..

I spent time watching the sunrise, and one morning at 5 a.m. I got up and went for a walk on the beach and found these little treasures…

And saw this… I don’t know, maybe I have been away from California too long, but seriously, who walks their miniature pony on the beach?

The sunsets were phenomenal.

My spirit was nourished. As for my soul/heart, I am still looking….

..

Shells, Rocks, Glass

What do all of these have in common? The Oregon Coast! While visiting there for vacation Mom, Daddy, Mike, Shelly, J'Amy and even Maycie got into the act!!

We found some beautiful agates, shells, and gorgeous sea glass. I will be making some jewelry items of interest from this adventure. Sam, my nephew, even found some great pieces (somethin, somethin coming your way Donna!)

Wait Maycie - - your form is totally off - - your butt MUST be sticking up in the air... What is up with the squat position! I guess I should cut her some slack, after all it is her first time at the beach.... amateur....

Muah!

Mission: Vacation Outcome: Successful

Wow - - what a great vacation! Here is the pictorial view...

We did everything from a fishing excursion - to beach combing, to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, and of course we hit a bead shop while we were there. And... the name of the bead shop is my maiden name!!! What a coincidence!

Muah!