“You’ll encounter many obstacles along the road to living your dreams. Some obstacles may be real, some imagined, some may be tangible, and some may be intangible. Some of those obstacles will be created by others, and some will be self-imposed. However they manifest, you will always be given the choice as to whether you give them power.”
(~Francine Ward)

Dreams. Never lose sight of our dreams. Dreams are a bridge between reality and the illusion which we seem to get caught in. The human storyline trudges on and we get swept along, not connecting with our true self or remembering our dreams. “I’ll do that later but later often doesn’t come. Do it Now! Seems we must continuously remember all we have to be thankful for and move in the direction of our dreams. Know that “Whatever is needed is already in process.” Bumps in your road or obstacles are inevitable along the way, that’s what life is about. Relax into life, giving power only to those things we deem important. Enjoy the journey towards your dreams!

One of my dreams is realized whenever I visit our dear family and friends in Hawaii. The warm tropical breezes and slow pace envelops me in a wave of love. Pele, the Hawaiian Volcano goddess of creation, welcomes me home and gives me time to sort out and discover my true feelings and emotions. The Big Island, called the island of Hawaii, is an island being created as we speak. Molten orange lava is flowing from bubbling calderas towards the ocean, creating a larger land mass. The poor little town of Pahoa, in Puna, is directly in the current path of this lava flow. Slowly it creeps closer and no one knows what Pele will once again claim as her own. Mauna Kea is already the planet’s largest mountain, 57,000 feet from the base below the ocean to the 14,000 ft summit. Containing 21 of a possible 22 global climate zones on our island of Hawaii, it is always fun to laze on a warm tropical beach in the morning, enjoy the expansive ranchland of Waimea in the afternoon and venture up to the top of Maunea Kea at sunset; amid snow, cool winds and the impressive interstellar observatories perched on top. Above the clouds, looking down on the powerful creation of this large island; amid the expansive Pacific Ocean, gives a sense of peace and connection with all that is.

Taking over 12 hours to drive around the Big Island it is possible to experience all the climate zones; each with unique vegetation and geomorphology. From temperate fruit and koa trees on the higher slopes of these massive mountains, down to coffee plantations, vegetable gardens and finally ending with lower tropical coconut trees, mangoes, papayas and pineapples; this is an island of contrast. The oceans are a playground for fishermen, swimmers, paddlers, surfers and sailors alike. We always spend time hiking in different mountain and valley areas, covering ocean to forest. From snow to rain to mist to spring like weather to hot sunshine it is all there. Just choose a climate zone, dress accordingly, and enjoy what unfolds. When the kids were growing up we always carried a bag in the trunk full of everything from bathing suits to a ‘hoody’ for cooler weather- just in case. Flexibility here and in life in general always pays off.

Highlights this year were hiking back to the 1000 ft waterfalls in the back of Waipio Valley, scrambling over rocks, along slippery cliff sides and swimming through the deep cold river six times to reach our goal and back. Exhilarating. The family hiked the extensive trails of Kaloko Park many times and lazed and picnicked on stunning beaches from the Harbor to Honaunau to Pine Trees, to Beach 69 to Hapuna to the Northern beaches of Hawi.

Heading over to visit my Mom in her Hale on the NE corner of the island we explored verdant “Mud Lane”, Waipio Valley and the environs of our favorite miniature horse and the four llamas in pajamas. Time with family and friends to bond and catch up is always a real gift. We have all been through many chapters together and are thankful that we can share time once again. Besides there is always time for dessert, chocolate and sharing. If not we need to rethink our priorities. I was able to spend time with Mariah and her classes at her forward thinking Kona Pacific Waldorf School, chaperoning on a field trip to Hawi and later telling stories of animal adventures in Africa; while her classes drew pictures. Kevin also has excelled in his career as a realtor and though busy, took time off to hang with his Mom and go on a couple of fun adventures together.

Ho Ho Ho! Kayla and I baked a pink Princess Elsa Castle cake (from Frozen fame) for her 5th birthday party at the beach, complete with pizza, games, swimming and oodles of little bopping birthday friends. Christmas Day was her real birthday and we hosted a fun family gathering at Shane and Mariah’s lovely home, overlooking the ocean. Guests of honor were our British Columbia in-laws or outlaws: Roger, Angela, Brynn and Aaron. So fun to catch up after 18 years!! At the last minute I even opened my little Grandma’s cedar chest to set the table with her hand crocheted table cloth, blue depression glass cups and silverware. From another lifetime long ago, it added a special, warm touch to this grand celebration. My little Grandma’s home was always the center for our family Christmas gathering while I was growing up in the snows of northern Wisconsin. Then it was my home in B.C. and Hawaii. Now Mariah and Shane have invited us into their home to carry on with old traditions and make new traditions together.

Christmas morning was a flurry of activities as extremely excited Kaimana and Kayla spotted gifts from Santa, unloaded bulging stockings hung by the window and tore through brightly colored packages from under the now traditional little tree. If we could have harnessed that energy it would solve the world’s energy crisis for generations to come!

Spending time with my Mom at her place in Honokaa is always fun and visiting at Christmas time has the added bonus of Christmas carols, hula and bell ringing, parties and bingo. My brother, Paul, was able to visit for a week. We had a great time catching up, visiting my Mom, and enjoying his niece Mariah and nephew Kevin and great niece and nephew. Time flies! Seems like only yesterday that we were brother and sister fishing, catching frogs or playing at the ‘shack’ on the County Line Road. My Mom’s advice this year on what’s important in life was: “Do what you have to do and Damn it – Just Do It!” She has never liked whining and has always quietly, without complaining, helped those around her. She walked her talk.

We took my Mom out for a family Christmas/birthday celebration at Mauna Lani Resort on Christmas Eve, Mariah’s 37th birthday. What an enjoyable day singing Christmas carols en route and gathering for fun, food and smiles. My Mom was in fine form and enjoyed being surrounded by family, friends and great grandchildren. 90 years old and still teaching us to “Smile and lighten up – Life really is funny!” An inspiration.

Watching the grandchildren, Kayla, 5, and Kaimana, 2, grow into beautiful, creative, lively beings is such a treat. It is hard to only see them once a year but our time together is valuable, loving, fun and full of heart warming memories. Wisdom on both sides of the spectrum. The circle of life, my Mom at 90 reminds us to lighten up and smile and the young grandkids remind us to enjoy the Now. Who knows what will happen in their storyline from age 2 until 90? Hopefully they can follow their dreams along the way.

While visiting this Holiday season Joseph headed north to Laos from Bangkok while I flew through Korea to Hawaii. Together 24/7 while traveling it is good to take divergent paths occasionally. Laos is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, sharing its borders with Burma, Cambodia, China, Vietnam, and Thailand. Despite the fact that it remains among the poorest nations in the world; Laos has managed to conjure up its individuality on a global scale. Laos is lesser known to people than Thailand, its sister country, but Laos has its own simple but unique culture which has attracted tourists and travelers alike. All but destroyed during the Vietnam war this country still harbors thousands of unexploded bombs and land mines keeping remote travel to well trodden paths and roads. A sad chapter of history indeed.

With stunning landscapes and a natural simplicity of the people this is a destination in SE Asia to check out. Interesting temples dot the landscape and elephants, the national animal, still roam the country side. The Mekong River is also known as Mae Nam Khong, which translates to ‘mother of all rivers’. The Mekong River forms a vital transportation route for people here and helps in generating electricity, irrigating crops and fishing. The country has been influenced by a number of cultures and countries. In the year 1945, the Japanese took over the country for a brief time but the French regained the control till they announced Laos to be a free country in the year 1949.

The climate of the country primarily depends upon the two major winds which blow through Laos twice a year. From May till October, winds from the Indian Ocean bring heavy rainfall to this place, but later when it changes direction, winds originating from China are hot and dry, which blow from November till April. Though Laos is among the poorest countries of the world, the people here have found the way to happiness by accepting Buddhism as their major religion. Buddhism helps them in finding joy in simple living.

And so it goes…………………………………..Next month Bangkok, the vibrant capitol of Thailand, and a train trip through the length of the country to the southern provinces. Until then Keep Smiling and remember to never lose sight of our dreams. Do it Now as Later may not come! Take care and Keep in Touch!