Hodgepodge

STAR.

2012-02-07T22:23:00.024-10:00

When I'm challenged I always turn inward and look at my part in the events that are currently causing me to feel _________ (fill in the blank). At the ripe old age of 51 I'm pretty clued in to my thinking patterns, but there's always more to learn, and the time felt right for a big dose of new understanding. So I took myself impatient self off for nine day retreat in the desert with the hopes of fast forwarding my personal knowledge.

As I moved into my casita, this wise chap sat in mediation by my front door and I looked upon him as a comforting omen that all was as it should be.

It takes courage to walk through new doors and into the unknown. But as the alternative was a snails pace momentum, (lets face it) the choice to fully immerse was easy.

Tuxedo, doing the cat walk.

The days were full on. Our breakfast bell rang at 7:30am and we pushed through daily until 9:00pm with lectures, guided meditations, emotional release, surprises galore and plenty of laughter, tears and homework. There was not much time to enjoy the scenery, but between the big room, the dining hall and my casitas, I got to enjoy the changing light on the distant mountains.

When you're in process you have to have hope. Trust that despite everything you're on the right path and that bigger, brighter more amazing things are coming your way. My time at Kenyon Ranch more than reinforced my belief that life is a rich journey made all the more meaningful by those beautiful souls you connect with along the way.

Case in point, batting practice was extremely satisfying by myself, but it was never more healing, profound, freeing, funny and empowering than with these amazing women. The local Sheriff had to check there was nothing untoward going on as our collective foul mouthed decibel levels reached an all time high! GO GIRLS!

20 strangers arrived at the start of the process and 20 deeply connected friends expressed collective heart ache at having to leave each other at the end. I'm no stranger to personal growth, but I've never experienced more love in one process than at STAR

If you look up the word 'inspiring' or 'compassionate' there should be a picture of Barbara Findeisen! What a woman-what a program-what a gift to bask in the emotional and physical safety that she and her team create for the excavation of your psyche. If the option to slip her a fat check and stay longer had been on the table, I wouldn't have thought twice about it.

Oh.....and in case you're feeling old, Barbara is going to be 84 years young next month and has more mojo than most people half her age (present company excluded)!

Peace-out.

Flowers, fun and felines.

2012-01-17T17:02:00.001-10:00

I got a message on my cell phone saying " Sharon, I have some beautiful flowers and I want to give them to you". My friend Kanara wasn't kidding and I so appreciated her donation of 'function flowers' into my home.

Talking of donations...I'm guessing most people won't know they've contributed to this collection.

Early Saturday morning I went to Kanaha and while I knew it was too big for me, I figured there had to be something I could play on. I figured wrong! It took 45 minutes of falling before I called it quits.

And lets face it no one wants to see this in the line up!

But I wasn't done so headed to the harbour sure it wouldn't be breaking, but for the second time in an hour I was wrong!

Good grief woman get up, up, up on the lip!

I was still falling but having sooooooo much fun.

Let me tell you - we've all done it, you come in off the water, go to grab the key that's around your neck only to discover it's still in the door. I went from panic to elation in one second when I discovered everything was still there. Phew!

And it's always nice to come home to a friendly face.

January so far......

2012-01-02T21:24:00.001-10:00

January 1st 2012 and I'm greeted with a little rainbow for the start of my early glassy Kanaha session.

Wave one, dry hair and looking a little unsure.

Now that's better, clearly a good mental enama washes away all that ego nonsense and makes way for pure unadulterated fun.

This was without a doubt my biggest wave of the day!

I must have been out longer than I thought as I've grown a beard!

When Kanaha is too big for me, I know the harbour will be perfect.....and so it was for January 2nd 2012.

The harbour wave has a very distinct personality. It's flat, flat, flat and then an upwelling of energy shows up like someone has flapped a piece of silk. The watery step builds rapidly and it doesn't take much paddling to feel the push. I try to stay high on the lip for as long as I can and then swoop down to the right and then back up to the shoulder where (with luck) I repeat the manouver twice. Technically they call that a cut-back, but mines more of a loose swervey thing that thrills the pants of me!

After you... turtle crossing.

Posing with my favourite #8 buoy.

Charging Paley style which in truth is terribly relaxed.

These last few days the sweet water energy has given lots of smiles, yelps of joy and uplifted the spirits.... and that's just the people around me. Now imagine my feelings, the Yorkshire girl who couldn't swim until she was 39, got her first surfboard at 43 and made her first (and so far only) windsurf jibe at 50 (and three quarters).

Life is full of surprises.

Transition.

2011-12-28T17:11:00.022-10:00

"Can't speak, struck dumb, inspiration won't come".....that's how I've been feeling for a while now, hence the sporadic posts of the past six months. I'm in transition and with that comes a lot of introspection and re-calibration, so I just keep taking the high road and being good to myself......fark let's hope it pays off!

Luckily I know from prior experience all the emotions line up eventually. As I look at this picture of myself, I know I'm getting there as I see the twinkle of my new and improved vibrant self and I don't mind telling you.... I've missed me!

Now that's a cracking good downward dog.

I'm happy to report that my spiritual/mental/physical/emotional practice is not just in the yoga studio, but also on the water. My turbulent windsurfing journey thus far has given way to me and my gear consistently blowing and flowing. Don't get me wrong, I'm still a mediocre sailor, but I'm really enjoying my emotional shift which is now enthusiastic, willing and curious .....oh and the tea really helps!

Let me explain the tea bit.....this thermos is my new best friend. I am a woman with cold extremities, ridiculous in this hot climate I know, but there it is. This predisposes me to not like getting colder, but back in September Mel introduced me to the luxury of pre and post session tea. Ladies and gentlemen this has been nothing short of life changing! I take a quick nip before dawn patrol to brace myself and on the water I always know when it's time to come in as my mind turns to what's waiting....a piping hot cup of divine chai green.

Collective groan (ribbit).

And let me leave you with the latest edition to the back of my truck. With thanks to my mate Jules for the inspiration..... pass the salt and vinegar would ya?

Pineapple express.

2011-12-04T16:39:00.011-10:00

Not too shabby, my home in the middle of the sea.

A $20 reward, or beer of your choice for some lost yellow plaid board shorts, really? Though thumbs up for the drawing.....which helpfully gives you a perfect visual of what 100% of the one pocket version look like.

I don't think he's our man.

Maybe Cozmo knicked'um for the beer reward, because looking at his belly I think he's been overindulging. He needs some exercise.

Perhaps I should take him for a run in the desolate and fallow pineapple fields.

Clearly some of the fruit didn't get the memo that they are no longer a viable crop on Maui.

While others weren't so lucky.

You never know what beauty you're going to encounter on a ride, I love the amber, green and pink colors that seemingly appeared out of no where.

My ride back reminded me of the classic song by Supertramp "Take the long way home".

Thursday.

2011-11-20T17:39:00.009-10:00

6:20 am and despite the web saying 'calm' the wind was already on the surf.

Of course the cat's at Kanaha don't give a shit about the conditions, just the perch opportunities.

A higher vantage point seems to be the order of the day, rise above and get a new perspective.

These guys are dialed in seasoned veterans and can play in anything.

Exhibit A, something out of nothing.

It's the real thing.

As is this, which is not two trees, but one taking the concept of branching out to a whole new level.

Spoil sports.

That's more like it.

Peace, love, ease and flow. Over and out.

No rain, no rainbows,

2011-11-10T19:09:00.011-10:00

Heading down the hill to work.

At work.
Heading up the hill.

Haliimaile turn off.

Makani turn off.

Did you make your wish?

As a little postscript, Ulles sent me this link with the note "31 plus million hits for this shit, and you probably saw three today. God help us."

A busy week.

2011-10-28T06:56:00.013-10:00

Having surfed and attended a yoga class, my day was already an eight. So when I got the invite from Mel to come and eat lunch prepared by a private chef and launch from his house...well it jumped to a ten.

And talking of jumping, I had to before rigging up!

Team Italia & Team Swiss are in town and Renata's birthday was a perfect excuse to congregate and appreciate.

Doh! I didn't take this grasshopper pici (I wish), but it makes me smile every time I look at it.

I didn't take this one either and it was forwarded to me with the comment "one of your friends I'm sure", again, I wish!

The third and final pici I didn't take was this one forwarded by Meesh. Here's the story morning glory. More shocking is that this beautiful photo was taken with Ulli's iphone!

It's a tradition to have a pre halloween party pici taken in Ulli and Michelle's kitchen.

Gotta have the contrast before things go quickly down hill!

And finally, spot the windsurfing pioneer!

Miracles do happen.

2011-10-19T19:29:00.007-10:00

I went surfing today at Hookipa and had a blast (and Tavares last week but I only have a witness and no text as proof)!

Danny owns a brilliant cafe.

Our lives change but the beauty of rainbows...

.....and sunsets are constant.

Oh and I now own a watch......something I've not done in about 20 years. It tells the tides.

Switzerland.

2011-09-21T19:53:00.000-10:00

Remember the glacier from earlier? Well here it is up close and personal. This is Diavolezza mountain and one of the ski areas in the upper Engadin.

As we rode in the cable car to the top (roughly 10,000ft), we got a birds eye view of what's left of a portion of the glacier and it's protective summer blanket.

As the glacier forms the base for the ski season, it is a precious commodity. Renata remembers when this strip was fully connected to the main mountain and therefore skiing occured well into the summer. I found myself feeling sad for this dying giant of nature.

You can see the start of the ice just to the right.

What can I say about my English speaking star of a tour guide, other than a bloody great big "danka".

And here's yet another way to ascend another extraordinary area of the mountains. This cable car pulls you straight up (and down) to a magnificent brilliant and beautiful vista. There is of course a stunning restaurant at the top and hiking trails that lead quickly off into the wilderness.

Ta-daaaa! As this was my last day it was a perfect destination as I could look down the Engadin Valley and see lakes of St.Moritz, Champfer and Silverplana that had been my playground all week.

A light snack for one! We specifically rode to the small village of Spinas, strictly for the juvenile amusement of the name.

Told you!

And while we're on that topic, while the Swiss are not known for their sense of humor, this sign for the Ladies......

....and the Gents, really made me chuckle.

Then just like that I was back in the old smoke and making my way back from one home to another. If I could have extended my stay in both countries I would have, but responsibility called and thank god I live in a place I love, with a job I dig and have a community that loves and supports me. Otherwise I'd might have had to pack up and move to Switzerland!

Switzerland.

2011-09-20T06:03:00.000-10:00

The traditional architecture in buildings that I saw all had proportionally small windows. I asked Renata about this and she explained that one way to preserve heat in the winter was to build structures with very think walls and small windows. The downside being the interiors were dark, which is why the bays are splayed out in order to reflect the maximum about of light into the room. It also explains why most of the structures are cream/white to cast back as much illumination as possible.

Of course most of the buildings have been modernized for todays living standards, but I couldn't get enough of the beautiful windows all lovingly tended for by their occupants.

Switzerland.

2011-09-17T18:08:00.001-10:00

As we ate ice cream and wandered through the charming and scenic village of Pontresina I spotted someones picture perfect washing hanging out to dry. "Remind me to snap that on the way back" I said, as we went for a wander around the beautiful Grand Hotel Kronenhof.

Awkward would accurately describe how I felt as I tried to surreptitiously snap some poor old ladies underwear. Not so Oly - as he walked boldly on to the lawn, "hey check this out-it's an art exhibit"!

Sitting at nearly 6,000 ft hydration is a must and pretty water fountains are everywhere.

This is Zernez, another stunning village in the Engadin. Renata was a mine of information explaining traditions, ecology, architecture, language and having lived, skied, snowboarded, telemarked, climbed, biked, hiked and bobsledded there she knows this place like the back of her hand.

The staggering thing about many of these buildings is that you go inside a restaurant or cafe and they are ultra modern. Slick, minimal and highly functional using local slate and stone alongside their contemporary furnishings and fixtures. It was incredibly appealing to my senses.

BOOM! As was this....and it only got better as when I rode up here I ran into a wedding at the tiny local village church.

I didn't know when I arrived that whis would turn into a mountain bike holiday. But with so much terrain on the doorstep and a fabby bike in the cellar, I rode four out of six days and could not get enough of the pristine scenery.

In all my tootling I did not see one piece of litter. That's quite extraordinary given the numbers that use all the pathways and trails, which are well signposted and activity is encouraged with (for example) free chopped firewood provided at the BBQ's. Use of the landscape is both nurtured and respected and I marveled at the simplicity of this healthy model that quite simply works. You have to applaud the Swiss, they know what they're doing and it bloody well works....the trick being as a guest in their country you simple match their high standard. Total genius.

Tea time again at yet another marvelous middle of nowhere lakeside chalet.

Nit-wit alert.

By this time I didn't have to ask "Oly, will you take my picture?" instead we'd just jump off the bikes. I'd pose and he'd snap-brilliant!

Switzerland.

2011-09-16T12:20:00.000-10:00

Making myself right at home (as you do) I borrowed Renata's kit, bike and husband as my personal tour guide. "Let's go for a tootle" I said to Oly, cautioning "nothing too radical" and as we left their house riding on the flat around the lake I couldn't have been happier.

"Just take it easy" he said, as we started to climb with a solid slow cadence and headed away from the watery mirror and into the mountains.

It's one thing to passively see the Alps, it's another to get stuck in and play on them. I'd like to say I'd stopped to admire the view, but the incline finally pulled me off the bike.

All the effort was worth it however, because with every twist and turn I was presented with a visual Swiss fantasy that properly blew my mind.

See what I mean?

Water break perfection....

......no wait, this is.

And if water's not your thing, how about a cheeky nip of Grappa at the half way point in your ride, let me tell you I'd earned it and was tempted.

Instead we opted for the most amazing cup of tea, hazelnut cake that made us "omg" out loud and a view that was picture postcard perfect. Like a mirage in the desert, this little chalet seemed to me to be in the middle of nowhere and in my wildest dreams I could not have come up with a more idyllic pit stop.

Tea and cake eye view.

What a day and I didn't even show you the cows with their fringes and bells who kept us company along the way *sighs contentedly*.

Switzerland

2011-09-14T19:45:00.000-10:00

Good grief, where to begin?

From the UK I headed to Zurich and then took the scenic 3. 3/4 hr train journey up to the Engadin Valley. In a little village called Champfer just past St.Moritz live my friends Oly and Renata and having done zero research, I had no expectations as to what I'd find. But as they are top peeps and live in a place where nature dominates, I knew I couldn't go far wrong.

I kid you not this was the view from the train.

Stunning picture postcard stuff.

On my first full day I awoke to a beautiful blue sky in the majestic Swiss Alps and it was quickly decided we should go stand up paddling at Silverplana. Having attached (I thought) my GoPro camera to my paddle, it was a perfect morning to catch the wonder of it all. Yet 10 minutes in, I looked down to find the GoPro gone...lost somewhere in the lake. I should have been pouty, but we were the only people out on perfectly glassy water which reflected the view and doubled the awe and joy I felt. As we reached the end of the lake a south wind picked up giving us a perfect push for a downwinder back to the surf club.

Time for a spot of lunch.

In front of a bloody glacier, holy ice cap batman!

And at the end of an incredibly wonderful day, the only thing to do is enjoy the local Engadiner beer, prost!

UK

2011-09-06T19:56:00.003-10:00

The primary reason for my visit this year was to help with the last push of unpacking from my Mum's recent move. Her new flat is beautiful and I was totally impressed by the 95% of work that had already been completed. The limited space of this lovely new home required aggressive culling on her part. It's not easy chucking away memories, so much so that as Mum said 'no' I said 'yes' and have ended up with five boxes to be shipped back to Maui!

All I can say is "thank God there's not room for any more stuff", because Mum does love her Amazon account. Customers who viewed this item may also like....the rule is "one in - one out"!

Of course home visit's are all about family and so here's my brother Red being polite and sitting on the tree chair his girlfriend bought him, which I think he preferred putting up - than sitting in.

Meanwhile, me and Red's girlfriend Liz relaxed and enjoyed our coffee from the comfy swing whilst laughing at my brother sitting awkwardly in said tree chair.

And finally, to make sure I really did leave Red dropped me at Manchester airport.....but not before charging a bevi to my room, cheeky git :-)

UK

2011-09-02T21:26:00.013-10:00

I had a good trog around Leeds and have decided the Town Hall is rather impressive.

As is the Civic Hall.

Of course all cities have their different personalities, but bloody hell this part looks like a scene from Oliver! The freakish thing being that I shot this from the main and throughly modern precinct.

I love these Leeds owl railings.

As you can see I popped in to the Damien Hurst exhibit and I can categorically say "I didn't get it". Call me old fashioned, but a sheep in formaldehyde and large photo's of pills produced nothing in me other than an internal "huh"? I like to be provoked into feeling something when I look at art.....anything, and this exhibit simply left a void where emotion should have been.

Not to worry, this cheeky moment outside the gallery did the job (you know you're in Leeds when.......)!

Segueing with green....I give you the mother of all tassels, which is only funny because just when I was sure no one purchased these any more my mother bought two for her new flat. Shocking!

Good lord.

Good one.

Good job!

UK

2011-08-28T09:53:00.026-10:00

You know you're in a small village when you walk into the local pub with a glass in hand and say "Excuse me, I'm having Sunday lunch with my bro a few doors down and wonder if I can get a pint of Guinness to go with it?". The old geezer standing at the bar didn't miss a beat and said to the barman "it's alright, she's Red's sister - I saw you in here the other night having a half". " Crikey and I thought I lived in a small place. "And you are"?, I asked curiously, turns out he's my neighbor which explained everything.

Let me tell you, that Guinness and my homemade Sunday lunch were bloody marvelous.

No Sunday lunch is complete without a good walk afterwards, so we took off on a ramble though the fields to see the locals.

Here's one of them and how cute is she?

Afternoon con trails.

I noticed these beets left on a wall and asked a courgette and lettuce laden woman "wazup wit dat"? Turns out the veggie growers at the local allotments leave excess produce they don't want on the wall for anyone who does. In the same vein when I came back from my walk, I found a bag of gobsmackingly delicious cherry tomatoes on my door step, courtesy of Jackie the jam lady (pub geezers Mrs.). Digging the veggie love.

Our bearded lady of the washing line.

And finally, are there are no manors in the animal kingdom? Talk about a free lunch, look at this cheeky chappy scaring away all the cute little birds, no wonder my bro has to top his feeders up so much!

UK

2011-08-26T17:30:00.002-10:00

They say an Englishman's home is his castle, my village digs certainly feel that way to me.

The worlds most perfect front door.

Or is it this one? Don't let this cute moggy fool you, he's not called Sid Vicious for nothing.

And this is Sid's mate Maxwell......more on him later.

This place is so picturesque, even from a field.

The shrine to which my mother is devotional.

"Be warned, there's bell ringing practice on Friday nights" my brother had said. My first thought was "I'm so in" and assumed it was a free for all. But as I gawped into the belfry window at the top of the steeple, it was apparent this was a proper practice and not for visiting nit-wits wanting a giggle. Reluctantly, I lurked near the graveyard hoping someone would see me, take pity and wave me in, but they didn't.

Untitled from Sharon on Vimeo.

Instead I took this naff video. I'm not a church goer, but I love the sound of bells and it's a bloody good job as I'm living a stones throw from them. I think I'll call the Revd. Andy and see if he can hook me up with the cool kids for next Friday's practice!

Brrrrrrrr, a bit of sunshine to finish, enough in fact to have an early dinner outside with Mum. The long light evenings feel luxurious and are something I didn't know I was missing. Cheers.

UK

2011-08-23T06:15:00.007-10:00

It's that time again, to journey off the beautiful rock and back to the old country.

But first a pit stop in San Francisco where (except for a few fantastic meals out), I spent the entire weekend like this, chatting with my friend Jules and catching up on life.

Laurie, Imants and Jules are some of my dearest and longest friendships on the planet. The kind you can flop down and rest in, which is probably why I didn't stray far from the couch.

Here's a bit of a rude awakening-no latin classes required. As jobs go, I have a magnificent one which was made all the more obvious when we hopped into a cab and saw this. Dear God, the fact that you have to address puke in your work place would be clue enough for me to choose another career (and no I didn't incur the vomit charge)!

One way to clarify that it no longer is what it was.

Fast forward a few days and I awoke alone and hugely contented in my brother's little village house. I padded down the stairs and was momentarily puzzled at the vision of no kettle on the stove. It took me a moment to switch my US circuitry to UK and remember that all kettle's in Britain are on the counter. They sit there in a perpetual state of readiness waiting to serve their masters at the flip of a switch, by rapidly bringing water to scalding point for the greatest ritualistic healing of all time.....tea.

We'd met my brother's neighbour in the pub the night I arrived (as you do) and post pint, while he played sherpa, Jackie kindly handed over a welcome gift of freshly jarred Plum Jam. "It's not set properly" she advised, but as my tea steeped, I poured the scrummy runny gift on top of my freshly buttered toast and crawled back into bed grinning like the Cheshire Cat.

Hmmmmm, I wonder what her next gastronomic delight will be, pickled onions perhaps? I see a Ploughman's Lunch in my future.

Lanai.

2011-08-03T18:08:00.024-10:00

A change is as good as a rest and with the Lanai Ukulele Festival coinciding with my friend Ian's birthday camping weekend, it was a no brainer to hop on the ferry and go.

Manele Bay is as picturesque as it gets. As the troops schlepped their coolers, tents, sleeping bags and made base camp, I travelled light with my American Express card. From the ferry I hopped onto the Four Seasons shuttle (I know it's becoming a habit), appreciatively accepted a chilled lemonade and checked in.

Even the roof was lovely.

I'm embarrassed to admit that I've only ever been to Lanai once before on my 40th birthday. Ten years later I had returned with Ukulele in hand and ready for a 1pm workshop at The Lodge at Koele. The lodge is just a 15 minute ride to upcountry Lanai, yet it's a world away from the energy and warmth of the beach.

I stood alone and awkwardly in the music room like the new kid on the first day of school. "Good you brought your Uke" said Benny "play something", so I took him literally and played that very song by the Beatles. "Nice" he said stopping me before I'd even got going, then he took a few measures and went off da hook with it! Thankfully as we'd been playing others trickled in and soon we were a cozy group and treated to a jam session with Brittini Paiva and Benny Uyetake.

Meanwhile back at base camp it was like a scene from Pretty Woman as Meesh produced evening wear t-shirt attire for pre dinner drinkies at the Four Seasons. Ian's birthday had brought out the breast in her creativity (see below).

Sure we'd get kicked out for misbehaving, a sharpie bra was added for modesty to Ian's shirt which did little to erase the birthday boy's concerns that he really is a ......

Pretty evening light washed over the bay.

I believe the same can be said of Mr. Hayward.

Lanai hasn't seen this much effort in a while, it's definitely a relaxing and mellow place.

Of course with all this tranquility and calm, you know the Brits from Maui were getting restless.
It was time to put the couch in the water.

Danny and Ian are roomies and have known each other a long time, they know each other a little more intimately now!

The shore break was insane jacking up at the last minute and thwacking onto the beach, here are the girls holding hands about take the drop!

Dan getting the best air of the day.

While Danny (seemingly unaware) teeters on the edge of oblivion.

Later that night as I lay on my dry land couch uploading photo's to facebook. I could hear the laughter from the day ringing out in the comments that were posting as quick as the photo's. Good times people, good times.

Sunny afternoon.

2011-07-24T18:32:00.010-10:00

It's summer time which means flat water and that's great for my sailing.

My commitment free days off are driven by the question "should I sail, sup or bike ride"? Lately, if the conditions allow, windsurfing has been my first choice. For so many years this sport has frustrated me to the point of tears, but lately I've been having a lot of fun and realized part of it is being at a level where that exasperation doesn't show up. Which, I don't mind telling you is nothing short of a fucking miracle.

At the risk of stating the obvious, Maui provides weather that allows you to frolic outside year round, but the long summer days provide more play hours and less intense water conditions, and for me that equals more smiles.

Say "Pee" (which I'm not)!

Post sesh like a total nit-wit, I'd packed up leaving the Gopro on my paddle and still in the 'photo every two seconds' mode. One Mississippi, two Mississippi....

.....three Mississippi, four Mississippi....

.......five Mississippi, six Mississippi.

Testing one, two, check-check, testing one, two, three.....

Good evening Wembley!

I've been plucking away now for a little over a year now and am of the belief that I don't have much ego around it. The sheer joy of learning a new chord pass or mastering a strum is enough, it really is one of those simple pleasures which makes it easy to find gratification in the journey. In his infinite wisdom, my teacher, sound engineer and producer, Cyrus, had decided it was time to set up a recording session. Blimey, it's a good job I'm easy about the whole thing because hearing myself in headphones really exposed the areas that need more work. Plus there's definitely an added sense of pressure in wanting to get it right (enter stage left, the ego). At one point (having just botched my solo) my inexperienced recording fingers started trembling! That being said, I could have done it all day because the thrill of getting it right was ridiculously satisfying.

As it's sunny afternoon, I thought of this song and hope you're enjoying your summer.... peace, out.

Chilling out.

2011-07-17T17:56:00.012-10:00

Everyone needs a place where they can contemplate undisturbed, this is my friend Jana's reading, meditation, napping and general chill out shack.

In case this dude chills out too much and forgets where he's from.

Now that's a labor of love, I don't think I've once rinsed my sail off with fresh water, let alone scrubbed it properly.

Cleaning the head....

....down the luff...

...opppps missed a bit behind the ears.

Bet'cha this sail doesn't get the same love, but they certainly looked chilled out.

As opposed to these guys, chicken ruuuuun.

Phew-after all that I'm hungry and having always wanted to make homemade pasta, the opportunity arose last week. With Ian as head chef and Cheyenne with all the tools in his kitchen (God bless the kitchen aid) the spinach and ricotta ravioli effortlessly manifested.

As this was Ian dipping his toe back into his non existent Italian roots, he did a bloody good job. I can't wait for the next refinement of the same recipe.

And finally, a few months ago a friend made me a palette of colors to match my tones, they're as dull as dirt, but luckily I'm not!

Green peace.

2011-07-01T10:09:00.025-10:00

I love living in a green world.

Glorious stuff.

Yet, as I like my particular patch of green to be neat and tidy I mess with the eco system. The chainsaw, clippers and manual labor produce substantial piles of green waste, which I should compost, but guiltily don't. Instead I make a monthly dusty, dirty trip to the land fill and am left with truck-bed full of displaced bugs for my trouble.

A clever friend with a much more evolved recycling sprit than mine (and a green thumb) surprised me with these the other day. I like 'um and may have to give her my old Doc Martins so they can have a new lease of life.

The smart choice is clearly to be an Octopus tree and live on the side of a cliff, over looking the coral reef and out of reach from people like me.

Someone not out of my reach was poor Cleo. I rudely awoke her from what must have been a deep nap because rather than scampering away as I grabbed my sails, she remained in place as I pulled both them and her out into the sunlight.

Ohhhh did somebody mention a deep nap? 'Tis one of my favorite things on the plant to do and there's no time like the present. See you in...a....few....minzzzzzzzz.

Living the dream.

2011-06-18T07:24:00.023-10:00

I plagiarized a phrase from a friend years ago when she declared "I live on five star mountain". We all do, right? Making the best life we can by our choice of friends, surroundings and daily experiences according to our own values and beliefs. For me this manifests by living in a place I love, working at a job I like and in my spare time doing what I want, with whom I want, which feels like unadulterated freedom. Nature, health and connection with my peeps are definitely key ingredients, with money and fancy schamcy falling pretty far down on my list of required components.

So given my usual happiness formula, post work on Friday parking my trusty 1993 Ranger (275,000 miles on the clock), for a two night stay at the Four Seasons Wailea was not exactly the norm. Yet thanks to the amazing generosity of my friend Cheyenne, I was finally using up his fantastic birthday gift and my giddy level rose as the decadence of the weekend unfolded.

My job is to send people on holiday all day and clients often start their vacation request with "I want to be on the beach with an ocean view". I'm now fully equipped to respond "I hate to disappoint, but clearly what you have in mind is room 697 at the Four Seasons Maui". Holy shit I almost pee'd my pants with excitement as I opened the door and BAM was hit simultaneously with the divine luxury of the room and the view above.

I called Cheyenne who was at the pool and from my lanai waved at him like a moron who'd never stayed at a hotel before. I'm normally the kid who's happy to play with a bunch of keys, but fucking hell that plastic card to my room and the joy it gave me made all my "money can't buy you happiness" thoughts run for cover under the 800 thread count sheets.

Day time.....

......night time!

We'd structured our weekend around the Maui Film Festival which is a wonderful annual event that can be as glitzy or down home as you'd like. With such a perfect base the next step was to add friends, cucumber martini's (shaken not stirred) and dinner at Spago. As we boarded the bus to the movies under the stars, the kindly staff handed out blankets and water and let me tell you, that was just one of the many little gestures that made me melt into a magical weekend.

Do you see these? These are poke cones and this is my friend Hanna who after Cheyenne, probably loves them the most of anyone I know.....proof positive because was her dinner. These spicy little buggers are a thing of legend and their recipe is a tightly kept secret.

As is Cheyenne's ability to make shit happen, as day two saw us in the kitchen at Spago learning how to make them!

Official testers of another Spago fave, chocolate lava cake made by Chef Ehrlich.

This pici cracks me up as we felt like stars having just had two wonderfully generous chefs take their precious time and share their talents, passion and creativity with us. Total score.

Let me tell you, I pull my weight in the world and don't grumble about much, but bloody hell, to put down my responsibilities for a weekend and be waited on hand and foot was shockingly marvelous! And remember, I'm the woman who has the blessed life and follows her nose and is free to do anything, but this weekend I felt like I had the magic lamp and all I had to do was rub that bugger and what ever I could imagine would manifest.

Well almost everything.....I couldn't conjure up a late check-out! But this was us four hours after we'd paid the bill.

Did I mention check-out was at noon? This is what 6:30pm looked like.

Today I had a 7:50am dental appointment and was back to living the dream......and at work not one client asked for a room on the beach with an ocean front view.

Weekend mini break.

2011-06-12T07:45:00.021-10:00

I took a short 45 minute flight and was in another world on Kaua'i for a few days.

With three German's and two Brits, Team Kaua'i was not short on food, wit, laughs or beer....though sleep seemed lacking thanks to the stereophonic booming frogs that bombarded our night time airspace.

A word to the wise, if you ever get into a drinking contest with Frau Elan (pictured left), you will lose!

May I recommend getting some food in your stomach first and conveniently located behind the outdoor garden at The Dolphin restaurant, is Hanalei Fish Market which has the best sushi rolls any of us have ever tasted (even sans beer).

The taro fields spread for acres in the Hanalei valley and are a perfect habitat for some of the endangered native Hawaiian wildlife.

Such as the Hawaiian Moorhen, who along with the Coots and Stilts cutely populate this rich habitat.

Further down the coast the Kilauea Lighthouse is another fantastic viewing point for seabirds playing on the thermals.

While we're on the subject of wildlife, Ulli laying (seemingly) naked didn't phase the women in his life as they've both seen it all before!

Quick trip to the beach anyone?

The Pee-wee get-away vehicles.

Clearly a favored mode of north shore transport.

As the under 50's embarked on an epic overnight adventure along the Kalalau Trail and I quote Michelle "I am now scared of hiking"......(click on the link and view the third photo down to see why)!

......the over 50's celebrated Gertrude's 72nd birthday in style.

Even in an early morning mist there is a breathtaking beauty to Hanalei Bay. If you've not been, go....it never disappoints.

Hana hou.

2011-06-06T07:20:00.025-10:00

The waterfalls were flowing strongly as we gently made our way out to Hana. While Melanie and Michelle rode their bikes, Ulli, Gertrude (aka Ulli's Mum) and I drove, stopping periodically to smell the rain and take in the scenery.

Always breathtaking, never disappointing,

We timed our coffee and banana bread pit stop perfectly, ordering just before a tour bus of XXL's arrived, otherwise it would have been shave ice and information with Aloha for us. Melanie could have used a little of the local knowledge herself before discovering that upon lifting Aunty Sandy's trash can lid, it was home to a giant rat!

The original gated community.

Did I mention the water was in full flow?

As the afternoon rain came and went, we cozied up in our comfy pad and I looked on amazed as Michelle sat in a chair and read a book! It's an understatement to say it's not an activity you often catch her doing, but clearly the side effects of 42 miles up hill and down dale were finally kicking in.

We moseyed over to the Hotel for early evening drinkypoo's and music, but there was no music.....only the reverberating sound of my gasp as the $72 bill arrived for five cocktails! That's definitely taking the piss, but it all added to the humor of the day

Gertrude soaking up the rays on her Maui style throne.

We spent most of Sunday morning at Hamoa beach.......

....while Meesh just nonchalantly walked into the sea wearing the clothes on her back for a quick surf sesh. Who gives a monkeys if they are the 'good shorts' of the moment, a girl has to stash her wax somewhere. I have so much to learn about ease and flow from this young woman!

All you need is love.

2011-05-29T12:57:00.018-10:00

Who doesn't love a wedding?

Especially when you're the stunningly beautiful bride.

Today, Andres and Emilia declared their love for each other in one of the sweetest, simplest and most laid back weddings I've ever attended.

Even the son of God was doing his bit, looking as dignified as one can when emblazoned on a reusable grocery bag. It brings a whole new meaning to 'Jesus Saves'.

A perfect illustration of the laid back vibe.

Don't try this at home kids, but do take in the beauty of this little short film which is another journey of love.

Meanwhile, in other news...... I decided to pass on sailing this weekend as it was blowing a ridiculous 26-40mph. However, there's never a time I don't feel better for riding in the forest (not counting when I went over the handlebars and got a bar end in my boob), but rest assured it's a solid fix for a nature junkie.

I set my ipod on shuffle and off I went, matching the cadence of whatever randomly played in my ears. They say the lord works in mysterious ways and I guess if he can help cart the groceries, he call also help with my steady uphill grind. Which he did with this one by Wilco called 'Jesus, Etc'. If I knew how to play the violin I'd have bored everyone I know to death playing this piece of music....luckily I play the Uke so you can all still enjoy it.

Ho'okipa offerings.

2011-05-22T07:05:00.013-10:00

At low tide I padded around Hookipa looking for a shot, but was too impatient to hang around for a corker.

This one however caught my eye as now I know (post clinic) that throwing a rooster tail is as much of a learned windsurfing skill as any other. This one gets a 6.5 out of 10 from the British judge.

This looks like Mark Angulo and his mutant....but what do I know?

Feminine prettiness collecting shells.

Talking of Hookipa, this beautiful fish used to live there and how rude of me not to have removed the kitchen sponge before David Baileying my dinner. It does give you pause that just hours before this beautiful creature was swimming in the ocean and the next thing you know it's caught, is in a cooler, then stuffed in a bag with his head down the garbage disposal at my house. The value placed on it's life was a mere $10.00, oh the indignity of it all.

What can do, but honor it by making a delicious dinner and not wasting a morsel.

And finally, remember my friendly neighborhood heavily prego preying mantis? Well she (or one of her girlfriends) just deposited her egg sack on the hand rail of my front stairs. I overrode my homeowner urge to scrape it off and am now eagerly awaiting the happy event. Stay tuned.

Saturday fun day.

2011-05-14T05:55:00.026-10:00

After a brilliant week of sailing, the weather went to shit, then my health quickly followed, so in short I've not been on the water for two weeks. As some of my people fled Maui for adventures in France & Namotu, I awoke early and laid in bed listening to Radio 1's Big Weekend and sipping tea. What to do, what to do?

What won the vote was a SUP sesh on the south side. At 7:30am there was only one person who could possibly be there already to give me an accurate report, so I sent a text to zeeeee German (aka Melanie) as I left the house.

Remember Melanie? She's one of the two fabby women I went to Ireland with last year.

Her return call made me U turn at the bottom of Haleakala Highway and head back home..........to change to my bigger 10ft board. Within the space of 45 minutes I'd signed up for the Olukai three mile downwinder, looked like a complete twat doing jumping jack warm ups, said 'hello' to a bunch of friends I'd not seen in ages and.......

........looked up at a helicopter dumping petals in the water. Bloody hell, not too shabby for an impromptu Saturday morning.

Post paddle our day flowed effortlessly as we bungeed our boards and I dropped Melanie off for a coffee.

Here! 'Here' turned out to be our vertically challenged friend Big Mike's new pad and we weren't the only visitors, he's quite the popular chap with his new digs.

I raced home, downed (in a very unlady like fashion) a cup of green tea and loaded up my windsurf gear. Drat and double drat, foiled again Batman-the bouys for the main 1pm Olukai race were right at lowers where I love to sail. Nothing to be done but wait it out until all the competitors crossed the line.

I love this shot, we all do it, just randomly dump our footwear and hope it will be there (or in my case that I remember it) upon our return.

The board room.

The games room.

Text reads: "Brah, I like pau in 20, bring da beer".

I paddled, I sailed, I conquered and as I happily drove back up the hill for the third time that day, my shuffle brought up this great song that seemed to match my warm and fuzzy feel, so I cranked it.

Women's windsurfing clinic.

2011-04-30T07:14:00.041-10:00

One of my favorite boutiques in Paia for clothes is Simmer, a surf/windsurfing store. My friend Rebecca works there, so a visit is instantly like shopping with a girlfriend and she has a great eye for dressing people. A few weeks ago when I popped in to pick up one of her necklaces (yes, she also makes fab jewelry) she mentioned a ladies windsurfing clinic and I instantly knew I was in.

In yes, in for what I wasn't sure as I'd never attended a group clinic before. First of all, you need to know that my average time on the water to sail is maybe 40 minutes once a month. The net result has been me sailing at the same level for YEARS with no progress what so ever. Hence my signing up for a push (or shove if required) to a new and improved level.

Six days of 10am - 4pm.........surely that oughta get me some where?

Oh dear, day one remedial student falling on land exercises and boldly going nowhere doesn't bode well. The edict from high "if you can't do it on land you can't do it on water" proved oh so true!

Learning any stage of windsurfing is not easy, in fact it's amazing that as many people sail as they do. In the full immersion program there's no way your regular frustrations are not going to show, which is why we were all there, to break through those grrrrrr moments and expose a new set at the next level. Thank f*#k swearing was not discouraged! However, there's no doubt in a group you laugh about your failings a lot easier and God knows you get your money's worth on that alone!

Ohhhhhhh but how sweet it is when it all comes together and you're controlling the rig and playing with the wind and the water. *Grins from ear to ear*

We played hard and none of us walked away unscathed and my body rebelled from the get go, but it was all so worth it.

Day one: Burnt scalp (I'm such a delicate flower)!

Day two: Goof ball hat purchased so head happy, but hands gained tiny blisters and small cut on foot irritating as shit in the sand.

Day three: Kook outfit progresses nicely with addition of recycled bike gloves.

Day four: Head and hands sorted but feet raw. Resisted temptation of booties for full on sexy neoprene centerfold look.

Day five: Don't care how I look anymore, hit the wall and bailed on the afternoon sesh for a nap.

Day six: Awoke in the night to rhythmically throbbing feet.

The complete outfit-winning! Alarmingly, the kookier the outfit the better I sailed.

Spot the impostor.

The brilliance of a clinic is the journey. In this case, six strangers came together with one passion and without having to rush, we played, learned and were educated specifically for our level on the building blocks of windsurfing. The multi-levels were helpful, as three of us with further to go could see what lay ahead and those ahead got to fine tune their basics and learned to jump and ride the waves. It was really exciting to see every ones progress and between mouthfuls of our well deserved lunch, Shawna critiqued our sailing thanks to her helmet Gopro.

I too had a Gopro, but perhaps I shouldn't have bothered!

The gardening gloves and doofus hat saved me from the sun and pain, but they have to go!

Six magnificent women, six completely different sailing levels and one fantastic instructor (well one and a bit-the lovely and talented Tatiana is MIA in this photo).

Shawna Cropas was our wonder woman coach. She knows her shit, communicates it well, has limitless 'let's go' enthusiasm, coupled with a total understanding for what you're going through. Here and there we dropped like flies, but not once did I see her energy flag. She's fantastically real, laughs easily, reads the group energy really well, is totally present, an excellent cook and gives nothing short of everything.

Other than my Mary Poppins like gravitational pull to the Royal Wedding, I have not a clue what happened in the world last week. Thanks to the numerous foodies in our group, we often had dinner together and it was a real pleasure hanging out with such juicy & witty women. Barley had I slept, cleaned my cuts and applied the Nuskin before I was happily rigging up again. I loved the simple routine and really felt as if I was on holiday with the rest of the girls. The consistent nature of information and practice, information and practice, information and practice, produced skill sets that changed my physical and mental way of sailing completely and I feel solid and excited by what I walked away with. I believe we all did.

As I pulled out of Stable Road for the final time I actually felt like a sailor and in my driveway on our last night, I reluctantly unpacked my well used gear for the first time in six days.

Fun, fun, fun so much fun and I can't wait to get back in the water.

Da weekend.

2011-04-23T07:32:00.019-10:00

A cloudless morning over Haleakala pulled me toward Poli-Poli to ride my bike. As I've not been riding regularly, the incline was hard going and not even a quarter of the way up I encountered the park gates that were surprisingly closed. Could I have snuck under them and carried on? Sure, but I don't mind admitting that part of me was relieved and instead I cruised from Rice Park to the Kula Hospital, where I witnessed a few patients being pushed in their wheel chairs by caring family on Easter Sunday....sweet.

Looking up toward Poli-Poli and Haleakala beyond, these are the fields to the Ali'i Lavender Farm and Ali'i passed away peacefully last week. If you ever met him, you were left with the clear sense that he was a passionate gentle soul, who's love and enthusiasm for the land was infectious.

It's a great Island wide view from up there and what I like about this otherwise dull pici is that you can see the shadow of the clouds on the isthmus.

The poppies are out in my favorite garden and butterflies were everywhere flitting in and out of the blooming wild nasturtiums.

On a weekday this is my breakfast, but today post morning exercise a protein shake was in order. Whey powder, soy milk and frozen bananas which often end up in my freezer free from the trees. Yummmmmm.

On Saturday, as I sat having coffee with my friend Oly at Casanova's, we chatted and watched the world go by, which at one point tipped in to the unusual. Never a dull moment in Makawao.

Talking of which, rigging up to go sailing at Kanaha also proved to be more amusing than normal when a bird not only crapped on my head (which made me jump), but the volume was such that there was enough left over to hit the bulls eye! The good news...I've never wanted to get in the water so fast and I had a great sesh, il segno!

Even I was ready for a new post.

2011-04-10T20:31:00.017-10:00

So the left tree asks the right tree, "dude, how do I get on to the Internet"? The right tree answers, "you log in dummy"!

Whilst on the woody perennial plant theme, unbelievably it's jacaranda season again. They are such majestic beauties and with the lush fields and moody clouds of upcountry as a backdrop, their color really jumps out.

As did these sun beams on my way home from work Friday night.

Despite having a closet in my house where everything goes to die, I don't consider myself a pack rat. However, the amount of shit I gathered for my garage sale this weekend would dispute that fact. I'll be honest, I was embarrassed at the amount of stuff that surfaced, that being said the $580 I made getting rid of it helped ease my shame!

There's a new kit in town....Cleopatra, who belongs to my neighbors. I joke with my tenants that they can have cats so long as they don't meow (nothing more annoying) and shockingly, neither of the two compound cats utters a word, purrrrrfect.

Last week as I drove by the harbor to check out the swell, I felt actual sadness at what I saw. My favorite buoy washed up and rendered useless, all naked and vulnerable, one can only assume by the tsunami surge. I'm crossing my fingers it will be back in its rightful and dignified place soon.

On your marks....

get set.....

Go!

The little things.

2011-04-03T16:28:00.011-10:00

Having just taken myself to lunch at Mala Restaurant, I perched on the pavement outside to take in the view. Were it not for the roadwork that began at exactly the same time as I sat down, my idillic moment would have been intact.

It's been a fun week of small south shore waves = big fun, though I'm surrrrrre they were way bigger then this.

God it's good here.

Back country.

Front and center, a couple of clicks reveals that this is a Pacific Golden Plover, super cute.

Despite appearances to the contrary I've not been bird watching this week, but as I unloaded my board (for what was to be a fab SUP session), I could hear a kerfuffle in the nearby trees. These two were the guilty parties, super duper cute.

Talk about a fish out of water...

.....yes, but did he go?

Nothing much of anything.

2011-03-27T07:13:00.018-10:00

We're incredibly lucky to have the Maui Arts and Cultural Center (MACC) in our midst, which has recently received a handsome facelift. I've yelled at many a concert, enjoyed countless films and always make it a point to visit the annual Art Maui Exhibit at the wonderful venue.

Art Maui is an juried mixed media exhibit for local Maui artists, who present material that they must have produced in the last two years and not have been shown before. There's never a year without a friend being accepted and for me, that always makes the eclectic show more personal. This year, my lovely neighbor Alysia was accepted for her intricate jewelry piece 'Locket of Dreams'.

Post gallery meandering whist getting into my truck I kept looking around as I kept hearing loud squawk-squawk-squawking. I did a double take upon seeing a massive beautiful parrot on the steering wheel of a minivan, accompanied by three of his mates and a lot of bird shit!

'Tis almost the season again and the mango trees are starting to hang heavy with their scrumptious orbs.

My Uke practice continues to be entertaining (at least for me) and a while ago (like well behaved school kids), we got to have a lesson outside. The tourists were perplexed and happy with their free concert and class swelled the following Thursday with locals and visitors alike.

It's been windy as hell this last week (clearly no handsome facelift here) so I've stayed off the water and peddled, lifted, crunched but mostly lollygagged my way through week. Ciao for now.

Crikey.

2011-03-20T16:18:00.013-10:00

Long time no post and the list of apocalyptic craziness that's occurred/ing on our planet since a pregnant praying mantis caught my eye, is very grim indeed. I've donated, I've thanked my lucky stars and as it's easy for me to get overwhelmed with the intensity of it all, I believe the best thing I can do is to keep living a meaningful, joy filled life.

As I was surfing the Web, I came across the Pale Blue Dot photo and then this clip of Carl Sagan's thoughts prompted by it. If I allow the catastrophic headlines to get too close, it re-calibrates my thinking reminding me how totally privileged I am to exist on our beautiful Earth.

With all this fire and brimstone stuff, it probably doesn't help that I've just finished reading Susan Casey's terrific book The Wave. Which reminds me, this footage of the recent tsunami taken three miles off the coast of Japan is really something. The scientific models don't bode well and as our planet heats up, predictions for more earthquakes, volcano eruptions and hurricanes seem to be the inevitable fall out (cue Pale Blue Dot)!

And if the Pale Blue Dot doesn't do it, then this never fails!

So following the instructions for my own prescription on life, today (post Uke lesson) I went sailing bang on 11:00am hoping not to be blown to smithereens. It didn't work and I came in after 20 minutes as it was total pedal to the metal- first to fourth in waaaaay to short a time! I like my limbs and am way too attached to keeping them intact to stay out longer. Still, given the return reading on my iphone, 26 gusting to 41 mph I didn't do too bad!

So I headed to Ho'okipa, as there are always sailors skilled and crazy enough to put on a show in such gusty conditions.

There were some decent sets to make it worth watching (though I didn't get any good pics) and as Francky was in the water shooting, that always creates some good show-off action.

That's him there, the Pale Red Dot.

Eat, pray, love.

2011-03-07T17:33:00.014-10:00

I arrived home to find this glorious praying mantis slowly making it's way up the handrail to my front door. It reminded me of a cartoon from The New Yorker magazine that's now been made into a greeting card.

She was so photogenic and it's hard to say which was her best side, this one.....

.....or this one? Any which way, I found it amazing that she could walk on those spectacularly spindly legs when she's so plumply preggers (which she is, as I googled 'praying mantis with child'). She even walked upside down under the railing on those sticky tip toes in an effort to escape my paparazzi lens. I can't wait for the little critters to be scurrying around the place, as they can eat all the crab spiders whose invasion refuses to dissipate.

Speaking of children, the other night my lava lamp appeared to have momentarily spawned Homer Simpson's next baby, d'oh!

And if I eat and drink all that shit in my fridge, I too will be bugling at the belly. What was I looking for again.....? Ah yes, that little treat in the triangle of tin foil on the second shelf.

In the meantime I remain svelte, if not a trifle (no pun intended) sycophantic at meeting Michael Titterton from Hawaii Public Radio. I'm a big NPR & HPR fan and was honored to be invited (by my generous friends Mikel & Amy) to a fabby fundraiser. What a lovely bloke Mr.T is and what a complete twirp I look! However, who cares as he exudes passion and enthusiasm for his cause and that merely brings it to a boil in the rest of us.

Did someone say cheese?

Bits and bobs.

2011-02-26T16:31:00.013-10:00

At nearly 65 he's still an amazing showman. The Rocket Man launched into three solid hours of extraordinary music and I've not enjoyed a concert so much in years.

Elton John played two nights on Maui and I was instantly transported me back to my youth as he walked on to "Funeral for a friend". His voice is still very powerful and he has a cheeky charisma that made it impossible not hard to have a great time.

And now back to my regular life, pretty huh?

Drunk again.

Inspired by his blow torch, the new Julia Child of Kuau (Ulli) whipped up some creme brulees with a acetylene finish. They were bloody delicious.

Those tiny black things near the horizon are actually whales. Their hulking graceful bodies came to within 15 feet of us and it's really a wonderful experience to be in their presence.

Michelle and Ulli scored an incredible close encounter a few weeks ago, take a look. Thank goodness they're here a little while longer as I've not yet got my fill.

A couple of local inhabitants.

2011-02-19T17:29:00.011-10:00

Spiderman, Spiderman, does whatever a spider can, spins a web, any size, catches thieves just like flies, Look Out! Here comes the Spiderman.

Every so often the crab spiders go nuts and think they own the place by webbing everything in sight. They defiantly succeed in annoying me, as I can't make it from my house to the laundry room (via the back deck) without wildly flailing my arms about to clear the way. Yet as I waited for the kettle to boil for my morning brew, the sun hit a web just right.

Picking sticky thread off my arms, I investigated. Is he strong? Listen bud, he's got radioactive blood. Can he swing from a thread? Take a look overhead hey, there there goes the Spiderman.

Bloody impressive.

I feel like he dropped a stitch in the upper right quadrant.

And don't get me started on the snails........

Dude, how rude!

Making a sharp left outa here.

Zihuatanejo, the final chapter.

2011-02-12T15:39:00.011-10:00

I suspect no Mexican family going on holiday would even want to stay here, it's not their style, too flash, too small, but it's perfect for the visiting gringo.

Talking of which, let me introduce Jen, Ju, Moll and yours truly behind the lens, Team Zihua.

I can see the attraction for those people have packed it all in and headed south. The Mexican's are sweet and friendly, their food is simple and tasty, there are beaches, coastline and wildlife that just don't stop and the climate gently lulls you into a slow and relaxed pace. You can spot the ex-pats a mile off and they too are friendly, even if they do have a slight air of being ever so pleased with themselves-and why not?!

I don't have kids, but am of the opinion that they grow up way too quickly in the US. I'm always thrilled when I travel to a culture that does not have an accelerated youth to adulthood paradigm. We stumbled upon a Sunday night gathering at the local outdoor basketball court and as the older kids danced for a large crowd of all ages, the younger ones painted at public easels. Youth is youthful in Mexico.

Just in case you forgot your bikini.

Boldly going nowhere.

Dear reader, do you see the cardboard box behind Jules? We were having a good gorp at the two giant snappers that lay there, all forlorn and undignified in their cardboard coffin when, bold as brass Jules asks the fisherman " 'Scuse me, can I lift up that fish"?

As I awaited my ride to the airport, I desperately snapped away, taking more pictures of a view I had already over shot.

Goodbye Casa Espiritu......

As I flew back over Maui, thanks to the recent rain it's emerald peaks were lush and inviting. It was good to be home and as I blog, I'm enjoying my trip all over again and highly suspect my screen saver won't change until my next jaunt off island.

Hasta luego.

Be the king of your world.

2011-02-06T20:35:00.000-10:00

Author (minus ship) practicing Titanic's 'I'm the king of the world' pose.

Author finds titchy boat and Mexican Leonardo DiCaprio to (sort of) reenact the scene.

Even the local turkey vultures are getting in on the act.

Not to be out done, supreme poser Lou (the traveling wine stopper) uses the pool filter as his vessel of choice

The people we encountered were generous of spirit, kind and seemingly genuinely happy. Of course they're all hustling for your business, but you quickly forget that because they have a playful way of helping you spend your pesos. Every where we went we felt genuine appreciation and enthusiasm for simply being customers. In my everyday experiences, those subtle yet potent ingredients have (for the most part) been wrung out of many employees by corporate rules and regulations, so it was a welcome and refreshing change.

In Zihua however, spontaneity at any moment is possible, a case in point was Lucas, the Leonardo stand-in four pictures above. Not only did he efficiently wait on us all day, but when we decided to move on, when asked he grabbed us a water taxi and we walked all of 50 feet from our beach chairs to the boat and instead of waving us goodbye - he jumped in! Why?... because he could and let's face it we're fun and him jumping in was fun and what can I say, I think the world needs more fun.

Nothing says 'relax' more than some random bricks and a wooden slatted cage covered in chicken wire. Welcome to the Massage Jail, though let's be honest, nothing about this looks fun.

Talking of jail, here's another example of how religion is taken verrrrrry seriously.

Even though Zihua is not known as a surf spot, there was a little left I could see from the house that kept calling my name. The problem was equipment, as the only 'surf shops' I found only sold naff clothing with not a board in sight. So I rented one of the only two boards I could find from a local beach front restaurant. It was a 7ft sponge affair with no leash plug-so of course no leash. The line up consisted of just me, along with the birds, fish and unnervingly close coral, but put the whole thing together & it was bloody fantastic. Even though I caught just one wave on my sponge bob square pants board, I didn't care because I had such a blast communing with nature.

It's 5:00pm somewhere and talk about product placement......as you leave the Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo airport this is what you see, cheers!

Arbitrary stuff.

2011-01-31T21:23:00.000-10:00

The funky little shops all seemed to have either a family dog tootling around them or a baby sleeping contentedly on the concrete floor.

I'd say health and safety are not on the forefront of most peoples minds, it's more about eking out a living and making the most of what you have. Catch of the day anyone?

Meanwhile, back at spoiled bratville, the morning light streaming into my shower was almost a religious experience....

....which in Mexico is not something you say lightly.

As we wandered around town in the balmy evening (looking for our second daily feeding of chips and guacamole), we came across a huge crowd of young people spilling out of a well lit building. We four dawdling and mildly perplexed tourists made our way through the throng of what turned out to be a quiet, polite, and sincere congregation overflow!

Holy water.

There's an endearing quirkiness when money is an object, a nearly but not quite quality that (for me) these gates perfectly illustrate. Even at our flash pad, one set of taps had the hot and cold cross plumbed and many of the fixtures were wonkily plastered into the walls. I liked it, the pressure was off for things to be just so....to 'just be' was quite sufficient.

This guy reminded me of my paddling days at Hawaiian canoe club and in particular, an exercise to sort out who had the strength to pull the boat from the front 'stroke' seat. You were timed in a sprint run and just getting the canoe moving was no easy task (clearly I didn't make the cut). This banana boat instead moved easily with a borrowed kayak paddle, again people simply making do with what they have....and look at that lovely little left in the background!

Remember kids, exercise fist, then relax.

The Mexican people love their music and it comes across with pride and enjoyment. Though I confess to having my heart strings plucked, as well dressed grandpa's would walk the beaches playing songs from their childhood, for tips. Along with their double basses & mother of pearl accordions, many Mariachi were accompanied by their young children, passing on the musical tradition.

Wonderful stuff.

Color blind.

2011-01-27T19:02:00.013-10:00

The Mexican people are not afraid of bright bold, primary colors. They go well with the warm strong sun and blue-green sea, infusing a subliminal message of pleasure into daily events.

Talking of blue-green....

Eating on these orange table cloths gave us a healthy glow even without the sun and mas cervezas.

Not a sombrero or pair of maracas in sight.

It was confusing walking into one shop and discovering the startling reality that it's actually three, as shop keepers magically appeared from behind their plates and bowls calling out 'Senorita, Senorita'!

Green peas.
I loved these chairs and have a vague memory of them being fashionable in the UK in the seventies, but now I'm fifty I can't remember shitze and could just be making that up.

The real market, where gringo's stick out like a sore thumb.

Ahhhhh, home sweet colorful home.

Zihuatanejo baby!

2011-01-23T09:45:00.027-10:00

50, Jesus, it's just a number but I confess to having some difficulty associating it with myself. However, it is the age I'm turning this month, as is my best mate Jules. To celebrate, a trip was in order, “I need to know within 48hrs” Julie said, when she called with the option of Zihuatanejho. Before I hung up the phone I already knew I was in, in fact I'm surprised it took me 12 hours to call back as say so.

We arrived knowing the place we were staying was spectacular, but also with the reality that construction was occurring on the property below. With expectations lowered due to noise, we were nothing short of gobsmacked when we walked in (and the jackhammering isn't that bad).

I have to talk about the view a moment because it's so ridiculously amazing. The fact that there are no windows or doors expands the experience of...well the expansiveness. While doing a trivial task, like loading the dishwasher, I'll have a moment of forgetting what's in front of me and will look up and be amazed all over again.

Its spectacular nature simply morphs at nightime into a shinny vesion of it's daytime self.

Of course Mexico (like anywhere) is a place of contrast. I kid you not, this is the pathway to the local church.

Ta dah!

People work really hard to make a living here and there's a lot of inginuity at work. We said “no, gracias” to the bags, beads, braids, hammocks, drinks and snacks but “si” to the guy with the hot body! Victor offered a 3hr boat ride we couldn't refuse, $25 each to snorkle with seahorses!

As it turned out Victor was in sales and his caliente cousin Captain Ernesto, delivered the goods piloting his vessel, refreshingly minus any kind of waiver and amusingly bailing water as we swam. Along the way we saw the beautiful coastline, pelicans, huge frolicking sea turtles and as always the joy was in the journey.

I believe we'd all forgotten about the seahorses because swimming together in the beautiful cove looking at puffer fish, baby rays and a miriad of the bluest blue fish I've ever seen, life could not have gotten any better.

There are friends that buck up and friends that really buck up. Laurie and Imants Bush belong in the latter category. Sitting by our infinity pool upon our return from dinner were these two wonderful, amazing people. Like secret agents, they knew of our plans and created their own plot alongside ours, masetrfully pulling off a stealth surprise of love. Many men would have worried that they would mess with the vaginal eco-sytem (Ju's phrase not mine), Imants only added to ours!

"Una cerveza, per favor"!

Sunny delight.

2011-01-16T18:06:00.012-10:00

This is one of this most unique human beings I've ever had the privilege of knowing. He lives life on his own terms, has the ability to find the joy in everything and delights in unpicking the societal template that most conform to.

Talking of which (and not having sprogs myself), I love to watch kids off the leash and gravitating toward their own pleasures.

Whoops-a-daisy (my reaction), but this young one didn't care, she just kept on playing digging, building and getting wet.

Of course not all of us are so carefree, this little one secured herself like a limpet to her mother and for good reason.

Snug as a bug in a rug.

Having left my brass ovaries at home, I left the surf to those who had brought theirs with them.

The unique one surveys the scenery....

...."three little birds pitch by my doorstep"

My goodness it was a beautiful day and as we've been rain soaked for about a week, the contrast helped crank up the appreciation meter.

Just in case you needed more proof.

Niceities.

2011-01-05T18:32:00.005-10:00

Nice orange blossoming things.

Nice weed and palm tree combo.

Nice view of Lanai from Kihei.

Nice that as of January 11th 2011 plaggy bags will finally be a thing of the past.

Nice guava dump, at the dump.

Nice leg action.

Nice random cock.

Baldwin Beach

2010-12-26T17:21:00.009-10:00

It was a lazy start to Christmas day with last nights party clean up, Mummy chat and small kine gift giving at home.

It took me until about 3:30pm to rally and finally get out of the house to move my energy and what better place than Baldwin Beach?

The waves were mesmerizingly massive on the outside reef, but at the shores edge they sloppily let their crumbly crests fall.

The lowering sun powerfully back lit the flora and fauna.

As lovely as it all was I just couldn't be arsed to walk the whole stretch.

So I did what everyone loves to do and let the waves tug at the sand from under my toes, over and over again. Refreshed and restored, I overate at Christmas dinner and languished in the enjoyment, love and laughter of my good friends. I am a very lucky woman indeed.

Time to go to church.

2010-12-18T18:17:00.009-10:00

Brace yourselves......I've become a regular church goer!

Every Thursday at 7pm I show up at the Keolahou Congregational Church and take my seat in a pew near the front. The other parishioners are sweet, kind and quite old. They all have their favorite seats and I wonder as I settle in, whose spot I'm sitting in. I watch them greet each other with genuine affection and caring and it feels nice to be in a room with such a warm community.

The church itself is inviting, small, cozy and wooden, smelling of nothing. We open the windows and doors to let in the warm night air and finally he arrives, barefoot, wearing shorts, a t-shirt and a big beaming smile.

Jarret is an Ukulele teacher who gives a group lesson free of charge and he's created quite a loyal and eclectic following. One of his students works at the church and so we are lucky enough to borrow this fantastic little space in which to play and sing. You should hear us! It's pure joy when you've got 40-50 Ukes strumming away, accompanied by our choir of voices and the impromptu hula of those who know how and feel so moved.

Here's Jarret doing one of my favorite power songs.

His community lessons are his way of spreading the seeds of Aloha. He's dedicated to passing on his knowledge of the Hawaiian culture and language, which (trust me) with these songs is really helpful and he gives explanations of the myths and legends behind them. It's juicy stuff and I'm really loving it.

Who'd have thunk?!

Time Travel back to Oct 2010.

2010-11-27T09:04:00.014-10:00

Post Ireland and barely off the plane at Luton, I was clearly back with my people.

Yes, these are my people! On route to our destination when we ran smack dab in to a Saturday afternoon Morris dancing 'dance-off' and I couldn't have been happier for the absurdity of it all.

Nothing like a bunch of blokes swilling pints and getting competitive.

When I was a nipper the Pearly Kings and Queens seemed almost magical. Therefore, I had mixed emotions when I saw this old gent standing around having his pici taken, "a bit undignified" I thought. Though clearly he's not shy and that's his way of raising money for GOSH, which is nothing short of heroic. So who am I to feel sorry for him?, yet I had exactly the same feeling when I saw Chelsea Pensioner wearing the heavy scarlet uniform on his frail little body. I guess all the hospitals need help and everyone does their bit as they see fit. Agh, Sharon, just shut up and donate.

Here's someone by the fountain at Buckingham Palace who needs no help!

For mid October the weather was ridiculously good and such a perfect day required us to go on the Eye.

I'm not a fan of standing in line for things that go up high, which is why they created the 'pay more and jump to the front of the queue' tickets! Which we duly did and it was really worth it. Charlie, a fellow blogger was also recently back home in London and took some terrific night shots (scroll down a post or two to see them), one of which was from the Eye.

Bloody sightseeing requires pacing yourself with pit stops and refreshments and what better place than Covent Garden for a coffee and moment.

The visual icons of London never disappoint and you want to know the tide changes at Tower Bride you can follow the River Thames (literally) on Twitter!

At the Tate Modern, spot the stupid cow.

The skate boarders & BMXers have an underground park along the South Bank and you can easily lose a half hour watching them screech and clatter on the concrete steps and benches, practicing, entertaining and generally showing off.

London was a short stop for GP before he headed back to Maui. We'd stayed with his fabby cousin who lives in Greenwich and I'd scheduled a few days alone before I too headed back.

Left to my own devices I hopped on the bus and headed to the Camden Lock market. It's funky and tries a bit too hard...but I still loved it and aimlessly wandered through the countless stalls and shops.

This would work as my fantasy flat for my fantasy life where I travel to Europe three months a year with a big fat fantasy bank account and have a little pied a terre in the city all ready and waiting for me.

Genius.
With traveling in general I like to have one destination and let the rest of the day be organic. Which is how I found myself in front of the Natural History Museum, having meandered through the residential neighborhoods just off the Kings Road, not exactly sure where I'd come out.

My need for a wee and the realization that I'd not been to the NHM since I was a kid made my next port of call an easy choice!

The lobby was as magnificent (if not more so) than I remembered. What I really loved was how busy it was, numerous school parties with kids in uniform obediently walking two by two, locals and tourists alike admiring both the building and the exhibits and as if this weren't enough, there's the brand new Darwin Center.

The structure alone is brilliant, but as I navigated through it and realized what's going on in there (thanks to the state of the art interactive information points and ability to talk to scientists during their work day), by the time I reached the bottom of the Cocoon my eyeballs were moist with the splendor of it all! Trust me, if there'd have been a lecture at the Attenborough Studio, I'd have pushed one of those cute little school kids out of the way to get a seat! What a stimulating and beautiful experience for the mind and senses and I walked out of there in a daze of appreciation.

And right into the path of a parked Rolls Royce.

It was getting late on my last day and I didn't want it to end. I stood outside the Royal Albert Hall and thought about catching a cab back to my hotel as I'd been in denial that I was getting sick. Yet Hyde Park was just there and the Albert Memorial, so I kept walking and walking and was so glad that I did because it let me breathe and absorb more of why I love coming home.

Sustenance from one home for the long journey back to the other.

Back in the saddle.

2010-11-27T06:32:00.000-10:00

Since returning from Europe my exercise flow has slowed to a trickle. In an effort to rejuvenate my mojo I've agreed with myself to exercise everyday for the next few weeks, even if it's only a few push ups. In this spirit of this pemature New Years resolution, I took a little bike ride from Sakamoto Pool to the Iao Needle. It's an appealing route as you start in a relatively urban surrounding and quickly get enveloped by nature.

The Iao valley is narrow and it's cliffs so steep, that it's next to impossible for the sun to spill on to the road that takes you to the needle. It's a sacred place to the Hawaiian's as not only was it was a burial ground for the ali'i (chiefs), but also the site of a bloody battle in which King Kamehameha fought the Maui army in his quest to unify and rule the Hawaiian Islands. Soldiers bodies were said to have blocked the Iao streams flow.......and now you have to pay to park there.

Blimey, I didn't mean to get all serious, but that's the energy of the valley-intense. Still, the steady up hill climb is well worth it to watch to taro grow and marvel at the grassy cliff fingers.

My reward was perfectly reheated carbo load of dashboard spaghetti.

Always room in a post for a classy palm tree.

At home things were not quite so energetic, look at these two lazy layabouts (oh the judgement from one who was just there)!

A true Hodgepodge.

2010-11-25T12:20:00.001-10:00

For our office Christmas card this year, we decided a photo of the three of us would be a nice personal touch. Jesus, trying to get three women to like how they look in one photo took conservatively 30 shots! After one particularly hopeful (yet ultimately disappointing) round this was all we could see!

Talking of illusions, I shall call this shot 'giantess and lilliputian man'.

And while we're at it, here's an enormous head looking slightly like Noel Fielding.

Sundays are fun days at the beach. Camps are set up early with varying numbers of tents, coolers, beach chairs, toys, dogs and kids all playing in the sun. This is an especially large toy but trust me, everyone who rode in it had a smile on their face.

These two spent hours trying to balance on a board that was marginally too small for the job.

I've lived next to the same neighbors for 19 years and never once have I seen them move their boat from it's dry dock. Herbie (the owner) used to climb in and turn the engine on letting it tick over for an hour or so, but even that masculine activity has ceased. I've often wondered why they don't sell it, but as I looked out over my deck the other day I thought I might actually miss the old girl if they did. Go figure.

Mean while inside my house, one thing I'd never miss is the sight of my dirty, smelly recyclable containers. Sometimes I leave them on the counter so long that in an rash act of pure planet destroying laziness, I throw them away! Oh the guilt...

It's Thanksgiving and one of the bazillion things I'm thankful for, is that I'm motivated and heathy to play both on the ocean and off. Enjoy your turkey lurkey people and if you can't be with the ones you love, love the ones your with.

Meanwhile, 7,200 miles away from the nearest decent Guinness.

2010-11-12T16:17:00.015-10:00

While you can't get a decent draft Guinness on Maui (and Lord knows I'm trying), driving by Honolua Bay is undoubtedly picturesque. If you add a swell into the mix, it's simply impossible not to pull over and marvel at the conditions and surfers who have paddled hundreds of hours to be able to handle these waves.

The railing is the best seat in the house.

This photographer got here early to stake out his tripod territory.

A small wave on the inside.

Lanai in the distance.

No taste...

In July this field was harvested and look at the cane growth already, it must be on plant steroids, which don't forget boys and girls means so are we.

Last week, having just got off the water I was sorry I didn't stay in to be backlit by this.

Last night instead, the light was so flat that I expected the day to simply limp into night, but instead it fired up in a blaze of glory before respectably fizzling out.

In an unplanned post sunset escapade, I ended up in an Irish Pub. "Pint of Guinness please" I ordered (expectantly) as coincidently the man from Dingle began to play. Having been disappointed that the real thing didn't travel well 20 minutes down the road, I shouda known better.....happily the music fared much better.

Ireland

2010-11-09T08:21:00.002-10:00

The Blasket Islands are a scenic half hour drive from Dingle and gobbsmackingly gorgeous.

The drive there isn't exactly dull either.

There's something on the planet for everyone, for some it's Vegas but for me it doesn't get any better than this.

Chilly, content and happy.

Even the sea has a Guinnessy head.

Talking of which, "How can we get a pint to go?" asked Giampaolo of the barman. The great thing about Ireland is that the chap didn't miss a beat & pulled a pint into a plastic glass. "But it might spill" said GP and hurried to the car, returning with his solution.

............burrrrp.

But I digress......

.....one last look.

Cheers from Team Ireland,

Ireland.

2010-11-06T15:15:00.000-10:00

"Can you see me now Paddy?"!

Tranquil, spacious, soothing, expansive, raw, beautiful, friendly, nourishing & simple.

As they say in Ireland, 'you three are a right pair'!

Main street Castlegregory, population 205.

Jesus, Mary & Jospeh.

In case you lost or forgot yours.

Did I mention we ended up in the pub every night for liquid appetizers?

Ireland

2010-10-26T19:50:00.020-10:00

Oly had sent me an e-mail a few days before we left which read “Forecast looks a bit violent at the moment so we will have to see what its like....” Day two saw this prediction come into full fruition as (pre-breakfast) we picked up beers that had been chilling outside, but now lay wind whipped and strewn down the driveway!

The boys optomistically set about putting footstraps on boards but the weather turned bleaker with every turn on the screwdriver. Meanwhile, as it became apparent living room bay window was the place to be, Renata observed "we need some windscreen wipers"and without further ado, became them!

There.....much better. As we all optimistically awaited the weather to clear, there was no need to de-pajama or go anywhere except baggy the best seats in the house. Renata read a German mag, Giampaolo an Italian book.....

....and Oly found "a bit of a crowd pleaser"!

Yet fear not faithful readers, because not only did the sun shine, but the swell pumped and the wind evened out enough for the boys to have a fun afternoon windsurf session.

The decent weather brought everyman and his dog out.

And a small German fraulein with a desire to do headstands.

Better bring in the sheep to manicure this lawn.

Here's some they prepared earlier.

With the unexpected success of the day there was only one way to celebrate, jackets on and beers in, cheers!

Ireland

2010-10-24T08:52:00.019-10:00

The rain lashed against our faces & the wind bit at our finger tips as the absurdity of a surf trip to Ireland sank in rapidly. We were five in total, knowing each other from Maui, but all conveening from various parts of Europe to vacation in Kerry. It was maddness personified and the pre-trip promise of comedy value began to quickly wane, as we threw the boards on top of the cars. I for one was sure I'd never-ever-ever going to need them.

And yet, the morning broke with sunshine, surf and undisputable truth that 'Sharon would go'

Wetsuit, anorak, scarf & hat.....I'm ready!

Oh wait, I forgot my gloves.

Goofy long boarder on the left is me :-)

Despite what you may think I had a blast and in my shrink wrap casing, was snug as a bug in a rug. However, as my prone surfing isn't the best in peak conditions, it became quickly apparent that I was sadly out of shape.

Still, happy and pleased with myself I left the others surfing and embarked on removing my wet suit. I might well have been oxygen starved and half way up Everest for the amount of effort that every little movement took. Come to find out, the best technique is to drive home and remove it in the hot shower!

I moooooooned this lot whilst de-neopreneing.

So did these guys as I saw my fare share of tightly clenched white bums this trip, the byproduct of wet skin exposed in crispy air.

It's not called the Emerald Isle for nothing and the grass is norished by all the moisture that helps manufacture some of the greenest cholorphil I've ever seen.

And the best Guinness, in the best pub 'James Ashe' you've ever tasted.

Look North.

2010-10-16T06:45:00.019-10:00

On my annual returns to the UK, my Mum likes to create as highly condensed a version of Englishness as possible. I think even she'd agree that she out did herself as we stumbled upon this particular vision.

Is he though...really?

An Englishman's home....

Classic sticker spotted on a naff van.

This trip I had a few incredible moments of knucklheadedness. The cost of forgetting my MAC power cord was $95 and a lot of time up and down the Motorway looking for it! The upside was having my bro as the chauffeur and as a consolation prize for all the running around, we took ourselves to York and had a walk on the old Roman walls.

"Do you want a cup of tea or anything" he said as our afternoon neared its end. "No thanks" I replied, "but do you fancy a swift half ?".....silly question really and like naughty school kids skiving off, we popped in the nearest Public House and splurged on two halves & bag of crisps. We know how to live.

It pleases me greatly that the sheep in the Dales roam about willy nilly like they own the place.

The gray weather sandwich contained a delicious filling of a few sunny days. The true Brits sat out as if enjoying a summer day, while I trogged about wrapped up against the weak October sun.

It's nice to go home but I crave new adventures, so for part two of my trip I planned to meet friends in Ireland. The cost of realizing that I'd booked my flight from Leeds to Dublin for the wrong departure date (6:00pm the night before leaving) was $450, for a ticket that originally cost $66... some lesssons are more expensive than others! The value of my Mum solving the problem and my heartfelt gratitude for her help was (as they say) priceless.

My weekly address.

2010-09-12T07:00:00.005-10:00

Gecko sending out peace, love & grooviness.

Author swinging on trees and full of goofiness.

Dr. Goldin relaxing in beachy civilian dress.

Me falling in, with great aplomb and pure finesse.

Standing up involves falling down and getting back up, which (lets face it) is priceless.

Investigating seaweed gathering, who knew a county permit was needed so as not to transgress?

The simple pleasure of Maui's beauty and awesomeness.

Things you don't see everyday.

2010-09-05T07:56:00.001-10:00

"Do you think anyone's called 911?"said Corina, who was born and raised on Maui. "Look at the color of that smoke" I said, "that's not a cane fire", "no way" she concurred.

We ignored work and stood in the corridor taking pictures of what was beginning to feel like an alarmingly close blaze. We didn't hear sirens & I felt guilty "I'm calling 911" I said, never having done so before in my life. Aren't you supposed to get right through to a person, I thought as I was put on hold by an automated voice. The efficient dispatcher (once on the line) asked me what the problem was "I'm sure you're getting a lot of calls" I blabbed on not getting to the point "but there's a really big fire in North Kihei", unimpressed she replied "I think there's a cane burn down that way". Think?.......I thought.

Just then Nancy arrived with our coffee and cool as a cucumber said "nice cane fire".

Mental.

Whilst waiting for the traffic light to change, I enjoyed this juxtaposition.

And talking of enjoying positions, this is my latest favorite on my new inversion table.

And while we're on the subject of things you don't see everyday, in my era's version of a sack race, at a birthday party I saw children jumping noisily and uncomfortably in large plastic bags! That's just wrong.

Yet to put all things right, in the shallow knee high shore break at Kanaha I was lucky enough to see a baby hammer head shark, it was maybe a foot long and was super-duper cute. You gotta milk the magical moments so they out weigh the crazy ones!

Poli Poli migration.

2010-08-29T07:30:00.007-10:00

Poli Poli is a breath of fresh air any time of day, but at sunset it's especially calm and beautiful.

Other than the odd Bull in the road.

Friday night was the annual migration for our book club overnighter and once ensconced in our cozy cabin, my ego suggested a little fireside la-la-la-along. Kanara makes it clear one doesn't need to sing or play the Uke to have fun, oh-lay!

To the untrained eye we might look like a bunch of ordinary chicks, but believe me, this group of extraordinary & exquisite women can party, solve, debate, love, cook, laugh, run, support, la-la-la-la, read, speak their minds and welcome your socks off. We had a blast.

A short stroll from the cabin is a lookout where the Big Island pokes her head out of the clouds.

There might not be electricity in the woods, but that doesn't stop a light and delicious lunch for ten magically appearing. "Anyone fancy a another beer?"....burrrrp.

Sister Sharon and her bad habit.

2010-08-22T14:45:00.005-10:00

Saturday saw the annual Cycle to the Sun race, which for a the chosen few means early morning aid station fun. We offered holy water, heed, bananas, gel and most importantly a little levity as the athletes rode by.
Having ridden up from Paia, Jami and Nancy's aid station is the first as the riders ascend 10,000 ft to the top of Haleakala. Heaven or Hell?, you decide.... was their theme this year.

A bondage sheep in lingerie? Why not?!

We're not as outlandish as you may think when you see some of the classic fans from the Tour de France. We have way too much fun with this gig, though I think it's safe to say Borat will never be our theme, that being said, any ideas for next year?

Scenery, skies and tiki man finds a good home.

2010-08-17T07:21:00.008-10:00

Trust me, all of Maui doesn't look like this....so even though I live here, I still have huge appreciation when I come across a pocket that does.

His previous owners were regretfully leaving the island and selling their lock, stock and two smoking barrels worth of possessions. "I can give this handsome chap a good home", I thought, and assuring his prior owners of the same, did a quick clunk click every trip and off we sped. My new guardian now serenely resides outside my front door, with an chief like plant as his headdress.

There have been some neck strainingly good sunsets this last week.

Last night I as drove home I could see the sky starting to catch fire. I just had time to grab a glass of wine, my camera and a delicious moment with tiki man and the rapidly changing colors. Toodle-oo.

Play time.

2010-08-06T21:23:00.006-10:00

I have a t-shirt that reads 'always tardy,' which is only amusing because I'm perpetually (some may yell anally) on time. When I wear it people assume I'm a latey, or a teacher or proclaim that they should own the shirt as it describes them perfectly. This blooming creeper was so stunning, that I actually gave my self permission to be late for work as I had to pull over to click a snap......and I still arrived before my business partner who truly is always tardy!

Ulli asked me the other day "So Shaz, whatcha been up to"? There's always a small part of me that wishes I had a really mind blowing answer to this question, but alas I'm a creature of habit. "Nothing unusual" I said, "but I'm really enjoying my summer sailing, SUP and Uke practice". The truth is, I'm having so much fun doing the same things, I just keep doing them!

Dry hair = not trying hard enough, GP does not suffer from the same affliction.

Untitled from Sharon on Vimeo.

It's been about three and a half months since I've been taking weekly Ukulele lessons. Every Sunday morning, Cyrus shows up (on time) to my house and my learning curve unfolds under his gentle tutelage.

He's a soulful chap who believes in having fun and allowing the music and my skills (for want of a better word) to dictate the journey. If you want a technical lesson, as a seasoned musician of 30 years, he can go there but he doesn't push it, which for me provides heaps of room to be creative verses academic. That's not to say he's not a stickler about learning the foundations of accurate chord changes, pacing and chart reading, yet within a few strict bounderies he provides lots of room to play.

And play we did.....here's a few minutes of last weeks lesson with Cyrus going seriously off piste!

Almost a happy camper.

2010-08-01T17:26:00.009-10:00

As the sun went down, it gave the mountain slope a warm earthy glow.

We'd all gathered for our friend Ian's birthday and moved to the sands edge to enjoy the fading light, a cold beer and each others company. Jesus, that's way too poetic for us lot-rewind-how about 'we dragged our arses to the shoreline and haphazardly hung out for a so-so sunset'....mo bettah.

Meanwhile, with the wind blowing wildly off the mountain, Ian's five star lodging didn't quite hold up to the gale force conditions.

Not deterred our lad sat front and center on his plastic throne, essentially not giving a shit.

Ulli was here.

After being the generous beach masseuse that she is, Melanie wisely staked out her spot next to the fire.

Ian's happy ending. from Sharon on Vimeo.

In s stoke of genius (and being the good friend that he is), Ulli decided to mess with last few minutes of Ian's massage. Watch and enjoy!

Cracking head shots.

2010-07-31T08:21:00.000-10:00

Testing 1-2-3...

At the risk of looking (and feeling) like a twat, I wielded my paddle like a baton twirler on crack to see if I could find a different angle.

....and talking of crack, it worked!

It the original video below, I promise you that you see more of the mountains than my head! The editing process must skim off a fraction of the frame, which is this case was kinda critical. I'll use this as a learning curve and will shoot lower next time, because Lord knows you be glad to see the back of my head!

Paddlecam from Sharon on Vimeo.

Same old - same old.

2010-07-21T21:22:00.001-10:00

On a wind blown beach there's nothing but fun to be had when the ingredients are a giant inner tube, testosterone and young male imaginations.

Yes, they are rolling it up to the top of the beach. At which point a show off will curve his limbs in to the donut hole and be rolled by his cheering pals into the sea. Highly entertaining.

Meanwhile, not ten minutes away, this burned out tangle of spaghetti is sugar cane about to be harvested.

The same wind that makes Kanaha so fun to sail, makes this a dirty, dusty, mucky business and my commiserations if you live down wind from a field. You'd have to have a vacuum sealed house for that dust not to seep into your world.

No need to wait until you're 16 to drive on the water.

Today I was reminded that I don't need much to have fun. Small glassy people free waves (free), a gorgeous day (free), a desire to play (free), a friend to play with (free), turtles sightings (free). Drat....now my formula breaks down as I also needed my truck, the board, the paddle, the chair, the umbrella, the lunch, the camera, the phone etc. WTF, it still feels like a simple life worthy of leap of joy.

Beach practice. from Sharon on Vimeo.

A little more torture for you all.

See ya laters alligators.

Maui Water Shoot.

2010-07-11T13:18:00.013-10:00

Pau hana work on Friday I found myself at the Hawaiian Canoe Club hale. A looooooong time ago I paddled with them and while I was never any good, I found myself fondly reminiscing as to how fit I was!

These days life is more leisurely and Friday night we convened at the Green Banana to enjoy the visual delights of our favorite water photographer Francky Berthout. He's spent the last eight months swimming, ducking, shooting and taking his life in his hands, all in the name of water photography.

His passion and enthusiasm have paid off and he chose a few shots to have blown up, to give some serious pleasure.

Chllin' down there our favorite Aussies from down under.....hellllllloooo!

....and the Toocan's kept a keen eye on the evenings events.

Meanwhile back upcountry, the cows have the best seat in the house.

Perfect long weekend.

2010-07-05T07:57:00.015-10:00

Good clean fun for the whole family.

Post perfect sail, I sat in my chair appreciating the steady wind, sunny skies and happily plucking away on my Uke. July 4th made the park swell with some serious BBQ's, making my normally robust almond butter and honey sarni appear diminutive & inadequate. Good job I had an enormous banana that was more than ample to satiate my appetite.

The board room.

Yes, she was as pretty from the front as the back.

And talking of pretty, hands up all those who feel better just looking at this gorgeous smiling face! Yeah Phoebe and the rest of the Lane clan, so good to see you guys at your usual spot!

Never estimate the joy and power of a rubber ring.

Boldly going nowhere.

And finally, a big splooooooooosh of thanks to Phoebs who is the perfect beach model. She's full of infectious enthusiasm, willing to do anything and definitely not camera shy... my kinda girl.