Waimea Bay
Happy Aloha Friday!!! First off, I wanted to wish my husband a Happy, Happy Birthday! This year is not only a special one for him but also for us as a family. This time last year, we boarded a plane, November 9, 2011, left our home of forever many years in California and headed to Hawaii for a new adventure. As my husband turned 41, we were on a one way trip to O’ahu. Many have asked why we left California and why Hawaii. There were a few heavy things on the horizon for us had we stayed in California that we had foreseen could be happening to us and they were not optimal, these things took deep consideration and took it’s toll on us. At the same time, there were many signs that pointed to a move to Hawaii and we were listening to everything with an open heart and an open mind. We weighed the pro’s and con’s, where we saw ourselves in 10 years time and possibly a lifetime. A move to Hawaii should not be taken lightly, but honestly, God laid out our path for us and we had no choice but to listen and follow. One thing after another happened and the score board had Hawaii winning. My husband secured a stable job in his career and that set us toward our trajectory path. Life in Hawaii is not all beach and bikini and it’s not suited for everyone. It took awhile for all of us to settle into a normal routine and quite a few adjustments. The first months had me excited and in tears at the same time thinking that I had gone crazy for hauling my entire family to Hawaii. Finding a (much smaller) home, placing the kids in school, starting my business from scratch at a new location, putting myself out there to make friends and meet people had me struggling to belong in a foreign place away from my familiar. Normalcy had settled in and life is, happily, routine. Work, school, play, groceries, laundry, visitors from the mainland, errands, kids, dinner… after a full year, I can honestly say, we are settled and have found happiness in Hawaii. I find beautiful things to photograph all the time. I have the pleasure of meeting wonderful people from all over the planet who come to Hawaii, some of them I get to photograph! I am lucky to have met some wonderful new friends that I will forever hold near and dear to my heart for welcoming me and my family so warmly and openly. I am blessed to drive 20 minutes to the nearest beautiful beach and savor the breeze and the view. I am happy that my children have found great neighborhood friends to laugh and play with. I am fortunate that my husband has found a wonderful company to grow his talents and excel his career. I have a roof over my head, food to eat, the moon, the stars and the sky. Happy Birthday my love and Happy One Year Anniversary to ohana… Love and Aloha, ~j
Ko’Olina Lagoons
