Paradise

Pristine coastlines
White sand
Warm, translucent waters
Unaffordable real estate
Local access to beaches denied

Graceful hula dancers
Handsome brown-skinned surfers
Carefree barefoot children
Domestic violence
Low math and science scores

Untouched beauty
Aloha spirit
Unique island lifestyle
Homeless tent cities
Development over agricultural lands

Paradise.

Opportunity

(knock, knock)

Who’s there?       

                                  

                                                                        Opportunity.

                                                                        And I’m only    

                                                                        knocking
                                                                        once.

Why should I let you

in?

I’ll have to start from

scratch.

New friends.

New ideas.

New challenges.

                                                                        New friends.

                                                                        New ideas.

                                                                        New challenges.

                                                                        New YOU.

Constant change.

                           

                                                                        Change is constant.

If it ain’t broke,

why fix it?

                                                                        Trepidation and time
                                                                        will break you.

                                                             
                                                                        Fear dismantles
                                                                        d  r  e  a  m  s  .

And life’s regrets,

permanent.

                                                                        Be Brave.

                                                                        Be Bold.

                                                                        Be Buoyant.

Welcome.

Please come in.

New books!

So, instead of a new pair of shoes or a new purse, I often prefer to buy books that I am interested in reading. Of course, I would love a pair (or two) of new shoes and a new purse (like a need a hole in my head!), but the thrill I get from picking up a new read lasts longer than the blisters from a new pair of shoes. 

I am a middle school teacher, so it is very important that I read what my students read. Lucky for me, YA Fiction is my favorite genre! Currently, time is something I am always searching for, so my book stack continues to grow taller, but as I strive to conquer that stack, I remember something that a very intelligent woman once said about reading, "Find the time, Make the time, Take the time." 

And that's just what I am going to do with these new titles. Oh, the thrill!

 

Moments like this one

I came into the living room as soon as I was done washing the dinner dishes and saw my husband asleep (snoring, actually) and our daughter snoozing on her father's chest. I literally took a deep breath and sat beside the couch they were on. I stared intently as so many thoughts traveled through my mind. I felt selfish for grumbling to myself just a little while ago as I washed the dishes. Reminding myself of the amazing life I am blessed with happens frequently because lately I've been allowing the "downer" days at work affect me. 

A tender snore from my husband and an angelic little girl fast asleep gave me a feeling which immediately rushed over me. I live for these two people and although some days are more challenging than others, this type of moment solidifies in me, the feeling of content, satisfaction, and unwavering happiness. Trudging through the daily mud of life can sometimes get the best of you, but as I reflect, the worst of times will only be the worst if you allow them to be. 

How lucky am I to have these two special people in my life; two people who will love me unconditionally, offer support, and make me laugh. I made sure that I captured this special moment because I want to be able to look at this photograph again and understand that my ability to inhale and exhale comes from moments like this one. 

Inspired by

Inspired by: LIVING.
Christy Rush-Levine, blog author. 

I discovered this blog in March when I participated in my first-ever Slice of Life Story Challenge over at Two Writing Teachers. The first post I read was titled, My Books Are Calling to Me. Christy's TBR shelf begins to compete for her attention. Which should be read first? Why is one book better than another? A quirky and engaging post, I was interested in more. As I began to read more, I really began to enjoy Christy's blog not only for the subject matter, but for the quality of writing. Reading this blog makes me say to myself, "Why can't I write like that?!"

This blog is inspiring because it highlights the author's passion for reading, writing, and learning. She has another wonderful blog titled, Reading Beyond the Middle, in which she reviews and recommends books for her former students. That dedication to helping her students continue to be readers is an inspiring trait, don't you think?

Two inspirational blogs by one great writer.

Kamehameha the Great

A little, but very important Hawaiian history for you:

Kamehameha (also referred to as Kamehameha the Great) founded the first ruling dynasty of Hawai`i by uniting the eight major islands of the Hawaiian archipelago. He was born on Hawai`i Island (Big Island), circa 1758. Kamehameha was favored by the people, and at a young age in 1782, Kamehameha began the campaign to unite the islands under one rule. Over the next thirteen years, Kamehameha and his warriors courageously battled with neighboring chiefs and by 1795, he ruled Hawai`i Island and five others. As a result of rough seas and diseases, it wasn't until 1810, when Kamehameha gained control of the final two islands. 

Throughout Kamehameha's rule, he was presented with many foreign cultural influences. He was able to cultivate alliances with Westerners while upholding traditional Hawaiian beliefs. A keen battle strategist, Kamehameha utilized Western weaponry, such as the cannon, to consolidate his power within the Islands. He tactfully controlled Western business and political contacts with Hawaiians, but encouraged trade and the sharing of ideas.

Kamehameha focused on effectively governing his kingdom until his death in 1819. His remains were hidden with such secrecy, according to ancient custom, "only the stars know his final resting place."

Four other monarchs ruled the Hawaiian kingdom under the Kamehameha name. For Hawaiians, this name is associated with ability, courage, generosity, and patriotism.

King Kamehameha I statue draped in lei in Honolulu, HI

For many decades, June 11 has been a celebrated state holiday, Kamehameha Day, in the State of Hawai`i.

Just Joking!

What do you call a computer that sings?

 

Adele.

:)


I love jokes. Along with jokes usually comes laughing, smiling, happiness, and a well-deserved escape for thirty seconds (hopefully) of laughter that makes your cheeks ache. Encouraging my students to bring or create (clean) jokes to share with the class is something we enjoy doing. One of my seventh grade students told me the above joke the other day, and I thought it was a great one! Normally, I hear the same jokes and riddles from my students each year, but this one was a new one and I love Adele.