Tag Archives: Travel

Exploring Community Living as an Older Adult

Posted on by
2

Since the third week in April EmmyLou and I have been driving north for the late spring and summer. Where am I going? I am back in the land of ferries. The Pacific Northwest and Vancouver Island. 

What is pulling me back to this area again? First stop is Sooke River Campground and a meet-up with Roadtrek (my rig) owners. These Rallies are fun. It is a good way to meet like minded people and enjoy a long weekend together. 

I have a cat sitting gig for two weeks in Qualicum Beach. This community is about halfway up the east side of the island. Much of my summer is unknown, and I am good with that. There is so much to explore in western Canada. I am not sure where my summer will lead me. 

Since my seventieth birthday I have been on a mission. What to do with the rest of my life. I never felt a lot of the common age markers, (30, 40, 50) really affected me. But my seventieth rolled in strong. 

I have been getting my papers in order. As a solo older woman I have begun to think of living alternatives. How do I want to live? Do I want to live in a community? What does that all look and feel like for me. 

Community has an appeal to me as I have discovered in my current lifestyle I get lonely. I miss a stable sense of community. This will certainly will be one issue that will pull me off the road, full time.

I have visited a few 55 and up communities over the past years. I went mainly because I have friends that live in these communities. They enjoy them and are involved while living independently in their own homes. Classes, trips, groups, travel are often included in this life style choice. 

I have been to one Continuing Care facility in Washington, a year ago. It was interesting but not a place that I think I would be interested in, at least not now.

One community, Enso Village was on my way north in Healdsburg, California. I have followed this community since its early planning stages. I decided to arrange an appointment to see it as I moved north. It was quite an interesting place and not inexpensive. It initially was introduced by the Zen Center in San Francisco. It is now affiliated with the Kendal Corporation and is the first Kendal community on the west coast.

“Kendal began in the late 1960s. A committee of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) sought “a better way in retirement.” Their search was based on Quaker values. The first community opened in 1973.

The Kendal Corporation began in 1989 and is an aging services leader providing support and skills to the Kendal System. Since then, new Affiliates have either been developed from the ground up or have chosen to become a Kendal Affiliate. The Kendal Corporation supports a System that is structured on what is called a federal model.  Each Affiliate is locally owned and managed with its own independent board of directors, as each Affiliate is independently operated. The Kendal Corporation and the System afford access to tools and practices that empower and support.

The Kendal System stays true to its roots. It continually evolves to meet the needs of residents, staff and wider society. This combination of tradition and innovation creates an environment that fosters learning, community and integrity. 

Kendal communities are designed to meet different needs and tastes. They range from park-like campuses in small college towns to apartment living near metropolitan areas. No matter the site, all share a commitment to lifelong learning, community service and wellness. They offer optional financial plans to meet individual needs. They also supply higher levels of care as residents’ circumstances change.

Several communities offer a continuum choice of moving directly into higher levels of care if needed. Others specialize in higher levels of care. One offers primarily an independent living option and another is a life plan at home model.”

Is this model of living for me? At the moment I am not sure. When the last units are full I will put myself on the wait list. It is an interesting choice not to be ruled out. Most people move into these places and love them. Some move in and leave again but that appears to be the minority.

I am also interested in another community model known as Co-Housing. These are more multi-generational housing with a community model in mind. Some of these are very specific so it is important to investigate these communities well before committing to one. The ideal way for me to try out these communities would be to rent a unit. Rentals are hard to find.

Before i can commit to the community models I feel like I need to envision the rest of my life. Not the small things, but how do I see myself living. What is important to me? I want to see how I would feel living in these environments.

I have tended to see some of these communities as a place where I will live and die. The dying part is macabre. Especially with the progressive care model my emotional mind sees it as a place where I wait to die. Now I know that is not what people that live there do. I need to encourage change in this scenario in my mind, to a place to live. So far I have not been one hundred percent successful in changing this. I am nevertheless willing to see these places as an optional lifestyle.

Another choice is to stay living independently in my own home, condo, flat, etc. Some people do live this way. They are quite comfortable being on their own. They have help come into their homes when they need it. I am not sure this is the best choice for me. I believe that socializing with other people will become more important for my mental health as I age.

I am exploring what I want to do with this next chapter of my life. I am also thinking and sorting through my options. I did not expect these life choices before Jim, my husband died. We had each other. Now I want to investigate my options so I can make informed choices, both mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

My life adventure continues. There is no need to make a decision today or tomorrow. But, I do see myself making a choice in the not too distant future. It is time to change it up once again.

Today I am thankful for confusion that will eventually lead to clarity. Today I am thankful for the choices I have to consider. Today I am thankful for my little RV that offers me a home on my current path.

Today I am thankful.

Exploring the Pacific Northwest: Into the Unknown

Posted on by
Reply

Have you ever looked at the calendar and thought, “Whoa! Where did the last month and a half go?” I am in that state right now.

Wednesday, that is tomorrow, EmmyLou and I are on the move. We are heading north for the spring and summer with a few extra visits back to San Diego in August (more dental work).

Wait a minute, didn’t I just return from Hawaii? Well, no, I have been back for almost two months. How did that happen? I don’t know. I just really don’t know.

I am heading towards the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia for my summer. I love it up there and look forward to my return each year. As I move north, I hope to meet up with friends. That means you, Mary, Sandy, Mandy, Pat, Melissa and so many more.

Tomorrow, my friend Tina and I are climbing into EmmyLou and heading for Cambria on the Central Coast of California. We are on a mission and an adventure, which I look forward to. After five days, I leave Tina at the train station and will spend some time near Santa Barbara while EmmyLou gets her health check for the year.

Look out, my West Coast friends. I am heading your way. I love the trip north; it is such a beautiful drive. I find all these little side roads to explore. The ocean is amazing, and the Coast Mountain Range is gorgeous. The Redwoods are impressive. And I do know that by May 22nd, I need to be at the Sooke Campground on Vancouver Island. I am going to a rally. The Roadtreks are gathering. EmmyLou can’t wait to see her brethren. I am looking forward to meeting new people and seeing friends.

I have joined Trusted Housesitters, a pet and house-sitting service. I hope to get a few pet sits in as I travel. Trusted Housesitters lists places worldwide where people are looking for someone to take care of pets and houses while the owners travel. So far, I have had three sits in the San Diego area. You met two of them in former posts, Max and Riot. Here are all three.

Maddie
Max
Riot

Please don’t ask me of my plans because I am taking it a moment at a time currently. I had to plan Hawaii and so I decided not to plan too much fo my summer. I still remember I planned last summer and then it all changed so this summer forget plans and just head out.

I hope you will come along on my travels and lets see what I can find to share with you. I am ready to move.

Today I am thankful for the unknown waiting for me to find it.

Riot the Cat: Tales of Love, Yoga, and Bubbles

Posted on by
Reply

Meow (Hello in Cat Language). I am Riot, the big, fluffy orange lover boy of Fallbrook, California. I am a cat.

About a week ago, my owner disappeared, and Janet and her little Roadtrek, EmmyLou, showed up. She moved into my home and has taken great care of me. I hear her tell others that she is a pet sitter. I am unsure what that is, but I know she is taking great care of me and meeting my needs.

I heard my owner tell Janet I am on a diet, and my vet told me I needed to be on one. Do you know what that means? I can’t just eat anytime I want. I get fed, but sometimes it is not enough. I thought Janet would be an easy mark, but Noooo…..

It is not that I am big; I am just a big, fluffy, orange boy. I move around and run through my big home, but still, I guess I may have let myself go a little. So I try not to think of eating all the time.

So what do I do? I live in a beautiful home with a great outdoors. I patrol the yard, and when I am tired, I sleep in the barn. I am never far away from the door of my house. I like to come in and out often, my owner, or Janet, or anyone else close to the door opens it for me. Out I go. In I go. Oh wait I may want to go out again.

My Home

I love it when Janet does yoga in the morning. I like to hang around the mat, lying under her when she is doing Down Dog (a bad name for a yoga pose). I want to have attention all the time because I deserve it.

Janet introduced me to bubbles. I don’t know what they are, but these little shiny things float through the air, slowly coming closer and closer until I swat at them, and then they disappear. Where do they go? Oh, wait. Here comes some more. Bubbles are fun.

I have been told that my owner and friend, Edie, will return home soon. I have no idea where she has been. I am looking forward to her return, whenever that may be. I don’t tell time like people do. Until then, I am glad to have Janet here to feed me, play with me, let me in and out, and sleep on her cozy bed at night. It is nice to snuggle with someone.

Today, I am thankful for being a big, beautiful kitty with people who love me.

MEOW
(Same as Aloha in Hawaii-Hello/Goodby)

Navigating Life with a Pet Sitter: Max’s Story

Posted on by
1

Hi, I am Max the Dog. About a week ago, my people disappeared. I heard words like South America, Iguazu Falls, suitcase, and more importantly…Pet Sitter.

And just like that, my people left, and Janet, the dog sitter, appeared. I don’t know where she came from, but she has been here ever since. I have heard her talk to friends about Trusted Housesitters, so maybe that is where she came from. Do these people just pop up from another reality? I don’t know.

I like having her here. She walks me, feeds me (I love food), pets me often, and even found a ball for me to play with. She is pretty good to have around. I would be very lonely if she wasn’t here and my peeps were gone. I sometimes get stressed if any of my peeps are gone too long. I carry stuffed toys in my mouth when I get distressed or worried. I am used to attention and having my needs met.

After all, I am a Dog!

I am an older dog, whatever that means. I have a gray muzzle, which I guess is a sign of being old. I also take stuff for my joints. People call it arthritis. I call it feeling stiff and achy in my legs, and I have four legs that I need to take care of because I love to go for walks.

Janet takes me out walking twice a day, and I get to smell and sniff to my heart’s content. Every time I walk, I have to check all my mailboxes and find some new ones. That is how we dogs communicate. Oh, there was Fluffy, who stopped to mark her mailbox, and Rex and Eric and…well, you get the idea. We dogs like to stay in touch.

One day, I met Ella. She is much younger than me and has a lot of energy. She bounced and appeared anxious to move. Janet liked her owner. They talked, and finally, the four of us set off on a mini-adventure to the water towers. I have been walking a lot. When we return to the house, I find one of my comfy beds and dream of my adventures.

I have three beds: one in the living room, one in Janet’s bedroom, and one in “The Office.” I spend most of my time in the living room, but when Janet goes to bed each night, I sleep in her room. I like my people close by. I sleep better hearing them breathe.

Janet tells me that my peeps will return soon, but I don’t know what that means. What is soon? Today? Tomorrow? I don’t know, so I guess I will have to take her word for it. Each day, I look at the door with a bit of anticipation, but nope, not that day. Meanwhile, Janet is here loving me and ensuring I don’t starve for food or affection, and I get my walkies in.

It is nice to meet you, and in my language, I greet you…”Woof, Woof.”

Memorable Moments in Hawaii: A Two-Month Journey

Posted on by
Reply

Do you know how long it takes to edit a slide show? It seems like forever, but I finished the video this morning. Two months may as well have been two years. I love looking at this slide show because being in Hawaii for that long was magical. Most people go for a week or two. Now, I wish I had stayed longer.

For those of you who don’t know me well, I hate to make plans. I had to plan for two months and more (what would I do on my return?). Finally, I sat down with many photos and created a slide show of my two months in the Fiftieth state.

What was special about my time there?

  • Soft and Gentle Trade Winds Keeping Me Cool Twenty-Four Hours a Day.
  • Green and Lush, Everywhere I Looked.
  • Birds I Have Never Seen Before.
  • Big, Really Big Waves.
    • Sunsets, Golden Glowing & Sunset Watchers. It is a Passion.
    • Visiting With Friends. They Let Me See Their Hawaii
    • Flowers, More Than I Could Begin to Describe. What Were They?
    • Orchids
    • Volcanos That Chose Not to Errupt When I Was There.
    • Kind and Wonderful People Everywhere I went.
    • Pineapples.
    • Shaved Ice.
    • Octopus and Other Colorful Fish. Snorkeling in the Beautiful Blue Hawaiian Water.
    • Green Sea Turtles Deep Sleeping on the Beach.
    • Mojitos and Lava Flow.

The list could go on, but I don’t want to bore you. Maybe you could go to Hawaii sometime and experience another amazing place on our planet. Then, you will find your own memories and magic moments.

Enjoy the slide show. It is a bit long. Just remember, I am a photographer. It is hard to eliminate too many photos when there was so much to see and do.

Today, I am thankful for the adventures in my life and for your willingness to join me in my experiences.

Today and every day, I am Thankful.

Unique Stays on the Big Island: Memorable Experiences

Posted on by
1

My computer is back up and running. Yes!

When you last heard from me, I arrived on the Big Island with my friend and fellow bird-watcher, Zee. Being on the Big Island was a great way to end two short months visiting the 50th state.

First I want to tell you about the places we stayed. When I planned this trip, I knew I did not want to stay in Condos on the beach. It just is not my style. So, I searched for three interesting and unique places to stay on the Big Island.

Our first stop was Hilo. Thanks to VRBO, we ended up in the Rain Forest Apartment, a one-bedroom apartment with a futon in the living room. The owners are artists, one specializing in art in the garden, which was rich, lush, and green. At night, tiny lights sparkled like ferries in the trees and bushes.

Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot

The other artist painted the apartments with the beautiful, lush colors of the tropics. Sea turtles were painted on the ceiling, floor, and walls. The hot water heater was covered with a decorative cloth, and a sun was painted on the ceiling. Her paintings hung on the walls. It was a welcome place of refuge after a day of touring.

We then moved to Captain Cook, on the island’s southwest side. Here, we found our way to a Balinese-style home. It was so interesting, amazing, and private, and I believe it was my favorite place I stayed on the whole trip. It was open to the outdoors continuously with screens on the windows. The master bedroom was behind an open-style kitchen and dining room.

The bathroom was across the walkway, and a shower was next to it. My room was up a flight of steps, with a Balinese bed built up high. I could see the treetops and the ocean. I have always liked being on the second floor and hidden from the world.

Up another flight of steps was yet another room for contemplation and writing. Other areas of the property contained a screened-in bathtub and daybed.

Everything was surrounded by nature. Geckos wandered freely through the lush gardens. One morning, the owner, Linda, gave us access to her home to take photos of the Java Sparrows at her feeder. They are the prettiest little birds.

Linda is also an artist and a delightful human being. Before we left, she had made us one-of-a-kind key chains and had let us each choose a stone heart to carry with us. OB, her kitty, greeted us each time she visited our home. He knew where the treats were. I would definitely return here again and again.

Finally, we stayed in a tiny home on a Coffee Farm near Kona, thanks to Glamping Hub. While Zee remained in the Master Bedroom on the first floor, I climbed up and down the ladder to the bedroom on the second floor. The best thing about this place was the large outdoor covered lanai. This area was designed like a living room with chairs and a couch. There was a fire table for heat on the cool evenings. The whole area was covered, so we did not have to worry about rain. It was one more delightful stay of many on this winter trip.

I have always enjoyed searching for unique places to stay while traveling. These three places and those on Kauai and Oahu have kept my streak alive. All of these places fit my description to a tee. I am glad I took the time to investigate the uniqueness of residences for this trip. They helped make this trip just a little bit more memorable.

AnnE Poining out more beautiful spots.

I spent the last three days with a friend who lives in Kona. Yes, she lives in a condo, but it is also a home, and I was welcomed with open arms into her life. For the last few days of my stay in Kona, I had a tour guide, so I got to see the island from a resident’s point of view. We explored unique spots on the Big Island, did some hiking, and explored small, unique shops. On my last full day, I saw some of AnnE’s favorite beaches and snorkeled at Two Step. The thrill of the moment was observing an octopus for several minutes as it moved across the ocean floor. I feel blessed.

On February 28th, I boarded Hawaiian Airlines and began the process of returning to the mainland. It was tough to say goodbye. There was so much that I saw in my time there. I met terrific people, swam, got knocked around by the waves, ate delicious food, hiked, and took photos to my heart’s content. The birding was terrific, and the sea life was amazing. I have fallen in love with green sea turtles. And the list could go on.

I am not done telling you about my two months on the Islands. As I sort through the myriad of photos, there will be more to come.

Today, I am thankful. I am thankful for the opportunities that present themselves. I am grateful for all the kind people I met in Hawaii and continue to meet each day of my life. And…ooh all that nature.

Today, I am thankful.

Aloha-Uh Oh Computer Trouble

Posted on by
2

I moved over to the Big Island five days ago. My friend Mary and I are here until the end of the month.

I wanted to tell you more about the trip but computer tragedy struck and I no longer have a functioning keyboard. I am now limping along with my iPhone. Although I use my phone a lot I am not great typing long on it. Sigh.

Before my communications went south, I did spend an amazing day at The Hawaiian Botanical Gardens and I mad a slide show of that day. And I can share that with you. If you ever get to the Big Island definitely add this destination to the top of your list.

A Magical Day

It was lush. It was quiet. The flowers were odd and unique and beautiful. And the Orchids-Oh My! Even after spending a day at Volcanos NP, this Garden was the top hit of my visit so far.

I will attempt more. Until I get comfortable doing this on my phone enjoy the video.

Aloha from Hawaii.

Kauai and Oahu: A Traveler’s Paradise

Posted on by
1

It is incredible how quickly a month can go by. I left Oahu for Kauai on February 1. Where did the time go?

I have seen big waves and surfers. Beach walking was a favorite activity for me. I frequently walked to the beach and then the half mile to Banzai Pipeline. It is interesting to think that it is smooth and glassy where the swells are now during the summer months. What? How can that be?

I really enjoyed my month on Oahu. I had a lovely apartment to stay in. I liked sitting on the porch and feeling the warm Hawaiian trade winds blow through. The rains went from soft, gentle female rains to raging, windy, male downpours. I saw the results of the flooding of the falls of the Waimea River that tore through the sandy beach, creating small, perfect swells that the surfers enjoyed.

And then there were the perfect sunny, blue-sky days with the soft Hawaiian trade winds keeping the temperatures cool. It was as close to perfect as was possible.

I have snorkeled, hiked, and even taken a boat tour to swim with dolphins. And oh, has that camera been busy.

The waves were twenty to twenty-five feet high the first weekend I was on Oahu. Only the bravest of surfers will tackle these waves. By the time the surfer reaches the foot of the wave face, they may be going upwards of 35 mph. Whoa! It is hard to imagine going that fast on a small board. How do you keep your balance? How do you breathe? How does it feel to have that body of water racing behind you? What happens when the wave wins? I will never know. Yet I will seek those waves out because they fascinate me.

Backdoor Shootout Surf Competition

I arrived as the Backdoor Shootout Surf competition was going on. I left the North Shore as the Lexus Pipe-Pro championships were beginning. I enjoyed the spectator part of this sport. I had no idea many people like me enjoyed watching the surfers and cheering them on.

Spending a month in one place has allowed me to relax my pace and not feel like I have to do everything all at once. If it was a rainy day, I could stay home. If I got tired, I could nap. Well, heck, I can do that any time, but I don’t when I am out traveling in Emmylou. I am a girl on the go.

Walking the Beach to the Point, Oahu.

My friend Tina joined me at the end of my time on Oahu. After a month on my own, it was good to have company. Since I had spent a month there, I got to show her some of my favorite spots and explore other places she knew of. I still believe that adventuring on my own is fun. Adventuring with someone else is even better.

Kauai the Magic Isle

Tina continued on to Kauai with me. After five days she left yesterday, and my friend Mary arrives late today. I still have a friend to adventure with and explore. In the meantime, I am snorkeling, enjoying sunsets, and relaxing on the beaches of Kauai. This is a magical isle.

Sometimes the choices I make are OK. Sometimes the choices I make are listed under “The Best Things I Ever Did”. Traveling for a winter to Hawaii is in the later catagory. And I am not even done yet. I still have the Big Island to explore.

Adventure On.

The Importance of Community During Tragic and Unsettling Moments

Posted on by
1

I am sitting in my lovely VRBO this morning, thinking about the last week.

FIRE

The Los Angeles fires were horrific. So many people lost their homes, their livelihoods, and so much more. What saddens me is hearing people say that because some who lost their homes were wealthy, they can just replace what has been lost. If only it was that easy.

Emotionally, no one’s life is the same after a horror like this. Money or no money, the emotional toll remains for most.

Did you know that many organizations in Los Angeles are helping their own and those further abroad? When I began exploring how to help those in need, I found organizations I did not even know or think about.

How The Arts & Entertainment Industry Is Supporting Los Angeles Fire Relief

Alt Comedy All-Stars 2025

On Jan. 31, Alt Comedy All-Stars 2025 will occur at the Fonda Theatre at 8 p.m. The benefit show for Comedy Gives Back will raise funds for comedians affected by the wildfires. The talent lineup includes Patton Oswalt, Zach Galifianakis, Bob Odenkirk, John Ennis, Jill Talley, and more.

Celebrity Donations & Volunteers

An abundance of the Hollywood elite has taken to Instagram, donation drives and more to help rebuild Los Angeles. Paris Hilton, whose Malibu home was destroyed by the Palisades Fire, launched an emergency fund through her foundation, 11:11 Media Impact, to aid displaced families with young children. She urged Instagram followers to donate and kicked off the fundraiser by committing to match the first $100K raised and contributing another $100K.  Beyonce’s foundation, Beygood, also announced a $2.5 million LA Fire Relief Fund to aid families in the Altadena/Pasadena area, during the week after the fires began (Jan. 13 to 17). As confirmed by People, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have taken in friends who were forced to evacuate to their homes and have plans to take action through their Archwell Foundation. Eva Longoria was among volunteers cleaning up the streets of Pasadena. She also pledged $1 million to support relief efforts and urged followers on Instagram to support The California Community Foundation and The Latino Community Foundation.  

Getty’s L.A. Arts Community Fire Relief Fund

The J. Paul Getty Trust has teamed up with the Mohn Art Collective (Hammer Museum, LACMA, MOCA), East West Bank, Mellon Foundation, TheBroad Art Foundation, Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Qatar Museums and Ford Foundation to establish the $12 million L.A. Arts Community Fire Relief Fund. Administered by the Center for Cultural Innovation, the emergency fund will support artists and arts workers in all disciplines who have lost residences, studios or livelihoods or have otherwise been affected by the wildfires. Applications open on Jan. 20. 

Hollywood Pantages Theatre

The Hollywood Pantages Theatre donated $125,000 to five organizations: the Los Angeles Firefighters Foundation, the Los Angeles Police Foundation, the Entertainment Community Fund, Project Angel Food and Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights Aids. “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating fires impacting Los Angeles and our surrounding communities,” said Jeff Loeb, president of The Hollywood Pantages Theatre. “We are deeply grateful for the heroic efforts of our firefighters, first responders, and the countless neighbors who have stepped up to lend a helping hand during this difficult time. Your courage, resilience, and compassion inspire us all.”

LA Gives Back Fire Relief

On Jan. 29, The Bellwether will host LA Gives Back, and 100 percent of proceeds will benefit charities that support the community, firefighters, and animals affected by the wildfires.

Netflix

The streaming titan donated $10 million to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, California Community Fund Wildfire Recovery Fund, World Central Kitchen, Motion Picture and Television Fund, and Entertainment Community Fund. “For many people who aren’t familiar with it, Los Angeles conjures images of palm trees and red carpets; mansions and movie stars,” co-CEO Ted Sarandos said in a statement. “But for those of us lucky enough to call this city home, Los Angeles is far more than that. It’s a family — one made up of extraordinarily talented, hardworking people from all over the world and all walks of life, many of whom came here chasing a dream.”

The Producers Guild of America

The Producers Guild of America and the Entertainment Community Fund have established a fund to support film, television, and emerging media producers affected by the fires. Producers can apply online for financial assistance, and those seeking help can donate through the Entertainment Community’s website. Already, $300,000 has been raised. 

Universal Music Group

Leading the way for the overhaul of Grammy week, Universal Music Group canceled all of its Grammy-related events on Jan. 13. Instead, it will redirect the resources it would have used for the events to assist those affected by the wildfires. “L.A. is home to so many of us,” UMG said in a statement. “We are committed to helping and supporting the music community, our artists, our teams, and the people of Los Angeles get through this horrific episode.” 

Warner Bros. Discovery

Alongside setting up an emergency relief center on its studio lot, Warner Bros. Discover pledged $15 million to immediate response and rebuilding efforts. “Our studio has called Burbank home for more than 100 years, and we are focused on what needs to be done to help those impacted rebound from this disaster and rebuild in the weeks, months, and years ahead.”

YouTube x Google

YouTube teamed up with Google and Google.org to donate $15 million to organizations offering immediate relief in Los Angeles, including Emergency Network Los Angeles, the American Red Cross, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, and the Institute for Nonprofit News. “Los Angeles is the heart of entertainment and storytelling and has an impact on culture all over the world,” YouTube CEO Neal Mohan said in a blog post. “It’s also where many YouTube creators, artists, partners, and our employees call home. Like so many, we’ve been heartbroken by the devastation from the wildfires and want to do our part to support the community as it rebuilds.”

And these efforts are just an example of how Los Angeles and those further away are helping everyone recover from this life-changing event.

Loss on a Local Level

The North Shore community has been suffering a tragedy for the past four days. Over the weekend, there have been big waves, up to a forty-foot face on some waves. Two local teens disappeared after a date at Sharks Cove on Friday night. Sharks Cove is a well-known snorkeling spot.

When they didn’t return home, the girl’s mother notified the authorities. They found their clothes and car on a beach north of the cove. The Coast Guard, the Life Guards, and local organizations got involved. Over the weekend, they dove, snorkeled, flew helicopters over the site, and used jet skis to transport all the searchers. The family sat on the shore and looked out to sea. As of today, they have not been found. Slowly, the energy returns to normal, yet losing these two young lives will forever affect the community.

It makes me aware that no one is on permanent vacation or holiday. Reality has a way of shaking me out of my comfort zone. What can I do? For now, I can donate money to the victims of fires. I can help in the best way that I can. I can hold them in my thoughts and give prayer.

It is more complicated with the local community here on the North Shore. When they asked everyone to keep an eye on the water, I did. I noticed others walking among the lava rocks on the rocky coast. Everyone was looking. For a brief moment, the community, locals, and visitors alike searched the best way they could while not getting in the way of the Coast Guard and Searchers. Now, through breath and prayer, we can hold these families of such tragic loss in light, in prayer, or however you individually honor those in need of loving, non-judgemental, emotional support.

As my world gets thrown asunder, for a moment, a day, or longer, I will continue to find ways to lovingly support those in need. I can do this physically, financially, or through prayer. I can identify when making an unsound judgment on others, take a breath, and release the judgment so those unfounded feelings are not released into my universe or the universe. These are not the times for personal judgment. This is not about me; it is about others and me stepping out of the way so those in need will find unconditional love and support.

Today, I breathe deeply and send what I can to those in need. I hope that my breath will wrap around all of them, and maybe I will create one little spark of love and hope in a world that needs it so desperately now.

Today I am Thankful.

Hawaii Adventure: My Exciting Travel Plans

Posted on by
7

I have hinted at big plans a few times in my past posts. I hesitated to mention them because so many of my plans this past year have changed, and I decided to wait and see if these plans would change, too.

I am Hawaii Bound.

I love big waves, and I love to watch surfers on big waves. I just love big waves. I decided to see big waves before they were too physically demanding for me to get to.

Hawaii, Here I Come.

So far, my plans have remained steady. Now that January 2nd is approaching quickly, I decided to finally inform my readers of my plans.

I leave on January 2 to spend a month on the north shore of Oahu. I will be within a short distance of the beaches and big waves. And if you are wondering what I will do, I will watch big waves and take photos of them. There is also a nature reserve near where I am staying, so birdwatching will also be on the list. I plan to explore this island as I have spent little time here.

A friend, Tina, will join me at the end of January. After a few days on Oahu, on February 1 we will travel to Kauai. Kauia has always been a charming and adventurous island. I love the vibes of this island and always feel welcomed when I spend time exploring there. I will be there for two weeks. Tina will be there for the first week. When she leaves, another friend of mine, Zee, will join me for the rest of my stay on Kauai.

And lastly we will explore the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. Zee will be with me for most of this visit. There is always so much to see and do on this island. Snorkeling, hiking, and visiting Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, which has been erupting again recently. I have chosen some interesting and unique places to stay on this island and I am looking forward to each one.

I enjoy traveling alone but having friends join me makes this adventure even more enjoyable. The last few days of my trip I will visit with a good friend who lives in Kona and then all of a sudden it will be March and I will be heading to the mainland. Where did the time go?

Hawaii
Kauai

I don’t like to make plans, and it is hard for me to do so. This trip required a lot of planning. It was a bit overwhelming when I started putting it together, but once I made my housing reservations, each piece of the trip slipped into place. Yet, oh my goodness, it was a lot of work for a non-planner. It was stressful and caused me to lose some sleep. I am ready to go. Well, almost, I am packing.

On the last day of December, EmmyLou goes into storage for two months. This will be the longest I will have left her since 2019. She is getting spiffed up and ready to go indoors. Once a month, she will be plugged in for 24 hours, and her generator will run for an hour. I know I am paying for this service, but she will be ready for me when I return. And….if I give them 24 hours’ notice, they will wash and detail her before I pick her up. What more could I ask for?

I am off on a new adventure. I am excited, nervous and a wee bit apprehensive. The bottom line is, I am going. Once the rig goes into storage I can breathe another sigh of relief. And after two nights with good friends in San Diego celebrating the New Year, I will be on my way.

Aloha!