Aloha

February 27, 2014 Photo: "Aloha"

Tiny Hawaiians in the Milwaukee Public Market sang to me of their Polynesian homeland 

of coconut palms and powdery sand, of salty waves and technicolor sunsets.  

Their siren song transported me back...

to the luxurious beaches of Waikiki, where the shadow of Diamond Head 
cast just enough shade to shelter me from the tropical sun;

to a cocktail "sailing" cruise...

along the vibrant cliffs of Kauai's Napali Coast...

to the fearful exhilaration of a helicopter without doors... 

fluttering amid jagged canyons and cascading waterfalls;

 to shark-startled snorklers and lungs filled with saltwater; 

to the lush Fern Grotto where natives serenaded us with Elvis' Hawaiian Wedding Song...


As the savage Polar Vortex continues to punish us with vicious sub-zero temperatures, biting winds, and threats of even more snow, I can't decide whether this mini mental holiday provided brief solace from the wicked Wisconsin winter, or exacerbated my need for a change in latitude. 

A hui hou kakou, Hawai'i!  
("Until we meet again!")

Believe

February 26, 2014 Photo:  "I believe in pink..."

“I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.” - Audrey Hepburn

"I believe in the restorative power of water, of music, flowers, high heels, and lipgloss. I believe that travel transforms your mind and your spirit. I believe that home is a feeling, not a place. I believe in vision; in taking time to see, not only with your eyes, but with your heart. I believe in sharing your vision, your talents, your gifts...and I believe in miracles too."

- Melinda Larson-Horne

What do you believe?

Red

February 25, 2014 Photo (056/365): "Red"

"Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions  and more tolerance." - Benjamin Franklin