November Album: Maui

Some time ago, I received a divination from my favorite Vietnamese pho place.  I actually forgot about the fortune, but I guess I kept the hope alive because I found this little piece of paper a few days ago. 

And we did.

Matthew and I celebrated 10 years of marriage with a trip to Maui, leaving 40 degree, rainy Portland for this beautiful tropical island.  Oma and Papa watched the kids back home, and we were on our own!  The entire experience is highly recommended.
Our resort’s lobby was an oasis,
 
and the beach was right at our doorstep.
 
We drove the beautiful highway to Hana:
   
Stopover at the Ke'anae Peninsula:

We visited the old Banyan Tree in Lahaina, which was planted in 1873.  It was only 8 feet tall at the time, but now has 12 trunks and covers 200 square feet, at least.  This tree is a-maz-ing.  Can you see Matt? 
 
Me, in downtown Lahaina.  My entire wardrobe was provided by my sister, Rita, by the way – I had no reason until this trip to own summer maternity clothes.  Rita, your clothes had a wonderful time.

We lazed around at this fabulous Napili Beach – reading, swimming, and watching these paddle surfers – something I’d love to try when I’m not so equilibrium-challenged.  Look at this incredible scenery!

One evening, we dined on Makena Beach at sunset to celebrate our 10 years – it was a beautiful evening, and the restaurant sent our table a platter of happy anniversary chocolates at the end of our meal.

Of course, no trip is complete without the luau, which was also in Lahaina, and very tasty!  Open bar, so lots of smoothies garnished with pineapples and orchids for me.   My new favorite: the lava flow, a pina colada with blended strawberry on top, which I guess resembles a volcano or something.  Mmmmm.  Wonder what it’s like with rum?
before the show, we had an opportunity to gaze at the sunset and get our photos taken
 
hula!

 
A small day trip to La Perouse Bay to see the last lava outflow, some 200 years ago.

Shuffle boarding at the resort on our last morning – we were more evenly matched here than at putt-putt.  I’m guessing that the forward vs. sideways stance and my baby bump has something to do with it.  Plus, Matt’s just better at putt-putt.

our happy second honeymoon – a refreshing and romantic getaway! 

Hawaii dreaming

Have I mentioned that we’ve been married for ten years as of August 12?  To celebrate, we are hopping over to Maui for five nights after Thanksgiving – sans kiddos (well, except for peanut).  Thank you, Oma and Papa, for keeping watch over our little ones and giving us this chance to reconnect and get centered in our marriage!  I am so grateful for this time together – unplanned, just plane tickets, hotel and car reservations, travel book, and time.  Less than one week to go. 

   8.12.2000

    9.10.2010

Camp Wood

Before I blog more adventures with the Woods in Portland, I have to share the news of Dean's journey to Camp Wood.  When Gina offered to take Dean back to Salt Lake City for two weeks, and Matt and I hemmed and hawed it over... Dean, without any hesitation whatsoever, began packing his bags!  Dean loves his cousins!  Two weeks will be a long time without him, but that is when my grandparents will arrive in Salt Lake City, and it seemed the perfect opportunity to visit.  Yes, I have already bought my tickets to bring him back home.

Here are pictures that Gina shared with me the first day, one from a McDonald's on their very long road trip (12 hours!), and one from the next day, Dean showing off his "silly face".  We have been talking on the phone every day, and today, even Fiona spoke with him: "Hi, Dean!"

I am a little off-balance, and the house is a bit empty.  But what an adventure he will have with his cousins at Camp Wood...

swift to love

"Life is short and we have never too much time for gladdening the hearts of those who are travelling the dark journey with us. Oh be swift to love, make haste to be kind."

 Henri Frédéric Amiel (1821-1881) Swiss writer.

I am ashamed for not always taking the time to lift up, celebrate, and reach out to those around me - neighbors, coworkers, friends, and even my family.  Love comes from within ourselves, but if it remains there, it will dry up, unexposed and meaningless.

I am reflecting on love and life, but this time it's not guided by estate planning:   My dear friend's brother passed away this week at age 37.  Reaching out to him, I was so dumbstruck that I had trouble finding the words to express my sorrow.

I'm also struggling with these last few months at work, where (for a number of reasons, too many to discuss here) the environment has ranged anywhere from indifferent to toxic, and morale is the lowest I can remember.  Today, I was humbled by how little effort it took toward building trust, and frankly, it's embarrassing that so much time had passed.  I have not exactly radiated with kindness lately.  Death is a raw reminder to answer the call to love.  Oh be swift.