Hi Blog (Favorite Beach)

I miss this neglected blog. Sorry, audience. I take at least 1000 pictures a month, share favorite them with an audience of 5 on an iPhone app called Instagram. I like the simplicity of limited edit options. I sometimes link my instagram to my twitter feed. Note: emilyoctober has 13 followers.

I FINALLY started playing with pinterest (I was inspired to try the print-on-gray nail polish thing, seen above). I love pinterest as much as someone who loves pictures and physical objects and ideas might. I don't want to get that yucky-gross-self-esteemless feeling which may develop after looking at lots of glossy magazines gives you. I try to look at things like teaching ideas and pretty natures scenes so I don't fill my mind with perfectskinnyexpensivepolished (yet probably uhappy, right?) people and stuff.

I am getting some control over working madenning hours. I went into work everyweekend and barely saw daylight last year. I am working hard to be extremely efficient with my time at my job so I have time for an enriching life. These pictures of my favorite beach need little captioning, but they prove I have had made time for beautiful things in my life outside of my job.

Big Sur, California

A little recap of a camping trip last month... This is probably the most photographed waterfall in the state of California, just a short walk off of Highway 1. This is a pretty dry state though, so there aren't tons and tons of waterfalls to go around. I really really wanted to go play under the waterfall. I was born and raised in Hawaii where you are supposed to be IN the waterfall, not just take a picture of it like a tourist.

I've seen sparkling black sand and olive sand and every shade of tan...but this pink sand really made an impression on me. There were a lot of seals in the water and a bank of redwood logs we had to hop along to get to this little cove.

I have really been enjoying the simple editing of Instagram on my new iphone (yes, I KNOW. I am now in that club--it is awesome!) But now I am realizing the ease of sharing on my phone is making me less apt to blog. Blogging is different though. I will keep it up! This blog is getting up there in age... 4 years old!

Most of the coastal sites were full, so we camped 11 miles in from the coast...we drove up and up, overlooking the ocean and fog. I loved the views. After the long winding road (in our 21 year old car) we made it to Nacimiento Campground. It was quite lovely. There was no running water but a stream ran by, which helped muffle out the sound of the party boys camping near us. I plunged into this stream to wash that campfire soot of my skin and really feel alive. The friends we were with had told us about a spa in Cancun where they went on a Water Journey. This was our makeshift water journey.

San Francisco Trails

Seeing Oahu cousins visit their parents' old stomping ground.

Stinson Beach photoshoot. My cousin Jan (and her fellah Joe) were incredible in-city hosts.

The colorful Castro....where we ate several meals. I felt at home (even though I'm far from Ken-doll esque)...I am from Rainbow Land (Hawaii) and the rainbows reminded me of my kindergarten classroom.

The skyline from Dolores Park. I'll be back soon SF...I love you!

July

Bike shopping. I've been on my bike everyday to attend a nearby writing institute.

I love it and am considering an upgrade from my old school 24 inch Girls (too small) Schwinn.

I ride on a bike path at a snails pace so I confess...I don't wear a helmet.

But I adore this watermelon one.

Brer, my dear neighbors' bunny, prepares for big changes in his household.

He remains calm while...

Courtney is boldly taking on motherhood. I am so excited to witness this!

She is sweet and caring and full of grace and intelligence.

I have a hunch this will be a happy baby.

Jalama

Jalama Beach Beauty

Farmstand was closed.

The Surfliners path.

Vista Point.

Good Morning Baltimore!

From the highway...

Orioles and Ravens too.

Inner Harbor. Tourists. Shopping. Water.

Under Armour.... hip and young and happy. Like my cousins who work there.  My new favorite show these days happens to be "Friday Night Lights."  (And I don't like football).  It's full of product plugs for Under Armour.

Living the DC Dream

I had a wonderful outing with my bestie from Maui days. She has settled in DC and lives her life with charm and grace. I call it living the DC Dream. We were in Georgetown and she suggested kayaking (I saw later on the news Obama was in Georgetown getting ice cream with his daughters). It was perfect weather; the warm balmy air combined with the effect of being on the water left me in a happy daze.

Maryland Wonderland

Apple Tree

Clematis on Fence

Box Turtle, hanging out on my Aunt's sidewalk.

Good company.

Maryland Climbing

I am in the great state of Maryland, just outside of DC. I am enjoying the balmy Spring/Summer weather and the company of my family. We had a delightful hike along the Potomac yesterday.

I love the green, lushness of summer. Very different than dry California.
In this way, the East Coast reminds me more Hawaii. 

My dad, the arborist and climber.... playing in his parent's backyard while I serve as ground crew. 

I am learning a few new trees to ID...
crepe myrtle,
dogwood,
pin oak,
and weeping cherry. 
I really like plants.

Santa Barbara Botanical Garden

It was so pleasant wandering around the cool foresty garden. After years of putting it off I am glad we finally checked it out. A June Gloomy day was actually lovely weather for it. My favorite flower there was the orange Humboldt Lily. I want to plant them some day.

Afterwards we wandered around downtown, poking around shops. Andrew, the material scientist that he is, loves to examine and comment material goods of all kinds.

On a whim I got a matcha soy latte from Peets. My sister makes them...she was my inspiration. It was delicious! They custom prepped it for me and then gave me a card for a free drink next time since they felt I waited too long. Wow.

We also tried an Acai bowl at Epic Bowls. We LOVED it and will be repeat costumers.

June

Masterful.

Family.

Venice Beach colors.

A happy reunion.

Ten Good Things

1. I restarted the Couch to 5k program. I am starting to recall what endorphins feel like. I tricked myself into running today: I was feeling grumpy and tired and committed to only a five minute walk, which turned into a run. It was barefoot at the beach--my best running method.

2. I am going to participate in a month-long writing project in July....it looks to be a rewarding experience. I have to start writing every day in preparation for the course. I am excited to write again and become a better teacher of writers in the process. You may be hearing from me more often--I assume blogging counts?

3. EIGHT more days in the classroom.  I  love my students and tell them so, it is a joy to watch them grow so dramatically: I now have a room full of readers and writers.  But I am feeling like a mother bird,  ready to push them out of the nest and on to 1st grade. I thrive when I am busy but I am in desperate need of some downtime. If I haven't called you please don't take it personally.

4. Andrew is becoming an accomplished artist. He brings me home beautiful things from the pottery studio most days. I support this despite his clay caked clothes.  I love his style!

5. My aunt and uncle are selling their house in MD and moving to Hawaii, my homeland. It's a tad bittersweet as love their mainland place, such a comfortable rambling home....please someone buy it--it's full of wonderful memories and good vibes.  I am really looking forward visiting their new home on the Big Island..before long I'll be hanging out on their big porch and eat papayas from their yard. Ahh Hawaii.

6. My grandpa turned 89 yesterday. My grandparents also celebrate their wedding anniversary! 

7. I will likely see them in June. I adore these people.

8.  I have a new Beta fish (a blue one). He fits in well. Beta Boy is the rejected pet of our dear friends...he was eating their other fish.

9. These same friends are having a baby. And a girl at that!  Super stoked for you Courtney & Stephen.

10.  A co-worker who is a former yoga friend told me this morning she will kick my butt if I don't come back to yoga soon. She is so fit and happy and happening...mid 50ies and amazing.  I am grateful for the good role models in my life. I plan to rededicate myself to the practice pronto.

April Living

Thumbprints...

Friends on the road...

Annual poppy outing.

I haven't taken as many pictures as I ought to.  I need more adventure.  

Summer is almost here. 

Can't wait!