Weekly Photo Challenge: The Sign Says or “Sign Sign Everywhere a Sign” ⁷

Gratitude, photography • Tags: luckylivehawaii, postaday, postaweek

Yes, I am a seventies child and now I can’t get that tune out of my head. That is why I am sharing a photo that depicts everywhere a sign and that also depicts the favorite place to buy malasadas if you live on Oahu.

Everyone’s favorite Malasadas and I love the sign that I cut off about please don’t park at 909 Kapahulu since this was exactly where I was when I took the picture. 😉 Don’t worry, I did not leave my car and I wasn’t there long.

I wrote about Leonard’s previously. The owner is also a sweet man who came out of retirement to personally bake a dobash cake for my birthday last year, thus destroying my diet, but bringing a smile to my face. I am grateful to him.

This week’s photo challenge is brought to us by Sara Rosso. We are to share a picture of a sign and explain why we chose that picture. Click on the link to find other posts and/ or to learn more.

May 17

Weekly Photo Challenge: Escape: “Lucky Live Hawaii” ¹³

Gratitude, photography • Tags: luckylivehawaii, postaday, postaweek

We all have things that we want to escape, and our views of how to do this vary. This week Cheri Lucas Rowlands is challenging us to show how we escape. Lately my escape is appreciating the beauty around me. Can’t wait to see and/ or hear how you escape!

Beautiful lei.

Plumeria: pretty wherever they fall.

Freshly planted.

Summer swell makes Aloha Friday happy for surfers.

Summer swells makes Aloha Friday happy for surfers on Oahu’s South shores today.

Capturing the sea spray made me happy and grateful. “Lucky I live Hawaii.”

May 3

Weekly Photo Challenge: From Above ⁵

Gratitude, photography • Tags: Hawaii, postaday, postaweek

I am grateful for the Weekly Photo Challenge: From Above by Sara Rosso. The idea is to change your perspective on something by photographing it directly from above. I love the idea. I believe a change of perspective can be eye-opening. Don’t you?

Fallen Plumeria

Above USS Arizona.

Koi pond surrounding Byodo-In Temple.

Red Ti Plant

Red Ginger from above.

Flowering Aloe Vera

French Lavender with Macro.

Grey Anole on rock.

Gecko hiding in Aloe Vera.

April 26

Weekly Photo Challenge: Culture ⁴

Aloha, Gratitude, photography • Tags: culture, Hawaii, postaday, postaweek

This week’s photo challenge had me exploring major emotions. Why?

First, my culture is not one culture. I live in a multicultural state and my family is bicultural. The culture where I grew up certainly influences me still. Sometimes the culture of my past clashes with where I am now. The biggest clash is related to religion. Religion is a big part of culture when you grow up in a rural community in the southern part of the United States.

I still have great faith in the Holy Trinity which is largely influenced by my childhood, but I also have come to admire religious leaders of other faiths. I believe there is more than one path to God.

Rabbi Albert L. Lewis said, “Why Tree’s….Why not one prefect tree for the whole earth?” He went on to explain there are oaks and elms, etc. Then he said, “Many trees, the branches all leading to God.” He explained that hate is wrongly engaged in the name of religion for all religions teach, “Honor thy neighbor!”

I love what HH the 14th Dalai Lama said about different religions, “I always believe that it is much better to have a variety of religions, a variety of philosophies, rather than one single religion or philosophy. This is necessary because of the different mental dispositions of each human being. Each religion has certain unique ideas or techniques, and learning about them can only enrich one’s own faith.”

I certainly do not think it is my place to tell you what your path should be. I know Jesus preached love and understanding. I believe that religion is a very personal thing. I think it is important to cultivate a spirit of aloha for all.

Lei: Part of special occasions in Hawaii. It is part of sharing aloha.

The Episcopalian Church is part of my culture.

Multiple cultural influences, starting with growing up in a rural area of the Bible belt of the United States, then moving to Colorado and attending a Jesuit University. Finally I settled in Hawaii where I’ve lived for 19 years.