Two thousand twelve. & I miss my family too.

The Holiday Season brings families together, miles that separate disappear with smiles, hugs, and joyful reunions.  The miles that separate my little 'ohana [approx 90 to Puna, and 2500 to Washington] seemed so much further this year as gatherings and holiday cheer commenced on opposite sides of the pacific.  Oh man, how do I continue this post without sounding absolutely pitiful and making everyone depressed?  Best stop all that stuff right now.  Let's just suffice it to say - I MISSED MY FAMILY LIKE, SUPER CRAZY.  ;)

All that aside, we enjoyed beautiful fellowship with our friemily's [made up a new word!  that's friends who are like family] - potluck after potluck, new adventures in Waipi'o, Pu'u honua o honaunau, and our annual New Years celebration at the Stewarts, which by the way, we did on Friday night instead of Saturday and I quite like because I'm bringing an attitude of always being one-step-day-move-ahead-of-the-game into 2012.  :)  Um, yeah...we'll see how long that lasts.  ;)

So, as the last of the holiday treats are consumed, new resolutions are made, decorations are tidy back in storage, and life resumes back to [what we know as] 'normal', I like to remind myself:  true happiness does not come from external influences [people, places, & things].  It comes from being content and at peace with ones lot in life, whatever that may be. 

Warmest greetings from beautiful, sunny, warm Waimea - wishes for a productive, growing, inspiring 2012. 

 With all my love, Mrs. C.

These few photos are courtesy of my Cali Girl.  She's got quite an eye!

'The wall' at City of Refuge.

Max & Adam [brothers], taking the leap!