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Bloom Where You Are Planted

Quote of the day: “If you feel lost, disappointed, hesitant, or weak, return to yourself, to who you are, here and now and when you get there, you will discover yourself, like a lotus flower in full bloom, even in a muddy pond, beautiful and strong.” ― Masaru Emoto, The Secret Life of Water This afternoon I challenged myself to go for a walk on the block where I’m staying and find interesting subjects to photograph in the neighborhood. Instead of seeking out a special spot, just let the beauty of where I am shine through. Here are the results from that walk. Read more…

By Marilyn, ago

Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone – Again

Quote of the day: ““Let go of certainty. The opposite isn’t uncertainty. It’s openness, curiosity and a willingness to embrace paradox, rather than choose up sides. The ultimate challenge is to accept ourselves exactly as we are, but never stop trying to learn and grow.” ― Tony Schwartz The day before yesterday I moved to the Kona side of the Big Island. Funny how such a little move has thrown me back into stress and uncertainty. After a month at Akiko’s B&B north of Hilo, I had become comfortable. I knew my way around the town of Hilo, and vicinity. I enjoyed the Read more…

By Marilyn, ago

Just Photos

Quote of the day:  We have not come here to take prisoners,But to surrender ever more deeplyTo freedom and joy. We have not come into this exquisite worldTo hold ourselves hostage from love. Run my dear,From anythingThat may not strengthenYour precious budding wings. Run like hell my dear,From anyone likelyTo put a sharp knifeInto the sacred, tender visionOf your beautiful heart. We have a duty to befriendThose aspects of obedienceThat stand outside of our houseAnd shout to our reason“O please, O please,Come out and play.” For we have not come here to take prisonersOr to confine our wondrous spirits, But Read more…

By Marilyn, ago

December Photo-Heart Connection

Quote of the day:  “Caretake this moment.   Immerse yourself in its particulars. Respond to this person, this challenge, this deed.   Quit the evasions. Stop giving yourself needless trouble.   It is time to fully live; to fully inhabit the situation you happen to be in now.” — Epiticus As I picked my favorite photos from the month of December, I had over 100 that made the cut. I thought I might have a difficult time picking one photo for my December Photo Heart Connection.  Funny thing though, I looked through all of my favorites and immediately picked the photo you see Read more…

By Marilyn, ago

Mochi Pounding Slideshow

[ylwm_vimeo]56577751[/ylwm_vimeo] Mochi  is a Japanese rice cake made of sweet rice, pounded into paste and molded into the desired shape. In Japan it is traditionally made in a ceremony called mochitsuki. While also eaten year-round, mochi is a traditional food for the Japanese New Year and is commonly sold and eaten during that time. Yesterday, at a New Year party I visited in Hilo, a special “good luck” soup that contained a plain mochi was served. When the first Japanese immigrants reached Hawai`i in 1885, they brought with them the language, religious beliefs, and traditions of Meiji Japan. Among those traditions was New year mochi pounding, which has become as much a Read more…

By Marilyn, ago