PEOPLE OF THE (RAIN)FOREST

As you know, I live in a rainforest on the Big Island of Hawaii. We've been experiencing unusual amounts of rain...and then even MORE rain for the past few weeks. This week however, surprised even the local people, who don't see this amount of rain too often. A fellow forum member on one of my local haunts showed pictures of a majorly flooded intersection and a koi (yes, the fish kind of KOI) was swimming down the road! Well sometimes I think I've seen it all, but this took the cake! Rain is a good thing. It makes things green, clean and lush. And afterall, that's why we're living on a tiny hot rock in the middle of the ocean - for the beauty of it. I have been enjoying my new incense burners and painting them like the leaves of the rainforest. See them at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9238773

Let me introduce you to this week's artist - Tony. He is a friend and brilliant photographer who lives on the same island I do with his wife and son, Jason (pictured above). Tony states, "Hawaii is, for me, the one place on the planet where I feel at home. I can be myself. My hair is long, my clothes are casual and my attitude is generally "Live & Let Live". I wear slippahs, cargo shorts and t-shirts sporting the names of hard rock bands from the 80's that I still listen to on a daily basis."

I bought several of his greeting cards, which I know you will agree are impressive to say the least. If you have a love of nature and the tropics, you will be captivated by the color and volume of his nature shots! You can nibble on his yummy pictures and purchase a few for yourself at http://www.hawaiigreetingcard.com/

One of the many other facets to Tony's life is his ability to talk story and he is a motivator for certain. He started a blog about a Gnome named "Bud" who lives in Puna District on the Big Island. Not only is this charming, but in the tradition of traveling gnomes Bud has already been to visit amazing places and has a photo journal to document it all! Take a look at http://www.punagnome.com and have a laugh and share in Bud's travels if you wish!

I hope you enjoyed this week's blog and the work of my friend, Tony. I am loving my new job in downtown Hilo. I get to ride the 25 miles or so to work with my husband and then again back home after the day is done. What could be better than having some quiet time with your best friend each day? Hope your week is a good one...go out and find an adventure and let me know what you created in your life! Aloha!