Welcome to my blog!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I believe that everyone can have a beautiful home without spending a fortune! One of my favorite things to do is find creative ways to re-purpose things I already have on hand, or have picked up at yard sales and thrift stores. Join me as I share with you some of my favorite ideas for crafting and decorating, as well as travel adventures, and fun things that I pick up on my treasure hunts! Much of my work is influenced by my love all things French, nature, and of course shabby chic! I have gotten so many creative ideas from you very talented bloggers out there, and I hope that I can be an inspiration to you as well!

Friday, December 30, 2011

Aloha From Hawaii!

It sure is easy to leave all your cares and worries behind on the mainland when vacationing in Hawaii!  As a matter of fact, I've decided to make my resolution for the coming new year (and I never make resolutions!!) to worry less and take one day at a time!  We are having the best time here in Maui, but sadly our time here is coming to an end, as we have just  a few more days le ft here. 

We went snorkeling both Wednesday and today, and saw tons of amazing tropical fish.  We also were thrilled to be snorkeling right next to gorgeous Hawaiian green sea turtles.  ( I can't take credit for the first three photos, I've never had luck with those underwater cameras.).  Anyway, being so up close and personal to those beautiful creatures is one of the most amazing things we have ever done!  As they are protected, it is illegal to touch them or harass them in any way.  Just being able to witness them in their own habitat is truly a treat that we won't forget!


We had another surprise today as we were about to get out of the water.  We saw a beautiful, and very large, Hawaiian monk seal!  He was busy munching away on a fish that he had caught, and we were amazed that we were so c close to him, and that he swam so close to shore!


Yesterday was another adventure, as hubby rented an airplane, and we spent several hours flying over the island, as well as along the Molokai coastline.  Below is a photo of the condos we are staying at.  The cove you see is where we snorkel.  It sure is going to be hard leaving this beautiful place!
                                                           Isn't the water just gorgeous?


Below you will see the coastline of Molokai.  I wish that you could have been with us, as the photos just don't do it justice!  Molokai has the world's tallest sea cliffs, and the views are just incredible!
Ok, I got my photos a bit out of order here.  Below you will see the coastline on the way to Hana, which is one of the most beautiful little towns I have ever seen!


                                                           More of the Molokai cliffs.
                         Not sure if you can see it in the photo below, but there was a really beautiful waterfall       
                                                         amid all of the lush greenery.
I am continually amazed at all of beauty that God created here in Hawaii!  It truly is heaven on earth!

                                      More of the stunning coastline on the way to Hana.
                                                     Notice the sea cave below?
Here we are coming in for a landing at the Hana airport, a tiny little airport right on the coast!

And here is yours truly in front of our ride!  It was a very, very windy day, making much of the flight super bumpy!  We hitched a ride (which is a story in and of itself, and issomething I wouldn't even dream about back home on the mainland!!!) into town and back, and had a bite to eat for lunch.


Tomorrow we are heading to "upcountry", to visit the "Surfing Goat Dairy" (don't you love that name?), as well as a lavender farm.  I'll be sure to take lots of photos!
Thanks for coming along on our adventures!
Wishing you all a verry Happy New Year! 




















10 comments:

Debbiedoos said...

Happy New year too you! You lucky duck. What fabulous vacation indeed. Thanks for saying Hi to us:)

Tete said...

Love the photos from above! Oh, why leave? Just stay- I would. Love the turtles...they are just so wonderful and I have always loved them.
Glad you are having a wonderful time. Its going to be hard going back to winter.
Happy New Year!

Kaybe said...

Let Heaven & nature sing! Hawaii is the perfect place to celebrate Christ(mass).

Musings from Kim K. said...

What an absolutely fabulous vacation!! Thanks for bringing us along. Your pictures are absolutely amazing.

Kathy said...

beautiful, Happy New Year.

Ann@A Sentimental Life said...

Glad you had a great holiday!
Happy New Year!

NanaDiana said...

Donna- It looks like you are having a wonderful time. I am so happy for you. Love the pic of you on the tarmac. Hoping you have a wonderful New Year's Eve in Hawaii~ xo Diana

Cindy Adkins said...

OH WOW, this is all soooo beautiful!!! and I'm SO happy that you are having an awesome time!!!
Happy New Year!
XO
Cindy

rkramadh said...

I found you via graphics fairy and I really love your blog! We were in Maui a few years ago and would love to go back, it's truly a magical isle. I am a fellow Michigander who speaks French, loves all things French and lived in Quebec for 17 yrs! I obviously love your blog just for all the Frenchy things :) I am of course envious that you get to travel for free/on the cheap. I am a travel freak as well. I worked in Aerospace too for several years and dream of working for Boeing some day. I am rambling on but couldn't help but notice the similarities/tastes we both we seem to have. I will be visiting your site often. I would love to see some tutorials of some of the wonderful things you create. Hope you won't mind sharing. Thanks for all the inspiration!

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

Oh gosh, Donna - what fun! It looks like a glorious vacation you had. I've never been to Hawaii, but now you've piqued my interest. So glad to see you having a great time!
- Susan