Molokai--- Home sweet home
I was born in a small valley on the East side of Molokai. Our home was nestled amid the beautiful fauna beneath a waterfall. I came from humble beginnings which allowed me to grow into a strong woman who appreciated the beauty in my surroundings. Being on an island we are surrounded by the ocean. I was always drawn to her cool, fluid embrace. My parents used to let me roll around in her lapping waves before I could even walk. I have been collecting shells for as long as I can remember. I was forever amazed at how she gave and took gifts from her depths. I never took her for granted and cherished every second I swam in her many shades of blue. I was a mermaid when I dove beneath the foam, searching for bubbles, baubles, and booty.
As I grew up I never lost my passion for the ocean or the islands. I continued my collecting and jewelry creating throughout my childhood and into adulthood. I moved to my family homestead for five wonderful years. Raised two lovely (if not sassy) dogs, ducks, geese, and a veritable cornucopia of vegetables including the Hawaiian staple food kalo. Our days were filled with farming, hiking, fishing, hunting, reading, radio, and just plain happiness.
I moved to Maui to see all my wonderful friends and family. Shortly after, moved back to Molokai briefly to assist on a friends homestead growing papayas to help raise funds for the local 4H kids. It was an enriching experience to grow something on a larger scale. We had always grown an excess of food before, but had never focused strictly on one crop. We were glad to help and learned many things in the process.
The next step in our ongoing adventure brought us to the lovely island of Kauai. I began furthering my education at the local college. In the middle of my semester I was diagnosed with cancer. It was a shocking development in my life. I had just turned thirty and had lead a very healthy lifestyle. We grew organic veggies, drank artesian water, and were active daily. It was totally unexpected and hit everyone pretty hard. After a horrifically long and physically and emotionally taxing trial I am finally clear of cancer cells. I remain under preventative treatments and continue to have a close relationship with both the land and sea in my spare time. Throughout this trying time I swam in the ocean as often as I could. I believe it was her healing touch that helped me beat my condition with a positive attitude and the will to survive. The love and support of my family and friends gave me the courage to lean forward and carry on. Long live the mermaids!
As I grew up I never lost my passion for the ocean or the islands. I continued my collecting and jewelry creating throughout my childhood and into adulthood. I moved to my family homestead for five wonderful years. Raised two lovely (if not sassy) dogs, ducks, geese, and a veritable cornucopia of vegetables including the Hawaiian staple food kalo. Our days were filled with farming, hiking, fishing, hunting, reading, radio, and just plain happiness.
I moved to Maui to see all my wonderful friends and family. Shortly after, moved back to Molokai briefly to assist on a friends homestead growing papayas to help raise funds for the local 4H kids. It was an enriching experience to grow something on a larger scale. We had always grown an excess of food before, but had never focused strictly on one crop. We were glad to help and learned many things in the process.
The next step in our ongoing adventure brought us to the lovely island of Kauai. I began furthering my education at the local college. In the middle of my semester I was diagnosed with cancer. It was a shocking development in my life. I had just turned thirty and had lead a very healthy lifestyle. We grew organic veggies, drank artesian water, and were active daily. It was totally unexpected and hit everyone pretty hard. After a horrifically long and physically and emotionally taxing trial I am finally clear of cancer cells. I remain under preventative treatments and continue to have a close relationship with both the land and sea in my spare time. Throughout this trying time I swam in the ocean as often as I could. I believe it was her healing touch that helped me beat my condition with a positive attitude and the will to survive. The love and support of my family and friends gave me the courage to lean forward and carry on. Long live the mermaids!