Nuevo Mexico

Last week I went to New Mexico...

...where I was raised...

...where I met some of the most wonderful people in my life...
 
...which has the most spectacular food on the planet...
 
...where the skies are larger than life... 

...where I didn't appreciate fully until this trip.

For most who have moved away from the city in which they were raised, the common sentiment is: 
"How did I come out of this place?"
Perhaps I have been shaped by the experiences in and cultures of the places to which I have traveled.
Perhaps I never actually related to the culture in which I grew up.
Perhaps time away from a place (or person for that matter) yields a fresh perspective..."fresh eyes"...to  fully appreciate the present...view, person, taste, smell...

Growing up, I thought it was "cool" to be from New Mexico.
People in other states had many questions for us, such as, 
"Do you speak English there?"
"Is it an ACTUAL state?"
"Do you live in a teepee?"
Smart Americans.
Once, while visiting Washington D.C.,
I was in a gift shop in Monticello.
I tried to pay with a traveler's cheque...
and was initially denied the use of such payment from a country outside of the U.S.
No.
Joke.

Another time, at an Office Max in Honolulu,
I was told that they couldn't call me on my cell phone because the area code (my cell is still 505...haha) was from outside of the country.
Hmpf.

Despite these seeming ignorances,
I have always felt very novel having originated in the 
Land of Enchantment.

Another commonly shared sentiment of travelers is:
"The place I grew up was a great place to grow up, 
and a fun place to visit, 
BUT
I'd rather not live there now."

I relate
because
my curiosity and adventurous spirit
are everlasting,
  pervasive,
and predictable. 

I moved to Arizona for college, 
and to Hawai'i shortly thereafter...
always in search of a new frontier.

 

I recently had an urge to return to my "homeland." ;)

I had been away for long enough that the separation gave way to that aforementioned curiosity,

and I wanted to adventure back

into my childhood,

into my memories,

into that land that I no longer claimed to be home.

So I packed my guitar and a duffle and headed out!

First stop?
Camping with my dad.
We hadn't done that since I was in middle school.
We are great camping buddies.
Note the flaming marshmallow above...
he and I are the ONLY 2 people I have YET to meet that like to char the mallow before adding the graham.

We played guitar, sang out loud, hiked the surrounding forests,
and just flat out
reconnected...
...to each other...
...to nature...
...to ourselves...

I took this self portrait 
as I was enjoying the warmth of the morning sun,
 playing music to soothe my soul,
 completely at peace with who I was at that moment...
...a girl who grew up in New Mexico...
...the 47th state in the United States of America...
really
I promise it is.

"A thing of beauty is a joy forever: its loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness."
-John Keats

I happen to really like the number 8.
I like that, when you trace it, it never ends.
I like that if you flip it on its side, 
it becomes the sign of infinity...
the infinite thoughts in our minds...
the infinite scope of the universe...
the infinite places to visit on this planet.
Anyway,
I found this number 8 tree!
Officially in love.
With a tree.
In NM. 
One of the United States.

We also went to a winery close to the campground.
I'm one for a good glass of wine.
Or 2. 
I'll stop there.

I'm also a sucker for an old truck.
Paint this guy sea green?
I'd take it in a heartbeat!
Sorry 2006 Ford Ranger,
how I've loved thee,
but you are not nearly as stylish,
as smooth,
as cunning,
as this old truck.

"Age is just a number.  It's totally irrelevant unless, of course, you happen to be a bottle of wine." 
-Joan Collins

I also explored many a wooded area, 
found this little stream,
and acted like a little kid...
trampsing across fallen logs,
running through piled pine needles,
bending down low to observe the fairies in the tall grass.

This is where the Queen of the Forest is supposed to stand...
so I stood there. 

This is the post office in the little town surrounding the campground.
No.
Joke.
Better not ship your IKEA bedroom set there... 

I also captured many, many views of the NM landscape.
These views are in my memory,
somewhere in a far back drawer,
for which I have lost the key.
Luckily, I now have an excellent camera, 
and a refreshed perspective...

What is a trip to ABQ without a stop at Hanselmann's pottery in Corrales?
No one works here.
He makes the pottery,
puts it on the shelf,
leaves the doors unlocked,
and trusts a whole bunch that people will follow the rules posted on the computer paper scotch taped to the shelf.
Wow.
I like to go there
because
I like to feel trusted.
Bonus: The pottery is well-priced and beautiful!

Ahh...now we're on to the wonderful friends I saw while there.
I hadn't seen this kiddo since he was THREE!
WHA!?!
What a terrific kid!

Nicole and I have been best buds for well over 10 years.
This was our first time REALLY connecting in many years...
and as good friendships always do,
it seemed like no time had passed.

I serendipitously "ran into" Mahad...another of my great friends from high school who I hadn't seen or connected with in ages.
I can say "ages" now, because I am officially not in my 20's anymore.
Again, like no time had passed, we reconnected...thanks in large part to the fate of running "smack dab" into each other.

I also had the pleasure of seeing a few other friends and their beautiful families,
and for some strange reason,
didn't end up with pictures of them.

Lie.
I do have some on my phone camera.
I just haven't figured out how to upload them.
Did I mention I'm no longer in my 20's?
Technology is not so easy for us geezers, okay? 

-blah- 
just figured it out...days later...here are the phone camera pics:

 Did you know a dog can photo bomb??  It can at Candice's house!

 This is my lovely friend from childhood.  We hadn't seen each other in 12 YEARS prior to this day.
(pictures taken by the aspiring photog, Esme)

 

And so ended a wonderful trip back "home."

I look back and see the beautiful smiles of those I love,

smell the unmistakable scent of the pines trees,

hear the wind as a crazy storm blows through,

and feel the heat of the sun, never too hot.

 Mahalo, Thank you, Gracias

Albuquerque

for reconnecting me to that back drawer of memories that has been locked up for WAY TOO MANY years.

aloha.

O'ahu Beaches

Continuing on my "O'ahu Favorites" journey, 

I've come to beaches.

Oh, O'ahu beaches!

O'ahu and Kaua'i have the BEST beaches because

 the "younger" islands (those closer to the hot spot, like the Big Island)

have more fresh volcanic activity and are covered in more hardened lava that has yet to break down in to sand.

O'ahu and Kaua'i are old. ;)

That means...LOVELY BEACHES!

Here are my O'ahu favorites (I'll have another string of posts for Kaua'i):

1. Waimanalo Bay

This is where we were married 

(actually our ceremony was at Waimanalo Beach Park, which is different than Waimanalo Bay....I happen to like the BAY better for beachin' it)

The water is GORGEOUS!

The most SCENIC O'ahu beach, in my humble opinion.

Lots of parking, bathrooms, a few picnic tables...plenty space to spread out.

Disclaimer: Not a good beach on a windy day, though, or on a high jellyfish warning day.

2. Kalama Beach Park

Everyone FLOCKS to Kailua Beach Park and to Lanikai Beach...

when..

just down the street...

is Kalamas.

So be it!

Go to Kailua and Lanikai (which doesn't have bathrooms, btw)!

Kalamas is a little known (I know...I probably shouldn't be posting it, then)

GORGEOUS stretch of beach in Kailua. 

Disclaimer: Not a lot of parking in the main lot, but there is plenty parking in the surrounding neighborhoods

(just don't park too close to a stop sign, like I did, or expect a parking ticket!).

3. China Man's Hat (Mokoli'i)/Kualoa Park:

China Man's Hat is the island off in the distance...and the park/beach area is called Kualoa Park.

Rarely EVER have I seen it crowded, and it is BEAUTIFUL!

Lots of parking, BBQ grills, picnic tables, grass AND sand, bathrooms...great for a family beach day!

Disclaimer: Not the best beach for swimming.

4. Mokuleia

O'ahu is FAMOUS for the North Shore.

Pipeline...amazing in December/January for surf watching.

Sunset Beach...classic.

If you want to experience the N. Shore beaches (and you should), here is a great website:

http://www.northshoreoahu.org/html/beaches.html

However, if you keep driving west past Haleiwa...you hit Mokuleia...beautiful, untouched paradise!

(Also the location where "Lost" was filmed...)

 Disclaimer: There are no restaurants/shops nearby.  Also can be a "localized" area...just be respectful.

5. Ka Iwi Shoreline

This is my absolute FAVORITE place ON THE ISLAND.

In fact, Ka Iwi has its own post on my blog:

My Ka Iwi Post

 It is a place to EXPLORE! There are tide pools and little dirt trails next to the ocean.

Disclaimer: This is not a beach for swimming or getting in the ocean...period. Parking is tricky: Driving on Kalanianaole heading towards Makapu'u, there is a dirt parking lot just after Kealahou St.

Those are my FAVORITES! 

There are more "touristy" beaches on O'ahu...

...ALOT of them...

but I don't recommend them if you want a real Hawai'i experience.

aloha.

O'ahu coffee

My last post outlined my favorite restaurants on O'ahu.

This post is all about COFFEE!

I happen to love a good, dark cup of joe...

and I've become a bit of a coffee snob.

Now, not all Hawai'ian coffee is created equal.

In fact, most of the coffee sold in tourist shops is called a "Blend", 

meaning it is part Hawai'ian coffee and part junk coffee.

My favorite?

100% Kaua'i coffee.

Keep in mind that I order straight coffee, not the sugary frou-frou, so my rating of coffee is in the taste of the bean.

Here are my favorite coffee joints on O'ahu:

1- Covenant Coffee:

www.covenantbooksandcoffee.com

 Simply THE BEST place on island to buy roasted beans...period.

2- Morning Brew:

www.morningbrewhawaii.com

GREAT americanos...in Kailua town.

They also have some rockin' nachos!

Take a book and stay awhile!

3- Honolulu Coffee Company:

www.honolulucoffee.com

Many locations around the island.

Again, great tasting americanos.

Hub-sauce likes the frou-frou "Nutty Hawai'ian Latte"...if you are a frou-frou coffee drinker, apparently this is the way to go!

4- Coffee Gallery:

www.roastmaster.com

In the Northshore Marketplace in Haleiwa town.

Great roasted beans and great prepared coffee.

aloha.

My Favorite Restaurants on O'ahu

It wasn't until I moved away from O'ahu that I realized how many restaurants I enjoy on island!

I thought I'd comprise my list here on my little 'ole blog

for all those who may be interested!
Disclaimer: I am a vegetarian...so local plate lunches are not interesting to me, but if you are looking for those, I'm sure you'll find them without a problem!

Here goes:

1. The Cream Pot: 

 http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/37/451863/restaurant/Hawaii/Waikiki/Cream-Pot-Hawaiian-Monarch-Hotel-Waikiki-Honolulu

A precious little breakfast restaurant on the outskirts of Waikiki (McCully side).

The decorations are reminiscent of a hobbit's house.

If you go, you must get the hashbrowns...to die for!  I always got the blueberry crepes with the red wine reduction sauce...ahhh!

2. Shorebird:

http://shorebirdwaikiki.com/

At the Outrigger Reef Hotel...right on the beach!  
Open air restaurant with live music some nights.

I always went to the bar side, as the main restaurant was a "grill your own meal" deal...not my thing.

Fish and Chips at the bar, however?  Totally my deal.

3. Brasserie du Vin:

http://brasserieduvin.com/

French restaurant in the middle of downtown (not Waikiki).

GREAT happy hour, excellent baked brie!

4. Himalayan Kitchen:

http://himalayankitchen.net/

Excellent food in the heart of Kaimuki.

Don't let the location fool you...Kaimuki is not the most beautiful area of O'ahu, but Himalayan Kitchen makes it all worth it!

5. The Olive Tree Cafe:

 http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/37/411680/restaurant/Hawaii/Kahala/Olive-Tree-Cafe-Honolulu

Incredible Greek food...the best I've ever had.

Cash only, dinner only, next to Kahala Mall, parking limited...all worth it!

Get the baba ganoush...you won't regret it!

6. Covenant Books and Coffee:

http://covenantbooksandcoffee.com/
another Kaimuki gem

Great soups, soup du jour different daily...I LOVE the 
green chili corn chowder

Also THE BEST place to buy Hawai'ian coffee...HANDS DOWN!  Great roasted coffee beans.

7. Town:

http://www.townkaimuki.com/

Yet another lovely restaurant in Kaimuki

Local ingredients, gourmet menu, great breakfast 
(I like the granola and fruit...seriously delicious)!

8. Blu Water Grill:

 http://bluwatergrill.com/

On the marina in Hawai'i Kai.

Well-rounded, decently priced menu.

If the weather is nice, sit outside on the patio!

 Great for a Sunday brunch or a fancy-ish dinner.

9. Plumeria Beach House:

http://www.kahalaresort.com/dining/plumeria-beach-house.cfm

At the Kahala resort...open air restaurant, can sit outside or inside.

Great food, amazing atmostphere, spectacular resort!

10. The Contemporary Museum Spalding House Cafe:

http://honoluluacademy.org/12001-contemporary_cafe

Fun location partially up Tantalus.  Good food, neat museum!

11. Cafe Kaila:
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/37/1423189/restaurant/Hawaii/Kaimuki/Cafe-Kaila-Honolulu
Favorite place for a brunch/lunch date with friends!
Great food, using local ingredients.

I'm sure I'll think of more, but for now...that's it!  Eat up!

aloha.

Can you smell it?

...

Summer's coming!

I can smell it in the air, 

can you?

Do you know what that MEANS?

Think

think

think...

SALAD!

Lots of it!

Here are my two favorite salad dressing recipes for summertime:

1- Mix equal parts fat free greek yogurt (I like Fage) with your favorite salsa.  Then, pour it over a big bed of greens!  I also like to add corn, black beans, and (if I'm feeling rebellious) some crushed tortilla chips.  YUM!

2- The beautiful momma of one of my besties makes a lemon garlic dressing that is TO LIVE FOR!  I like to pour it over greens topped with various veggies, such as red peppers and carrots.  For a super-summer version, add some sliced strawberries...you won't regret it!

1/4 c. lemon juice, 1/2 c. EVOO, 1 tsp. salt, 3-4 crushed garlic cloves 

(mix it all together...makes enough for MANY salads)

aloha.

Balance

 Recently, the Hubs went on a week-long trip with his school,

and left me here, 

alone.

I don't fear being alone.

Actually, I am a loner at-heart.

Spending time alone always seems to balance my heart, soul, and mind,

and therein nourishes my relationships with others.

In having this thought,

"balance"

was at the heart of my meditations during my "alone week."

Balance was the frequent subject in ballet class...

a subject with which I constantly fought. 

"Find your balance, Lindsay!"

"You must balance before you can pirouette!"

"Engage your core and BALANCE!"

Perhaps my core was weak, I was top-heavy, or my anxieties over not balancing caused an imbalance.

Whichever was the case, 

I was horrible in regards to balance...

in dance class.

As an adult, balance has a refreshed meaning,

yet not entirely disconnected from dance.

"Find your balance, Lindsay!"

My balance now includes frequent trips to the ocean to calm my mind,

daily exercise to keep my body healthy and my feet on the ground,

and healthy eating for EVERY meal...I love vegetables!

 "You must balance before you can pirouette!"

If I haven't taken the steps above to balance my mind and body, the cyclical pirouette of daily life seems more challenging than it should be.  In dance terms, "I'll fall-out of my turn" if I haven't first practiced to balance.

"Engage your core and BALANCE!"

Engagement from the inside out...

...thinking before I speak

...planning before I leap

...knowing my intentions before completing an action...

  Strengthen the inside and the outer results will be pleasing.

One morning during my "alone week," I was sitting beside the ocean prior to going to work.

To start the day, especially at the shore, I like to do a "5-Senses Meditation."

(I wrote about it here: http://hermann8er.blogspot.com/2010/07/abandon.html)

On this particular day, I had stopped at a beach that is near to a train track.

As I was concentrating on my sense of smell, 

suddenly...

a train came whizzing behind me,

blowing it's HORN,

overstimulating my sense of sound,

and trumping my sense of smell.

I didn't feel particularly put-out by this occurrence, as I am thankful for the train and for it's horn.

I did begin thinking, however, about how easy it is in our culture and generation to trump our other senses with our sense of sight.

We happen to have become a screen-addicted society on the majority.  

How many "devices" do we own?

How many "devices" do our children own?

How many children take meds for ADHD, but have 5,000 devices to distract their attention from the direction of their life?

Just like that train, we are over-stimulating ourselves, and it is only when we take the time to be aware of "the now"

that we recognize the imbalance that has taken place.

Speaking of "the now", summer is here..in full-effect...and the plants are LOVING IT!

 A slightly voyeuristic view of our orchid...

 Jasmine...about to bloom!

The gardenia is OPENING!!

Welcome, summer!

aloha.