When we were kids in Puako – we had TV (only 3 channels)and AM radio, but who gave a rip – we had the ocean and it’s wonders as our front and back yard. Next to a National Geographic magazine, the wonders of our world were under rocks, hiding in the warm white sand sprinkled with green olivine and in Kiawe trees. Scooping up fish in our little red nets, smashing pipi`i for bait to use on our bamboo poles, always some kind of fish shell or crab in our buckets. I have fond memories of Doi’s store, those darned monkeys and of course a strawberry Icee – it doesn’t get any better than that!

Of course I did “my time” on the mainland and Oahu, but I had to come home. And I did when my daughter was a year old. It was very important for me to raise her in a community where you know who your neighbors are – you know when there is new baby born, a birthday celebration and graduation, when someone is sick and when someone dies. I wanted her to feel the grass under her feet, to have pets (you don’t find animals in zoos) to have a garden, play in the streets all day and night and never get hurt.

Sami and I lived in Waimea for 17+ years; then Pahoa beckoned. Wow – no Starbucks, Blockbuster or high speed internet! We were on dial-up Baby! Remember that?

Puna has become a favorite for me it is now home for us; a place of beauty and wonder, time doesn’t matter here.

Thank you Lucy for reminded me why I love my Hawai`i Life!

Ke Aloha ~ Sandy

Aloha you wonderful woman. I love your stories about Kohala, I haven’t been up there for many years, but I do remember having an afternoon with some friends (who live in Kona) and hiking down into some really amazing pools. So beautiful! I keep meaning to drive up there LOL, but I am loving Pahoa so much these days I don’t go that far from home. Keep up the writing!! Maybe some time down the road you will want to publish some stories in a book (hint hint) look me up when you want to do that :)

I was thinking about you a couple of days ago. Did you realize it was a year ago this last Sunday/Monday that you and I were sitting on the lanai of this house, just because we liked the energy so much (even though I didn’t think I ever be able to buy it) we just had to come back the next day as well?? I love life! It’s been 10 months now since we moved into that awesome house, and I love being here more than words can say. I adore this island. And I adore you, you helped me realize a life long dream. You are truly a blessing.

I wasn’t sure what I would find when Katie sent me the link to your blog, because I have seen some pretty bad blogging since I returned to the mainland – and from people who ought to know better. But you go girl!! You are a very talented writer. The way you put voice to your thoughts is quite compelling. You are better than 80% of the blogs I read on a regular basis. Keep it up! Hope to see you the next time I visit.

Sara