Laughter & Tears in California

Wow, long time no blog! My last post was about turning off the news and picking up my camera, which I'm still trying to do. Picking up my camera is easy but turning off the news has been more of a challenge. 2021 has been off to a rocky start and I truly hope things start to improve once more and more Americans are vaccinated and the new administration takes charge. I am so grateful to have my girls by my side. When I'm feeling down, they lift me up with their laughter and love.

My family just arrived back on the Big Island after spending three months in California visiting my parents. My dad is not doing well and we wanted to spend time with him while we're still able to. It was an incredibly emotional trip. I hadn't been back on the mainland in a year and a half, the longest I've ever been away from California. It was hard being back in such a populated place after being pretty isolated in Hawaii during COVID. Throwing that on top of dealing with the fact that my dad won't be around much longer was really difficult.

We ending up celebrating Halloween, Christmas, my birthday, and New Year's (and by celebrate I mean falling asleep before 10) while on the mainland. My family spent time at my parents' house, Tahoe, and Mill Valley. I ended up being able to see a lot of my good friends (with masks and outdoors of course), which really helped me mentally. I realized I hadn't really been social in 8 months. These visits were so meaningful and they made me realize how important social connections are and how much I have missed my friends. I also spent a lot of time hiking and trail running on my beloved Mt. Tam, exploring Marin trails and beaches with my family, and taking the girls to the snow for the first time (SO much fun)!

In addition to visiting safely with family and friends and adventuring with my girls, I was able to fit in a few family photo shoots. I immediately fell in love with shooting in the fall leaves. I'd forgotten just how breathtaking fall is and I couldn't get enough of the colors. Being out in nature and capturing images of gorgeous families filled me with joy. Witnessing love during a time where the world seems to be falling apart was tremendously therapeutic for me.

My trip home was full of tears but also full of laughter; the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. As always, my camera, family, and outdoor adventure helped me stay sane. I am beyond grateful to be back in Hawaii but I am looking forward to moving back to my home state next summer.

Stay safe and keep smiling!