So many beautiful Waterfalls

I’ve been away from the studio for a family vacation in Hawaii, so no photos of new work. My best works of art though, have been my kids…. and during spring break we celebrated our twins’ 21st birthday in Hawaii. We have never taken our kids to Hawaii, and never been to the Big Island, so this was a momentous occasion in more ways than one. It was great to have them all to ourselves and we made many fun (and a few not-so-fun) memories.

My family: Me, Tim, husband Marc, Erin and Tim's twin Amelia Hangin' Loose

Our first day out our oldest, Erin, stepped on a sea-urchin. She was in terrible pain, and she’s usually not the one to complain, so we knew it was really hurting. We tried to get her as comfortable as possible, but there is not much you can do, other than soak the injury in vinegar or a local remedy known as Noni fruit, which smells like bad cheese or worse. Luckily, the next day we had planned an activity that didn’t require much walking: a helicopter tour of the island with Blue Hawaiin Helicopters. Our pilot, Dave, was very knowledgeable, and fun to talk to. He gave us some great beach pointers and historic & geologic facts in a friendly and relaxed way.

We had so many cameras on the trip, that I rarely took mine out… so I really only have shots from the helicopter tour. Oh well, I think you will live without seeing shots of me with a drink in my hand or lying on the sand in a swimsuit. Here are some of the tour, which really lived up to the name “Big Island Spectacular.”

Flying over Kilauea

And more beautiful waterfalls

Out of the canyon and back to the beautiful sea

I feel so lucky to have been able to enjoy this trip with my family. I think we all enjoyed the time together and the scenery was spectacular. I loved the dry climate on the west side of the Big Island, where we were staying. I’d go back in a heartbeat! Luckily, spring is in the air here: we have a new brood of chicks in residence in the greenhouse until they are ready to join the rest of the flock. I’m hard at work in the studio when I can tear myself away from the garden. Things are popping up all over. And I’m looking forward to attending the Watercolor Society of Oregon’s annual Spring Convention in Eugene this weekend! I always look forward to reuniting with artists from all over the state, sharing ideas, learning and growing. If you get a chance, stop in and see the show at the Jacobs Gallery in the Hult Center for the Performing Arts. It opens tonight and runs through April 30. See the Jacobs Gallery Website for more information.