A Study in Water

  

Iolani Palace

Iolani Palace stands as one of the few remaining vestiges of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi—a stunning architectural gem nestled in the heart of Honolulu. While its beauty is undeniable, the palace also serves as a powerful symbol and reminder of the colonization and forced overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom by the United States. It's a painful and shameful chapter of American history that must not be forgotten or glossed over.

I’ve always found it deeply ironic that the first official state visit by a foreign head of state to the United States was made by King Kalākaua of Hawaiʻi in 1874. Just 19 years later, the very kingdom he ruled would be overthrown, its sovereignty dismantled, and eventually absorbed as a U.S. territory—ultimately becoming the 50th state in 1959. The story of ʻIolani Palace is more than just a relic of the past; it is a testament to resilience and a call to remember the truth of what was lost.

Spider Friend

This impressive wolf spider took up residence in my garage over the winter, patrolling the space like a little guardian. Surprisingly, it was quite friendly—often emerging from its hiding spot as if to say hello whenever I came around. As the seasons changed and spring arrived, I watched it scurry out into the warmth of the world beyond the garage, ready to resume its wild life. I wish it well on its journey and hope it thrives out there, feasting on all the pests it can find. A true unsung hero of the ecosystem.

He ʻIke Hawaiʻi

Hawaii is world-renowned for its stunning beaches, and this island paradise in the Pacific certainly lived up to the hype. This photo was taken on the eastern side of Oʻahu, where the views are nothing short of breathtaking. In the distance, you can spot Mānana Seabird Sanctuary, rising gently from the ocean. The combination of soft waves, golden light, and distant islets makes this moment feel like something out of a dream.

 Also linked to: Sunday Best.

Tiki Time

 Who doesn’t love taking a moment to enjoy a refreshing fruity drink? Something sweet and colorful always seems to brighten the day—alcohol optional, of course. I couldn’t resist snapping a photo of this vibrant neon sign during our last cruise on the Mariner of the Seas. It was glowing proudly inside the Tiki Club, setting the perfect tropical mood. I absolutely love the playful colors—it captures the carefree, vacation energy perfectly.

Sun and Clouds

 

This was a spontaneous shot I took while waiting for my husband to get off work. I happened to glance out the window and noticed the clouds drifting by, with the sun glowing softly behind them. On a whim, I grabbed my camera and snapped the scene. What surprised me most was how the photo turned out—it captured a surprising depth, almost as if the sky had layers. There’s something mesmerizing about how light and shadow played together in that quiet moment.

Instax Texas Sage

 I’ve shared photos of my Texas Sage before, but capturing it with my Polaroid or Fujifilm Instax Mini always gives it a new personality. Each camera brings its own unique charm—offering slightly different tones, lighting, and textures. I love the vintage feel these instant cameras create; there's something nostalgic and timeless about the way they frame a moment. It’s not just a photo—it’s a little piece of art with character.

Chihuahua Ears

Eyeshadow

 This little anole has made the aloe plant in my backyard its favorite hangout spot. I often see it lounging there year after year, blending in surprisingly well—except for the vivid colors around its eyes. Those bright markings always catch my attention, like it's wearing a touch of makeup. I can't help but wonder if it's getting ready for a party or showing off for a potential date. Whatever the reason, its bold look adds a splash of unexpected charm to my backyard.

Squirrel!

A cheerful squirrel eyed me with curiosity as it scurried along the ground, searching intently for nuts or any other tasty treasures. Surprisingly, the little creature let me get quite close—close enough to snap a few clear photos. It must be fairly accustomed to people, perhaps a regular visitor to this area.

While squirrels can sometimes be a bit of a nuisance—raiding bird feeders or sneaking into places they don't belong—they're undeniably fascinating animals. Their quick movements, clever problem-solving, and bushy-tailed charm make them fun to observe. Watching this one go about its day was a small, unexpected delight.

 

Saint/Sint

Every Caribbean island I’ve visited has its own unique charm and culture. While they share certain similarities—like a rich history, warm hospitality, and stunning landscapes—each one offers its own distinct flavor and personality. Saint Martin is a perfect example of this diversity.

Divided between the French and the Dutch, this beautiful paradise is a captivating blend of two cultures. On the French side, you’ll find a refined, European flair with elegant cafes, fine dining, and a laid-back sophistication. Meanwhile, the Dutch side offers a lively, colorful atmosphere with bustling beach bars, casinos, and a vibrant nightlife. Though they share the same island, the two sides maintain their own distinct character, creating a fascinating contrast.

What makes Saint Martin truly special is the way these cultures coexist, offering visitors a chance to experience two worlds in one breathtaking destination. Whether strolling through a charming French market or enjoying the energy of a Dutch beach party, the island’s dual identity makes it all the more inviting and unforgettable.

 Also linked to: Sunday Best.

Barn Quilt

A friend and co-worker of mine has a passion for quilting, but she took her creativity a step further by mastering the art of barn quilts. Instead of stitching fabric, she paints quilt patterns onto wooden boards, transforming them into bold, colorful works of art meant to adorn barns—or in this case, the wall of my guest room.

I had seen barn quilts before and always admired their creativity and charm, but when she invited me to try my hand at making one of my own, I was excited to take part. With a brush in hand and a palette of vibrant colors before me, I set out to create a piece that blended traditional quilt designs with my own artistic touch. The experience was both fun and fulfilling, and now, every time I see the finished piece hanging in my guest room, I’m reminded of the joy of creating something by hand and the shared passion for art that inspired it.

 

Somber Sky

The Hawaiian sky stands as a silent guardian over the USS Arizona, resting in eternal repose at Pearl Harbor. Sunk during the infamous surprise attack on December 7, 1941, it remains a solemn tomb for 1,177 men. Seeing it in person was a deeply emotional and reflective experience—a powerful reminder of its history and the events that followed. us.

 

 

Twisted

Decades of storms and relentless winds have shaped this tree into a striking natural masterpiece. Its gnarled branches twist and reach with a weathered elegance, while the deep grooves in its bark form intricate patterns, like nature’s own etchings. The scars left behind by fallen branches tell silent stories of past battles with the elements, adding to its rugged beauty. Each knot and fissure contributes to its unique character, making the tree not just a part of the landscape, but a living sculpture crafted by time itself.

Orange Sunset

 

Community of Wings

Polly Gessell’s glass etching is truly remarkable. She transforms an ordinary medium into a breathtaking work of art, rich with depth and movement. I still remember the first time I saw this piece on display at what is now the Skyview 5 training facility on the American Airlines Robert L. Crandall Campus. I stood there for hours, captivated, trying to unravel the mystery of how she achieved such precision and fluidity. All I knew was that if I had attempted it, I would have shattered the glass instantly. Her ability to breathe life into something so fragile is nothing short of extraordinary. 

 

Boarding

 In some locations, air stairs are an absolute necessity—though I’ve never been a fan of boarding planes via the ramp. This Southwest plane, however, is showing Belize some love, shuttling passengers to and from paradise with ease.

BlueBonnet

Every year, wildflowers make a surprise appearance in my yard, adding a little burst of unexpected color to the landscape. This spring, among the usual blooms, I was delighted to find a single bluebonnet standing tall and proud. Though it was just one, it felt like a quiet but powerful reminder of the beauty and spirit of Texas, where the bluebonnet holds the honor of being our beloved state flower.

Here in Texas, it’s a cherished tradition to pull over on the side of the road where bluebonnets bloom in abundance, just to snap a few photos—families, friends, even pets all gathering for that classic springtime moment. While my yard isn’t quite picture-worthy yet, I like to think that maybe one day I’ll have a whole patch of bluebonnets big enough for my own bluebonnet selfies.

 

Saba

 

The volcanic cone of Saba rises in the distance, viewed from the shores of Saint Martin. Its cloud-capped silhouette looked almost primeval, evoking the mental image I had of Isla Nublar while reading Jurassic Park. Unfortunately, I only experienced Saba from afar, but I hope to one day see its steep, dramatic hills up close and explore its rugged beauty for myself.

 Also linked to: Sunday Best.

Memories

This is one of my favorite photos of my mom, my nephew, and me. We lost her on this very day in 2014, and not a single day goes by without missing her. Now, my nephew has grown into his own man—no longer the little kid he once was. Looking back on these memories fills me with joy, reminding me of how things used to be and the smiles that came with them. Though time has passed, those moments remain a cherished part of my heart.

Reflexii în Oglinda

When I was a child, our yard was always dotted with cheerful primroses, their bright blooms spreading freely across the grass. My mother was the one who brought them home—she had dug up a few resilient little plants from a roadside median, tucked them into the earth, and watched as they thrived and multiplied. To her, they were “buttercups,” a name that suited their sunny, unpretentious beauty.  

Now, whenever I see them, I’m reminded of her—her resilience, her ability to find beauty in unexpected places, and the quiet way she nurtured life wherever she went. Those flowers are more than just plants; they’re living echoes of her presence. I’ll always cherish them in my yard, not just for their vibrant color, but for the way they keep her memory rooted in my world.  

My attempt to participate in "Reflexii în Oglinda.” 

 

Up in the Air

I’m not sure if we were racing or not, but as we made our approach to CLT, I couldn’t resist waving to the passengers in the other plane. The vast expanse of land and sky stretched out below us, a humbling reminder of how small we all seemed in our tiny aircraft against the grandeur of the world around us.

 

Opened

This is a rare sight many don’t get to witness. The airplane was undergoing routine maintenance, and with the engine cowling open, it offered a unique glimpse into its inner workings—a fascinating perspective usually hidden from view.

Memories of Celeste