planting seeds.: day one hundred and seventy

As I spend another day in the sun under the dependable blue sky, our favorite Hawaiian radio station plays their version of 'Take Me Home, Country Road' and I can't help but feel that I have found 'home', right here on the big island.

I admit that this could partly be a glorified case of vacation-itis but after Hawaii was ranked the happiest state for the third year in a row, I am convinced there is more to it.

No matter where I have stood, be it up mauka looking down to the curvy coastline or down by the sea looking up towards the mounting peaks, I have been surrounded by the islands natural beauty. For the short time that I have been here, the views while driving from the farm to the mill have not gotten old and I cannot imagine a day when the sunset is not cause for silent admiration.

Here, there is time for that appreciation. There is a slower pace, a sense of calm, that allows you to take the time to look around, to soak it all in and to appreciate your environment and the people in it.

I haven't been here very long but I am not surprised at all that Hawaii is the happiest state. It's different. That 'aloha spirit' is alive and well here.

Although this place will not always be my physical home, there are values and qualities that can be taken from the island, no matter where home actually is. The swaying palm trees and neon geckos might be hard to move but we can all put a little 'aloha' in our lives.

Akahai, meaning kindness to be expressed with tenderness
Lokahi, meaning unity, to be expressed with harmony
Olu'olu, meaning agreeable, to be expressed with pleasantness
Ha'aha'a, meaning humility, to be expressed with modesty
Ahonui, meaning patience, to be expressed with perseverance

Aloha!