Slow and Steady wins the Race

ALOHA my friends! My apologies, It’s been a few weeks since I have blogged and given the circumstances in which I find myself today, you can expect a blog about once a month now instead of weekly. You see, when I got to the Island, I rushed out and poured myself into this new experience only to find that a sense of urgency isn’t a trait possessed by islanders or their fauna. Everything here is on “aloha time” which means slow and steady, things will happen when they happen. There are limited species of bird here on Oahu, I’ve managed to find most of the local land birds and I know now that there are certain seasons to see others as they make their way here to their wintering grounds or when permit only land is opened to the public again. I expect the month of October and November should bring in some new waterfowl species. Also, I know December and January will bring some great times with wintering whales. So, that being said, I’ve slowed my touristy ways.

How does a main lander figure out how to slow down and not be so hectic? You think it would be easy but for some of us, especially the motivated Type A’s, it is harder than you think! Apprehensively, I did some soul searching, some deep island breathing and realized that Hawaii life might just actually save my life. Sometimes, you think that birding (hiking with gear) is enough exercise but really you’re not getting that heart rate up unless you see a rarity! Throughout the years, I’ve justified my birding hikes and kayaking as exercise. Recently, I hopped on the bathroom scale, I was not impressed. Now woken up to my new slow Hawaiian life, I’ve started a workout routine that includes lap swimming, continued hikes, and eating more nutritiously. Daily life is slow but extremely rewarding as the pounds have started to shed off. Hiking, swimming, and paddle-boarding are now my source for endorphin boosts instead of rare birds, pit vipers and bobcats (which are dearly missed).

I’m still birding but now concentrated on getting the absolute best quality photographs of the local species around me. Check the birding gallery for some up close and personal shots of the red-vented Bulbul, Japanese white-eyed, Java sparrow and the Red-whiskered Bulbul. Also, when you have a chance check out the landscapes gallery or down below where you will see the historic Rainbow Bridge in Halewia, HI on the north shore. The bridge built in 1921 is noted for its double arches. This photo was taken by me from a paddle-board floating down the Anahulu stream and then worked on in photoshop to give it a historical feel. This was a time consuming piece because I had to photoshop out all the electrical wires and all the tourists!

Life should be simple, slow and steady so we can finish the race happy and blessed. I hope that in these hectic and rushed times especially with an overload from social media and scandalous news that you can find the time to slow down, breath, find your inner peace, and to be able to talk with God and thank him for all your gifts. I know that this new simple life-style has been a blessing in disguise for me.

I leave you with a simple passage from one of my favorite hymns that was sung today at church, “When through the woods, and forest glades I wander and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees, When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur, And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze, Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee, How great Thou art!"

I’m not going to preach and pontificate about my new found life-style but rest assured after this tour I will be ready for the pace to accelerate and I will be fit and ready for the call! I hope you will too!

As always, hug your family and love one another!

God Bless,

MC

Rainbow Bridge