While we were driving over to Kaneohe (on the northeast side of our island of Oahu) yesterday, I pondered on thoughts of where we were going, who we were spending Christmas with and what the real meaning of a holiday was.
I thought, It really isn't about the tangible stuff we call gifts. It's about the present. It's about the fact that I live and I will die but what's more important is what I do in between that matters. The now.
So, what was important yesterday?
The beauty that surrounds me every day that I sometimes do not appreciate caught up with me. We all get tied up in everyday life and the expectations of others. Our businesses, our personal relationships and just the whole hustle and bustle of each holiday.
So what made yesterday so special?
Mentally, I stopped. I took out my camera and started to enjoy the ride and the beauty that all around me. The beauty that is there right in front of me each and every day. I was in awe and snapped many a picture to capture this moment in time.
I was but a small being traveling amongst the majestic mountains before me.
I was in the middle of a man made highway high above ground and heading to the tunnels through those majestic mountains to get to the other side.
Life is so short I thought.
A ray of sunshine peeking through the mist and clouds to show the sleepy coastal town below me;
a picture perfect show that will plant a seed in my memory bank.
A view from atop that allowed me to feel the greatness of the view before me;
for being someone so small and seemingly so insignificant in such a vast world of beauty.
I will remember this day of sharing hopes, dreams and a bright future.
All because I stopped to appreciate all before me that went beyond.....
Stuff.
P.S.
I did save this tangible gift from my daughter to share with you for the very last. It served more than the purpose to give comfort to my feet and just a gift. My daughter and I share a common bond.....holding on to the kid inside in a grown up world.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she KNOWS and serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents.
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.
© 2007-2012 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.
All rights reserved.
Beautiful, Sally. Isn't it wonderful what you can see with a little down time. Hope you had a wonderful holiday.
Jeff
With Elizabeth W. on the Big Island, I can't believe you aren't celebrating in Sacramento.
Jeff: sure can...and it was a welcome break!
Jim: ?
Hey Sally!!
I hope you had a great holiday weekend! beautiful photos you have :) love them, keeps my mind warm from all the snow were having in New York!
Sally, we all have so much around us that we might take for granted. However, for all that is around you, to take that for granted is criminal.
Sally, how breathtaking! I was thinking about you as our celebration was winding down and yours was just starting up. And now I see you were in my mind for good reason, you must have been sending that beauty out telepathically!
Love the slippers too!
You do live in a beautiful place! Great pictures...thanks for sharing. Cute slippers too!
Sally, That view from the lookout is so memorable. Its been a longtime since we were on Oahu, but view from the lookout is unforgetable. Also recall the story of how the warriors would leap from the mountains to keep from being captured. Impressive topography and you take great pictures too.
What beautiful photos...Christmas in Hawaii...heaven! :)
Happy Holidays!
Sally - you are indeed blessed to be surrounded by such beautiful landscapes! Hope your Christmas was wonderful!