I'm so so excited to share this interview with one of the most inspirational people ever...one of Luke's early inspirations for becoming a professional surfer, and someone who has inspired our family (and people all over the world) for years: BETHANY HAMILTON. Bethany became world famous after surviving (though losing her arm to) a shark attack at age 13, then going on to become one of the best female surfers in the world. Today she is surfing better than ever, and is also an
Surf
A Surf Contest Trip to Ericeira, Portugal
BOM DIA! In early November (2019) I had the epic experience of chaperoning my fifteen-year old son, Luke, on a surf trip to Ericeira, Portugal. Luke was selected as one of four kids, (18 and under) to compete in the Quiksilver Young Guns competition this year. Being a Young Gun has been one of Luke's surf-career goals, and it was really exciting to experience this awesome adventure. What is Quiksilver Young Guns contest? Every year Quiksilver hosts a contest
Surf Updates and Inspiration from Son #3: Luke.
Sooooo....It's been a long time since I've shared a "surf update" around here! Back in the day, I shared a lot of these, and many of you kindly endured followed along with them. ;) I don't post as often anymore so I'm always hesitant to make things all about us. But... But in the past few weeks a lot of people have asked questions about Luke's competitive surfing: About his new sponsors and about his future plans. And (maybe most importantly) "could he be
Tahiti: 4 take-home lessons from the Friendliest people on earth.
Though I've been working on this post a little at a time since Luke and I returned from Tahiti (nearly 2 weeks ago!) I realize it's coming out just in time for Easter weekend. That seems impossible since it was New Years like, last week, (right!?) but I guess the calendar doesn't lie. With that, let me begin by wishing you a Very Happy Easter! I hope you have a sweet and meaningful weekend. (Easter is my favorite holiday and I wish I were dedicating an entire post to it, but my little book
Let’s have coffee! Updates, Links and Aloha here
Well we are transitioning from one season to the next now, and I thought we should all just take a minute to check in! How about you pull up a chair and grab your coffee... So: how are you doing? Was summer all you hoped it would be? (winter for some of you! So crazy! :)) Are you feeling ready for the next season? If you've been around a while you know I'm a lover of autumn, (which doesn't exactly exist in Hawaii) so when your leaves start to fall, think of me. And feel free to
Last minute Valentine’s Ideas that don’t require reservations, or cash. (+ links to love!)
Anyone else feel like Valentine's Day kinda snuck up on you? And if you're like me, (hopefully you're not too much like me...) you might tell your husband, "Oh I'm fine. Reservations? No--don't make reservations. No chocolates...I don't need anything. Let's just stay home with the kids." And then come Valentine's Day, and you're all bummed that you're stuck home with the kids, and wishing you had reservations. Or at least chocolates. Well, in
My Amazing Week at The Gerry Lopez Surf/SUP/Yoga Retreat at Turtle Bay.
Hey-- It's my birthday! Well, I didn't plan on this post coming on out on my birthday, but it is happening that way and now I can't imagine a more appropriate time. Because if I've ever felt truly spoiled, it was on the retreat I get to tell you about today. Last week I was invited to spend four nights at Turtle Bay as part of a small group for the Gerry Lopez Surf/SUP/Yoga retreat. Though the week is now over, my heart will be full for a long time. Most of you know, I've always
Skate Park Photo Shoot with Professional Photographer, Jim Russi.
One fun thing about living on the North Shore of Oahu is that we are surrounded by all kinds of fascinating people. Besides local families who have lived here for generations, and the seasonal surfers who come and go, we also have a good number of incredibly talented people: Artists, photographers, and entrepreneurs, who have found creative ways to survive--even thrive, while enjoying life in paradise. Jim Russi is one such talent. Though he is originally from California, Jim has lived on
