Meggers on the Move: Aloha.

Roosters crowing, then comes the turkeys gobbling (yes I'm still in Hawaii). The cardinals start their loud calls and the parrots fly by squawking. The pheasants start talking to one another and finally the geckos bark from my ceiling. It's morning and it's my last day in paradise. I don't want to get out of bed. At all.

Yesterday brought sailing and swimming in the most beautiful blue water I think the world has ever had. The mountains kept the clouds at bay and as a result received one last sunburn (sorry Tracey). The boats were all out in formation for their first time to take aerial photographs so everyone came out bearing bikinis and board shorts for the event. I got to be with three of my favorite people aboard Manu Iwa for one last cruise.

Bittersweet to say the least. It's the last time I am going to be on these boats for a long time and I actually will miss seeing them coming into Anaeho'omalu Bay every day with their crew bearing blue and white.

This last year and half has been incredible. There have been many ups and downs and all arounds. There was tears at first and homesickness, but then something happened and I started to settle in. I became accustomed to the commute to work, the humidity and the beautiful, clear, warm water. I got used to seeing people riding in the back of pick up trucks and to eating great fresh sushi whenever I wanted. Those sudden intense rain storms didn't catch me off guard anymore and I learned to always have sunscreen and a bikini with me at all times because you never know when you're going to want to pull the car off the highway and go for a dip.

What I am going to miss more than anything are my loved ones and incredible friends who have helped me to call this place home. Unexpected amazing meals and beautiful leis, cozy, little happy houses with Buddy and swinging hammock chairs on the lanai. Spontaneous chai lattes, chocolate and walks through the rain. Going to Pololu Valley and getting so close to the second valley we could taste it, but running out of daylight and deciding to head for sushi instead. I will miss the smiles and hugs and kisses hello and goodbye.
I will miss a lot.

Apparently there are three kinds of people in this world:
Those who stay on the islands forever. Either born and raised or transplanted.
Those who visit, then move, then move away and then move back to Magicland. (sometimes several times)
And then there are those who visit, move and then move away never to return.

I believe with my whole heart that I will be back. My time is not up yet.

I am so thankful to everyone who has embarked on this journey with me. Without every single person's involvement, no matter how brief, my time on the Big Island would not be the same. I have learned so much from so many and have been lucky enough to embrace a different way of life. I'm a lucky duck.

This post seems like a ridiculous way to show my gratitude for everything that has happened to me over the past year and a half , but I am forever changed for the better because of my time on the Big Island.

It is time for the next adventure now. I will never forget my time spent here on this little lava rock in the Pacific, nor will I ever forget the people that made it so special to me. I am forever grateful and I will be back- you're not rid of me yet!

Aloha nui loa.

Until next time,

M.

~"The winds of change blow around us all the time- but, we have to make the effort to raise the sails."
-Nikki Leigh