Faith Surf School

Last Saturday I worked a morning shift. A couple minutes before my shift ended, I randomly blurted out to two customers,"I'm so nervous! In a couple minutes, I'm going to go surfing for the first time. Have you guys surfed before!?" The curious ladies looked at me like I was crazy and laughed, then turned away to think of which beauty products they should purchase. The awkward silence broke when my co-worker (Anna Lisa) came in for her shift. In the back room, I quickly changed into my beach wear and thought oh my god what am I doing? As I dashed through the door, I yelled out "Anna Lisa pray for me!"

Jill and her baby Jack were waiting for me in front of Sheraton. As soon as I saw baby Jack, I opened my arms to him, he immediately opened his arms back and let me hold him. (such a beautiful moment, even Jill was surprised that he was showing me so much love, I usually have to bribe him to come to me lol) It's as if baby Jack sensed my worry and fear, he let me hold him to comfort me and let me know everything was going to be okay. While the three of us made our way to the Faith Surf School stand, I was telling Jill how scared I was and how I kept thinking what if I drowned or what if there was a shark? Jill replied, "You went sky diving! This will be a piece of cake!"

When we reached the stand, Kendall was waiting for us. Kendall is Jill's husband, and professional surf instructor. They told me to grab a rash guard from the rack. After I put the rash guard on, Kendall showed me a board demonstration on the sand. First, he told me to lie on the board behind the indicator (oval shape), which reminds you to not go past that mark. He also said to use the line, to center your body in the middle of the long board. Then, he told me to cup my hands and use my arms to make a scooping motion in the sand, from the front to the back, then bringing it up and around again. This helps you move forward on your board in the water.

He then showed me how to stand up on the board, you press your hands flat onto the board, push your upper body up, then spring up your lower body so that your hands are near your feet. Then you stand up with your body turned in the direction and step first with the foot that is most comfortable for you. (for me, I turned me my body to the right) Kendall said to keep your knees bent, and even though your body is turned, keep your head turned and look straight forward. I asked what do you do with your hands, he said to place the first hand on the the same side as the foot that is stepped forward first. Then to use your other, to match the opposite side. After a couple times of practicing the land tutorial, Kendall told me to attach the board strap to my ankle.

Tourista watched the four of us (including baby Jack who is only 1 years old and who switched off riding on Jill and Kendall's board) as we carried our boards to the water, balanced on them, then paddled out into the water. We paddled out past the small reef, to a spot where it wasn't crowded. I was so thankful that we could stand in the water, the water level was only at a stomach level. (I thought we were going to go deep in the ocean! LOL) I looked over at Jack who was on Jill's board, he was so happy and fearless. He was my inspiration, I thought that if he can do it then I can too.

Jill and Kendall explained to me that in order to turn the board you stick out the side of your leg in the direction you want to go and scoop the water in the opposite direction from moving forward. Once our boards were turned against the oncoming waves, Kendall gave me some tips to catch a wave. He said, "Once you stand up, look straight forward at the pink resort. If you look down that is where you will end up." In short notice, he pushed the back of my long board and told me to start paddling. As I was paddling, I turned a little to see the wave chasing after me, that was my cue that it was go time! (lol)

The wave lifted the end tip of the board, while I followed the land tutorial directions, then stood up. I was only standing up for a few seconds, until my body flew off into the water. When I rised to the surface, I could hear Jill yelling how proud she was of me for standing up. (she said usually it takes some people the whole hour just to stand) I met back up at the spot they were at and got back on the board. Kendall also gave me a tip on how its important to stay centered and find your stance on the board, so that when you stand your not last minute trying the fix the unbalance, and get distracted and end up tipping over the sides edge.

During the middle of the private lesson, there was one wave that I caught and rode for a while. When I stood up, I slowly checked off Kendall's tips checklist in my mind, as the wave caught up underneath the surf board. I found my stance and balanced in the center, bent my knees, and looked straight at the Royal Hawaiian Resort. I could hear Jill in the background yelling "GO GIRL!" My mind drifted away in multiple thoughts, as the adrenaline rush and speed of the wave carried my weight towards a closer view of the pink panther palace. I visually indulged on the sight and admired the beautiful land mark with awe. After a couple thoughts, I crashed into the water. When I shot back up to the surface, I could hear Jill cheering in the distance.

Every time Kendall pushed me before the wave, each time I stood up. We practiced over and over again. My main challenge was staying balanced with the wave for more then a couple seconds. Each time I flung into the water, I could hear my mom's voice in my head yelling, "You need to learn how to balance Deanna!" Everyday my biggest struggle is to balance all areas of my on the go life. When I am off balance I get distracted, or I focus on one or a couple areas more than others. I sometimes get overwhelmed, there is only one of me, and I can't be everywhere all at the same time. Which is why mom always reminds me to manage my time wisely. Surfing is more than just having a good time, its a daily life metaphor, that reminds you to stay balanced. And even if you fall into the water, get back up and try again to balance, it is the only way you will move forward with the wave and in life.

Also during the session, Jill and Kendall switched off holding and watching the baby, so the other can individually surf. Baby Jack went surfing too! Kendall paddled out then held the baby at the near the front edge of the long board, while they rode the wave together. I was so impressed with how fearless baby Jack was, I admire him so much! Towards the end of the session, Jill and Jack made their was back to the shore, while Kendall let me catch a couple more waves. After a little while, we paddled back to the shore. When my feet touched the dry sand, I felt so accomplished for finally learning how to surf. (I have been living here for almost 3 years, it took me so long to do it!) I have Jill, Kendal, and Jack to thank. I am so thankful that they taught me how to surf. The whole time they were all inspiring, patient with me, and made me feel comfortable. Surfing was an awesome experience, I can't wait to go again!

                            Jack and Kendall

 Jill and her daddy in SoCal 

my hair looks crazy! LOL

battling to align my life and sight, 

Deanna 

Moon Light Flow

About five months ago, my cousin and I were strolling along the side walks of Central Park. We were looking at the various art stands, I was looking for souvenirs to bring back to my friends. After I bought some gifts, I looked around for an artsy piece of the bustling city to hang in my studio back home. There were so many different versions of pretty photographs and art of the city, I didn't know which one to choose. Then I stumbled across a piece, that I wasn't originally looking for. 

The man who owned the booth said that he drew the piece, the simplicity of the piece called me. The drawing was of a woman with short black hair, big eyes, and looked like something was missing from her.(notice there is an outline missing from the side of her face) I didn't realize until after I bought the medium canvas, that the woman in the photo was Audrey Hepburn. 

Yesterday evening, I took a break from doing homework and looked up at my studio wall to see the classy beauty on display. Before yesterday, I didn't really know that much about Audrey Hepburn, besides the fact that she was the star of the classic movie Breakfast At Tiffany's. So, I decided to watch the movie for the first time. I pressed play, and the plot unraveled before my eyes. I was surprised to feel a connection to the story line.  

The setting of the plot takes place in New York. Audrey Hepburn plays Holly Golightly, a quirky, young woman who is always on the run with life. Many men always chase after her, but she just isn't interested or they end up being too clingy. When she first meets her new neighbor Paul Varjak, she is instantly interested, but she finds out that he happens to already be involved with someone else. 

Over time, the two become good friends. Paul is a writer who is inspired and intrigued by Holly's spontaneous lifestyle. He notices that in public she displays an image that shows she has her life together, when really he sees how vulnerable she is when they are alone. As the bond of their friendship strengthens, they realize that something similar is missing from both of their lives. 

photos via Pinterest

 Breakfast At Tiffany's

"Moon River"-Audrey Hepburn, music by Henry Hacini and lyrics by Johnny Mercer 

Moon River, wider than a mile,
I'm crossing you in style some day.
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker,
wherever you're going I'm going your way.
Two drifters off to see the world.
There's such a lot of world to see.
We're after the same rainbow's end--
waiting 'round the bend,
my huckleberry friend,
Moon River and me

flowing in the moon light,

Deanna

First Friday

Last Friday, I met up with Monika and Dawanvin for dinner at Brasserie Du Vin in Chinatown. We each ordered a glass of wine and chatted away in the sultry French restaurant. The atmosphere featured a dim setting, exuded positive vibes, and felt all around relaxing. For dinner, I had the Blue Crab Cakes served with Nalo greens and Sriracha aioli. The dish was delicious, I let the ladies try some too and they were truly impressed. Monika and Dawnavin both had the Baked Brie which had pecans and dried cranberries stuffed in a warm pastry puff, and drizzled with Dr. Kliks Manoa honey. They also received a side order of sweet, green grapes and apples, a perfect combo to eat with the dish. The ladies let me try some of theirs as well, speechless was how I was feeling, that is how good it tasted! Monika joked that it was like sex in your mouth. (lol) She is right though, the taste was simply sensational. The ladies and I loved Du Vin, we definitely will return again. 

Red Wine

                            Blue Crab Cakes
                                                          

                               Baked Brie

                         Dawnavin, me, Monika

     I look so serious in this picture that Monika took of me. (lol)

Meet Monika, she is my honey from Norway. Over Christmas break she sprained her neck, and now she has to wear a neck brace for the next couple of months. While she is healing, she can't be active in her normal hobbies, like surfing and running. I love how even though she has to wear her brace, she still rocks it in public with natural beauty and confidence. Monika and her boyfriend are such a cute, power couple, they both surf, travel the World, and plan to run the Honolulu Marathon together next year! There are times when I am running and I feel like I just want to stop, but then I think of her and all the others in the World who can't run, but would love to. She and all of them inspire me to keep going. 

After dinner, we went to the The Gypsy Night Market art event. There where colorful booths of various art lined against the the brick walls. One of the booths we stopped by to show support and love was at Lisa Coleman's She Grooves Photography. I was so surprised to see a large framed photo of me displayed on the very top of the display. The photo is Lisa's favorite shot of me from my Universal Lush photo shoot (she loves my tattoo in this photo and the vibrant contrast of the colors, I agree!) 

                             Holly and Lisa

Our next stop was upstairs at Barrio Vintage. Dawnavin's friends, Bradley and Jonathan own this trendy shop. They are so sweet, I love how they encourage everyone to play dress up. Barrio Vintage is like walking into one big treasure chest, it is filled with so many good deals for unique, good quality, vintage clothing and accessories. I bought two chic vintage blouses for only thirty dollars total! I can't wait to come back there for the next First Friday! 

displays and racks of vintage beauty

Bradley and Jonathan 

ceiling fan art 

After vintage shopping, we went into Sergio's artist loft. Sergio is a talented artist from Columbia who creates recycled art. (I love making recycled art!) His artistic visuals are strongly intense, abstract, and amazing. Check out his art blog at: http://sergiogarzoncafe.blogspot.com/.

          made with real hair, skin, and finger and toe nails

stunning, love the flow

Sergio was explaining to us how this painting is made with real urine, menstrual blood, and wax. 

My girl, Jolita posing with the canvas. This is so random but everyone always thinks Jo is my boyfriend! (LOL) When really it is the opposite, he is gay and I am straight. But since we can't be together, we know we can keep each other forever. 

love the spinal cord figures in the paintings 

 

edgy, but feminine at the same time, reminds me of Chanel love it!

 

celebrating exotic art,

Deanna 

ATV Kualoa

Last Friday, Bianca, Jared, and I went on a two hour ATV tour at Kualoa Ranch. When we arrived, like always we had to sign the waiver forms. Then we went to a station to put on our helmets and glasses, go over the rules with the tour guides, and watch the safety video. When we were watching the video, Bianca and I were trying so hard to hold in our snickering. Yes, the video is to warn us and give us tips on how to be safe. But it was hilarious to us how a lot of the activities we like to do always have contracts and videos that strictly say we could be seriously injured or die, it's like we're so used to it already. 

We were then instructed to proceed in our assigned columns with our groups. Everyone climbed onto their ATV, and sat and waited for further instructions. To control the ATV, one must press the gas button on the right handle, and to break you squeeze both handles at the same time. In order to turn you have to physically turn your arms with the handles to steer in the direction you want to go. It's not like a wheel where you can just turn it a little bit, upper body strength is needed or else you will just keep going straight.(lol) There isn't a foot break, all the control is in the arms and hands. There also isn't a seat belt, so if you are going too fast or steer into a bump and loose control you can fly off the vehicle.(be careful!) 

One by one each row was dismissed, as each ATV rolled forward into a single filed line. We followed the tour guide in a line for a test drive path. We were told that if we had difficulty turning or staying on the path, then we would win a seat in the jeep (which was driven by a driver, which meant you couldn't drive an ATV!) Out of everyone I kept stopping and going at first (lol everyone else was driving smoothly while I looked like I was drunk driving a mini jeep) I was having some trouble getting used to controlling the movement and weight of  the ATV. After going around the test drive path only once, one of the tour guides motioned half of us to follow the other tour guide. I was the second one in that line, in my head I was thinking oh my gosh are we not qualified, and being sent to the jeep!?(lol) After we followed him for a while, I realized we weren't going into the jeep, instead they split up the big group. 

We started off driving through the flat field. Then we inclined up a large hill and declined into Ka'a'awa Valley, where you can see the view of the glistening Pacific Ocean. As we drove through the lush meadows, you can see the background view of the towering Kualoa mountains. I thought the whole time we would be on an innocent path, but I was wrong. There were times when the path would suddenly change at a set path and we had to cut through rocky streams, dirt roads, and forest hills. A couple times throughout the tour, the guide let us stop to take photos of the beautiful scenery. It was interesting to see the sign posts that were randomly set up throughout the tour, which was the locations were famous movies were filmed such as 50 First Dates(one of my favorite movies!), Jurassic Park, Pearl Harbor, and many more. 

Towards the end of the tour the guide led us through an obstacle course, some of the courses we repeated many times in a row. I felt like we were going for a license test (lol). And when I say obstacle course I mean intense narrow dirt loops, where half of the ATV is tilted to the side in the air as your turning. So if you turn too fast or loose control, its possible for the ATV to flip over. Even though that part was a challenge and semi-dangergous, it was really fun. ATV was such a good time, and a different way to see the island on land. ATV at Kualoa was such a wonderful experience! 

                            Kualoa Mountains

                           Pacific Ocean view

                         Bianca, Jared, and I

The tour guide said that if you look carefully you can see a gorilla shape in the mountains, I still don't see it. (lol) Do you?

               We were all covered in dirt after. (lol)

wandering tires discover island secrets,
Deanna