While growing up in Chicago we always looked forward to the weather warming up, the plants blooming and the birds returning. Spring was a wonderful time of year when we were children. The days got longer and summer vacation was just around the corner.
Spring was also a time of renewal for homes. Spring cleaning was an annual event for most families. Getting rid of the items no longer used, putting away the winter wardrobes, scrubbing and airing out our home were among the tradition. After several months of hibernating we looked forward to the fresh breezes with the smell of flowers circulating through our home. Spring was an exciting time when I was a youngster.
As a young adult I moved to Hawaii. There are many reasons I decided to make Hawaii my home. One of them was that every day is Spring. We have warm sun and ocean year round. The smell of flowers is always in the air. I only have one wardrobe (no suits and ties). All of the things we loved as children about Spring can be enjoyed year round.
The people of Hawaii are different. In general they are much friendlier; what we fondly refer to as the "Aloha Spirit." Race, ethnicity and diversity are things that we see as our strengths, not challenges. For example my neighbors are from just about every race, nationality and religion you can think of and we are all good friends. With a population of about one million you would expect a big city mindset. It really does not exist. On our island of Oahu, everyone seems to know everyone. No matter where I go on the island I run into folks I know and get greetings from not only them, but from almost everyone I come in contact with.
We fondly refer to Hawaii as living in Paradise. Not just the natural beauty and weather give Hawaii that label. It is also the people. The combination of both that makes it Paradise and everyday Spring in Hawaii.
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Andrew - We are only a plane flight away. :)
Andrew - You are always welcome
Hi Randy - This truly is an inspiration - move to Hawaii!
I've always said that Hawaii is my favorite place in the world. And I've been to many places. I understand when you talk about the smell of flowers and every day being spring.
Way to enjoy life Randy. i visited there years ago and really do wish to go again.
Virginia - You can always visit.
Wendy - Mine too, that is why I made it home.
John - It is a great place to recharge you batteries.
Wow Randy! I am so impressed you got into the inspirational/positive mode and wrote this lovely spring view story about our home! I thank you and I appreciated this more than you will ever know. (getting mushy because you entered the contest...thanks buddy!)
Sally - Don't get mushy on me. It is not my style.
Your pictures are gorgeous! Such a bright way to welcome spring. We had our honeymoon in Hawaii, but have not had the chance to return. One of these days................
Elaine - It is a great place to vacation.
My girlfriend is going out your way in July. I may just have to stow away in her suitcase! Love the pic of the Frangiapani ~ it's my favorite flower!!! Must be a sign that I belong in Hawaii!
Nancy - That picture was taken in my friends back yard. Her name is also Nancy.
<hug> LOL!
Sally - Now there you go again.
RANDY, I still live in the Chicago area and Hawaii does sure look like paradise!
Debra - When I moved here, folks asked why. I'd say, "lets look at it Chicago or Hawaii?" Tough choice wasn't it.
You are lucky indeed Randy. How my husband wish we move back there every day. He is grew and lived in Oahu until he met a lady, named "TINA" from the mainland who took him away from this Hawaiian paradise that he loves so much. Lucky for him, I allow him to visit every summer. We'll be returning there in June this year and every year we go, I am always surprise that he can jabber up a storm in "pidgeon" as soon as the plane lands.
Tina - Da Pidgin git mo betta wen he da kin. :)
Hi Randy,
I have not been to Oahu for about 19 years - and boy I would love to come back! I had 2 brothers stationed there for extended periods and they both lived in Milaloni (spelling?). We came for 2 Christmas' each time for a month and we explored the island extensively for tourists! It is still one of the highlights for our family after all of these years. Thanks for brining back some great memories.
Kathy
I love Hawaii. I have been there on visits 3 times -- but it has now been many years. Some dear friends of our moved to Hawaii and they are enjoying Paradise. You are so lucky to live in such a wonderful place!
You make it wonderful to imagine your island paradise through this post. What a great way to put it...It's like having Spring all year round. I appreciate the way you Celebrate the Diversity of Life!
Randy - You are making me very, very jealous. It looks absolutely gorgeous!! How I would love to have a wardrobe mostly of Hawaiian shirts and skirts!!
Here in the midwest (Milwaukee WI area) it is a beautiful day. One of the first this YEAR! The snow is ALMOST gone from my backyard, the mushy wet puddles have taken its place. No green yet - but the buds are starting on the trees. And the flowers little green stems are up about an inch out of the ground --- it's been a long grueling winter. Today is opening day at the Ballfield - Miller Park. We are hosting the Cubs - and we are gonna win! Most of my office went to tailgate today. It's in the 40's so it isn't too bad. LOL.
I'll take 70's and 80's anytime ---- send it our way - OK?
Kathy - you are welcome, I live in Mililani.
Joan - I am fortunate to live in such a wonderful place.
Lola - Is there any other way to look at life?
April - I am a Cubs fan. I grew up in Chicago. (born in Racine).
I absolutely love Hawaii. I was there last november to celebrate my 50th birthday with my kids - i've been there 5 times before but it was their first..........and it was amazing whether it was 32 or 28, 15 years, or 5 months ago!
I have never been to Hawaii - it is one of my dreams to visit Hawaii and enjoy paradise. Thank you for sharing
Liz - I only made two visits before I decided to make it home.
Petra - We only only an air flight away. Hopefully we will see you here one day soon.
It is very cold here in Virginia today and boy does your post inspire me to be in Hawaii. I was in Oahu about 10 years ago. We have several friends stationed over there at the moment and they love the Rock. My husband and I keep saying we need to go, you may have just given me the boost I needed, Thanks.
Dana - Hopefully we will see you soon, Aloha
Randy, thanks for sharing the pictures and showing us what paradise is...Hawaii. Very beautiful.
Gary - I am glad you enoyed them.
Oh Randy - I was so excited to see this post and you did not disappoint!
Aloha.
Sheron - Thank you for those kind words.
Sheron - Thank you for those kind words.
Not fair, not fair Randy....you and Sally have Spring year round..now I call that an advantage! Great pictures!
Joan - I will take that advantage anytime.
I believe you when you say you live in paradise. Have been lucky enough to visit your wonderful, I know the things you related are very true. I continue to remember things about your home even when not really focused on wanting to be somewhere else. I guess that is what makes us unique as humans, we see memories as if they happened yesterday and if we concentrate, we can actually taste and smell the memories. Thank you for the reminder of those memories.
L. Wayne - You are welcome. You can always visit again.
Aloha Randy,
Mahalo nui loa, for sharing the Aloha spirit with the world, great pictures.
Best wishes,
Please post to Aloha'Oe
Kimo - Thank you, I hadn't seen that group. I have been posting to the Hawaii Professionals.
Hi Randy,
WoW, you've made me want to buy a ticket and pack my bags. It certainly does sound like paradise...
Jo
You make us all want to move to Hawaii. It may feel like a year round vacation just because of the weather. it sounds like paradise.Great post.
Randy, Beautiful post! How wonderful that you appreciate living in Paradise!!
Jo-Anne - It is the closest thing to paradise I have found.
Gita - You can always visit once in awhile.
Margaret - It is hard to not appreciate where I live.
My dear Randy, Did you leave out the word "not"?
Margaret - Thanks for the catch. I made the correction.
Sigh! The other side of the world to me. We are in a cold and rainy spring right now:( I cannot imagine living in a place like yours!! I guess people there are less moody with the sun always shining!
Wonderful photos Randy. You are making everyone so envious.
Karen - If we have a bad day, we can always head to the beach to wind down.
Gary - Or visitor industry could always use the boost. the welcome mat is out.
I have never been to Hawaii but would love to go, Thanks for Spring fever
Randy :) - Congratulations on a win in the Spring Views contest with this delightful post - I really must come see the spring views for myself.
Kevin - Hopefully you will come an visit some time soon.
Virginia - Thank you, I am Randy. LOL
Randy - I knew that !! More coffee?
Virginia - Thank you. LOL
Congratulations, Randy. You are always a winner with me!! What brilliant judges!
Randy, congratulations to you my Hawaiian friend on being one of the winners in the Spring Inspiration contest. You are truly deserving as one of the best bloggers on Active Rain.
Hi Randy!
Congratulations on your third place win with this lovely post. It's absolutely beautifully written and the pictures inspire one to want to hop a plane and go and visit. or better yet move there.
Jo
Hi Randy...Congratulations on doing so well in the contest. Your post is very inspiring.
Kathleen
Margaret - Thank you
Gary - That is very kind of you to say, thank you.
Jo-Ann - Come visit anytime.
Kathleen - Thank you, that is very nice of you.
Randy - congratulations, and thanks for a great post! Spring can be a mindset in addition to a time of year!
Kent - I agree, thank you.