There is a time for everything

There is a time for everything and for every purpose under heaven. I know this to be truth in my life. After a profound wounding of my spirit (yeah, people can do that), the Cecilio and Kapono song, "Gotta get away for a while to ease my head, everyone knows that's that way to do it" has been swirling in my head. I felt I needed to get away from it all -- to rest, restore, renew. For me, there's nothing better than withdrawing to spend a portion of the fall season with my family in Tennessee. Thanks to my dad and mom, I'm here to get some much needed tender loving care that can only come from driving around the brilliant countryside with my delightful family at my side. As they cheer me up, I'm hoping my presence, in return, is cheering them up, as my mom's been experiencing a slow and painful recovery from a dreadful need surgery/replacement. This trip has helped us both get out of our routine and enjoy the magnificence of God's awesome creation. We've enjoyed quiet moments sipping coffee, eating catfish, homemade applesauce and other delicious foods. We've soaked in the blessings of good company and the joy of simply being together. Even though there is no place like home (Hawai`i), there's also no place like my home away from home. After all, home is where you hang your heart. For now, it's here in the rolling hills of East Tennessee. Yes, it's been good for all of us. To that end, I bid you good thoughts and a "Happy Fall Y'all!" Live each day like it counts!

@KarenWelsh author in a potentially national bestselling book!

It's official. I'm one of the authors in a collaborative book called "On the Road to Hope." It's an excellent selection of true, real life, faith-based stories by an electic group of Christian believers from every denomination.
The book will have a worldwide release in late October or early November on Amazon, various bookstores and Walmart nationwide.
I'm excited, but at the same time I know people will really be able to read deeply into my life. My chapter takes a look at physical problems that have plagued me from birth through the present day and how God has sustained me through each and every one! I feel a bit laid bare, but I have the faith and confidence to know this was the path I was supposed to take. Now I am inviting you to come along.
Taking a trip On The Road to Hope is not a passive event. You have to move on down the road. You can walk, run, sprint, skip, hop, leap or dance, but it requires action. There are several things you can do if you are interested in this book.

1. Go to http://www.inspirebookgrp.com/ontheroadtohope to simply pre-order the book to give as an inspiriting Christmas present. Free gift wrap is included.
2. Sign up to follow the step-by-step roll out on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/profile.php?id=100000023025320
3. AND, follow us on twitter at http://twitter.com/OnTheRoadToHope

I am praying that everyone gets this book and reads it. I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that it will inspire you. Just make sure you have a hanky ready because you'll shed a few tears! I'm sure you'll smile a lot too, as you walk along On The Road To Hope!

How did I get here from there?

To say the last three months have been busy is a huge understatement. I'm sitting here in an exhausted heap wondering how I survived. I mean, summertime is supposed to be for resting and relaxation, but that didn't happen for me.
First of all, I had a huge writing and photography assignment w/ the Hawaii Tribune-Herald. I was contracted to write and take pictures for their Best of East Hawai`i 2009 Tab. This was the fourth year in a row I've done this and it's no simple feat calling, scheduling appointments, and showing up to take pics and write stories for the many winning businesses. I was happy, however, as there were only two snafus this year, so I am counting my blessings.
As if that weren't enough, I'm the PCNC at Hilo High School and, as everyone knows, school starts at the end of July in Hawai`i. As a result my busiest months are July and August. There's a teacher's breakfast, parent orientation breakfast and the annual PTSA Open House, which I'm happy to report more than 700 people attended! A new record for HHS in recent years. It takes a lot of effort and coodination to make successful events happen. Now I'm sitting here in a puddle on my couch. I wish I could rest, but I've been told a book I've helped co-author is about to go to work. Now I must get to work and get all the paperwork in order.
I'm scratching my head wondering how I got here from there. Life in paradise should be much more pleasant than this!

July 2009 First Tweet-Up w/ the gang!

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Getting Married in Hawaii? Need a photographer?

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Visting a Friend/Family Living in Hawaii: Here's What You NEED to know!

There is a sad reality that the Aloha Spirit can be stressed to its breaking point., especially for those living in Hawaii. There are times when the phone starts ringing off the hook by people who want to come and visit the islands (usually in the spring). Here are my Top Ten suggestions (and the stuff your hosts won't tell you) to make a visit palatable to your friend or relative who resides in paradise and wants to keep it that way.
1. Plan ahead: Everyone wants to visit someone who lives on the island. It's cheaper and oftentimes more fun, but it can often feel like a revolving door to your hosts, especially in the summer months. Be aware of this and ask your potential hosts the right questions. Find out if their schedule is busy and plan accordingly. You might have to put off your trip for a year or two, but that's the breaks.
2. Don't come with unreal expectations: Don't be a negative guest with great expectations. Don't expect that because you dropped a wad on airline tickets that you have a right to be served or catered too. Demanding guests can suck the life out of their hosts. Be polite. Be patient. Be kind. Be courteous. Think ahead. Be aware of your surroundings and don't put your hosts in uncomfortable situations. In fact, put your hosts first and you will benefit with many happy returns!
3. Don't bring the kids: If you hosts don't have little kids, chances are they're not too excited about having them in their home for days on end. It might be better to plan a single person/couple trip. Leave the kids home with grandma and come to the islands to unwind.
4. Rent a car: If you are planning on visiting the island for more than two days, rent a car and take yourself places. Look online to see what's available on the island you are visiting and keep yourself busy. Don't rely on your hosts to tour you around every day. They have a life and need to live it. I can't tell you how many residents put in a full day extending their hospitality to guests, then secretly staying up an extra three or four hours after they go to bed to catch up on their job.
5. Offer to help around the house: Please don't treat your hosts like your personal maids. Don't expect them to cook and clean for you every day. Offer to help out in the kitchen. Do the dishes. Empty the dishwasher. Make your bed. Straighten/clean the bathroom/bedroom before you leave. If you have time (depending on your flight), wash the sheets and towels. Get the cleaning supplies/vacuum out and spruce everything up!
6. Fix something around the house: Surprise your hosts and spend a half day of your trip (choose the "rainy" day) to help with a honey-do list. Let them know you want to do this beforehand so they can make a list. This will also help them look forward to your visit!
7. Be appreciative: Thank your hosts often. Use your words and verbally appreciate all they do for you, because it often comes at great sacrifice to them. More than likely they are happy to be with you, but it's nice to hear it!
8. Treat your hosts out once and awhile: Offer to take your hosts to breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It doesn't have to be every day, but a few times during the course of your stay won't hurt. Give them a break every once in awhile! It's difficult to watch a guest horde their monies, only to have them go to the store and spend a wad on souvenirs. Strike a balance. Be generous during your stay. One of my visiting friends said "It's the least we can do, and we always do the least we can do!"
9. Leave a monetary gift: Write a thank you note and include some money in the card as your return gift of aloha. Although most hosts don't expect or count on it, this is a nice gesture, as the cost of living in Hawaii is astronomical and adding extra people into the household can double, even triple the electric, food, and propane bills. I suggest you give anywhere between $20 to $50 a day, depending on how much you can afford.
10. Wait until you're invited back: Depending on your relationship with the hosts, don't assume that you can make yearly or bi-yearly plans to visit your friends/relatives in Hawaii. Wait until they invite you back. If you follow the first nine tips on this list you will be considered a friend from HEAVEN and, more than likely, that will probably going to be a guarantee you will be asked back. On the other hand, it's awkward for a guest to have a potential guest bugging them for a return trip, especially if the first visit didn't go very well. It happens!