Saturday Sharing from the She-Shed Volume 44

I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine’s Day.

We’ve recently returned from vacationing on the Hawaiian Islands, a special place for my husband and I. Our first trip together to Hawaii was for our honeymoon in 1984. Luckily, residing in California makes the journey to Hawaii reasonably easy.

I’m curious if everyone intentionally plans vacations or if you make short weekend trips here and there.

As we have gotten older, I find it so important to plan time away. It is so easy to get lost in our day-to-day lives.

Taking a vacation is an important part of our lives; truth be told, the destination isn’t the critical factor. What truly matters is breaking away from our everyday routines, reconnecting with loved ones and friends, indulging in extra sleep, savoring unfamiliar cuisines, embracing the outdoors, and simply unwinding! This experience revitalizes the mind, body and soul.

We are so grateful that we have been able to travel with our dear friends, the O’Neills, for the past 7 years; we are so thankful for them and their generosity.

I am so thankful for all of the memories we have created together.

We walked over 5 miles a day along the beautiful shores and enjoyed watching the turtles ride the waves. I indulged in pineapple coconut shaved ice with macadamia ice cream; it was so delicious that I could eat it daily!

We watched the sun rise and set, read books, laughed, and shopped.

But the best was yet to come…….

Highlight of our Trip

Have you ever visited Pearl Harbor?

This is an image of the memorial of Pearl Harbor that sits over the sunken SS Arizona that the Japanese took down on December 7, 1941. This attack killed 2,403 U.S. Personnel.

1177 sailors and Marines were killed in the attack on the USS Arizona, and their bodies were never recovered. This monument stands in the water over the ship’s wreckage, representing their service and resting place.

Being a mother of a sailor was a humbling experience to be standing over these men and women. I stood and read many of their names and prayed for their families. As I turned to look out over the water, I witnessed oil coming up from the ship some 80 plus years later.

I cannot begin to tell you my feelings at that moment. It was one I will never forget.

I am so grateful to be an American and am ? thankful I could experience this in my lifetime.

The Latest on the Blog

I was able to get a few posts done and update a few posts while I was gone.

Our nights are still chilly, so why not whip up a cozy warm blanket to cuddle up on the couch?

Looking for a creative wreath to make for your front door? This wreath can take you through winter, spring, and summer.

What I Found Inspiring This Week

Before you know it, we will be back in the garden! I am so ready, but before we do, here are a few fun projects to get you motivated.

If you need some gardening inspiration, you don’t want to miss this! My friend Stacy @bricksnblooms has written a book, “A Beautiful Easy-Care Flower Garden,” that will inspire you to get out and plant a garden.

Rachel @thepondsarmhouse upcycled a hobnail lamp! Now, why did I not think of this!

Lynn @livinglargeinasmallhouse shows us how to make a DIY interior design notebook! Don’t we all want to be interior decorators like Lynn?

This is a fabulous post about the vitality of old garden seeds by Kim @shiplapandshells. You have to see her incredible garden.

My friend Mary @lifeatbellaterra shows us how to clean our upholstery! I don’t know about you, but I needed this one.

As I wrap up today. I hope you’ve enjoyed these glimpses into my life and what inspires me. Now it is time to get out in the garden this weekend before the rain comes again.

I wish you all a great week ahead.