#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

Today‘s haiku is inspired by this photo I took on a work trip to Maine last year. I love finding heart shapes in nature—they give me peace & hope.🩶

Scattered coastal stones
A heart shaped by time and tide
Hope is everywhere

#MentalHealthMonday

Clouds, mountains, sunrises & sunsets always bring me joy.

Today was definitely a Monday & I‘m headed off to bed to start the whole day over tomorrow.

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

Today‘s haiku is inspired by a large banyan tree that fell into the road in Hilo this weekend. (Not the one pictured) Luckily, no one was injured but it makes me sad to see one of these revered trees fall. They are not native to Hawaii but they have become a part of the landscape & culture.

Under banyan shade
Stories ride the island breeze
Time grows from their limbs

#Naturalitsy #HyggeHourReadathon

Spending my #HyggeHour with Encyclopedia Brown for #EBBR & since I‘ll finish early, spend the rest of the hour with my Kindle & one of my current reads.

Drinking ice water & my snack is part of this candy bar. Mood is a little tired & not looking forward to Monday morning & a busy week of work.

#Read2025 #SeriesLove2025

I finished this one last month for #EBBR & didn‘t review it & since I‘m starting Book 6 tonight, I figured I should this one posted. It‘s been so long since I read it that I don‘t remember all the cases but I know I missed a few. Also, I did not like the case where a neighbor shots a dog. It seemed a tad violent for the grade level of the books. Otherwise I don‘t remember much. 🤷🏻‍♀️

#Read2025 #SeriesLove2025

A June Roll100 pick that I just couldn‘t finish in time. I listened to the audiobook which I didn‘t realize until midway through was narrated by Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) & she does a great job. What to say about this series: it‘s dark & no character seems safe which is a bit hard to take at times. Book 2 picks up right at the end of the first & there are some major plot twists but it takes patience to get there. ⬇️

Read2025 #SeriesLove2025

OK, I am very behind on all reviews as I read this book in May but never reviewed it & just finished the second book in the series that I was reading for June‘s #Roll100

Overall, I liked this book although it could be shorter. I also for some reason thought it was lighter/more humorous (not sure why) & it‘s pretty dark. I didn‘t like the ending but it did make me read the next book. I did like the LGBTQ representation.

#Read2025 #SeriesLove2025

Finished this one last Sunday for #BobWhiteBuddies. I‘m so behind on all my review but wanted to get this one up before the discussion. I do remember this one from childhood, mainly due to the black widow🕷️angle. When I was growing up, my older sister was in the bathroom in the dark & felt something tickling her leg & when she turned on the light, it was a big black widow!😱 Trust me when I say that I was terrified & ⬇️

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

Today‘s haiku is inspired by watching the clouds on my flights to Hilo & how they change & bring me peace. This pic is from my morning flight this week & I love the soft fluffy peaks & layers of clouds glowing with light.☁️🤍⛅️

I never tire of
Looking at layers of clouds
Like mountains in flight

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

Today‘s haiku is inspired by the bowl of tonkatsu ramen that I ate for a late lunch. Not only delicious, but like all good soups, good for the soul.🥣💛🍜

Tonkatsu comfort
Pork, egg, noodles bathe in broth
Ramen soothes my soul

A day late with my #5JoysFriday post as it was a busy work week.

1. Had gorgeous morning views of Oahu we took off for Hilo from my upgraded window seat—also a joy. ⛅️💙

2. These 2 Saffron Finches chirping away at each other at the Hilo Starbucks drive-thru. Used the Merlin app to identify them before I saw them.🐦joys💛

3. Wanted to spark food joy in the office & found a little bakery cafe in Hilo that made these little filled puffs.😋💛
⬇️

My #Chatterday Saturday vibe is slow. I was slow getting up this morning, went to a 20% bring your own bag sale at the craft store & I‘m now at the coffee shop trying to finish up my very late cards for #SummerCardSwap & finish the tagged book for #CampLitsy before running errands.

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

Today‘s haiku is inspired by a session at the all-day HR Conference I am at. This morning there was a keynote on resilience & thriving at work & they talked about naming & normalizing emotions. I going to start doing it with all of my emotions—although they won‘t all be named Norm. There‘s a Fred in there somewhere…😉😆 Just kidding a little.

Building resilience
Name, normalize emotion
I shall call you “Norm”

Hey Friends, Friday really snuck up on me this week! Got home last night from a day work trip to Hilo & promptly crashed 😵😴 & didn‘t get the post up.

Some of you have already started 💛💛💛 but if you haven‘t & want to share those 5 things big or small that brought you joy this week, you know what to do to join in. Make a post, tag it with #5JoysFriday, tag me in it & anyone else you want to join in.

Everyone is welcome to join in! 💛🤗💛

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

Today‘s haiku was inspired by seeing the almost full moon as I was driving to the airport at 4:30 AM. There were clouds but the July Buck Moon shown through. (This is not my photo—freeway driving isn‘t great for picture taking.)

July moon rises
Pearl glowing in pre-dawn sky
Warm light beckons me

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

Today‘s haiku is inspired by the icy cold papaya slices I was eating as part of my lunch. I never list papaya in my Top 5 or Top 10 favorite fruits but then I have some & remember how good it is.

I forget how much
Sweet, creamy joy lies within
Papaya‘s cool bite

P.S. Love the title of the tagged book! 😆

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

Catch up from yesterday which might have been more a Monday than Monday was. I was feeling particularly sweaty in the humidity while leading an online class & it made me think of this statue on the North Shore.

Humidity reigns.
Some days, I feel just like this…
Help! I'm melting fast!

#MentalHealthMonday

For me it‘s mostly being kind to myself & understanding the tremendous anxiety I get when I feel like I‘m not in or I‘m losing control. It‘s being kind both in my self-talk, as well as trying to eat right, drink enough water & get rest. I‘m not always successful at keeping everything positive but I try.

A friend recommended the tagged book on managing anxiety. It‘s free on Kindle Unlimited. I‘ll let you know what I think.

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

Today‘s haiku is inspired by my feelings about Monday mornings…

I feel like Monday
Mornings should be stopped post haste
Who authorized them?

#Naturalitsy #HyggeHourReadathon

Spending tonight‘s #HyggeHoyr with Nancy Drew in the old attic for #NancyDrewBR

Drinking iced green tea & having a few senbei (Japanese rice crackers) for some savory crunch.

My mood is a bit sad that 4 days from work went so quickly & the fact that it‘s Monday tomorrow.😵‍💫

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

Today‘s haiku is inspired by me planning to be productive today but losing the battle of the couch & being bummed tomorrow is Monday & it‘s back to it.

Had so many plans
Sunday doldrums settled in
Now the couch holds me

So, I‘m very behind in reviews for June & procrastination has continued its hold on me but until I get them done, here‘s my June recap. Work, life, a dead Kindle & family visits mean I didn‘t get as much read as I wanted, but I ended up finishing 12 books + 3 more in process.

I did manage to finish books for #SundayBuddyRead #NancyDrewBR #EBBR #BobWhiteBuddies #FictionalTravel #SeasonalCozies #CampLitsy2025 #AuthorAMonth & 2 #Roll100 books ⬇️

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

Today‘s haiku is inspired by being back my neighborhood coffeeshop after being gone the past couple of weeks. Relaxing & avoiding most of the world.

Back at my café,
The familiar welcomes,
Brings sweet contentment

#5JoysFriday posted on Friday! It‘s been a while since I‘ve done that.

1. Hanging out with my sisters & the rest of my family over this past weekend, represented by the daily ice coffee at her house.

2. I got upgraded for both segments between PDX & HNL & being in a bigger seat with free food & drinks is very joyful, as was watching a couple of good/interesting movies on the way back.

3. Sadly my Kindle died on my last morning in Boise &
⬇️

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

Today‘s haiku inspiration is my “field trip” yesterday which I bookended with a visit to the two libraries near my house. Maybe I‘ll post the haul later (although one of the books I bought is pictured). A much needed escape from the world is good for my soul & mental health.

Two library,
indie bookstore kind of day
a balm for the soul.

OK friends, it‘s coming on Friday yet again & time to post about those 5 things big or small that brought you some joy this week. 💛💛💛

All are welcome to join in the fun, simply make your post, tag it with #5JoysFriday, tag me & anyone else you want to include. Use the background image if & as you wish.

I‘m looking forward to having the day off & having some time to read your posts.🤗

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

Slept in & I‘m taking a field trip to my favorite bookstore & other spots in a town about 40 min away. Today‘s haiku is inspired by the drive over & looking at the horizon surrounded by water. I occasionally feel a bit lonely being isolated, but honestly, most of the time I like being at least a bit cut off from the additional madness of the world.

isle in quiet blue,
distance softens all the noise
grateful for the peace

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

Today‘s haiku is inspired by a busy work day trying to catch up from last week while prepping to be out tomorrow & Friday (PTO & holiday). Anyway, it‘s an out-of-control list…

My to-do list grew
Now it bosses me around
And wants a helper

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

I feel out of it from my trip—are we still haikuing? I hope so! It‘s such a little zen moment in my day. Today‘s inspiration was a cup of Mo‘s clam chowder I got at PDX yesterday & ate on the airplane. With my quick weekend visit, I didn‘t have time to get to the Oregon Coast but this chowder unlocks fond memories of childhood visits to Lincoln City.🥣🌊💙

Comfort of chowder
Cuppa Mo‘s at the airport
Salt air in each bite

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

Today‘s haiku is inspired by the iced coffee my sister makes in the afternoons which rivals any coffee bar & is enjoyed outside on her lanai with the wind chimes & birds in the background. Her home is such a respite for me.

Iced coffee, made by
My sister, savored outside
As birds sing nearby

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

Today‘s haiku is inspired by listening to the wind chimes in my sister‘s backyard this morning. So relaxing.

Wind chimes softly sing
In the summer morning breeze
Peaceful melody

I‘m late to the #5JoysFriday party once again. It‘s Saturday night in Oregon & family time won out, so here goes:

1. I had a 4 hour lay over in PDX on the way to Boise & I treated myself to a joyful breakfast (Quiche Lorraine & a mimosa) before getting Stumptown coffee & relaxing in the Alaska lounge & ⬇️

2. This joyful view of Mount Hood flying into PDX yesterday—I wrote a haiku about it today(next post down).

3. On the flight from Boise ⬇️

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

Today‘s haiku is inspired by this breathtaking view on my flight from Boise to Portland. It‘s a view that gives me a feeling of home even after 24 years in Hawaii. Lucky to be spending the weekend at my sister‘s hanging out with family.

Mountain of legend
Snow-spotted peaks rise above
Lush verdant valleys

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

Today‘s haiku is inspired by a rooftop bar at sunset in Boise where I ended up with some new colleagues/friends from across the U.S. after our dinner. No one in the group was from the Pacific NW so we were all struck by how late it stays light (this was taken about 9:35 pm). I even forget having grown up in Oregon. In Hawaii it starts getting dark about 7:30ish

Boise June sunset,
Rooftop bar at 9:30
Daylight clings to sky

Almost forgot it‘s #5JoysFriday -I crashed last night before I posted. I‘m in a time zone 4 hours ahead as I finish up my roundtable in Boise & head to Portland this afternoon to spend a long weekend with family.💛

If you want to share the 5 things big or small that brought you some joy this week, make your post & tag it with #5JoysFriday then tag me & anyone you want to share joy with.

EVERYONE is welcome so I‘m not going to tag anyone! 🤗

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

Today‘s haiku is inspired by the brilliant blue sky at sunrise flying into Portland yesterday. So beautiful! 💙

Bluest of blue sky
Entering Oregon sunrise
Awe activated

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

Today‘s haiku is inspired by my favorite plane comfort movie, which despite how many times I‘ve seen it, I will always watch it when it‘s available on a plane. Watched it over dinner last night & then tried semi-successfully to sleep. This is me this morning. 🥱😴😵‍💫

Crazy Rich Asians
Seen it a million times, but
Must watch when I fly

#DailyHaiku #HaikuHive

Not going to lie, I got to the airport early because I got upgraded to First Class & that gives me access to the “fancy” lounge with hot food & a sunset view. Flying overnight isn‘t the worst thing when you can do it comfortably. Boise & Portland here I come!

Sunset lounge party
Benevolent upgrade gods
Grant pre-flight grazing

#Read2025

I‘m so behind on my reviews—I finished this a couple of weeks ago for #AuthorAMonth June & I really enjoyed it. The pace, the humor, the cats & really the whole fantastical & fun story. This is my first John Scalzi & I would definitely read more. I‘d love another one set in this world that continues on with some of the secondary characters.

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

Today‘s haiku…better late than never. It was indeed a Monday. This one is inspired by @dabbe telling me not to forget to breathe out on yesterday‘s haiku.

A deep exhale out
Week begins, what lies ahead?
Guarded hope flickers.

#Naturalitsy #HyggeHourReadathon

I realized I didn‘t finish this one a couple of weeks ago 🤷🏻‍♀️ so once again I am spending my #HyggeHour with Trixie for #BobWhiteBuddies along with some chocolate & iced tea because it‘s humid tonight.

Mood is sad & tired & not ready for Monday but I leave Tuesday evening for a work trip to Boise for a conference & a stopover on Oregon for the weekend to see my family, so at least the week will go quickly.

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

Today is a hard one. I don‘t have a lot of words for what is going on in the world right now. I wrote this one early this morning when I woke up in a panic. I was going to try for something peppier but this is how I feel.🥺

I don‘t have the words
Only worry, and silence
And a deep inhale…

I‘m really late to my own #5JoysFriday this week & a lot of life stuff. I‘m gearing up to travel to Boise for an industry roundtable & stopping in Oregon to visit family for a couple of days after. Still there were joys…

1. It‘s been a while since I had the joy of a new pickle flavor thing but these Doritos are the right amount of tangy.🤤

2. Joy of a haircut & highlights last week & a dinner reading at Barnes & Noble with quiche & ice tea.✂️
⬇️

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

Today‘s haiku is inspired by my breakfast this morning at an Oahu classic, Liliha Bakery. Before your meal they give you a fried hot butter roll with unnaturally pink jelly & it just tastes amazing (even as you stare dubiously at the jelly).😉

Hot, fried butter roll,
Neon jelly oozes bright
Shouldn‘t be this good

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

Yesterday‘s haiku I didn‘t get a chance to post. I‘m more than ready for the weekend.

Week‘s end hushes work,
Turn off the noise, breathe deeply,
Reboot. Recover.

Yep, Friday snuck up on me again.🫣 Time to make your #5JoysFriday posts whenever it‘s Friday in your neck of the woods or whenever the spirit moves you. 💛💛💛

Post the 5 things big or small that brought you joy this week. Tag your post with #5JoysFriday & tag me & anyone else you‘d like to share the joy with! 🤗 Use the graphic if & how you like.

All are welcome to join in so I won‘t tag anyone! 💛

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

Today‘s haiku (I‘m caught up now) takes inspiration from the deep respect I have for my fellow “hivers” who dare to go to some deep dark places with their poems. I‘m a little afraid of getting stuck in the dark places, so I feel the need to keep mine pretty light. Also, the pit of despair is a wee bit dramatic, but I love me some Princess Bride!😉

Go deeper I think,
But if I dig down that far,
Can I climb back out?

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

Still a day behind in my daily haikus, this should be yesterday‘s. My inspiration: a coworker sweetly brought me a cake pop to our meeting. I have decided after much (ok, maybe just some…) tasting & deliberation, I just don‘t like them. It‘s a texture thing—I‘m not a fan of cookie dough! 🤷🏻‍♀️

A single bite speaks;
Not cake, not quite cookie dough
Just wrong in my mouth!

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

Still a day behind in my haikus but here is yesterday‘s inspired by the Okinawan Sweet Potatoes I was eating in my car. I‘m not a big sweet potato fan in general, but these purple beauties I love.

A slice in my hand
Creamy, perfectly purple
Quiet comfort food

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

Let‘s not even discuss yesterday. 🫣🤕😵‍💫🤤😵🙄😳😱 I didn‘t get a chance to post my haiku inspired by it, so here goes:

“What fresh hell awaits?”
As I open my laptop
Monday in HR