Fall Leaves, Ocean Views

 

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013

Fall leaves, Ocean Views

I have wanted to take Eric to see the Fall leaves for years. The last time I visited was with a good friend many years ago, and I loved the trip. Eric is not a wintry weather guy, so this was not on his trip bucket list. However, he had a wonderful time and could not believe the beauty surrounding us as we drove through Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. Now I think we will be making this trip every year... There was so much to see and little time to do it all.

Williams Port Light House

Beautiful homes on the beach. I want to play with Recker here.

Loved all the Lighthouses

Lobster Rolls--Famous

It's hard to find this kind of beauty in AZ.

Loved wearing my boots and beanie--winter clothes

Loved all the covered bridges too.

He looks warm enough !!

My Favorite part of the trip...seeing our sweet Chelsea Cloward.

Just how I love it--no one on the beach but me and Eric The Hampton's

Fenway Park, original seats

Fenway Park, original home plates

Eric taking the moment

Monday Mormon Myths and Truths #14

 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013

Monday Mormon Myths and Truths #14

The question I got this week was about the LDS view on abortion:

The LDS position on abortion is very clear: "Members of the church must not submit to, perform, encourage, pay for, or arrange for an abortion. The position stems from our belief in the sanctity of life, that God is the Father of our spirits, and that HE has spirit children who desire to come to earth and receive a physical body, be born, and progress through life on earth.
There are, however, some exceptional circumstances that may justify abortion from an LDS view. They include "when pregnancy results from incest or rape when the life or health of the mother is judged by competent medical authority to have severe defects that will not allow the baby to survive beyond birth."

When a child is conceived outside of marriage, the Church policy for what to do is to do what is best for the child. The mother and Father together should decide what the best option is. If it is a strong relationship, the mother and Father should marry and work toward establishing an eternal family relationship. Their goal should include having that child sealed to them in a Holy Temple to be a family for time and all eternity. If a successful marriage is unlikely or not an option, they should consider placing the baby up for adoption.

Next question:  How does your church feel about Pornography. since it is such a big part of society now?

This is an obvious answer to me, but I will still give you the word on "Mormon Street" Pornography is considered an influence as destructive to the soul as the black plague was to the body.

It degrades the human body and undermines the purposes of physical intimacy. It often degrades women by objectifying them and demeaning their divine character.
Mormon leadership has spoken out on Pornography in its worldwide general conferences more than 140 times since 1986. So obviously, it is a worldly problem and sometimes can be an easy door opener for Satan to do his magic, especially on the youth. The reason why Mormons take this issue so seriously is that we take the word of God seriously: "Whosoever looketh on women to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart" (Matthew 5:28). If someone views immoral images, it can create bad thoughts, which leads to sinful desires, actions, passions, and character.

IMMORAL IMAGE +IMMORAL THOUGHTS+IMMORAL DESIRES OR PASSIONS= IMMORAL ACTIONS

Additionally, Pornography can be addicting and take control of a person's life. Mormons believe in avoiding all behaviors that can lead to addiction and diminish a person's ability to control their desires and behavior.
I have seen Pornography get into the minds of the youth and destroy their ability to think of anything else but getting to a computer so they can view the filth that surrounds our country and many others. When I was a young girl, there was no such thing as a computer. If someone had told me back then that we would be able to call someone on a cell phone, I would have told them they were crazy. We had one phone in the house on the kitchen wall. If you wanted to have a semi-private conversation, you had to stretch the cord around the corner, and, just maybe, it would reach a room where you could shut the door to talk to your friends without anyone listening. In the world today, our children, our husbands, and friends have access to the internet 24/7. They can, if they choose, access the pornography sites as much as they want. I am being LDS or not, I do not want that influence in my life.

Bucket Lists--Are They Overrated?

 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2013

Bucket lists--are they Overrated?

So, I was reading back on some of the posts I wrote about making a bucket list, and I came across this one, written in July of 2010. I wrote in one of the lines that the list may change...I was correct...
***********************************************************************************
 This was written in July of 2010
I was going to call it a bucket list, but I was thinking' that makes it sound like I think I might die soon, and I don't. So, it is going to just be my 'TO DO" LIST.... things I would like to do before I die .... someday, they are in no particular order, and I realize over the years it may change, but for today in 2010 this is it:

1. Go to Paris with Eric .... This has been a lifelong dream he took the girls a few years ago (daddy-daughter trip) Done ✔
2. Take my entire family to Nauvoo and back to the sacred grove
3. Serve a mission
4. Visit Savannah, Georgia and eat at Paula Deans restaurant Done ✔
5. Run a Marathon
6. Give more than I have been given (not sure if this is even possible)
7. Write a book (another lifelong dream) Done ✔
8. Learn to play tennis (I don't even know the rules)
9. Learn to use my camera on manual
10. Attend the Olympics (anywhere)
11. Visit Tahti...Bora Bora  Done ✔

********************************************************************************

The checks next to each thing mean we or I have done it since writing this list.  It is September 2013, and my perspective is completely different than it was back then.  I have come to realize to-do lists and bucket lists are fun and interesting to talk about and do but are most certainly not the most important in my life. None of us know what our Heavenly Father has in store for us.  For me, and this is just my opinion for my life and the experiences I have been through--the very most important things are not necessarily things. They are the people in my life and how I spend my time with them, how I serve, and if by chance I get the opportunities to travel, I should use each moment to enjoy my life and share my knowledge (which really is not much) serve those in need when I can.  I really don't think when I die and get to wherever I am going, the Lord is going to say to me, "well done Miss Monya, let's look at your bucket list and see what you got done" I believe the conversation will be more like 

"Sister Monya, have you fulfilled all of your callings to the best of your ability, have you listened to the spirit and served others? Did you care for the sick and the needy? Did you love and serve your family? Did you forgive those who have offended you? Did you say sorry to those who you have offended? Did you take every opportunity to share the gospel with others? Have you kept all the covenants you made with me in the Temple? How did you treat and love your husband? 
Don't get me wrong, I still would like to run a marathon--chances are--I won't--but it won't keep me from Heaven--my book is this blog--I don't have the time to learn how to use a camera on manual and don't really know if I care anymore--tennis is fun, again won't keep me from heaven. Olympics? really? love to do that, but chances are it's a dream--and won't keep me from Heaven--Bora Bora--been there--still not going to heaven because of it.
So, I think do lists are good? YES, a bucket list is interesting and fun, YES but not necessary--the most magical trip I ever took was the one I went to Paris with Eric on. Nothing will ever beat that--it was all I expected and more--my heart was in a good place at that time. I needed that trip to help me believe in life again--NOW, my priorities and lists are much different.
And just so you know, if I did not work for USAirways, we would not be able to make any of these trips we have done. We fly for free and get a tremendous discount on cruises and hotels--I do not take any of those blessings in my life for granted, and I am grateful for all those memories I have created for my children--but sometimes, "things" just don't matter anymore, salvation and being a good person is what I want to attain. 

Day 14 Taha's and Day 15 Moorea

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2013

Day 14 Taha'a and Day 15 Moorea

Wednesday Day fourteen I woke up not feeling well, ate truly little breakfast again.  We all took the first ferry boat to the Island of TAHA"A.  We toured the entire Island took many memorable pictures--my stomach and head were aching, but I really didn't want to complain they were all having so much fun and after all this is a once in a lifetime journey for me, I want to enjoy it as much as I can.
Taha's was once the center for fire walking ceremonies, but today they are rare.

 

We didn't have a lot of time on this Island, these local Police officers

assisted us in finding a driver to take us up the mountain

some of the local scenery

the black pearl farm

this woman seriously impressed me, she chops coconuts all day

150 chopped coconuts are in this bag ready to go to the local industries for processing

this is the Island where Tahitian Vanilla is grown

They bud into a flower,then the pod appears the smell is heavenly

Our drivers home

There are three of these buildings in a row,
it is where our driver and his extended family have dinner

This is typical Eric--he loves the local imagery

Jesus, loved the coconut milk

Anthony, a quiet gentle man

Conchi and Maria, beautiful women

Our driver stopped by a local market where we could
pick up a cold drink and Eric came back with this beauty to share

Our group and the driver saying goodbye

The Paul Gauguin Private Moto was beautiful

I think I could sit here all day too

This was a motu filled with tropical spaces,
the cruise served us a traditional Polynesian lunch

A view from the motu to the Paul Gauguin

I went to the motu with our group, but seriously took a couple of pictures, turned around and went back to the ship on the next tender.  Eric stayed and really enjoyed the time on that private Island, I wish I could have spent more time there, but I was just not feeling well. We went back and slept until Eric got back at 5 or 6 and we got ready for dinner. I asked Eric if we could get off the ship tomorrow and go home--I know it is a couple of days early, but I just really want to go home, I miss my children and grand-kids too much.  This is too long to be away. He said "yes", but he had one more excursion he wanted to do on Moorea with the rest of our group.
Day 15 Moorea--My favorite Island of all of them--I stayed on the ship while Eric took the rest of them on a 4x4 ride up the mountain to the fruit farm and some other amazing areas we had not explored in the first five days we stayed there on the Island.  

I packed both my bag and Eric's bag, prepared with the crew to disembark when Eric arrived back. I didn't really get to say goodbye to Maria, Antonio, Jesus and Conchi--Eric and I were able to get off the ship safely to the peer, took the next ferry boat to Papeete, and made it on the next flight to LAX and then home.... Finally, home sweet home--I could not wait to see my kids & grandkids and share our experiences with them.

 

Monday Day 12 Fakarava Tuesday Sea Day #13

 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013

Monday Day 12 Fakarava Tuesday Sea Day #13

Got myself in an awkward place a few times trying to pronounce this Island, try saying it, for that matter try saying it three times in a row--it's a challenge.
I woke up, said my little prayer for the day, no scriptures, I ate little breakfast, not feeling too well today. The Island is flat, not any mountains, we took the tender to the Island and were met with singing Polynesian music by four women. Dressed in traditional Tahitian clothing and so happy, I tried to give them a tip, and graciously they refused, how many times has that happened? I still insisted and got a kiss on each cheek, well worth the money.

Jesus, Antonio and Eric were off to find either a boat to take us out snorkeling, or a car to drive around the Island. NOTHING--Jesus and Antonio came back to tell us there was nothing available, I said, "Where is Eric?" they looked around and, well I guess the only way I can explain Eric is he is a salesman and does not take NO for an answer.... He went door to door. He found a young girl said something to her in French and off she was on her bike.  I walked out to the beach to look and some pictures, soon the girl came back and Eric said, "let's go" He found Fernando--a young man who was willing to take us all in his truck on a trip around Fakarava.  As a new set of people arrived off the tender to the Island, a husband and wife asked if they could go with us, and they were willing to sit in the back of the truck, Fernando said, "Wee Wee" and off we went.  Fernando comes from a family of seventeen children, he is number ten.  Born and raised on this Island, I wondered if he ever thought about leaving or exploring other places in the world.

This Island has been protected and preserved, not much has changed here from the beginning of time. This Island is literally filled with unexplored beaches and villages.  The pink beaches, shaded by coconut trees and crystal-clear waters.  Fernando took us and showed us where he lives and helps with his grandmother, then we went to one of his uncles land and Fernando picked green coconuts for each of us, chopped them at the top and gave us a taste of the sweetest coconut milk I've ever had--I don't like the mushy insides of the green coconuts so I went and picked a brown one, shook it up to see if it had any juice in it.  We chopped it up and we ate the meat from this coconut--I love the raw, natural taste of organic coconut--I ate the whole thing--no sharing.

While we were exploring the ocean waters, just a few feet from me were a shark--ummm---I was running out of that water faster than I ever did in any race I've ever done, it totally freaked me out.  Fernando laughed, I looked over at him and he was making everyone's hats out of palm leaves--it was so sweet. Then he surprised us by putting his hands down these holes in the sand where crabs were living, after several holes were dug into viola' he pulled out a crab, crustaceans are just one of the things the people from Fakarava are proud of.  In the village of Tetamanu stands the oldest Catholic church in Polynesia. This is also an amazing place for divers, drift diving is extremely popular here, the coral colors were beautiful.  This Island only has a population of under one thousand people. I told Fernando "No wonder you can't find a wife, you may end up marrying a cousin."  Eric had to translate it in French, I was glad he laughed, I wasn't sure how he would take it.

He drove us to places and showed us amazing scenery that I know no one else on that ship got to see--although this was a short day and we had to be back on the ship by five it was fun.

The Fakarava School Bus

flat land coconut trees everywhere

She chopped open a coconut and we drank

white sand beaches, full of seashells, and beautiful coral

driveway to the beach

Thinking of Vi

These rocks were stacked all along the beach

put a rock on top for goof luck--mine is on the top

how'd you like this to be your backyard view?

I'm actually in the water, and a shark is within a few feet

beautiful beach views

the crab Fernando dug up

The home Fernando shares with his Grandmother

can you see the shark?---I didn't realize it until it swam just behind me

what can I say?

Mr. CocoNUT

He thinks if he holds a machete and 3 coconuts I'm impressed.....

I just loved this abandoned little port

I loved this homemade picnic table they made on the beach for the kids

Fernando's truck and the guys in the back

Fernando showing off the crab and the hats he made for everyone

I could sit here, in this place all day under a coconut tree

Tuesday SEA DAY--more like SEASICK day for me by day 13, I was physically exhausted and really missing home, my children and grandchildren.  I stayed in my room a lot of this day, not feeling well, not because of being seasick, I had a migraine, and was fearing another mini stroke.  I looked out my window and saw a half rainbow--it reminded me of Haleigh and when she and I went to Hawaii just a week before I was diagnosed with cancer, and then the day I finished chemo, the most beautiful full rainbow appeared out of the window where I was sitting--Rainbows are always a sign to me that something good is coming--

What a beautiful sight

This evening I got ready for dinner with  our new friends Antonio and Maria, Jesus and Conchi & we were invited to sit at a special table with the cruise directors on the staff.  We wondered why they invited us and we soon found out, it was because they wondered "why and how, people from Spain, Canary Islands, and the United States could all communicate and have so much fun together?"  They also wondered if something was wrong with Eric,  both of the cruise directors spoke perfect English, Russian, Spanish and French, they asked me "what language does your husband speak?" when I asked them why they said "it sounds like he puts Spanish, French, English, and Filipino all together in sentences" I laughed and responded, "nothing is wrong with him, he speaks fluent English and French, knows a tiny bit of Spanish, and any Filipino he has learned has been on this ship from the workers, he just wants to speak all of them fluent so he throws a few words of each language in here and there. it drives me crazy"  They then understood Mr. Eric.  As far as the question they had about our instant friendship with Antonio Maria, Jesus and Conchi, I told them that normally I would stick to myself, for fear of offending someone when trying to speak with them and help them understand, but they all wanted to know English so badly, they would ask us about everything, soon we were able to communicate--not sure the translations all were exactly correct, but I really fell in love with all of them.  We are hoping to see Jesus and Conchi in New York in November.  After dinner tonight I went off to bed while Eric went with the rest of them to the top of the ship to see a spectacular view of the stars.

Jesus and Conchi Antonio and Maria Eric and I