Category Archives: Travel

Lost Without Language

Posted on March 27, 2014 by Mary Strong-Spaid

I went to Tijuana, Mexico a few times when I lived in California. Reading signs and communicating with other people was not a problem for me there, because I had a good understanding of the Spanish language. It was quite … Continue reading →

Posted in food, Photo Essay, photography, Travel | Tagged , , | 26 Comments

Byodo-In Temple — Sacred Space

Posted on September 18, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid

The Byodo-in temple on the island of Oahu is a beautiful replica of the original Byodo-in built in 998 AD, in the city of Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. A reflection of paradise on earth, the temple rests peacefully beneath the … Continue reading →

Posted in Buddhism, Photo Essay, photography, Poetry, Travel | Tagged , , , | 24 Comments

Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal

Posted on June 11, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid

A long time ago, the Hawaiians named this species of seal “llio holo I ka uaua” (dog that runs in rough water). Now the Hawaiian monk seal has become one of the most endangered species in the world, with only … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, Kauai, Photo Essay, photography, Travel, wildlife | Tagged , , , , , | 47 Comments

Behold the Black Swan

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid

Behold the black swan floating between images of carps and clouds in cool pond waters reflecting. With regal beauty and form, the humble bow of the black swan took my breath away.    ~ms ***I took these photos on the … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, Nature, Photo Essay, photography, Poetry, Travel, wildlife | Tagged , , , , , | 60 Comments

Endless Sea of Imagination

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid

A young boy daydreams as he rides a bronze seal on ocean waves created by the endless sea of his imagination.     ~ms The Mysterious Seal Rider Adjacent to Waikiki beach on Kalakaua Avenue, there is a cute statue … Continue reading →

Posted in Nature, Photo Essay, photography, Poetry, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , | 24 Comments

Travel Agent from Hell

Posted on March 22, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid

I was living on a soft cloud before I was born, enjoying the celestial music of the spheres. My existence was heavenly until a strange man wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a dark cloak, floated in on a hot breeze. He bowed, … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor, Nature, Philosophy, Photo Essay, photography, Travel | Tagged , , , | 43 Comments

Mysterious Witch of Shenandoah

Posted on October 20, 2012 by Mary Strong-Spaid

I have wanted to visit the Shenandoah National Park for quite some time and take a trip down Skyline Drive. Unfortunately,  the weather started to shift on the day that I planned to go. When I listened to the morning weather report, it said … Continue reading →

Posted in Fall Colors, Nature, photography, Travel | Tagged , , | 38 Comments

Alluring Luray Caverns

Posted on September 21, 2012 by Mary Strong-Spaid

Shifting and moving slowly changing over time…. earth beneath our feet. Deep below the ground slowly forming, dripping down incredible shapes…. stunning creativity! With magnificent stalactites and stalagmites, leaning towers of Luray defy gravity. Many people travel to Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley to … Continue reading →

Posted in photography, Poetry, Travel | Tagged , , | 9 Comments

Allerton Garden Tropical Paradise

Posted on September 16, 2012 by Mary Strong-Spaid

When I first saw the Allerton Garden in the Lāwa`i Valley on Kauai, I knew that I had found a slice of paradise on earth. Blue ocean, tropical flowers and trees, and warm  tradewinds—absolutely beautiful. The Allerton Garden is so stunning it … Continue reading →

Posted in photography, Travel | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Birds Watching People

Posted on September 10, 2012 by Mary Strong-Spaid

Birds watching people watching birds at Kilauea Lighthouse on the Island of Kauai. I didn’t realize, until I uploaded my photos and took a closer look–that I was being closely observed. I thought I was watching the birds, never realizing … Continue reading →

Posted in Kauai, photography, Travel | 4 Comments

Tribute to Anthurium

Posted on September 10, 2012 by Mary Strong-Spaid

Sensual flower almost unbelievable reproduction of….. Botanical Name: Anthurium andraeanum Although this flower is native to South America (Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru), the first time that I saw Anthurium was when I was visiting Hawaii. At first, I didn’t think it was … Continue reading →

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Driftwood Bird

Posted on September 8, 2012 by Mary Strong-Spaid

There are many different birds on the Hawaiian Islands, but I am told told that there are no pelicans. However, on a beach in Kapa’a, Kauai (near Lydgate Park)—I saw a large piece of driftwood that looked a lot like a pelican to me. A true work … Continue reading →

Posted in photography, Travel | 5 Comments

The Journey

Posted on September 5, 2012 by Mary Strong-Spaid

Walking together on dark shadows and bright lights traveling through space and time ever changing and unchanged, on the journey home to the place we never left.        ~ms

Posted in photography, Poetry, Travel | 4 Comments