We were going to go. Then we weren’t. We’d had plans for six months to go to Hawaii with friends. We all cancelled a few weeks ago, after Omicron raised its ugly head. Every morning for a week after we cancelled I woke up heartsick. I’ve been lucky in my travels–lucky beyond anything I could have dreamed–traveling for work to New Zealand, Australia, Scotland, England, Germany, Mexico, Alaska, not to mention five times to Africa. But, I’ve never been to Hawaii, I’ve always wanted to go, and it felt like I was losing my chance.
I decided to let the universe make the call. If the place we had rented, and then canceled, was still open, we’d take it and re-book the flights. If it wasn’t, then okay, we weren’t supposed to go. It was. We went. It was wonderful.
We stayed in the rainforest part of Maui, off the famous Hana Highway at the Maui Ecoretreat. This view is literally from our backyard. Granted, to get to it you had to go down a trail so steep you had to use ropes to keep from falling, but still. Our backyard.
Here’s my intrepid travel partner, looking all Indiana Jones-y against this massive tropical tree in the ‘Iao Valley State Monument. Tropical vegetation is marvelous–more variable than deciduous plants, and much of the time straight out of a Dr. Suess book.
This next photo is from the Haleakala Volcano, pretty much the top of the world. That’s the big island in the distance. We were at 10,000 feet, which my asthmatic lungs would like you to know is TOO HIGH, but it felt like being on the top of the world and was worth the headache. Watching the clouds move across the land and ocean was riveting.
We had lunch at Kula Lodge on the way down from the mountain; the food was as good as the view.
You probably know that many of Hawaii’s native birds are now extinct due to the importation of mongeese, rats, cats and an imported bird named the White-eye that carries Avian malaria. I knew those facts, but was still saddened at how few birds we saw in Maui. Except for the ubiquitous Mynah bird, which is virtually everywhere.
But we did have a good time at the Kanaha Pond Sanctuary out side of Kahului. Most of it was closed during the pandemic (because . . . ? It’s outside and the safest place to be. . . ?), but we were directed by some volunteers to a short penninsula that led to the water, where we were surrounded by Hawaiian Stilts. What elegant birds.
If you’re still with me, you might be wondering why I put dogs in the title. Bear with me, I’m getting there.
As I said earlier, we almost didn’t go. We canceled primarily because of Omicron, and every day for a week I thought we had made the wrong decision. But there was something else bothering me, deeply, and it had to do with being happy. What right did I have to go do something so luxurious, and be so happy, when so much of the world is suffering? Jim and I have been so lucky in so many ways during this endless pandemic; I am grateful for what we have every day. But I can’t say that I’ve felt really, truly happy–that vacation kind of happy–since it began. Too much pain in the world, too much to worry about, too much to fight for or against. Too much, just too much. And that’s from someone who, again, is living a charmed life in so many ways. I think of others who aren’t every single day.
And that’s where the dogs come in. Because along with Jim and my dearest friends, it’s the dog that have kept me going. Watching Maggie and Skip play twice a day lifts my spirits no matter what else is happening. Snuggling with Princess Maggie on the couch every night comforts me beyond my ability to express it in words. Watching Skip use his skill and commitment to move a determined ewe three times his size gives me goosebumps. I am lucky in oh so many ways, but living with two such special dogs is high on the list. I’ve written multiple times about why we love dogs so much, most extensively in For the Love of a Dog.
It was reading the wisdom of others, and my on again, off again meditation practice that reminded me of the value of joy. For example, here’s a good article from The Atlantic about how being guilty over happiness serves no one. So, I’ll continue to do what I’ve been doing to try to make the world a better place. And, I’ll let myself be really, truly “vacation-happy” in rare, idyllic moments like the one below.
MEANWHILE, back on the farm: I decided to take a photo of comparative footwear, titled: “One of these things is not like the others.” I thought of it because it was such a dream to not have to put on big, heavy boots to go outside in Maui. I was messing around with where to make the shot, when the dogs made their statement. “WE ARE NOT IN ANY OF THESE PHOTOGRAPHS. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?” I’m pretty sure that it was Maggie doing the yelling.
Skip is not a yeller, but he had his own statement to make. He sat down beside me and made it impossible to get any more decent shots.
Of course, I could’ve just sent him away, but it’s hard to do when you’re laughing.
It is eight degrees Fahrenheit right now, so these flowers from White Flower Farm are making me happy. That’s an Amaryllis in the foreground; I save them every year (outside in summer, in cool basement in fall) to save money–they’re gorgeous but expensive. The bulb garden, responsible for the color in the background, is something I could do myself too, but this year I sprang for a new one that was in full bloom when we arrived home. Dogs and flowers, yup. That’s happy.
Happy is good, tell us where you are finding it this week, no matter how or where.
Barbara says
What is making me happy? 1. When the winter forecast is mostly cloudy but the sun manages to shine brightly for a couple hours. 2. My 13 yr. old dog still likes to play and go for walks even on cold winter days. 3. Once again we have redpolls coming to our feeder. It’s been years since we’ve seen them. 4. Edy’s Brownie Brick Road ice cream is tasting pretty darn good this week. It’s the simple things in life …
LisaW says
I am finding it right here with that picture of you in the waterfall pool. I am drawn to water and your expression says why. I smiled more broadly at that picture than I have in who knows how long. Thank you.
Here’s a picture of what’s all the same. I took it because my sister didn’t understand why I’d need more than one kind of boot. https://photos.app.goo.gl/sZ1RMyXUv7jqB1Nk6
As far as your trips and the wonderful life you have built from a lot of hard work, challenges, and studied deliberateness, as Carl Sandburg said, “Regret shall be the gravel underfoot”
(https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/12848/the-road-and-the-end)
Caroline says
Happy for you…..but still jealous.
Kat says
I’m glad you got to have a joyous vacation and are letting yourself experience true joy. It’s a real challenge in today’s divisive and infectious world.
And hooray for the dogs and the happiness they bring. As I type I have two dogs asleep at my feet. Well, strictly speaking D’Artagnan is asleep beside my chair and Falkor is asleep on my foot. Falkor is settling in well. D’Artagnan has laid down the law a couple of times but we’re figuring out what to look for so we know D’Art is getting fed up or that he has a clear boundary about something (all other creatures are expected to keep their noses out of his food bowl when he is eating, for example) and between that and Falkor never making the same mistake twice there hasn’t been much need for D’Art to further lay down the law.
They race and wrestle a lot which always brings a smile to my face. I love watching my white giants playing appropriately. Falkor has all the speed and stamina but D’Art has all the cunning and power. Falkor goes tearing off to the far corners of the yard, D’Artagnan ponders where he’ll be coming back from and positions himself to take Falkor out when he comes flying back. Then they wrestle for awhile more, first one on top then the other. Both of them with big doggy grins.
All the cats have finally accepted the fact that Falkor lives here now. Furbonnaci was the last hold out but this morning my son showed me the picture he took last night after I went to bed. Furb and Falkor are both laying at the top of the stairs side by side.
We’re still learning who Falkor is but willing enthusiasm seems to fit. I looked up the name Falkor. It’s an Icelandic name meaning For the People or Guardian of the People. He hasn’t shown much inclination to guard but he is definitely a people lover so ‘for the people’ fits.
And, yes, I am totally besotted with my new pup.
lak says
wow that photo of you in the water says it all….beautiful! What brought me the most joy in a long time was that I put in my retirement papers today and will be discharged 5/6/22…joy oh joy! Promised the dog 3 walks a day and looking forward to doing what I want when I want! I have plans to garden, read, foster dogs, ride my bike, catch up with friends, cook leisurely, nap, swim in the lake, volunteer in my community, and whatever else I am able to do. Sometimes it is the big things!
Lainy says
What makes me happy? My dogs, gatherings with a few special friends and my dogs!
I wake up every morning to the cold wet nose of my Border, McGee. He lets me know with his smile, it’s a new day with so very many possibilities, ie, breakfast, tug a war, walks, tho there has been a drastic decline in walks as we are totally iced in!
My other fur face, a Catahoula mix, gets compete joy in lying upside down in her bed while obnoxiously squeaking a toy.
While COVID may dampen my spirits at times it has increased my time with my dogs, and special friends. For that I am ever so grateful.
msf says
Ahhh, Maui!! Our family went there in 2014, after I was told that I was Stage IV…
About a year and a half earlier, I woke up one day to a very large lump sticking out near my shoulder, (And it wasn’t there four days earlier when I had a massage!) Long, very long story short, I was diagnosed with Stage III Melanoma. I had the lump removed and was fortunate enough to be put into a research study for a new immunotherapy drug, (which was given at such a high dose at that time that it nearly killed me. In fact, most of 2012 is missing from my memory bank.) In 2013, a tiny nodule in my lung would classify me as Stage IV Metastatic Melanoma. Time was at a premium.
So, we went to Maui, all 8 of us. We did touristy things together and separately, meeting up each evening for dinner. We swam, snorkeled, relaxed, read in the shade of the Plumeria trees, and took in all of the sights. Our twin daughters took a kayaking excursion, and our son and my husband did the Road to Hana. (I’d heard so many horror stories about tourists driving off the highway into the ocean that I decided to spend the day with my girls and granddaughters!) One day, we all packed into our rental van and drove to the Haleakala Volcano. Just like you and your “Indiana Jones,” we had lunch on the way down at the Kula Lodge! When it was time to return to the mainland, we left with renewed spirits and smiles on our faces.
And yet, you might think, “Wait! That was in 2014! She’s still alive!!! Yes, it has been almost 8 1/2 years since I was told that I was Stage IV. And I’ve learned a few things since then…most importantly, it’s possible to LIVE with Stage IV!
I’m so glad that you two were able to refresh in that idyllic place! It makes me long to go back…
Nora says
Wow what a blessing to go see such beauty! I love your books!! I have a 22 month old male intact Newfie(who sniffs and wants to mark everything outside!!) and a 7 month old female. Now that my kids are grown they are my time keepers. Definitely a stubborn breed😁 we take daily off leash gallops in the woods here in Virginia, nothing like Hawaii, but a joy to my day!
Becky G says
All to often, we forget or underestimate the importance of self-care, both physical and mental. I am so happy that the Universe reminded you that before you can take care of others, you have to take care of yourself. Keep listening to that wise counsel.
Carole says
Recently it was someone else’s joy that made me very happy… When I retired from my office job, I began working for a pet sitting/dog walking company. One of my first clients was a single man who was caring for his late mother’s Border Terrier. Maggie was fifteen when I met her. I walked her two or three times a day, and came to care for her very much. By the time she was close to her seventeeth birthday, I was carrying her in and out of the house, and it was clear that – as much as her ‘dad’ didn’t want to admit it – her time on this earth was coming to an end. When he finally made that difficult decision to let her go, I was as devastated as if she were mine, and so worried about her owner that I texted him at least once a month to check on him. And the happiness? After nearly a year without a dog, last month he adopted a rescue GSD mix. Prince is a sweet friendly dog and words cannot express my happiness that these two found each other!
MinnesotaMary says
Maui is lovely. I cancelled my own trip (would have been there this week) for a myriad of reasons, some of which were covid related. The area in which you stayed is so lovely. Next time (if there is a next time) you might consider volunteering for a half day at the animal shelter there. It’s located on the road between the two mountains. They do allow visitors to interact with the animals and walk the dogs. Not the same as your own loves but it helps.
Patricia Wildgen says
I would not have made it through the past 2 years without my Golden Retriever. Kody makes me get outside and exercise, challenges me to think (how to manage this behavior?!), and brings me joy as we throw his favorite ball and he races up and down the yard. Goldens “smile”; as a result, so do I.
Suzanne Elshult says
Happy is when my teammate and his dog made a lifesaving find last weekend (73 yearbold man found hypothermic and lost after spending 3 days in the wilderness lost). Pandemic or not, people keep getting lost in the wilderness of the Cascades and my two dogs and I have been so fortunate to be able to continue training (outside) and deploying on missions the last two years. While my executive coaching practice took ,a nose dive I have been able to continue living my passion as a professional search and rescue volunteer with my two Labrador retrievers, Keb and Kili.
Trisha says
LisaW your boot photo made me laugh. It reminds me that it’s expensive to live in the north! Boots, gloves, jackets, scarves. . . it goes on and on. And I love the quote from Sandburg, wonderful!
Trisha says
Caroline: I don’t blame you one bit. Not a bit.
Trisha says
Kat: Well, here’s something else that’s making me happy! Besotted with Falkor? What wonderful news! And that he and D’Art play so well together. Your description reminds me of Maggie and Skip: M agile and strategic, S fast, strong and uh, less strategic is the nicest way to say it. Here’s to you watching your gentle giants play, makes me happy just to imagine it.
Trisha says
lak: Congratulations!!!! We are all clapping our paws for you. What wonderful news!
Trisha says
msf: Thank you for sharing your story, what a story it is! Congratulations on making the most of your time. That’s all any of us have anyway, right? Kudos . . .
chris says
Everyone has a right to be happy even when others are suffering. That does not make us bad. My mother constantly told me whenever I had a bad day that someone else had it worse never letting me just have a bad day. We are all entitled to feel joy, happy, sad, mad, etc without worrying that someone else had it worse. And yes our dogs make it better always.
molla says
It just so owns that my husband and I own an oceanfront vacation rental in Poipu, Kauai. I did an exchange with my veterinarian. Kauai has the magnificent Waimea Canyon and is breathtaking everywhere we turn. Her photos were of chickens (they got loose during Inki and are everywhere since they all got out of their enclosures), koi in a ponds and lots of birds. We still have birds on Kauai because all the mongoose headed for Kauai drowned when the boat carrying them capsized. We still have a declined population but there is still a variety. In fact parakeets who were once family pets now have reached critical mass. They are so cute as they fly in in droves every night to roost in our palms but the farmers are upset because they love fruit. I hope a solution is found so everyone is happy. I hope you will try Kauai next. Each island is so different. Now my husband and I are taking turns. We have one dog left out of three, and she is 12 so we don’t feel comfortable leaving her. I actually had a great time traveling by myself because it is easy to make friends on this small island.
Nannette Morgan says
What makes me happy? 1) sleeping in longer these days with my husky Dugall curled up against my shoulder; 2) Having retired on 2/2/22 (yes, Groundhog Day!) and 3) being able to now do my dog training and consulting business full time instead of just weekends after a 40 hr day job work week!
I love the Maui post and pix. I visited there when I was a youngster!
Congrats to Lak for retiring too!
lin says
E Kipa Mai! (Welcome!) I’m glad you got to visit my home state. When I go back, I go back for family on Oahu, thus have not been to Maui for…decades. But I have fond memories of my visits there. Haleakala is gorgeous and unique. That view from your getaway is breathtaking (and there are a lot of great views in the islands!)
When you mentioned dogs and Maui, I thought you had taken advantage of the Maui Humane Society’s Beach Buddies program, where you can take one of the shelter dogs for an outing. https://www.mauihumanesociety.org/beach-buddies/ . A great way to get a dog fix !
I have been really lucky during these times: my workplace did not lay anyone off and I have been fully employed this whole time. None of the people closest to me got sick, and even my 97 year old mother has stayed healthy (and is vaccinated).
There is so much to despair about in the world. But I agree with chris, it does no good to deny yourself happiness because of that. If you do good for your community, the environment, and your family, you deserve to do some good for yourself.
Anne Johnson says
My dad has passed on five years ago. Bur Kauai was his favorite place to be, unless it was the alps in Austria. I am so glad you did eventually go. Through all of this time that has been unprecedented I have come to understand that we need to take care of ourselves as well. So things that we can do to find fulfillment are so vital. There is always time to squeeze in some good deeds in the process. Blessings to you and the family, especially the 4-legged variety, for a wonderful upcoming Spring.
Chris from Boise says
Joy – what a rich, deep-hearted emotion. “…being guilty over happiness serves no one…” – very hard to remember in these difficult times, but very true. I appreciate the old saying that one has to replenish one’s own cup periodically, to be able to help someone else. So glad you allowed yourself to replenish yours!
Congratulations to lak and Nannette on your retirements!
Many joys here, not the least the early spring song of the chickadee.
Alice R. says
I’m right there with you with being happy when others are suffering so, but I also came to the same conclusion. My pup pup has saved me through health problems, my own and others, and makes me laugh every single day. He’s a very loving clown, and wanting to give him the best has improved me in so many ways. That joy and responsibility has kept me on an even keel throughout this, even when adversity reared it’s head. The other thing that really helped , but may seem macabre to many is the fact that I see that my husband’s and my life are limited now, and going by fast. An accident brought some disability, age has brought a little more, and yet we are still lucky enough to enjoy what we have, try new things, and really want to make the most of the time we have left. So yay to friends, travel, dogs, gardening, needlework, and any other fine trouble we can get into!
Gail McGarry says
Took a sunrise trip up Haleakala, above the clouds, and then rode a bike down. It was scary and amazing all at the same time. Wouldn’t do the bike thing again but I’d love to revisit someday.
Gayla says
Been away from home and almost missed this. I’m so glad you were able to take the trip after all !! And if you had to choose Maui over Kauai, I’m thankful you stayed on the Hana side…
Each island is different in many ways. If you ever come again, please consider Kauai. No mongoose here so we have more sea birds.
Trisha says
Kauai is defintely next on the list!
Tonya Allen says
Beautiful post. Beautiful photos. Especially the one with the dog nose in the foreground. Unexpected dog noses in photos are one of my favorite things in life.
I’m glad you were able to go to Hawaii and enjoy your vacation without guilt. Your blog always makes my day. Thanks for your thoughtful posts, helpful information, and lovely pictures, every time.
Vicky Stewart-Moore says
So glad you found your happy spot!. Maui is next to heaven. I have such fond memories snorkeling and exploring there during our honeymoon back in the day when birds were everywhere. Meanwhile, I’m dealing with the ice and snow on the farm, walking the mile-long lane with my two BC, Kandy and Jilly. They keep me laughing as they play with each other along the way and I wonder how can two mortal beings be so light on their paws, never missing the fence as they tumble and dart over each other. Winter is almost over and I’ll gratefully accept what God gives me and be happy for it.
ErikA says
Finding happiness in the giggles of my almost 1 year old daughter as she explores the world around her, finding something new and exciting every single day of her little life.
Melanie Hawkes says
Hawaii is on my bucket list of places to visit. I read it’s the most wheelchair accessible place in the world. Will have to see for myself one day.
I was doing a mindfulness course at work, and one of the best things I learnt was self care is not selfish. You do whatever it takes to look after yourself. One thing that has helped my mental health is keeping a daily gratitude diary. I’ve written in mine every day for 959 days straight now! I have an app on my phone which prompts me to write every day. It’s awesome, and includes daily zen quotes too.
Trisha says
Melanie, 959 days in a row, you rock! Gratitude journal is so important to me too, love that you brought it up.
Shannon says
I love that you enjoyed Maui. I grew up there but, live on the East Coast now. I’ve loved your books from years ago and just rediscovered you here (as I was desperately searching for reliable info on dog behavior and Border Collies specifically).
So glad I found you but more happy that you took time out for you and enjoyed yourself. We all need a break sometimes.
I wish I was getting as much joy out to my doggies right now…but they are driving me nuts with resource guarding (and to be honest, so is my hubby who means well but I think might be inadvertently sabotaging my efforts to improve the situation).
*sigh* I remind myself every day is a new day. Much aloha!