It’s been a busy month for me—I had another business trip, this time to Hawaii. Unfortunately, it was pretty rainy, so I didn’t get a chance to do too many fun things outside of work. That said, I did have a beautiful view, and I was right across from a food truck park, which definitely made up for it! I absolutely loved the pineapple shrimp fried rice—it was so good.
We did get to have a quick lunch near the USS Missouri—the “Mighty Mo”—which was an incredible experience, even in a short amount of time. Docked at Pearl Harbor, right across from the USS Arizona Memorial. The Missouri was the last battleship built by the United States and is best known as the site where Japan officially surrendered in 1945, bringing World War II to an end. Even though we were only there briefly, just being on the ship and seeing the Arizona Memorial in the distance really puts things into perspective.
We also went over to a special place to view the USS Arizona Memorial. I’ve been there several times, and it never ceases to put me in a state of awe. The memorial sits above the remains of the battleship USS Arizona, which was sunk during the attack on Attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Over 1,100 sailors and Marines lost their lives on that ship, and many are still entombed within it. You can sometimes even see small drops of oil rising to the surface—often called the “tears of the Arizona”—which makes the experience even more powerful. It’s a quiet, humbling place that reminds me of the sacrifice made there, and no matter how many times I visit, it always leaves a lasting impression. Freedom is not Free.
I absolutely love the flowers and trees of Waikiki—this was just on my way to dinner one night. Nature there feels so vibrant and alive. The massive banyan trees, with their twisting trunks and long, hanging roots, almost feel like something out of a storybook. They create these incredible shaded spaces that are both peaceful and a little awe-inspiring. And then there are the flowers—like this delicate white hibiscus, Hawaii’s state flower—fresh from the rain, soft and detailed, yet so striking. Everywhere you look, there’s color, texture, and beauty. It’s a wonderful reminder of how incredible nature really is.
Even though this trip was for work, I’m so grateful for the little moments I did get to experience—from the history of Pearl Harbor to the beauty of Waikiki’s trees and flowers. I do wish I had more time to explore some local glass studios and galleries (you know I’m always looking for inspiration!), but even a simple walk to dinner gave me ideas. That delicate white hibiscus, especially, felt like the perfect inspiration for a future fused glass piece—soft, elegant, and full of detail. Trips like this remind me that inspiration is everywhere—you just have to slow down enough to see it.
If you would like to see some of my fused glass work, please refer to my website Elegant Fused Glass by Karen. If you get a chance, check out all my site and my Elegant Fused Glass by Karen YouTube. If you would like to stay abreast of what I’m up-to and learn a little more about jewelry, check out our newsletter. It is published the last day of each month.
Keeping my kilns warm,
Karen
