Gramma's 80th

My Grandma is 80 years old. Viola Ku'uleimomi Akina. We just held a huge party for her and it was amazing - unlike any usual birthday party - it was a family reunion. Even my Grandpa's siblings came from Maui! I haven't met my Grandpa or any of his family, so I was very emotional and grateful for it all. My Grandma was very happy and excited to see everyone and especially shocked to see the slideshow I put together for everyone to see...
I had gathered over 120 pictures of her - old and newer pictures.

Funny story...she made that skirt herself out of a shower curtain and cellophane! She and her sister was dancing for the returning troops coming in at the base. I guess she got too close to the guys and one of them grabbed her, and bit her butt. Yes, you heard me. Bit her bootay. He had cellophane stuck in his teeth...... uh...awkward.

Grandma and Grandpa, Wedding Day, September 29, 1946
Arnubi & Viola Akina

Grandma and friend.
Grandma was taken to the hospital this day because of heat exhaustion.

This is the family! Left to right, top: Uncle Alex, Uncle Eugene, Uncle Renny, Uncle Frankie, DAD. Bottom: Auntie Lei, Auntie Pam, Gramma, Auntie Gail.

Travel

There are so many places I want to see. I want to go to Africa. I want to go to Australia. I want to travel the states and visit all the National Parks. Europe, Mexico, Guatemala :), all of the Hawaiian islands, everywhere. Hopefully I will be so fortunate...


This summer I went to Las Vegas for my brother's wedding. Honestly, the only things I really worried about taking on the trip were my dress for the reception, and my camera. On the plane ride to Nevada, I sat by another photographer! We talked the whole flight about her professional photographer career, and dreams that we had, and just getting to know each other generally. Talking to her really inspired me to keep working and having fun with photography. [[Shout out to Karen! Mahalo! www.karentabaranza.com]]

I really wanted to experiment with the lights of the Vegas strip, which turned out kinda cool but I realized the city is just too crazy for me.









I definitely wanted some good pictures of the desert. We only had a few days, so I had to be very dedicated. We took the short drive up to St. George, Utah and I sat in the car marveling at the desert beauty.



It's completely different from the tropical lusts here on the islands. I was now looking at a red, orange, and brown world.

On one side of the highway the sun was setting, silhouetting the mountain range. On the other side was a big white moon, rising over the red desert.

A Day Through The Lens

Aloha! I am proud to present my new photography blog. Life through a lens.

Recently... Berni, Ryan, Sara and I went hunting for some cool shots around town. With our digital cameras and newly acquired manual film cameras strapped to every shoulder, we made a few heads turn and envy us for sure. Here are a few shots I got, but they got wonderful photos of the awesome antique store we shopped at, and some great portraits of the local people.