As usual, the trip took all day but I was pretty much grinning all the way. Boston had its first frost the morning I left, Minneapolis was covered in snow, and I think I might have gotten a mini sunburn just sitting by the window all day looking out into the sun and clouds.

When I arrived, one of my best friends in the world picked me up and we went to eat at a crusty old place called La Marianas near the airport. With a tiki vibe and just the right mix of local and cheesy, this restaurant/ yacht dock always puts me in a great mood to live the hawaii life.

We’re keeping our expenses simple for this trip, as this is our scouting for next year when we will bring back a small number of other women photographers for adventures and refreshment. For those of us headed out this year, we’ll be splitting:

• car rental
• r/t flight to the Big Island
• basic lodging for December 1-8
• fancy lodging December 8-11

I shot this from a moving car!

I am looking forward to our time in Hawaii not just for the adventure, but also as an opportunity to ask myself some challenging and introspective questions about life and business.

• what do I need to say ‘yes’ to?
• what do I need to say ‘no’ to?
• where did I spend my money this year? was it worth it?
• where did I invest my time this year? was it worth it?
• what are my regrets?
• what brought me the most joy?
• is my motivation based on fear and insecurity? or…?