After coming to the Big Island of Hawaii for over 30 years, I finally gave in and moved here in 2015, from Temecula California.
Mainly I work on websites for artists, with FASO.com (this is a FASO site) and have been a contractor with them since 2009.
Like so many here 'on island,' I have yet another gig, as a driver. Certified with Lyft, I now only give rides by word of mouth, mostly to and from the Kona airport. It's fun!
I also do some concierge work for a few vacation rentals here.
After coming to the Big Island for over 30 years, I finally took the leap and moved here in 2015.
HATS
I've worn many hats over the decades, including Research Coordinator for a mad scientist in a dolphin communication project, dog groomer, travel agent and Executive Assistant (you make more $$$ if you call it that instead of 'Secretary').
Me with Rosie dolphin. Photo by Inika Spence-Whaley
My principal career for 20+ years was as a photographer, specializing in destination weddings and hand-painted photographs like this one of a lovely young couple:
ANIMALS
I was raised by owls. Well, kinda. Growing up in Topanga Canyon California, we had owls, cats, dogs, a burro, a pony, a horse, rabbits, guinea pigs, a duck, and a cavalcade of grey squirrels who were all escorted outside once they were old enough. And more. Not all at the same time though.
I have ridden, swum with, held, been walked on by or lived with: Horses, dolphins, humpbacks, whale sharks, reef sharks, an orca, manta rays, an orangutan, a water buffalo, a koala, a camel, a fruit bat named Malcolm, squirrels, iguanas, a rat named Head (not my fault), and a few young possums (that got awkward and they were sent along their way to the cats' huge relief).
Me with "Bibi" - Photo by Jerry Yankee (my dad, who's not of this world these days)
PERSONAL
My 'main' husband and I adopted our son at birth. Matt cut the cord, and I breast fed him (the son not the husband. Hmmm. Maybe that could have saved the marriage of 17 years). I beg you not to show this page to my kid; he'll cringe from embarrassment on all of it! He'll be 23 this year and is the best kid in the world. I know you thought yours was - sorry about that. His only flaw is that he lives in California not Hawaii. Well, also if I didn't insist on regular phone calls, he might forget I exist. I choose to believe we just did our job too well, because he's so independent. ;~)
Matthew & Mom 2017, shot underwater from a Puako Hawaii tidepool.
P.S. Should I clarify "main husband" of 17 years ? The father of my kid is a great guy & we're still friends. There was a shorter marriage later, but that's not so pretty a story. Sometimes my decision-making leaves a lot to be desired.
