the earth ink

Sometimes, it is the little, seemingly unnoticeable things that catch the camera's eye. At dusk, on a short hike in Colorado, this little dandelion struggled to keep all of its fluffy seeds intact before they fluttered away in the wind - or on a hiker's legs as they brushed by on the trail. The shadowed sunset threw a purple hue on everything in the evening and the temperatures cooled off enough to enjoy a slow hike that finished off the day.

One day, The Earth Ink may open a cafe and coffee shop where customers can write their postcards, catch up with old friends, and share their life experiences. Along with a beautiful espresso bar, the shop will most certainly carry fruit tarts. These tarts from The French Bakery in Bellevue, Washington would certainly be the inspiration behind any such menu item. Beyond being quite tasty, these treats with fresh fruit and perfectly prepared "tart" are colorful and photogenic. Until The Earth Ink's shop opens, if you ever find yourself in the neighborhood, indulge yourself and enjoy the French Bakery's velvety smooth espresso as well.

The Earth Ink has recently moved from Honolulu, Hawaii to Denver, Colorado. In the course of the moving I uncovered one of the first postcards that I designed. In the midst of saying so many goodbyes and leaving those people who became an influential and special part of my life in Hawaii, I read the quote I referenced on the card: Though miles may be between us, we're never far apart, for friendship doesn't count the miles, it's measured by the heart.   -Rozina Hosham-  Letter writing is one of the most beautiful ways to communicate with someone (hence the postcard design), but it has become much more easy to keep in touch with friends with social media and text messages as well.  So, here is looking forward to all the new friends (and The Earth Ink clients) and remembering the heartwarming generosity and hospitality from those who I said "aloha" to in Hawaii!

Upon first glance, you would never guess where this image was taken. The low lying vegetation indicates it might be a higher elevation and a temperate climate zone. The clouds create a feeling of cool temperatures. These pink knotweed plants were spotted on the Saddle Road on the Big Island of Hawaii . The Saddle Road cuts across the Island and connects the Kona side (leeward) with the town of Hilo (windward). The road is flanked by the two tallest Hawaiian volcanos, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. In fact, Mauna Kea is the tallest volcano in the world from base (in the depths of the Pacific Ocean) to top. The Island of Hawaii boasts 11 of the 13 climate zones in the world and such fantastic and diverse landscapes that no one can grow tired of driving around the Island to explore them all!  It is possible to spend the morning snorkeling and enjoying a beach, the afternoon zip lining through a rain forest, dinnertime with a picnic dinner overlooking a volcano, and the night stargazing ...