Mar 18, 2018 | Lifestyle, Moments
Before today ends, I just want to share how incredibly grateful I am for these 26 years of living. From the sweet treats by my coworkers, to scuba diving a new site and getting buzzed by a turtle, hammocking on the beach with friends, listening to live music, getting gifted with pearls, a donation to my fave nonprofit, and the adventure fund, and a super rad Earth Day Everyday shirt from Ian (and designed by his talented coworker Valentine), all the back rubs and TLC from my main squeeze, ahhh and eating way too much good food… This weekend has been absolutely exceptional!
Plus, we officially booked our Puerto Rico leg of our May trip and got confirmation from our great friends that they’ll be meeting us there!! I’m thrilled for a new year of growth, learnings, and adventures!
Photo credit: Ian M – My boo, my babe. The best boyfriend and support system in the whole dang world. I’m blessed to have such a cutie pizzle. ❤️
Jan 29, 2018 | Journal, Lifestyle
Journal #8: A book that has influenced your life
1. The Bible. The basis for my value system consisted of my asian parents, a mix of Samoan and Filipino culture, and the Holy Bible. I grew up going to church and attending a Christian school. So the Bible was really my go-to book, and I still turn to the Word for spiritual guidance.
2. The Alchemist. I “borrowed” this book from a friend because I had heard good things about it. And it was food for my soul. I read it with elan and was raptured with Santiago’s Personal Legend. It felt like I was on that same journey. Still am. Not knowing where I’m going but following the star in my dreams to one day meet my destiny.
3. Field Guide to the Sāmoan Archipelago. I know, random right? But there’s a back story to this. When I first started dating my boyfriend, he was (and still is) a huge fish nerd. We spent many evenings learning their scientific names, (along with eating college style spaghetti and playing card games) and thumbing through a big hardcover book containing pretty much all the fish species out there. So a few weeks into the relationship, I went to the National Park office and purchased this field guide written and illustrated by Meryl Rose Goldin. And I love it. It’s got a sentimental value for me.
May 2, 2017 | Photography
At 7 months pregnant, Kelley is still a bombshell in a
lavalava. This hot mama and her handsome husband of 7 years are expecting a
tama o le motu in June.
We spent an afternoon on her home beach attempting to do some underwater photos but after some technical difficulties we played little mermaid turned human by love. And then a few days later we headed over to Moana O Sina for photos just before dark and listened to the waves crash against the lava rocks at dinner.
Both Kelley and Alden are marine scientists, living loving and working to promote earth friendly solutions in American Samoa. I was really excited when Kelley asked me to take their photos and had a lot of fun hanging out with this duo.
She is a mermaid. A steward of the sea.
Nerelle is an incredibly kind and caring person, and that love for people really shines when she’s shooting. She’s able to make everyone feel comfortable while getting shot, even photographers who are notorious for disliking being on the other side of the lens. In addition to her great personality and people skills, Rellie has some great camera skills too! She’s very creative and knows how to use the local environment to her advantage, and while I don’t know enough to speak to the technical parts of editing, I can say the photos sure look even better when she’s done editing than they did before!
– Kelley Anderson Tagarino
Apr 20, 2017 | Culture, Lifestyle
My last blog post (and first ever podcast!) was a little preview of what Coconut Mutts is and how it got started. But beyond the organization, Coconut Mutts is made up of people who genuinely care.
Out of love and compassion for our canine and feline friends, Coconut Mutts and a tribe of animal lovers got together for an outdoor movie night and silent auction benefit, where all proceeds would go directly towards purchasing much needed supplies for the only veterinarian clinic in American Samoa.
Coconut Mutts Founder, Kelsey Johnson, with Tiny the Chihuahua
Listen and read my interview with Kelsey here.
It was a fun way to hang out and do some good at the same time. We watched “All Dogs Go To Heaven” and appropriately (or inappropriately) ate hot dogs. Items at the silent auction were all donated by community members. People bid on various things like paintings, homemade candles, circus tickets, massages, and surf lessons.
Jan 31, 2017 | Lifestyle, Photography
These cuties really enjoy the ocean and eating salty watermelons. I invited my coworkers and their kids over last weekend for a swim, and it turned into a mini photo shoot of the girls because they are just so darn adorable! Colette and Stuart’s daughters are basically Fijian princesses–and I’m calling it, they’re going to be Miss Fiji one day!
