The first time I went to hawaii in the early 80s, I was awestruck. I couldn’t believe how incredibly comfortable I felt. Granted, I was on vacation but that rarely is enough for me to let go. Oftentimes when I go on vacation, the job comes with me. I think about projects that I just finished or will be due upon my return. But while hanging out on a beach on Oahu’s North Shore, I forgot I even had a job much less had responsibilities that made a job necessary. Since that first trip, I’ve visited every island at least once, my favorite being Maui for its combination of country pace and metropolitan opportunity.
I write this now with a growing sense of longing. I’ve discussed it with the Red Queen a number of times over the last few days and it is becoming increasingly clear to me that perhaps now is the time to do what I’ve dreamed of doing for as long as I can remember.
I’m seriously thinking of moving to Hawaii. The freelance assignments I’ve finagled are more than enough (even working two days a week) that I could easily afford rent and a relatively lavish lifestyle on any of the islands. If the Red Queen joins me once I get settled, her income would mean an even more robust lifestyle. Granted, freelance work is a feast or famine type of existence for writers but since I’m a miser by nature, I could easily save a bit here and there for the inevitable famines that would strike…