A few of you mentioned there was a problem accessing last week’s “Reflections on Hawaii” post for which I apologize. For those of you who actually want to read it, here it is again (hopefully). May the Internet Gremlins be on vacation this week.
Reflections on Hawai’i
You may recall my post from last week sharing my joy at being able to witness my granddaughter graduate from high school. The celebration of the entire school was so joyful and remarkable. After the graduation, I was able to enjoy being with my family and to see the sights of the Big Island. Oh Hawai’i, you temptress! Such diversity, such beauty. From cactus to unusual trees along roadsides, to volcanoes and geological formations, the names of which were totally lost on me. I may not be able to pronounce all those Hawaiian names let alone remember them, but they burned their beautiful images in my brain so much so I shan’t forget them any time soon. The people, the culture, the amazing array of plants! Egad, all the things I’ve been seeing…those are freaking house plants in my reality, not garden hedges!
And the smells and sounds! The fresh sea air, I mean, truly fresh, not that salted, almost-bad fish smell that you are more likely to associate with beaches. The pounding of rain on avocado tree leaves in an early morning shower, the coqui frogs in the evening whistling their funny little sound. The smell of fresh Kona lattes every morning (ma-halo to Kim as well as Kevin for keeping me in a blissful state of caffeine-ation) and the cool crisp bubbly swallow of a Kona Brewing Longboard after a long day of sight-seeing. I guess the only two things I won’t be missing are sunburns and poi, but everything else, I’m already missing.
I’ll miss seeing my son first thing in the morning, his humor and amazing knowledge of what’s-what when we were on the road to unbelievable sights of the island, pride in my grandson and granddaughter and their giggle fits about silly things and genuine love and caring for one another, the kindness of my daughter-in-law after she had a particularly rough day at work. The laughter and bond shared by a family connected by something that 3312 miles cannot break (not even when we realized the Mai Tai mix already had rum in it–oops–so much for moderation). And those breath-taking sunsets every night from the lanai. Yes, I’ll miss all of that but have something to look forward to down the road–a return trip. Yeah Hawai’i, you can’t get rid of me that easily.
Live, love, bark! <3
Mon,
You transported me to the island with your descriptions and wonderfully written thoughts. It sounds like an amazing, transforming trip; one that you will always remember. The stuff that memories are made of…and that is good stuff! Thanks for sharing, Lu
Aw, thanks Lu. Hawaii is definitely a state of bliss and beauty. ღ
Thanks, Judy. Yes, it was super special, not just because I got to see my family. There is definitely a magic about the island. I now understand why Kevin thinks it’s paradise. <3
Thanks, Nancy. I’m not sure just what happened by a few people contacted me and said they couldn’t access the first story. I think I have an idea and hopefully have corrected that problem. Yes, Hawai’i is a very special place indeed. I absolutely loved how joyous and celebratory the graduation was; definitely a delight for all the senses! <3
Hi Monica. I read the Hawaii story first time around and it brought back some happy memories of my own from my only trip to Hawaii. I attended a high school graduation and really enjoyed how the cultures were intermingled. I’m glad you got to go and I’m sure your 4 legged friend would have enjoyed it also.
See you soon, Nancy