Fountain of Youth

top: a Ted Trimmer Sunset

"Haku" Lei (on the head)

Boundary. See it?

Strutting Egret (at the busy Hilton beachfront)

"I have the world's largest collection of seashells. I keep it on all the beaches of the world... perhaps you've seen it." - Steven Wright

"He who knows best knows how little he knows." - Thomas Jefferson

"I hold this to be the highest task for a bond between two people: that each protects the solitude of the other." - Rainer Maria Rilke

• • •
CHILDLIKE TRAITS ARE THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH!

Here are the "childlike" traits that the late anthropologist Ashley Montagu claimed would preserve youthfulness in adults:

· The need for love
· Friendship
· Sensitivity
· The need to think soundly
· The need to know
· The need to learn
· The need to work
· The need to organize
· Curiosity
· A sense of wonder
· Playfulness
· Imagination
· Creativity
· Open-mindedness
· Flexibility
· Experimental-mindedness
· Explorativeness
· Resiliency
· A sense of humor
· Joyfulness
· Laughter and tears
· Optimism
· Honesty and trust
· Compassionate intelligence
· Dance
· Song
Source: "Growing Young" by Ashley Montagu (Bergin & Garvey, 1988).

Around the Next Corner

Top: A Ted Trimmer Beauty













Christmas Tree & Palm

It's called 'fishing' not 'catching.' Why isn't it 'taxi waiting' rather than 'taxi driving?'

Street Hula!

"Everything is blooming most recklessly; if it were voices instead of colors, there would be an unbelievable shrieking into the heart of the night."

- Rainer Maria Rilke

"No place is boring, if you've had a good night's sleep and have a pocket full of unexposed film."

- Robert Adams

"Some people have too much uniqueness to be properly expressed by a merely pretty face."

- Anonymous

Everywhere we walk in Waikiki there are flowers, smiles, hidden patches of green, and quiet gardens to discover. Blossoms drift down on the trade wind breezes, I call it Hawaiian Snow; beguiling to the eye. Thought's train pulls once again into a beautifully peaceful station. . . The song of birds plays filigree, an arabesque, a siren's call. . . All punctuated by the normal sounds of today, rolling in from the boulevard. But look! Around this corner is a trio of living treasure; their music acoustic, burnished, simple, & true. . . . . . so linger beneath the tropical Christmas tree, as Palm looks on bemused, chuckling softly to herself, and dances . . . dances an unconscious hula of her own . . . . .

A L O H A! Cloudia

Brooklyn Bridge & Diamond Head

Top: Ted Trimmer Photo





















Da Big Pineapple Water Tower over the old cannery. RIP


















"A concept is stronger than a fact." - Charlotte P. Gilman



"No man remains quite what he was when he recognizes himself."
- Thomas Mann


“Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand.”
-Chinese Proverb

After a rainy Saturday, the sun smiled out again on Sunday. A one day winter, huddling cozy indoors is fun and restorative. Then Spring and Summer return to Waikiki - it's a day at the beach! So before I go out to play, I'll leave you with a little poem called:

Landmarks

Brooklyn Bridge

and

Diamond Head

are friends.

Ships look to them

so do birds and clouds.

Both remember horses fondly,

as jets fly

overhead.

A L O H A ! Cloudia

Makahiki Time

Ted Trimmer Photo; rights reserved
"The world is mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful."
- e. e. cummings

"I want to be with those who know secret things or else alone."


- Rainer Maria Rilke

In the old times, Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) studied nature and her changes closely, especially the movements of the heavens. The first sliver of November's new moon marks the beginning of Hawaii's winter months, the Makahiki Season that some call Hawaiian New Year.

It was by navigating across the vast Pacific, guided by the star Hokule`a (the star of gladness) that the first people had voyaged to Hawaii Nei. Their children trusted the wisdom embodied in the stars to indicate proper times to plant, harvest, observe festivals, or even when to make war. The stars have guided the Hawaiians from the kahiko (ancient) days.

Makahiki begins with the appearance in the eastern sky of a star constellation called in Hawaiian: Na Huihui o Makali`i, in which name my poor Hawaiian sees the (na) club (hui, saying it twice a sort of emphasis) eyes (maka) Ali`i (royal chiefs); perhaps "The League of Watching Chiefs" would not be an entirely incorrect translation. Yes, "The Pleaides," or Seven Sisters, as they are called in English, are very significant to foundational Hawaiian thought. In fact, according to the ancient tradition, the first Hawaiian people came to Earth from the Makali`i! The star-based Hawaiian calendar has always placed a special significance on these interstellar ties to the Makali`i.

For four months, the Ho`o-ilo (winter season) will be taken up by the Makahiki, the year's most important holiday and traditional celebration of the harvest. It is a time of personal rest, and spiritual & cultural renewal, a 'jubilee' so to speak. It was a time when all wars and battles were ceased, tributes and taxes were paid by each district to the ruling chief, sporting competitions and contests between villages were organized, and festive events were commenced. Even some of the rigid kapu (taboos) were suspended for this period of rest and renewal. As in the Bible, the land lay fallow in preparation of the next growing season. The Makahiki is considered a species of "first fruits" festivals common throughout the world's first nations. It is cousin of our own American and Canadian Thanksgiving, of Oktoberfest, and numerous other harvest celebrations of our present day as well.


Though a somewhat similar holiday period was observed throughout Polynesia it was here in pre-contact Hawaii that the festival reached its fullest flower. Lono, the god of peace, agriculture and fertility, was especially propitiated during this period. Lono was said to be embodied in a certain clustering of dark clouds, in thunder, in the partial rainbow, whirlwinds, and even waterspouts - all Hawaii winter phenomena.

The Hawaiian Makahiki festival proceeded in a clockwise circle around the island. The image of Lono (Akua Loa - a long pole with a strip of white tapa cloth) was carried thither by the kahuna. It is said that Captain Cook's sails resembled these lono standards. Arriving as he did during Makahiki assured a peaceful visit. It was not till he returned unexpectedly later that tension developed. You see, at the very end of the Makahiki festival, the chief would go off shore in a canoe. When he stepped back on the beach, a group of his warriors threw spears at him which he had to deflect or parry. Success proved his worthiness to continue his rule. Perhaps Cook merely failed to "duck," proving unworthy?

Today, late November is still the beginning of the Ho`o-ilo (winter or rainy season) in our modern Hawaii. The Makali`i cluster once again rises at sunset and sets at dawn, visible through the night. The Heavenly Chiefs are still watching. Lono, god of peace and harvest, will remain close until Kau (summer) begins with the Makali'i rising in the dawn's east, no longer visible in the dark, sacred night. Till then, Lono is said to be in the rain that falls from the Kona direction, just as I shelter from today. So you see, even now the ancient energies renew the vitality of our `aina (land), nourishing our gardens with liquid blessing.

Todays Makahiki events and activities are practiced in abbreviated form. Still, there are said to be Hawaiian souls who return from the past to embrace their descendants and Hawaii people of today. Island residents still hear ancient drums sounding on certain nights, especially near ancient Heiau (temples) and other sites of timeless significance. Some have even witnessed spectral apparitions, processions of chiefly spirits in ancient regalia, along the ancient, half forgotten ala (paths).


So brew another cup. Pull the covers tighter around you, and listen to the whisperings of your own local gods in the branches and among the buildings. It is a time of rest and renewal; a time of looking forward and back.
Happy MAKAHIKI season to you. Let the games & feasting begin!
A L O H A ! Cloudia

Healing Ourselves

So much is going on in our world, in our communities, and our families, that we each need to make emotional care for ourselves a priority.








Your responsibilities require some "irresponsibility" in the mix. So take a walk with no destination or chore. Follow your caprice. Then whimsy might just find you around that next corner, behind that next tree, in the eyes of an animal, or the unseen rooting section behind the clouds.

Waikiki has always been regarded as a place of magical healing. Three little streams are born of clean trade wind showers high up in the Ko`olau Mountains. They flow joyously down through the valleys of Palolo and Manoa before they reach the sea here at the beach. This mixing of waters: brackish, fresh & salt, makes a potent energetic brew. Then clean, tangy air, tumbling surf & good light join in the dance. This meeting place of sea & land, this broad blending of peoples and traditions, creates a unique micro-climate of Aloha . . . Shall we stroll along a little?

"Every aspect of ourselves is a gift. Every emotion and every trait we possess helps show us the way to enlightenment, to oneness. We all have a shadow that is part of our total reality. Our shadow is here to point out where we are incomplete. It is here to teach us love, compassion and forgiveness, not just for others but also for ourselves. And when the shadow is embraced, it can heal us. . . we have buried our power, our competence, and our authenticity. . . when we bring them to the light of our consciousness and find their sacred gifts, they transform us. Then we are free." Debbie Ford, The Dark Side of the Light Chasers

A L O H A ! Cloudia

Day Off!

Just play 'hooky' today and come for a walk around sunny, breezy Honolulu with me!
What do you say?



"I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty than to those attending too small a degree of it." - Thomas Jefferson


“When the heart is at ease, the body is healthy”
-Chinese Proverb

"Let life happen to you. Believe me: life is in the right, always."
-Rainer Maria Rilke

A L O H A! Cloudia

Walking in Waikiki

"He aupuni palapala ko`u," My nation is a literate nation - Kamehameha III, ca: 1880's

"Sport: Born A Dog, Died a Gentleman" Epitaph at Hartsdale Pet Cemetery, New York

"Society can and does execute its own mandates. . . and it leaves fewer means of escape, penetrating much more deeply into the details of life, and enslaving the soul itself."

- J. S. Mill, On Liberty

Winter has come to Waikiki. . .
The nights are cooling, and it is time to bring out the quilts after months of sleeping only under a thin, rayon pareau (sarong). At night we fall asleep to the "rigging chimes" of the harbor: breezy ropes clanging against masts of aluminium and wood like the orchestra at a NOH play. Visitors enjoy the beaches, and locals may be spotted and known by their sweaters and light jackets. Delightful weather! A new display at Iolani Palace features some of King Kalakaua's personal treasures, including a gold cigarette case dusted with 99 diamonds, three emeralds, and four rubies, given him by his sister in law Po`omaikelani in 1881 as a birthday present. Other royal baubles include a "unicorn" cane (actually the tusk of a narwhal) and a 122 year old Swiss watch with a curious, early digital display. And speaking of family heirlooms, some of Madelyn Dunham's dresses have been removed to the Mu`u Mu`u Heaven Shop in Kailua in order for the fabric to be reworked into dresses for great-granddaughters Malia and Sasha Obama to wear. This sweet custom is an Obama family tradition. The President-elect wears aloha shirts made from his late mother's clothing as well . . . Winter surf is drawing crowds of up to 2,000 to watch world-class Triple Crown of Surfing events, like the kick-off 'Reef Hawaiian Pro' men's surfing contest recently at Ali`i Beach Park in Hale`iwa Town on our fabled North Shore. Waves the size of office buildings rush to the beach with a roar that cannot be described, you need to feel it, to experience it. Tiny, mad humans perched on splinters of high-tech fiberglass glide down the ever-changing faces of these giants; Sometimes they are tossed into the air and then immediately submerged under tons of crushing ocean, even dashed on the submerged reefs that give the ocean-travelling swells the "ali-UP!" boost which causes these awesome monster waves. Brudah Iz sang "Men Who Ride Mountains" about the professionals who enter the water on these "big days." The rest of us are safer on the shore, contemplating nature's furious ceremony at a prudent remove. DO observe posted warning signs when you go, check in with life-guards, and as the Hawaiians always say: "Never turn your back on the ocean." More better you do your OWN water sports here in gentle Waikiki! While we're on the beach, did you notice that orange helicopter flying low up the coast a minute ago? Every day our US Coast Guard conducts these slow, watchful flights (around 80 knots, and as low as 200 feet) around our isle of O`ahu. Flying about 350 search and rescue missions annually is just part of what they are doing. Environmental protection, such as enforcing the Marine Mammal Protection act, and port security, make the Coast guard a "multi-mission" asset to our island community. They also use cameras and deterrence to protect our wintering whales as well as providing an ever-reassuring presence to boaters and kayakers far from shore. Each HH-65 Dolphin carries two pilots, a rescue swimmer, and flight mechanic. Thanks folks! Students on the island of Kaua`i recently released 11 `A`O, or endangered Newell's Shearwaters, into the wild in a second annual
E Ho`opomaika`i ia na Manu `A`O (Blessing of the the Shearwater birds). For 30 years "Save our Shearwater" boxes have been available at island fire stations to receive (mostly) fledgling birds disoriented by lights, buildings, and human activity. They are a marine species born in nests high in upland forests of ohi`a and uluhe, who find their way out to sea from mid-September to mid-December. Thirty-two thousand such birds have been rescued and released since 1979, according to S.O.S. Students and public officials shared a youthful "yeah!" as each guest departed; and students from Ke Kula (School) Ni`ihau O Kekaha chanted in Hawaiian. "We're here to celebrate this really awesome bird. This bird is a part of you as you are a part of this island." said Nick Holmes, the project coordinator. . . Another endangered species, our local family-operated food producers, loses another member as Marufuku Brand Miso (soy bean) Paste Factory closes it's 67 year-old doors in Honolulu's workaday Kalihi neighborhod at the end of this year. Mr Harry Morita cooked and fermented his first barrel in 1941 when there were 40 other miso producers in the islands, and sugar plantations still spread over our plains. Mr. Morita immigrated from Japan at 11 years of age to work on a Maui Plantation. He didn't care for plantation life, ran away to work in a butcher shop and dreamt of owning his own store. Employment at a miso factory in Liliha set him on his life's path. He chose the name Marufuku because it means "never-ending good fortune." After his death 17 years ago the younger generation continued Harry's exemplary service ethic, even going so far as to deliver fresh miso to the homes of those with questions, and demonstrating methods of storing and cooking with their product. The Moritas will miss the clan business, but times change. "The family gets together to work and share stories . . . it's kind of sad because we won't be able to do that with the grand kids." said Harry's son, John Morita. . . BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Kumu Hula, musical performer, writer and cultural icon Robert Cazimero on being named a USA (United States Artists) Fellow. 50 creative types from some 21 US states were honored recently in Chicago. A (well deserved) $50,000 grant is appended to this honor! Do yourself a favor and check out ANY CD by the wonderful Brothers (Robert & brother Roland) Cazimero. Hawaiian music is what angels listen to at home, after all! Want to make YOUR angel smile? Take her to Paris Station on Keeaumoku at King Street! Women from all over the islands, and the world, make their way to this locally owned small business to trade and buy designer handbags. Cindy Young saw a market and boy has she cornered it! Gently used, and carefully selected Gucci, Dior, Fendi, Vuiton, and Hermes bags (all at a major discount) fill the colorful little shop along with some brand new items selling at "retail." Some refer to Paris Station as the happiest place on earth. That's cool; I prefer to think of Waikiki as Paris in Flip-flops, so designer bags are not exactly my "thing" but if they are YOURS this place will put a smile on your face. www.parisstation.com . . . A minor industry of Obama Tours is stirring, including "Barack Obama's Local Neighborhood" tour led by the civic-minded Clean Air Team. Call 808-948-3299 for information. . . Perhaps taking their cue from the stand-up surfing craze, skateboarders around Honolulu are now seen using "Pavement Paddles" to propel themselves along the sidewalk! Remember attaching skates to a wooden fruit-crate for your first home-made skateboard? Me neither ;-). . . Walking these Waikiki streets, I like to have a dollar bill or two ready to share with a smile. I spotted him just ahead: a young fellow with a well worn pack who looked as if he needed a meal. "Aloha," I smiled at him, "How's it going?" He looked happy but disoriented. "Had anything to eat?" I asked, offering him a dollar. "Oh that's cool," he replied with his own beatific smile. "I have this feather." he said, happily showing me a white quill. Nonplussed I continued on my way thinking of Disney's baby elephant Dumbo who was able to fly above the circus crowds clutching his magic feather. Safe landings, young man. . . . This weekend, the Honolulu Christmas tree will be erected downtown. Already!? Yes. I'd say we could all use a little Christmas right about now!
Think about celebrating it here with us. Life's parade is never boring . . . when you're walking in Waikiki. . .
A L O H A! Cloudia

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