Royal Birthday

The Merrie Monarch!

Antique

Kuhio Avenue, Waikiki

"The arc of the moral universe is long but it bends towards justice."

- Martin Luther King Jr.

"The heart of a fool is his mouth, but the mouth of a wise man is his heart."

- Ben Franklin

"If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart."

- Nelson Mandela

Walking in Waikiki
"A Perfect Day”
Visitors strolling Waikiki on a recent morning were visibly curious about rather un-ordinary events at the triangle park just where Kuhio Avenue begins. Masons stood honor guard in their feathered hats, capes, swords and medallia. Dignitaries hob-nobbed in their VIP seats, while Royal Society members, their Hawaiian faces older, yet even more beautiful year to year, sat in their archaic black finery, still faithful at their unique intersection of history and heart. They were all there to commemorate the 172nd birthday (Sunday November 16) of David Kalakaua, Hawaii’s last king. Trotting through Fort DeRussy, late as usual, I could hear the Royal Hawaiian Band and felt what I imagined was the special excitement of hurrying to a royal occasion. As I reached the ceremony, noted historian and musician Palani Vaughn was singing one of his own monarchy-themed compositions with the band. As the birds chirped along, a glorified traffic-island (albeit with a stately statue of the sovereign) became truly a timeless piece of sovereign Hawaiian soil. “He’s still our King…in our hearts.” One lady told me. A humane dignity, local style, prevailed; equal parts pride and humility. Chatting with me as the band stood down Maestro Nakasone explained that it was Kamehameha III who chartered “our” band. Good for Kam III! For it has often seemed to me that Kalakaua had the most formidable wealth of “firsts” and foundings under his kingly belt. According to the Councils General, city officials and other grand Pooh-Bahs who spoke, these 'firsts' included the first Honolulu power plant, the Honolulu fire department, and the initial invitation of Japanese subjects to live and work in the Kingdom of Hawaii. As we all sang “Hawaii Aloha,” Hawaii's anthem, a Royal Society gentleman shared a brief smile with me. When the band concluded he walked over, shared one of his lei also, and accepted a kiss. That’s my Hawaii – even here in bustling Waikiki. The sweetness of life in these isles is definitely still around if you care to believe in it. Even busy Palani Vaughn made time to talk story afterwards with a stranger about the magical night of Kalakaua’s birth, and about the powerful Heiau (temple) of Mana Mana at the foot of sacred Puowaina (Punchbowl) where Queen’s Hospital stands today. But it was not all serious; Palani told me with a wink that the famous Iolani Palace telephone system probably served mostly to warn the king and his fellow card players (including Robert Louis Stevenson) that the queen was coming to break up the party! “One prophesy marked Kalakaua’s life and reign,” Palani told me. “Shortly before his birth, it was prophesied that the ancient Hawaiian bones would live again.” Just to think how close the world came to losing Hula, to losing Hawaiian culture and language forever! I gratefully said a silent “Hauoli (happy) La (day) [of] Hanau (birth)” to the man who championed and defended these treasures that spread widening joy around the world today: the “Merrie Monarch” Kawika (“David”) Kalakaua, the king who fulfilled a prophecy. . . A short walk away, at the Hawaii Convention Center, the second annual International Waikiki Hula Conference was underway. Hula dancers, their fans and supporters from all over the globe had gathered to learn from among the most honored and acknowledged Kumu Hula (Hula Masters) in Hawaii Nei. When I spotted living treasure Uncle George Na`ope signing autographs I knew that this was the place for the REAL stuff. Uncle George is one of the seminal figures in Hula and a guiding force behind Hula’s annual “Olympics” the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo every spring. His kolohe (mischievous) dancing before the exhausted and emotional festival crowd as the judges tabulate three days of competition is a highpoint of da year for many of us. Just seeing him walk down Ali’i Drive (wearing more Hawaiian bracelets than me) when I lived in Kona made any day special. The list of conference participants, workshops and presentations mark this event a do-not-miss for serious students of Hula (you know who you are. Akelamalu?). The Waikiki Improvement Association sure came up with an “only in Hawaii” event that should run for years to come (and just at a quiet time for hotels too, clever “win-win”). . . What a day! I needed the hard stuff: Kimchee - and only the authentic kind could help me. Fortunately Palama Supermarket is just off Kalakaua Avenue on nearby Makaloa Street. Here among the (to me) incomprehensible groceries and kitchen wares can be found authentic Korean food ready-to-eat at a price anyone can appreciate! Soups, stews, beef, chicken and bi bim bap, all with a side of macaroni salad, perfect rice, and of course Korean penicillin: kimchee! I suggest you enjoy some for your health despite what your non-Korean ohana (family & close friends) might say about your fragrance afterwards. . . Mid November already! Soon we will see the beginning of "Honolulu City Lights" with the lighting of the civic Christmas tree and the kick-off electric parade. Heck, we all know that Mayor Mufi is going sing! Flashing-lighted garbage trucks, and meter maid three-wheelers tricked out to be Santa’s reindeer, just might bring a tear to your eye when no one’s looking. See you there? Early christmas dreams of a bowl game for our college football team dance in our heads too. . . dance hula that is, in this place that we love, where you can attend a king’s party, enjoy authentic world-class culture, or eat down-home kau kau (food) on-the-hoof. . . when you’re hoofing in Waikiki. . .

Aloha! Cloudia

One O'Clock

top: a Ted Trimmer Photo

Morning Sky

The Cousins

"Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today." - James Dean

"If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: 'He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned.'" - Epictetus

"I was reading the dictionary. I thought it was a poem about everything."

- Steven Wright

Dad and I had a complicated relationship from the beginning. It was a product of the times, and of two very different temperaments. Recently when I read that brain scans show activity in the pleasure centers of bullies when they are torturing their victims, I found myself reflecting on Dad and on my upbringing. Immediately I felt guilty. . . but still . . .

He never intended to be "challenging." He kept a roof over our heads. He didn't ever understand the effect he was having. Going out on my own helped me to grow up and to follow my path . . . but still. . .

A few years ago he & Mom moved to O`ahu from the Big Island. I was glad and looked forward (finally!) to having relaxed times with them in their old age. Everything quickly became a negotiation. They mean well . . . but still . . .

They both are key parts of my identity, some parts I've had to outgrow, and some I cherish. A few weeks ago, Dad started talking about being the last of his circle of childhood buddies. All gone except the last of the Mohicans. He reached his 82nd birthday and started talking about "when he goes." Probably he already felt the signs. Soon we all noticed that he was weakening and losing weight. He's had health scares before, but bounced back. I guess I stupidly always thought there'd be time to laugh together . . . but still . . .

I was at his place when the Phillies won the World Series. It was one thing we could share happiness about.

The WWII veteran was also overjoyed when Barack won the White House; something else we share.

I knew that he had cancer. I've been a hospice volunteer and know the signs when they come in, still talking about "when I get better." . . . but still . . .

A fellow blogger, Bubble Wench, recently posted an honest "cri de cour," a cry from her heart, about all the challenges that she's carrying right now. Rather than be turned-off, or taking the opportunity to feel better about myself, I was moved by her honesty & courage. Judging by her comments forum, many others felt the same. She isn't a whiner - she's courageous . . . and human. Today deciding whether I had it in me to post more than pictures & quotes I thought of my web friend Bubble Wench and decided to risk sharing my heart with you this day.

You see, at One O'clock, Dad & Mom will be at the doctors office hearing the results of a million scans and tests. I already know what they will say: "Very little time for my Dad to really see me, and for us to really commune from our hearts." Tomorrow I'll resume posting about King Kalakaua's 172nd birthday (on Sunday), rhapsodising about the healing skies and drumming of the surf . . .but first, I want to leave you with a passage by a wise woman. I dedicate it to you, my web-friends, and fellow wounded healers.

“Service rests on the basic premise that the nature of life is sacred…Fundamentally, helping, fixing, and service are ways of seeing life. When you help, you see life as weak. When you fix, you see life as broken. When you serve, you see life as whole. From the perspective of service, we are all connected. All suffering is like my suffering and all joy is like my joy…Service goes beyond expertise. Service is another way of life. Service is a relationship between equals…In helping, we may find a sense of satisfaction; in serving, we have an experience of gratitude… When we serve, we discover that life is holy…Service is closer to generosity than it is to duty…Over the long run, fixing and helping are draining but service is renewing. When you serve, your work itself will sustain you, renew you, and bless you, often over many years.”

- Rachel Naomi Remen, from her book, 'My Grandfather’s Blessings'

Aloha Nui to YOU all!

Cloudia

Mirrors

Ted Trimmer Photo

Queen's Surf, Waikiki
"Looking in"



"If you hate a person, you hate something of him that is part of yourself. What isn't part of ourselves doesn't disturb us."
- Herman Hesse


"What you admire in another, is already within yourself. You couldn't recognize it if it wasn't a part of you."
- Maryanne Williamson




"It is in our lives and not our words that our religion must be read."
- Thomas Jefferson

Relationships

Youth trades pleasure

Till the full moon rise;

Age shares comfort

For they have become

Wise.

Spiraling into Control

Diamond Head by Ted Trimmer

Palila bird

"Seek simplicity, and distrust it." - Alfred North Whitehead

"I hope we shall crush in its birth the aristocracy of our monied corporations which dare already to challenge our government to a trial by strength, and bid defiance to the laws of our country."

-Thomas Jefferson

"I went to a restaurant that serves 'breakfast at any time'. So I ordered French Toast during the Renaissance." - Steven Wright

Aloha mai! Welcome-

First, a give away. I love the splash of moonlight that shines on water, lake, pond, or puddle. That is called a "Moon Glade." One of my favourite words. My gift to you.

Every day the small fry in the harbor are bigger. They swim and sport with growing skill & beauty. Sort of restores your faith in regenerative nature. Even saw a first-time seahorse the other day! Oh, and a shooting star last evening. Just standing outside, drinking it all in, reflecting on worries and glories of the day. There it was like a sudden love note from eternity: "It's all gonna be OK."

Seems to me that lots of things are being re-evaluated, and re-valued today; like mortgages and your retirement account. It's a good time for a fresh look at what we value; not with our words, but in our day to day actions. We post-moderns have gained much materially, but we have surrendered lots of the real texture, flavor and meaning of life. Now the spell of "more & more" seems to be melting away. The things left standing: a warm bed, a healthy body, the wealth of fond family & friends, a quiet moment to contemplate the night sky, while riding the earth as it ticks off time in seconds and in ages. There will always be details, but we've taken our eyes off of treasure to specialize in details and have become dull. As I go about renegotiating the values in my life a passage comes to mind: "They shall mount on eagles wings." This is a heroic cliche` of an image to someone who lives in a city as I did. But once I got to Hawaii and watched the IO, the red tailed Hawaiian Hawk, circling over the Big Island, what I saw was a bird going around in circles. They don't fly straight to the heights like a superman, or a rocket. No. As in a flying meditation they retrace the same circumscribed repetition in the sky. Over and over. But I noticed something else too: each circuit takes them imperceptibly higher and higher till they are friendly with the snow covered tropic mountain, Maunakea, and conversant with the clouds and early moon. Finally, their view is unrestricted. Stress and striving don't buy them that view. They attain it by following their true nature. Perhaps the groaning of the world economic system will lead us to lives of paradoxical richness? But just for right now: go outside into nature. (after you leave your comment ;-) Play with a child, pet, or childlike adult who you know well, or just this moment met. Stop and breathe and go to your heart. All the answers you need are there patiently waiting. I've found that stress defeats itself. The experiments were exhaustive and went on for years! So take it from me: Walk the gentle path . . . and you may just find yourself spiralling into control. . . effortlessly. Mounting on the wings of your grateful heart.

A L O H A! Cloudia

Veterans

a Ted Trimmer photo of Maui from the air.

Hawaiian Flag

Punchbowl Cemetery at Puowaina, "The place of sacrifice"

"To be a patriot is to [sometimes] have a lovers' quarrel with your country."

-Wm. Sloane Coffin

I never had much awareness of the military growing up. Sure dad, and all the men around, had won WWII along with our allies, but the military was not a family tradition, or a career path that would have appealed to me. Besides, my two childhood heroes were Martin Luther King, and Leonardo DaVinci. Leonardo said that if you were a lover of peace, you should have brilliant machines to defend that peace. I loved his siege engine drawings, and I still adore high-tech war birds when they roar by at tree top level for some event, like today's "missing man" flyover . . . But I digress. . .

Here in Hawaii, the military is a significant presence. From Pearl Harbor, there WWII began for the USA, to the Barking Sands of Kauai where missiles are launched, tracked, brought down, to Schofield Barracks where "From Here to Eternity" was lived and filmed, and on to the giant veterans' cemetery at Punchbowl where Barack Obama's grandfather lies, Hawaii is a place where you experience the military up close. I even wrote a poem about the young service men & women who pass through Waikiki on their way to and from more dangerous places:

These Are The Boys


These are the boys who surf the waves
Or try to
Who cruise Waikiki
With radios thumping loud
Drunken, polite
Away from home for the first time
Supremely confident in youth
And in America.
These are the boys
Who go to the wars
Who go to the wars
And Die.

As you can tell, I have very mixed feelings about all of this. I honor those who put their lives on the line to defend homes, strangers, and high ideals. But I know that most often aggression could be avoided, and that those who "choose" diplomacy by other means are often wilfully blind to the consequences, and to other solutions. Nonetheless, I do honor the individual who gives up their personal freedom to obey and to serve. I could never do it. I am grateful to blog world friend, Brother Tobias for his description of proud British veterans at an event recently.

Here in Hawaii we walk among a shrinking number of aging, local Japanese boys who served in the most decorated unit of WWII; they were the 442 "Go For Broke" boys who left family and friends in internment camps to fight fascism overseas, and to ultimately be the ones who shot the lock off the gates of Auschwitz. "You fought two enemies, the Nazis, and prejudice. And you have won." President Harry Truman said of them. Our Senator Dan Innouye left his arm in France, but continues to serve Hawaii and the nation without it.

Of course, it was US Marines off of the USS Boston in Honolulu Harbor who helped insure the overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy and of the internationally recognized nation of Hawaii. We in Hawaii have a complicated relationship with the islands and people we love, and with the USA that our parents fought and sometimes died for. It's like being children of a complicated marriage; we love both of our parents, even if they disagree from time to time. The formal apology by Bill Clinton's administration was a good step, but only a step in resolving this relationship. . .

Yes, the military holds a lot of Hawaii land, including a big chunk of Waikiki. When you turn Right onto Kalia from Ala Moana Blvd, and drive past the Hilton's 3 heroic hula dancer statues, you are entering the heart of federal property. Fort DeRussy, the Hale Koa hotel, and, Kuroda Field are the sunny face of the military in Hawaii. Depleted uranium rounds, "ordinance reef" (off of leeward O`ahu), and the militarization of sacred Makua valley are the less than beautiful face of our military presence. See, that is a complicated relationship . . .

But today we say a big "Mahalo" to the men and women of every nation and tribe who put themselves at discomfort and risk to serve others. May our "leaders" respect them enough to deploy them with wisdom, discretion, and humanity. And thanks to you too, Dad!

A L O H A! Cloudia

Morning In Waikiki

Morning is a special time of day wherever you awaken, but gentle Waikiki mornings seem to have a distinct excitement and uniqueness about them every day. Perhaps it is those “first day of vacation” tingles pulsing through the trade winds. Or maybe it’s the poignancy of sunburned, baggage laden visitors yawning at the taxi stand, steeling themselves for the ordeal of returning to…. wherever else. It doesn’t matter where. Those of us in thrall to Waikiki wish them a sad Aloha, with a bit of a happy twinge (truth be told) that it’s not US (!) leaving the magic beach town; or not yet anyway!
Thoughtful Diamond Head shields us from the earlier dawn, letting us sleep in a bit, and Splash the harbor cat stirs in the pink basket of a little girl’s bicycle chained to the rack at the head of G – Dock. Little feline “Radar O’Reilly” will follow her hunger unerringly to a friendly early fisherman, McMuffin sharing tourist, or juicy trash can fish head. Then, satiated and casual, she will patrol the docks, keeping an eye on the Kolea and Java finches feeding on “her” bit of lawn. Then it’s time to snooze again, no doubt under the dark blue canvas of some neighbors covered boat, till it’s time to work for her dinner again, posing for vacation photos, and licking her paw in the afternoon sunlight. No one exactly “owns” Splash, but she has lots of friends, and lots of names, and is clearly too friendly and self possessed to be a feral wild child. She is simply part of the Ala Wai Harbor, part of our community.
Hard working Hilton, Ilikai, and Hawaii Prince workers fill almost every public parking space in the harbor on some days, like the morning tide rolling in, just as the hard working harbor residents leave for their jobs. And Stan the Man, who builds and maintains everything at the Hawaii Yacht Club walks his two miles from home, smoking like a narrow gauge Japanese locomotive, and saying funny-friendly things to everyone that matters as he passes.
Older (or younger!) couples whose very appearance screams: “Maine!” “Ohio!” “Stuttgart!” or “Beloit!” thoughtfully muse upon the tethered boats, and our alluring harbor bulletin boards where boats for sale, and crewing positions to Tahiti, are offered. Till the wife (usually it’s the wife) gets hungry for breakfast at the Harbor Pub and, clutching her discount coupon, drags her husband away from what “might have been” back to whirlwind vacation fun, Waikiki edition: the beach, the bar, the lunch, shopping at Ala Moana Shopping Center, the world’s largest open-air mall, and finally, the bus to the Lu`au. Very few akamai souls will take a customized, really local and personal tour with Papa Al, or get off the beaten path by themselves to experience the wonders of America’s oldest China Town, the royal Iolani Palace, or the historical and breathtaking Pali Lookout. You came this far; so check out the stark and beautiful Ka Iwi coastline, and the lush, tropical Windward Side of our island of O`ahu while you’re here!
Then there are the lucky and blessed folks who simply rest and rejuvenate in the healing sands of Waikiki, this ancient spa favored by the Chiefs, Chiefesses, Kings and Queens of this kingdom by the sea. Very few modern people, I think, fully relax long enough to truly benefit from our medicinal breezes, chanting waves, and rustling palms. But Waikiki waits patiently as always, full of tangible magic for the lucky one who lets everything loose just to listen to the warm, the song of birds, and the laughing voices of children from all over the world playing together. Yes, too few of us surrender to the Lomi Lomi of Waikiki’s healing Mana. Try. . . You’ll like!
Having fallen under that magical spell, a lucky, blessed few of us never leave, like Splash the harbor cat waking to another gentle Waikiki morning. What will there be to eat today? Who will I smile upon or talk with on my slow progress up the beach this afternoon?
I hope that I will awaken here in Waikiki as long as my boat, my mooring permit, my luck, and my body hold up. Each day here is unique in beauty. . . like all the others, just because it opens its petals here in magical Waikiki. So the white doves of Fort DeRussy, Splash the harbor cat, and me, we’ll hold a place for you under the palms, right in front of the Hula Mound.
Till then. . . I’ll be here. . . Walking in Waikiki. . .

Aloha!


You can check out my novel: “Aloha Where You Like Go?” at Isle bookstores and at Amazon.com. MAHALO!

Hawaii Photos

Photos: A friend at Pokai Bay

Apapane by Carroll Cox

Robert Louis Stevenson

& Queen Liliuokalani

Queen Mum & Duke Kahanamoku

"I might repeat to myself slowly and soothingly, a list of quotations beautiful from minds profound - if I can remember any of the damn things."
Dorothy Parker

A plug for my little novel.
"A wise little book masquerading as a
good story."

Young Man
Young man looks ahead
Old man looks back
The moment, a shiny penny,
Rolls unnoticed down the crack.

A L O H A! Cloudia