Ephemeral Life...

Elliott came home last week sad. His 11-year old classmate and friend in his sixth grade class, Stephanie, drowned with her father while walking along the Makapu'u shoreline on the island of O'ahu. The ocean can be quick and deadly for the unknowing. Never turn your back on the ocean is a common saying in the islands. What appears to be calm swells can quickly send a rogue wave which wipes you off of the rocky ledges near the ocean's edge. I knew of another woman in Kona who was walking along the rocky shoreline with her boyfriend, seemingly high above the calm waters. A rogue wave smashed into them and washed her boyfriend into the water while it dropped her down onto the ledge below where she broke her back. It happens. This time is took the life of a beautiful young girl and her father who probably tried his best to rescue her to the point of giving up his own life. I let Elliott light a candle. I asked him to think of all the times he saw her. Talked. Shared. Think abou...

More scenes from the Duke Kahanamoku Canoe Challenge in Waikiki...

I found a beautiful little blossom at Koa's school today. It plummeted off of a tall palm which was shedding the little flowers one at a time. By the time I got it home, it was wilted and a little crushed. It really was beautiful when it still had life. I will have to photograph it under the tree next time right after it falls...

As I was about to eat breakfast this morning...I realized my bun was angry. So I refused to eat him until he calms down a little. Just a little...

When I look at a child, I feel a tremendous amount of love, compassion, protectiveness and caring. As well as optimism for the future. Any child. Not just my own. For I am counting on them to finish my dreams...

More scenes from this past weekend's Duke Kahanamoku Challenge in Waikiki...

I woke up early on this Sunday morning to go to Waikiki to assist in the Duke Kahanamoku Challenge this year which moved from its usual location in the Ala Wai to the Hilton Hawaiian Village and Duke Kahanamoku Beach...

I did a presentation last week for a local Catholic School on Hawaiian material culture, spirituality, life and knowledge. The children were wonderful and a beautiful spirit permeated our precious and valued time together...