Ephemeral Life...

Reflecting upon this past year, it is easy to see the seemingly endless and relentless challenges. However understanding that darkness can be our greatest teacher, something I have learned this past year, I am humbly grateful for the multitude of important lessons so many challenges have bestowed upon my Spiritual growth. What began as a year of apprehension and yes, even fear, has not evolved into a place of humble gratitude for the countless Blessings in this Life, and on this Shared Human Journey of our Immortal Souls. The other day, my son Koa wanted to get out of the house after being sequestered for the past nine-months. I took him with me to go grocery shopping which involved a long drive. He stayed in the car while I shopped and when I returned to the car, we spent some time bonding and just talking. You would think nine-months together in a small apartment would provide ample opportunity to converse, but somehow real life doesn’t always work that way. I was very grateful to sp...

All is Calm... All is Bright...

The Path of No Return...

An Assembly of Birds...

All I Ever Wanted... Or Needed... In This Life... Was Amazingly Beautiful... You...

The Eternal Promise of Hope...

This morning, while taking my shower, I gazed out my little bathroom window as the Sun rose in a pastel-hued radiant backdrop to Kaimana, or Diamond Head, as the world knows her. I was stunned to see such detail in the landscape of Mō'ili'ili, Kalia, Waikiki and beyond. My usual slightly blurry distance sight was replaced with the utmost clarity and discernment of every crisp detail of trees, roads, houses, buildings and other features. I didn't remember ever seeing this scene with such detail. It was if I possessed new eyes. I was in humble disbelief and stunned gratitude, giving thanks for this gift of renewed sight. As I entered my morning Prayers, I watched the Heavens. It was then that I noticed the steam and water vapor from the shower flowing out of the little window, swirling around, as it floated away, mixing with the atmosphere.  I understood that Ka Wai Ola a Kāne, the Life Giving Waters of Kāne, were in my Hā, my Breath, and my pious utterances and petitioning t...

The Magic of the Christmas Star relies upon the limitations of the naked eye. The blending of two planets into one Bright Star requires slightly blurry vision unaided by telescopes or telephoto lenses.  This scene captures the Great Conjunction, the First Hawaiian Bank Building Star, and apparently Santa Claus flying by in his sleigh on a practice run.  I remember sitting with you, on a grassy hill, in the early morning of March 4, 1226. It was as Beautiful tonight as it was way back then. As we watched silently, wondering if we would ever see each other again.  When you Wish Upon a Star...

I was excited like many photographers to capture the Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn which forms the "Christmas Star." I saw Beautiful captures of those in far away places who witnessed the Twilight hours arise before Hawai'i. After searching the Honolulu Skyline, I think I captured it. It was more Beautiful and Magical than I thought it would be...

Pōhaku Wānānā o Pai'ea... The Prophesy Stone of Kamehameha... Created in the fires of Halema'uma'u by the hands of Pele and the waters of Kanaloa for the prophet Ke'eaunaoa; I share the spirit of Kū. I tell the story of the killer of chiefs. I am the embodiment of Ke Akua and 'Io, who are one in the same. I told Elliott to be careful having his brother serve 'awa to akua Pele's creation for his photography assignment. Too late now...boys will be boys. Hahaha...

There are Places... In my Heart... Where Only You... Dwell... Safe from the World... Bathed in Moonlight... Blanketed in my Love...

In college, around 1987, our Photography 101 Professor would give us assignments by giving us a word and asking us to capture what the word meant to us. This particular assignment centered on the word, "Ancient." I wasn't feeling particularly motivated and ended up putting talcum powder in my hair, rubbed poi on my face and let it dry, and then became "The Mummy." I didn't even bother wrapping myself with toilet paper and just wore my t-shirt.  I might look more like a cackling witch than a mummy. Or maybe a warlock? Or a witchy-warlock? Or maybe a crazed college student who fell face first into two kilos of cocaine. My father could make this same face and it struck me how much I look like him. I never showed this photograph to anyone outside my photography class for the past thirty-years. Now I don't really care showing it to the World because Life is way too short to worry about how bad you look...hahaha...

When this Journey Ends... I Will Search Time and Space... Through the Boundless Universe... Through Lifetimes... To Find Beautiful You... Once Again...

  Beautiful to see my son Koa through his older brother's eyes...

Elliott's final assignment for his Photography class at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa explored kanaka 'ōiwi identity and traditional and customary practices and modern day manifestations in a series of photographs. His younger brother Koa was kind enough to wear a malo and help his older brother with his assignment. Here are two shots depicting the 'auamo or carrying pole.

This morning, with the December Sun peering through my window, and Christmas fast approaching, I once again earned my Halo during my morning shower. It really is crooked, but at least it is a Halo, if you know what I mean...

There is No Height... That is Unreachable... No Accomplishment... Unobtainable... No Painful Sorrow... Unendurable... With Sacred You... By my Side...

To Gaze Upon Her... Breathless Beauty... Is to Intimately Know... The Wanton Radiance... Of an Endless Love... That She Understands... My Solemn Darkness... Yet Loves Me Still... Leaves me Desiring... Nothing More... In This Ephemeral Life...

Reflections... Of Gratitude...

When I Solemnly Return... To the Universe... From Whence I Came... I Shall Carry Nothing... But the Sacred Intoxicating... Essence... Of Beautiful You...

I Shall Not Want... Nor Desire... Anything More... In This Life... Yet I Remain Here... Because I So Love... You...

Wishing a most Happiest and most Beautiful of Birthdays in Heaven to HRH King David Laʻamea Kamananakapu Mahinulani Naloiaehuokalani Lumialani Kalākaua. I remember being at Mauna 'Ala with some gifted friends and some mural artists seeking guidance and inspiration. This was many years ago when Kahu Bill Maioho was still there, resting in his home, as we quietly sat outside of the Kamehameha Tomb, assembled on the grass, as light drizzling rain sprinkled from time-to-time. Mōʻī William Charles Lunalilo was the first to appear. He quietly roamed the outskirts of the tombs along the fence line. Contemplative. Silent. Seemingly heavy in thought. It was interesting for him to appear as he isn't buried at Mauna 'Ala but possesses his own Royal Tomb at Kawaiaha'o Church far down below the sacred lands of Ma'ema'e where we sat. Mōʻī Wahine,  Lydia Liliʻu Loloku Walania Kamakaʻeha, or HRH Queen Lili'uokalani was next to make an appearance. She expressed her deep grat...

In a World... That is Forever Changing... One Constant Remains... The Peace, Serenity and Power... Of a Mother's Undying Love...

I was taking a nice photo of these three Kolea when Kolea Karen felt threatened and she called the cops on me. I fled the scene before the police arrived...

I stopped by the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl today to Honor my Father, Mother, Grandmother, Grandfather and others interred there.  The ancient traditional Hawaiian name for the volcanic crater is "Pū-o-waina" or "Hill of Sacrifices" given its role in ancient warfare and the baking of vanquished chiefs in the underground ovens there. Over 50,000 Souls lay at rest from WWI, WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. 50,000 stories of courage, sorrow, love lost, love found, horrific ends, and profound poignant beginnings. Lessons of Self-Sacrifice, often so others, even strangers, could Live. Every Beautiful Soul interred here, or inurned here, many of whom are inured to suffering having lived through the horrors of war and unfathomable personal loss, genuinely desire Peace across the World unlike no other amongst us. Thank you for your Service. Thank you for your Undying Love... Let there be World Peace...

Pua'a Hiwahiwa... Black Boar...

Just a Beautiful... Peaceful... Silent... Happy... Precious... Fragile... Butterfly... Sharing this Amazing... Life's Journey... Of Your Soul...

Where I Find Beautiful Alluring Enchanting You...

Frida meet Elliott... Elliott, meet Frida...

 

Last night, I went out to the North Shore for my third and final sharing with my houseless 'ohana before they transition into housing with assistance for several months to help get them back onto their feet. Another cohort will come next week for their three-week program.  I was able to finally get into the ocean after over a year because I arrived early. It is almost criminal to live in Hawai'i and not find, or make the time, to Heal and Cleanse in Ka Wai Ho'ōla a Kanaloa. The Healing Waters of Kanaloa. I released so much pent up stress and let the Healing waters  engulf me as I dunked my own head into the salvation from whence I came to Earth. I will miss my new friends and pray for their success as I look forward to meeting some new friends next week. It was particularly poignant for me, as I watched the Setting of the Sun over Ka'ena where one of the most famous Leina, or Leaping Points for the Soul is, as my good friend who connected me with this service is watchin...

Elliott is taking Photography as one of his electives in his last year at UH Mānoa before he enters Medical School. It has been so Beautiful to go out and shoot with him, and share my knowledge and 'ike with him.  Precious time together to make up for so many lost years of time together with my boys from my time-consuming career and exhaustion in carrying out my work. Nice to see the fruit doesn't fall very far from the tree. The Tree of Life...

The Rain... Brings Healing... Cleansing... Blessings... And Life... From the Heavens...

I was Gently Awoken... In the Depths of the Night... To Gaze Upon my Beloved... Finding my Purpose in this Life... To Simply... Genuinely... Wantonly... Truly... Eternally... Love Her...

Tonight I went to share with some Beautiful people who are transitioning from being Houseless and Homeless, to getting back onto their feet. A good friend had asked me to help his program as an inspirational speaker for several weeks as a part of their Healing and Empowerment Program. It was about a thirty-mile drive so I arrived early to make sure I wasn't late. It gave me some self-reflective time before I was able to share. It was Healing for me just getting out of the house after seven months. Tears freely flowed during the hour and a half session. My Ancestors and Guides helped give me the stories and lessons to share without any preparation, as their Ancestors and Guides helped me choose the words and stories that would resonate with their needs. It literally downloaded on the fly as I spoke. It was powerfully Healing for me. I pray it was powerfully Healing for them as well. We Truly are here to care for, help, and Love One Another on this Amazing Human Journey of our Eterna...

The Children...

 

Behold Hawai'i...

Wherever this Life... Takes me... Or the Universe... Through Time and Space... My Heart Shall Always Behold... Buried Deep Within... Enraptured Chambers... The Beautiful Incredible Divine... Essence... Of Amazing You...

Relentless Waves... Never Ending... Such is My Love... For You... Washing Upon the Shores... Of Your Heart...

I watched this bird sitting in this tree for an hour with absolutely no signs of movement. Nature is Amazing...

Today, one of my guitar idols who shaped my college life passed on. Rest in Peace Eddie Van Halen for inspiring generations of guitarists with your fluid mastery of the fretboard and unequaled "brown" sound that was so recognizably distinguishable. Today is also significant because it is the day my son, Elliott, was accepted to the John A. Burns School of Medicine. Tears flowed when we heard the news as we always pray our children will surpass us in Life and his ability to Heal others was noticeable at a very young age. His sacrifices over the years, and that of his Mother, and his brother, Koa, are responsible for this Exciting next chapter in his Life.  With Humility and Gratitude to Ke Akua and the Ancestors. Love you my Sons. Love you Eddie. Rock On...

I made a New Friend at Kānewai at U.H. Mānoa. This little seed pod. He told me his name is Jack. Just in time for Halloween too. Humbled for such a Magical and Beautiful Life...

I was walking past the kitchen trash bag and noticed Mr. Meat Stick Man in the plastic wrapping from the cured meat sticks we bought at Costco. Not sure what his point was in manifesting. I think he was looking forward to the long fun slide down the trash chute...

The Cloudy Mists... Of Kāne... Obscure your Presence... In a Shrouded Mystery... Yet your Beauty Pierces Through... As does my Endless Love... For You...

Here are two Rocks having a cordial, respectful, dignified and informative debate without ad hominen attacks. We can learn much from Rocks. That is All...

Finding Happiness... Joy... Contentment... In Life... Is Yours... For the Taking... Always...