Maui

"The Hawaiian Islands were discovered by the Polynesians as early as 700 AD.  Hawaiian mythology tells us that the demigod Maui fishesd up the islands with his magic hook, and snared the sun with a net from atop Haleakali to slow it down and lengthen the day.

The early Hawaiian believed that the earth was a living and conscious being, to be cared for as an ancestor;  they did not dominate it or own it.  The Hawaiian took care of the land, and the land took care of the Hawaiian.  This balance is called pono, being in righteous harmony with ones self and the environment.

In the 1500's, King Pi'ilani built the first road around Halealala using smooth sea stones.  His son would complete the job by encircling the island with a 138 mile long road.  In 1926, the Road to Hana was paved using cinders, (it was modernized in 1962);  and in 1935 the road to the top of Haleakala was completed."

(Information from the Maui Driving Map)

Ocean View at Mama's Seafood House

Resting by water always brings cleansing and comfort, but it too can show anger through waves knocking you down with the current dragging you further out across its abrasive bottom floor.

Panama Pacific Water Lily

"There are no extra pieces in the Universe. Everyone is here because he or she has a place to fill, and every piece must fit itself into the big jigsaw puzzle."
DEEPAK CHOPRA


Panama Pacific Water Lily
Garden of Eden
Road to Hana
                                              
                                                                            

Ocean View

"An inner place of peace becomes covered by layers of life. Remove the layers and see if you can exist in this peaceful place. It is here that we know who we are, feeling the relation to the Infinite. Inner meets Outer with complete Oneness."  THE BOOK OF AWAKENING by Mark Nepo

                                                                   Ocean View
                                                                 Garden of Eden
                                                                  Road to Hana

Bamboo Trees with Red Plants

        Bamboo Trees with Red Plants
                Garden of Eden
                  Road to Hana

Sometimes I get distracted and fall back into old ways, but in time I long for the connectedness that only the path within provides. Free will allows me to wander, but eventually I am nudged to return. There is much to be learned, and yet with increased information, I am still gently led back inside. With wisdom, life becomes less complicated, not more.

Pathway

PAMELA EAKINS, PH.D
"In your own heart, you carry the light and love you have often sought outside of yourself; each one of us holds the power to fulfill ourselves; you must always return to yourself; accept yourself and celebrate; you are beautiful, you are worthy, you are a wholly unique and wonderful individual; you are completely independent and yet you will always remain indivisibly connected to the great stream of humanity; you may feel alone, but you are not; alone does not necessarily mean lonely; raise up your inner light and place it on a hilltop where everyone can see it; as a guide, you can aid the seekers who come your way; remember, a lamp is not made to hide under a bowl."

Pathway
Garden of Eden
Road to Hana

Antherium

"It is safe for me to be me."
MARK NEPO

Antherium
Garden of Eden
Road to Hana

Bamboo Forrest

ALAN COHEN: "The call of the new life means the surrender of our desire to be accepted and approved by those from who we received nurturing in the past. We may lose our old friends; we will get new ones. Our families may discourage us; our hearts will encourage us. People in the world may criticize what we are doing; all the saints and holy masters who love the Truth will love us." (In reference to courage)

Bamboo Forrest
Road to Hana

Coral Flower

KENNETH LONG; Zen discipline has nothing to do with control, obedience, rules or punishment. It has to do with the cultivation of awareness and sensitivity, which are critical in the practice of any art. Above all, Zen discipline means complete openess to what is and the ability to be totally inmersed in what one is doing.

Presence ~ Refers to a person's ability to be fully aware, of what is going on within
the self and in the environment.

Ordinariness ~ The ability to transform something that is ordinary and familiar
into something wonderful is an unmistakable trait of art.


Coral Flower
Garden of Eden
Road to Hana

Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees

"What changes, primarily, is how we hold an experience in our mind ~
how we experience the experience"
Marianne Williamson

Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees

Road to Hana

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day to one and all!

May love surround you in all that you do.
Hope Spirit brings wisdom into full view.

Extend loving kindness to all whom you see.
Focus on visions of who you long to be.

Let appreciation and gratitude fill your heart.
And in friendship may we never ever part.

Two Men in Lahaina

                          
                           DON QUIXOTE
                        Kaukini Artists Gallery




There are two men from Lahaina challenging my thoughts about life and contentment. 

The first man appeared to be down on his luck, riding a rusty old bicycle. His long gray hair was greasy looking, pulled back into a pony tail. The stained t-shirt was well worn around the neck and his aged shorts were threadbare. His body was leathery tan with half-broken sandals attached to his feet. He didn't seem to be aware of his environment although he was constantly talking to his beautiful parrot riding on the handlebars of his bike. He seemed content.


The second very tanned man also had unusually long gray hair, but his was clean and protected from the sun by a very Hawaiian looking scarf. He, too, wore a faded t-shirt but it seemed to be a chosen favorite just like his comfy torn khaki shorts. He was polished in his appearance as he rode his well kept bike down the street, greeting shop owners or acquaintances along the way. He appeared to be comfortable.

These two Hawaiian men were about the same age, close to the same build, and shared various similarities as well as dissimilar characteristics. I envisioned one to be at best a handyman of some sort while I mused about the other being a musician or artist or chef. Either way, both men had a place in this community.

I observed both of them on different trips to Lahaina which is an oddity in itself. The streets are packed with tourists especially when a Princess Cruise Ship happens to be in. Why did these two men attract my attention, especially when I never saw them together or in the same area? I began to work the pieces of this puzzle around in my mind. I watched for a picture to form. Which man was happier? Who had the strongest sense of purpose in life? Did either have family? The working of the puzzle was labor some, but I really wanted to find meaning in these encounters.

Sitting on the lanai this morning, watching the whales play and listening to little children squeal in delight while jumping into waves, understanding finally dawned. There is no importance for me to determine who, what, where or why. All along my response could have been to just thank them for being part of my experience and to send them love, energy, and light. To appreciate their 'being' just as much as the whales, flowers, and ocean!

Each one of us determines our own sense of happiness and to speculate into the lives of others is purely judgmental. Although I felt a strong curiosity about both of these men, I never felt any negativity. I am a life time dedicated people watcher and by observing behaviors I learn a great deal, believing that every one on my path has a message for me. So my observations were innocent, but my speculations wasted energy.

Most generally, I send energy to everyone who passes my view or comes to my mind. Daily I extend love, energy and light. These two Hawaiian men have prompted me to also include well wishes. If they appear before me, as I hope they do, I am going to once again send them energy, but also mentally project: Be safe! Discover a sense of love today! Give loving kindness to others! Thank you for being!  For this is truly how I want to navigate through life, extending love to all others.

Whispering

"God is always whispering in our ear. Health is our natural condition, and it will always manifest itself when we attune our thoughts and actions to the guidance of our still, small voice, ever calling us to our own Peace."

Alan Cohen quote.









                      

Rustic ...

Happy Birthday
       Rustic!
February 13th

Plantation Course at Kapalua
                     

Happy Birthday Abraham Lincoln!

                                                  "When I do good, I feel good.

                                                     When I do bad, I feel bad.

                                                         That's my religion."

Quote from Abraham Lincoln

Magic is a Sudden Opening of the Mind ...

John Welwood, writer and psychologist:

"Magic, as I use this term, is a sudden opening of the mind to the wonder of existence. It is a sense that there is much more to life than we usually recognize; we do not have to be confined by the limited views that our family, our society, or our own habitual thoughts impose on us; that life contains many dimensions, depths, textures, and meanings extending far beyond our familiar beliefs and concepts."

Zen Teachings of Jesus, Kenneth S. Long

An excerpt from THE ZEN TEACHINGS OF JESUS by Kenneth S. Long:

"...little children are more spiritual than adults because they are much more relaxed and tend to rely on intuition rather than on intellect.

Every child is a wizard. But as we mature our attachments and obsessions also grow. They lead us to distorting emotions such as worries, anxieties, desires, and anger, and our ability to be mindful and creative suffers.

... modern world has lost the art of 'ordering magic' ~ the art of transforming our ordinary mundane and perhaps humdrum existence into a life of beauty and joy."

Exploring Little Towns of Maui

By now we have visited many little towns on differing parts of this magnificent island of Maui. Each little area has a unique flair. The very busy little town of Paia seemed to attract a lot of surfers and therefore many more young people. The small shops were very up beat carrying numerous swim suits with high prices and little fabric! A small element of the town projected a 'hippie' flavoring or what some might call "Bohemian". There was a very laid back atmosphere and the town offered many eateries and coffee shops. It neighbors beaches that are known for wind surfing and extraordinary views of the ocean. As an obvious tourist, I felt very welcomed.

Kihei does not draw as many tourists as other little towns. It has several beautiful resorts. Apparently this little area suffered extensive flooding just this passed January. As the ground here is quite red, many roadways have a distinctive hint of red. We attended a small craft fair which made me wonder how these vendors survived.

In great contrast, Wailhea is a short distance from Kihei. It is a lucrative area with very exotic homes and exquisite landscaping. The Mall of Wailhea is beautiful, and very up scale. We ate at the Tommy Bahama Restaurant placed in outdoor seating. When we were here four years ago, this same accommodation offered views of the ocean. Now, the area between the ocean and the restaurant is filled with high rise condos.

Driving back to our 'neck of the woods' we encountered rain for the first time. It was like driving from one screen set onto another. When it rained, it poured and then you were back into the brilliant sunshine! Most cars are rented and many are convertibles. One poor soul with the top down was in the sun one minute and then totally unprepared for a down pour the next!

In a gift shop, we met a young woman who has lived here for two years. She has worked in this little shop since her arrival even though she has her masters degree. At one restaurant, our wait staff was from New Hampshire and her boyfriend was from Naperville, Illinois both in their mid thirties. My massage therapist was from Utah. We enjoyed a lengthy conversation with a small shop owner who was from Venezuela. He said he had followed his lover here seven years ago. The relationship didn't work out, but he loved the island so he stayed. I do not feel that we have really exchanged conversation with many originally from this island. I hope that will come to pass.

Beaches, restaurants, and shops are visited by young professional looking couples, families with little children, couples perhaps celebrating 20th and on up anniversaries, and then the senior element. I have not noticed a lot of high school aged kids, but perhaps they are in school.

A very noticeable aspect of this environment is the physical body...long distance runners, competitive bicyclists, surfers, para gliders, and dedicated beach walkers of the extreme. Even the whales do not seem to rest! Seriously, exercise is very prevalent. Many of the young adults seem to have very strong upper body strength which I am certain is needed for these above mentioned activities.

Tattoos are also highly visible. I am not talking about a singular tattoo. The majority of tattoos can cover a total area such as an arm from the elbow down. Professionally done, these tattoos are intriguing with their complexity of design. To me, they appear to be very Hawaiian in nature and of a much higher caliber than I am used to seeing at home.

My heart is filled with gratitude and appreciation for being able to have this experience. My words will never do justice in describing this lovely place. Even photos do not capture the true color and beauty of the water and the flowers. It is truly a paradise.

Maui Road to Artists Gallery

This morning we were greeted by the view of three whales waving their tails from the ocean. The three of them frolicked almost in a circle, closer to the surface than usual. What a sight to see them so gracefully move through the waves.

We then drove the car to the northern part of the island where we picked up a back road. Now when I say 'road' invision a very narrow two lane pavement bordered by massive rock and overgrown hibiscus, cacti, and palms. There were numerous one lane bridges and sections that were nothing but hairpin turns one right after the other. We braced ourselves twice in passing signs that read: Next 20 miles winding one lane road, speed limit 5 mph! YIKES! It was impossible to see very far ahead due to the winding twists and turns. Once we had to back up in order to let another car coming from the other direction pass. Other tourists were very polite in pulling aside to share the 'road'.

The views were breath taking, but Rustic wisely kept his eyes on the road. I gawked to my heart's delight white knuckled to my seat. The artists gallery sat off aways from the road. Many tourists were already there sitting on the covered porch enjoying the valley view. Several local artists have their work represented at this gallery. Last time here, four years ago, we purchased a hand blown hanging lamp that we shipped home. Wooden pieces, jewelry, pottery, linens, and paintings filled this wonderful area. Fragrances from the hand made soaps and lotions danced in the air.

We had safe passage back to our condo, but promptly helped ourselves to home made pina coladas adding Roselini's Hawaiian Coconut Pudding Ice Cream. Sipping our well earned beverages, we sat out on the lanai. It wasn't long before we spotted a turtle in shallow water very near to the shore. Its head was sticking out of the water, but you could easily see the rest of the body as it was the size of a hula hoop!

Later in the day it became overcast. This is the first day the sun hasn't been shining. Every night the weatherman predicts rain, but we have not seen any at all. Off in the distance, up in the mountains or over other islands you can see clouds and tell that it is raining, but never where we are located. The locals say that it rains every day in Hawaii...somewhere!

MAHALO, My Life Suit Has Been Left At Home

PICTURE FROM THE PIONEER INN on Maui at Lahaina

When entering new situations, it is tempting to wear a mask, have a label or be surrounded by friends in order to feel more comfortable or protected. It is difficult to be vulnerable and to run the risk of some sort of exposure or unexpected outcome.

Earlier in my life, I portrayed many roles to varying situations. I would perform professionally with high work ethics; embrace friends in a loving way with intense loyalties; raise my children openly with all I had to give; and maintained a very private belief system. It took years for me to develop the courage to reflect my inner self in every situation, to project all parts of myself as one, and to really like who I had risked to become.

There is a saying that the only constant in life is change. It is my desire to experience personal growth or change, until my last breath even though I rarely transition smoothly. Coming to Maui almost two weeks ago, I was seeking solitude, insights, and sunshine all changes from the land of ice and snow. I anticipated an altered environment, but spiritually I was unprepared for nature's assault on my soul.

I am uncertain how this has happened, but I have become aware that my life suit was left at home! By life suit, I mean all of the things that identify me. I have been defrocked of all associations that normally define me, leaving me naked in the presence of beauty. I have been impaled by the natural energies of this island causing me to drop all pretense, and to respond only in loving kindness. For this I say "Mahalo" which is Hawaiian for thank you.

In this place of enchantment, it is as though attachments, worries, and conflicts have been left neatly tucked into my pockets of the suit left behind. I do not seem to be operating from the entrapments of ego, but rather from soul. I see only beauty and beauty greets me. My soul responds to the whales, the waves, the flowers, the mountains, and the breezes by parting the veil to allow the melding of all that is.

Might you understand if I say all of my regular senses have been bolstered to a higher awareness while my third eye chakra joins my heart chakra, together giving me a new way to see? It is uncomfortable to be this direct and to feel so vulnerable, but this is what I am called to share for the benefit of both you and me.

Emerging Story of Your Life

          This picture is a part of the Maui Banyan Tree in the park at Lahaina.

"How are you tending to the emerging story of your life?"

 {quote by Carol Hegedus and Frances Vaughan}

Understand the jubilation of energy as it courses through your body.

Move with the flow and nature will greet you.

Design your activities and solitude with what makes your heart sing!

Nurture yourself with love you would bestow upon an innocent child.

Tend to yourself as though you were a lovely flower.

Align yourself with light, beauty, and prosperity!

Maui ... Spiritual Warrior

"So what does it mean to be a spiritual warrior? It is far from being a soldier, but more the sincerity with which a soul faces itself in a daily way. It is the courage to be authentic that keeps us strong enough to withstand the heartbreak through which enlightenment can occur. And it is by honoring how life comes through us that we get the most out of living, not by keeping ourselves out of the way. The goal is to mix our hands in the earth, not to stay clean." THE BOOK OF AWAKENING by Mark Nepo

As I sit on our lanai, I am watching a man on a paddle surf board. He is standing with a long paddle navigating his way across the horizon. He seems determined to stay on a steady coarse which surprises me. My eyes glance forward and I am filled with excitement! He is tracking a whale!

Yards in front of this man, a large whale is floating very near the surface. I can see the top part of the body very easily. Lazily, he flips his tail up as though he is encouraging the man to 'follow me'! Steadily, the man and the whale make their way across the beautiful ocean.

I cannot help but wonder how far this man will follow the whale. Does the whale really know he is being followed? Can he sense the presence of the other? Maybe so, maybe not.

In a simple sense, this man on the paddle surf board is much like a spiritual warrior. He is following where he feels led, surely filled with excitement from this unique adventure. He is not locked into the end result, but rather staying in the moment. The exhilaration he feels on this beautiful sun filled morning, might assist him in facing a challenge this afternoon.

This morning he made a decision to follow when he discovered an unexpected opportunity. He did not let thoughts dissuade him, nor did he step aside. In honoring where life is taking him he is gifted with an experience that flows through him. He is creating a memory of a lifetime by using courage, determination, and patience.

A spiritual warrior embraces each day anew, letting the events unfold, but participating in each moment through awareness. Whether through silent or verbal communication, a spiritual warrior remains present. Engaging with life sometimes makes it more difficult to remain authentic as it is easy to be distracted by life itself; however it is through the process of challenge and lessons, pain and recovery, that enlightenment occurs.

All of us do not get the chance to track a whale, but we do have opportunity to follow the flight of a bird, the sway of a tree, or the path of the moon. Through simple observation we become connected and exchange energy with all of life. It is through our own personal choosing that we determine how to honor life, casting our path towards authenticity.

Emerge from the dullness of your life, like shrugging off a heavy cloak. Open yourself to the mystery of life with desire and creativity. With childlike innocence explore the wisdom that abounds in daily living. Trust that Spirit is both within and without at the same moment creating a balance in all that you do. As a spiritual warrior, place one foot in front of the other as the path will lead to empowerment.

Jewish Hasidic Story

There is a lovely story from the Jewish Hasidic tradition. Rabbi Zusya, a pious and revered sage, was lying on this deathbed, weeping. His students stood by him perplexed.

"Rabbi, why do you weep?" one of them ventured to ask. "Surely, if anyone is assured a place in the Kingdom of Heaven, it is you."

The sage turned his head toward his beloved students and began to speak softly: "If, my children, when I stand before the Heavenly court, I am asked, 'Zusya, why are you not a Moses?,' I shall have no hesitation in affirming, 'I was not born a Moses.' If they ask me, 'Why, then, were you not an Elijah?' I shall speak with confidence, 'Neither am I Elijah.' I weep, friends, because there is only one question that I fear to be asked: 'Why were you not a Zusya?'" (The DRAGON DOESN'T LIVE HERE ANYMORE by Alan Cohen)


I came across this story several years ago while visiting New Orleans, LA. It has haunted me ever since. I can honestly say that I have no desire to be anyone else and do not wish to have the life of anyone else. I am content to be me; however, being me is no easy matter. Life for me has been such a spiral, repeatedly revisiting lessons on deepening levels. I likened myself to an onion with layers upon layers being pealed off, always crying in the process. Gathering insight over the years, I started to visualize myself as a lotus flower gently opening petal by petal. This has intensified my discovery without the use of so much pain.

My search has always been to discover parts of myself that had become fragmented or lost in my younger years. I studied poets, authors, and religions, retaining knowledge that seemed to resonate within me. Plentiful experience was obtained through personal and professional relationships while nature always seemed to refine me. Being a seeker extended my sense of self leaving me forever grateful for the many teachers bringing me towards the light.

I no longer think of myself so much as a seeker traveling outside of myself, but more of an observer going within. When all of the outside is silenced and I can be quiet within, there is a "knowing" that nurtures me. I am nothing more than light energy that blends with all things. I am a conduit, pulling energy up from the earth and pulling energy down from the sky. These energies gather in my heart beaming through all physical limitations. This may be why I am alive, to carry light energy into the darkness. To help others extend light so that the darkness will fade.

So when I pass from this earthly experience and stand in front of the heavenly court, I hopefully will not be weeping. I envision my heart as being thankful and grateful for all of life bestowed upon me. I will say sincerely that I tried to be all that Virginia was meant to be.

The Banyan Tree in Lahaina, Maui

The Banyan Tree takes up an entire block hosting an Art Fair beneath a canopy of branches. This tree is one of my favorites. Although I have enjoyed many Banyan Trees in Key West, my favorite one is here on Maui in Lahaina.

The Art Fair is in support of the local artists. There are paintings, wood carvings, jewelry, and various other art forms. A gentleman is playing music on an adapted electric guitar. Quite honestly, it looks more like a rain stick than a guitar, but the sweetness of the melodies beckon me to his cd display. I ask his wife which cd would offer relaxing music. She replies, "Well, this is the one I use while giving Reiki." I laugh out loud and say, "Sold!" I proceed to tell her that I am a Reiki Master as well.

This seems to be another "Aloha" moment for me. I feel an instant connection with a stranger who shares similar visions and awareness of life. Once again I find myself discussing the importance of extending our energy to all of our surroundings and to those who are standing within our reach. Being on this island, one cannot escape the magnitude of beautiful nature and perhaps this in itself creates this greater sense of oneness.

The Banyan Tree is in the middle of the little park, but all of the branches and off shoots form an umbrella shading the entire area. The gnarly roots grow every where and although there are plenty of benches, I feel myself drawn to aimlessly wander off path under the lower branches. I realize that once again I am caught in the magic of this island. Under this massive tree I feel as though I were in a land of fairies or elves, as the rhythm of the Hawaiian music seems to be carrying me into an imaginary world. I am walking in spaces that other visitors do not seem to be a part of. I am separate and yet connected. The enchantment is so real to me, I wonder if I can even be seen by others. An invisible sprite is how I feel.

I take numerous pictures of the tree just as I had with the rock formations. I am eager to share this world. I feel a necessity to record it all moment by moment before my mind over rides my heart, convincingly changing my perception. I am blessed to be in this timeless space, relinquishing all attachments to home.

"Practice Aloha"

To Pratice Aloha is essentially living by the Golden Rule (behaving with empathy for other people, having respect for the Hawaiian culture and feeling a deep appreciation for the surrounding). The residents of Maui say each of us will have a story of a perfect moment when we understand what it means to "Practice Aloha".


We visited what Maui calls a 'swap meet' held at the Community College in Kahului. It is held every Saturday and admission is 50 cents per person. We did not have very high expectations for this event, but wanted to add it to our list of experiences. Upon arrival, we immediately noticed how clean everything was and how organized. This was definitely not a giant garage sale! It was a market with fresh organic fruits and vegetables, tropical flowers, jewelry, clothing, and really fun accessories.

Lingering at one particular booth, I overheard the vendor talking to a young couple. She was relating to them how challenging life can be and offering encouragement for them to follow their dreams. I was very moved by this woman's testimony as it resonated truth without 'preaching' or being invasive. A few minutes later when the young couple moved on, the woman approached me asking if I needed help. She answered a few of my questions and before I left for the next booth, I found myself thanking her for opening her heart to the young couple. She might never know how pivotal her advice may have been and I wanted her to know how much witnessing the exchange had meant to me.

It became one of those magical moments where strangers instantly become friends. She shared with me that she had studied every religion recorded and that she and her Jewish husband blend their melting pot of beliefs into an open forum with youth in the area. Simply stated, she listens for the individual's belief system and then uses appropropriate terms that will support it. "If a person follows Zen, I speak Zen. If a person is Catholic, I speak of catholicism. All belief systems eventually take us to the same place," she mused.

We discussed higher consciousness and the emerging sense of oneness. I mentioned being a Reiki Master and she was an energy worker as well. Kindred spirits indeed! We hugged each other promising to make our energy more pronounced wherever we went. Hawaiians do not say good bye, they only say "ALOHA". When I took one more appreciative glance back at her, we both said "Aloha" experiencing a perfect moment!

Maui Rock Formations

Mid-morning, Rustic and I set out for the General Store in Kapalua. This establishment has everything a spontaneous and elaborate picnic would need. With smiles on our faces we headed out of town. We traveled the two lane back road high up into the mountains. There are many little bridges along the way, and I do mean little. If you meet an on coming vehicle, one of the cars has to pull over as only one car can cross the bridge at a time. The mountainside is breath taking. Wild flowers, steep cliffs, lush valleys and ocean views are outstanding. The driver only gets to peek even though the speed limit is 10 to 15 mph as the narrow road is so winding and twisted.

We were headed for one of my favorite destinations from four years ago... rocks stacked in formations. After a lengthy drive we found this special ground. We parked the car and toted our picnic goodies, lawn chairs, and camera to a our very special space and settled in for a few hours of just 'being'.

We innocently came across this stretch of road during our last visit. (I was astounded as I had only seen rock groupings one other time and that was in Sedona, AZ at the feminine vortex.) With the ocean as a back drop and the lava rocks contrasting, tiny yellow and red wild flowers push up through the rocks with patches of grass here and there. The waves splash against the rocks, and the breeze cools the skin while sitting in the sun.

I cannot explain my obsession with rocks. Even in childhood, I treasured all sizes and shapes not easily found in a city. I have gathered rocks for years, choosing those that seemed to resonate in the palm of my hand. Generally, I bring them home and place them at the base of my 4'8" statue of the Greek goddess Hebe residing in the perennial garden in our back yard.

Individuals gather stones or rocks and stack them one on top of the other reaching for the sky. I am not certain, but I believe it is symbolic for marking your presence on earth both honoring mother earth and the divine above. Viewing all of these deliberately created formations gives testimony to all unknown visiting kindred spirits that we are all one and that this is sacred ground.

Last time Rustic and I built a formation together feeling as though it were a special ritual. Today that formation is long gone, but newer ones have been formed and they stretch for perhaps a mile down the coast. Fire rings have been formed by larger boulders and the remains of well built fires are within.

We sit in silence. I journal and sketch while watching the whales in the distance. I wander around with my camera trying to sense the meaning of this place that has surely been embraced by earth and rock alike. I sit quietly, stretching my ears to hear the songs that may have been offered under some star filled night. I close my eyes and listen for the foot falls that sacred dance would have left behind. Who has been here and why? No answers to my questions come, but a single white bird attracts my attention as it lazily soars in the sky.

Makawao, Maui ... The Cowboy Town

This afternoon we visited a little town not too far from the lavender farm. The town is named Makawao and means cowboy. I don't know the history of this little hot spot, and if I were more industrious I would look it up. We had visited this small dot on the map four years ago and in return, it gave us good memories.

We were happy to find this cowboy town with one main stop sign prosperous and lively. We ate at the corner Italian restaurant. My sandwich contained layers of sliced ham topped with melted brie cheese on home made fresh foccacia bread. Oh yum! With full tummies, we explored the town. The glass blower shop was still open and thriving. The art gallery was hosting an artist. The western wear cowboy shop had many looky-loos, but we abstained. There were several little quaint shops with endearing employees. Their charm encouraged us to generously contribute to their economy! Rustic was very patient as he knew the bakery widely known for creme puffs would be our last stop.

As I back tracked for one more purchase I decided I needed to have, Rustic slipped over to the bakery unsupervised. Fifteen minutes later as we walked to the car, I learned that we would be transporting delicate and precious cargo! SIX! Yes, no less than six pudding filled creme puffs were nestled in a bakery box as we waved good bye to the friendly town of Makawao! [For me to mention that I do not eat creme puffs would be unnecessary I suppose.]

Maui Lavender Farm Statue

The Lavender Farm did not disappoint! The 13.5 acres overlooking the sea was just as beautiful as four years ago. It is located in Upcountry Maui nestled in the slopes of the Haleakala Crater. There are over 45 different kinds of lavender and beautiful olive trees.

Camera in hand, I explored endless tiers of flowers at the farm. and sought out the statues well positioned throughout the area. The view from the farm's 4000 foot elevation was incredible! As I snapped pictures, I knew that the true beauty would never be revealed in the photography.

The Lavender Farm uses the dragonfly as a symbol. In Hawaiian the "pinao" or the dragonfly represesnts personal rebirth and renewal. The benefits of lavender assists in the rejeuvenation: relaxes, calms, and comforts; eases tension, stress, pain and inflammation; repels insects; acts as a natural antiseptic and disinfectant; relieves headaches and congestion; heals cuts, burns, and scrapes; reduces symptoms from pms, anxiety, vertigo, insomnia and claustrophobia; and provides moisturizing and healing properties.

The lovely gift shop was filled with lavender products: oils, lotions, soaps, tea or coffee, scones and ice cream. My favorite purchase was the pillow insert stuffed with dried lavender that can be refreshed with oil. Thank goodness they have a catalogue for future ordering. Their website is: www.aklmaui.com

Driving away from this enchanted surrounding, the farm faded from view. I placed my attention on the winding two lane road dotted with yellow and red wild hibiscus bushes. I knew I was leaving one of nature's remarkable creations, but I also knew that there were endless pieces of nature's art awaiting my discovery!

Maui Water View

Life took us on a coastal walk today. We wandered down a path leading to lava rocks, sandy beach and crashing waves. What is it about this ocean? Is it the varying colors of majestic blues? Could it be the whales that are showing themselves working across the water? Maybe it is the power of the waves. I stand in awe, trying to absorb as much of this beautiful scenery as I can.

Other people are drawn to this spot as well. I wonder where they call home and if they feel the same connection to this land as I do. Two middle aged men walk by, one saying to the other, "I don't know if I would want to live in a community with so many old people." I do not take this comment personally, but it does make me wonder about our culture and the separation between generations.

The Sea House Retaurant served us a wonderful lunch in an open cafe overlooking a family beach. It was heart warming to see so many young families enjoying time together. One little boy sat spellbound covered in sand building little mounds with his red plastic shovel. The chubby little girl barely old enough to walk giggled hysterically as her daddy bounced her in the salty water. All of this gently tugged at my heart recalling earlier life with four children in my care.

The day ended as it began, relaxing on the lanai. The dark sky was splattered with sparkling stars, replacing the brilliant sun and curious cloud formations. The waves continued to lull me into a peaceful state where every thing was aligned with my world.

Maui On The Beach

Another day in paradise! I do not think Illinois winter knows that you can actually have two full days of sunshine in a row!

Four years ago when Rustic and I visited these lovely grounds, we were excited to see a whale maybe three different times. We. would say, "was that a whale?" then we would convince each other that we really saw one.

This morning as I sit and journal outside on the lanai, I am watching whale after whale break the surface spewing sprays of water up into the air. I can see the slick gray skin as it slaps back down against the water leaving me a trail to track the movement across the ocean. So many whales. To think when we were cruising Alaska we actually paid for an expedition at a little port to scout whales.

I take in this large ocean with the sun not yet fully high in the beautiful blue sky watching a handful os surfers riding the waves. Right now, here in this moment, life is so uncomplicated releasing the busy mind chatter of anxiety, stress, and decisions.

Briefly I think of the city with big buildings, honking cars, and pollution. I think of city dwellers disconnected from awe inspiring nature and the fast pace of life chosen to be lived. I am more than content to sit in my chair by the edge of this water and be suspended from the reality of my life.

The awareness of the warm sun on my back, the damp sand sticking to the bottoms of my feet, and the gentle breeze against my face, triggers a longing to just merge with it all. If I can remain very still, to let go of imagined time and boundaries, perhaps I can join all of this energy of nature. Maybe I can beome one with all that is. Ah, it is working...