I've Had The Time of My Life

"I've had the time of my life
No I never felt this way before
Yes I swear it's the truth
And I owe it all to you
'Cause I've had the time of my life
And I've searched through every open door
'Til I found the truth
And I owe it all to you"

- From Dirty Dancing

Well, I've been home for nearly and week and I'm just getting back to finishing my blog! One of my concerns was that I would get back to my "normal" life and not be able to stay on this creative journey that I worked so hard to attain. Good news ... I may not be able to accomplish my goals the in the time frame I was hoping, but I'm NOT giving up!

My last weekend in Kailua were very busy since both Matt and Allison would have a day off together. We decided on visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, Oahu. The center offers the opportunity to meet, learn about and interact with the people of Hawaii, Samoa, Maori New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, the Marquesas and Tonga. Despite a pretty rainy day, we set off to explore. From the moment we walked in the gates, we became immersed in the culture and people of Polynesia. The park consists of different villages representing each of the different cultures where we could see how they lived and worked and enjoyed life. Each village offered performances that showed their style of dance, tradition, art, daily life and culture.

This guy made fire making look so easy!

Matt tried his hand at fire making. He got some smoke after A LOT of work!

Another really awesome sight was the canoe parade where dancers from all the cultures perform while floating down the canal that runs through the center of the park. The colorful costumes and wonderful dancing was a real treat to watch. Here is an example of a canoe with dancers. It was really fun to explore all of the villages and experience new things, like dancing, fishing, weaving, woodcarving and many other activities. Matt and I gave spear throwing. We got near the coconut targets but at least we didn't spear each other (or anybody else). Spear throwing was fun! At the end of the day we headed for the luau where we were served roast pig, chicken, fish, taro, salad, rice and other exotic foods, and a full array of desserts. After dinner we moved over to the theater to watch the stage show presentation of Ha, Breath of Life. What a fantastic show that was. The story depicts the life of a young warrior from his birth to the birth of his own child. Besides the canoe parade, this was my favorite experience there. On Monday (the day before I would be leaving) we decided to hike Diamond Head (Le'ahi) State Monument. The day was warm and sunny. It's quite a climb up the the rim of this dormant volcano, but unlike our Lanikai Pillbox hike, it's paved most of the way except for a few spots. The trail consists of a bunch of switchbacks and there is even a tunnel and a couple sets of stairs, but the trek up to the summit (approximately 775 feet) is rewarded with the view that awaits you. The view looking east. Check out the switchbacks on the trail. Inside the tunnel that runs for 225 feet. Yes, there are lights inside. Matt, Allison and me at the top! The view of Waikiki Beach is stunning.

All too soon Tuesday arrived, the day I'd fly home. I truly did have the time of my life and I'm thankful to Matt and Allison for allowing me to stay with them for such a long visit. I swore that I wouldn't cry at the airport but that all went out the window as I said goodbye to Matt. Oh well, that's the privilege of being a mom right?

Last, but not least, I wanted to share a sketch I did during my flight home. It will make a very nice painting that I am anxious to get done. Being back home has presented some challenges in keeping my commitment to do something creative every day, but I am really trying. It's been fun sharing this journey with those of you who have taken the time to read my blogs. I'll be signing off for now, but certainly not forever. This creative journey has come to an end, but I'm sure there will be a sequel or two!

Aloha ... for now.

Another plumeria sketch soon-to-be painting.