What We Could Learn from Wolves

Obviously this isn't Hawaii (although snow does fall on Mauna Kea in the winter.)

We don't use Facebook.
We don't do "likes" or "follows."
We don't watch U-tubes.
We don't even have a hand-held device.
And, we rarely "forward" stuff on.
There are too many distractions as it is.

For some reason, this image and story (recently shared with us) were far too poignant not to share. Says a lot about how we treat the rest of our pack and the role of leaders. Feel free to pass it on, but give credit to the photographer Cesare Brai.

• A wolf pack: the first 3 are the old or sick, they give the pace to the entire pack. If it was the other way round, they would be left behind, losing contact with the pack. In case of an ambush they would be sacrificed.
• Then come 5 strong ones, the front line. In the center are the rest of the pack members, then the 5 strongest following.
•  Last is alone, the alpha.  He controls everything from the rear. In that position he can see everything, decide the direction. He sees all of the pack.
•  The pack moves according to the elders pace and help each other, watch each other.

For once I am speechless, I knew that wolves are different, but didn't realize how much we could learn from them.

Rain, Rain (and more Rain -- UA!)

As I write this blog entry, it is raining and I am, therefore, not outside puttering in the yard. It is funny how this simple observation reveals so much about our daily lives here in Puna on the Big Island of Hawai'i. Weather seems to be the prime mover of our activities.

"Ola i ka wai a ka 'opua" 

(There is life in the water from the clouds)

Looking at this rain chart, you will see that we get an average of 130-140 inches of rain a year. Now, that sounds like a lot, even considering we live in a true rain forest, but (and people rarely believe this) it rains 80% of that at night!!

"Kahiko o ke akua" 

(The Gods' adornment: The gods express their approval with rain)

View from our office window.

Sitting here at the computer, I can look out and see the Melodious Laughing Thrush and the olive green Chinese White Eye eating bugs on our ohia trees -- now loaded with bright red lehua blossoms. There are many references in song and proverbs to the rain here in Puna -- and its association with the fragrance of the lovely lehua blossoms on our ohia trees.

"Ka ua moaniani lehua o Puna" (The rain that brings the fragrance of the lehua of Puna)

I can also see the beautiful ohia tree carving I just cleaned up and carved as a tribute and reminder of our beloved corgi, Dexter.  Speaking of Rain (ua) Phil just finished a new piece of wood art called "Tropic Rain Hawai'i" using up some of his interesting scraps of wood left over from making his lovely reef fish.

(CLICK on any photo for a better look)

Note:  These quotes are from a comprehensive compilation of Hawaiian proverbs and poetic sayings by Mary Kawena Pukui entitled, 'Olelo No'eau