A Quasar Gets a Hawaiian Name

 

The whole year before our move to the Big Island in 2012, we read many books about the Hawaiian culture and one of the first words we learned from a Hawaiian Dictionary (Mahalo Queenie) -- was PO!!  Lunel wanted to design a collage that might reflect that awesome destructive/creative force.

A January Visit with the Haysmers

 

STARS OVER HAWAII

 

When we retired and moved from California we were familiar with the constellations like Orion, Cassiopeia and so forth like this image (left)  

Because of our array of telescopes atop Mauna Kea, the island has very low lighting which means we do have excellent star scapes.

However, the star chart for Hawaii is very different. Early Polynesian navigators used four distinct “Star lines” to navigate  cross thousands of ocean miles.                                                                  

The Hawaiian names are, of course, in the Hawaiian language and translated they are: Kite of Kawelo and the Fish hook of Maui which can be seen in the fall and winter sky (shown below.) During winter/spring and spring/summer the star lines seen are named The Bailer and the Backbone. 

At Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo on the Big Island, lectures and special events offer educational opportunities to learn about Hawaii’s legacy of exploration.

 Imiloa Astronomy Center Hilo

The star line pictured here is called “The Backbone” -- one that is easier for us to see because it includes several more familiar constellations. It is Seen during the spring and summer months

For more information about star lines:

Hawaii Navigation by the Stars

2021 Merrie Monarch - Big Island of Hawaii

The 57th  Merrie Monarch Festival

Volcano's own Halau will be presenting this year1

The Merrie Monarch Festival is dedicated to the memory of King David La‘amea Kalākaua, known as the “Merrie Monarch” for his flamboyant and fun-loving ways. Kalākaua was elected king of the Hawaiian Nation in 1874, and reigned until his passing in 1891. He was a patron of the arts, especially music and dance. (Shared from MerrieMonarch.com)

The central purpose of the Festival is perpetuating the traditional culture of the Hawaiian people; Developing and augmenting a living knowledge of Hawaiian arts and crafts through workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions and performances of the highest quality and authenticity; and enriching the future lives of all of Hawaiʻi’s children.

Our local Volcano Halau (school) is associated with the winds (makani) of Mauna Loa, we include the following LINK to see them perform:  Volcano Halau and a few photos of Mauna Loa.

Fissure 8 - Official Hawaiian Naming

We are happy to report that Fissue 8 (that opened in our front property) has now received its official Hawaiian name. Ahu 'Aila'au. This has been a long process since May of 2018 when lava first broke out in Leilani Estates in the Puna District of the Big Island of Hawaii. Names were considered from the public including input from long-time residents, elders and kupuna many of whom could trace their family (ohana) lineage back many generations. AHU means shrine/mound/altar/cairn. 'AILA'AU eater of forests.

In the summer of 2019 Hilo's Wailoa Gallery had a powerful exhibition featuring artists work inspired by the lava flow. While some people were talking about Pele, as an artist, Phil felt more connected to the legendary, former resident of Kilauea -- a personage named 'Aila'au....the forest eater. At that time he entered his artistic interpretation which was recently purchased by a neighbor.

The above photos show where our home was in relation to the remaining cone of cinder and lava. The photo below simply provides another perspective of size. 

If you are interested you can listen to some testimony explaining the Hawaiian name:  Ai La'au 'Olelo (Naming Story)

Hawaii Artists

Native birds we see in the forest:  I'Iwi  ( E - E VE)

One of the many delights about our relocation to the small town of Volcano is that the community is rich with artists of all kinds -- glass, wood, painting, sculpture, writers, performers and numerous native Hawaiian practitioners of botany, art and hula.

Commission piece for a friend

With the construction of our new art studio last year, Phil has continued his exploration of wood art carving and painting and has pieces at Michael Jayme gallery in the charming village to the north, Honaka'a (520-270-7462)

With friends helping with the gardens and housework during Lunel's knee surgery recovery, Phil's happy to be back in the studio. As soon as Lunel can better negotiate two sets of stairs, she's looking forward to being in the studio with Phil.

Here are a few of his newest pieces.

And It Came To Pass....

This phrase is a well-known one from the bible -- in fact, counting the various translations, it appears over 600 times. It's generally applicable in most situations. When we first arrived in Hawaii in 2012, we found a local translation nailed to a mango tree on the drive down to the ocean; it said simply -- "it's only a matter of time."

And so it is -- Lunel has reached the decision to proceed with bi-lateral knee replacement. It was this time last year she met with two orthopedic surgeons whose opinions both resulted in the same diagnosis. There will be continued pain, inflammation and swelling due to bone-on-bone condition in both knees. But it was only a year-and-a-half since the traumas of 2018, and she was not prepared to make the decision at that time. Since January of this year the situation has deteriorated further.

Surgery is set for June 16th here in Hilo, so between now and then, she is directing a massive up-tic in the landscaping projects. Since we have cleared back so much undergrowth, there are now numerous blank canvas areas. Fortunately, we have a weekly young friend who devotes four hours every Wednesday to bring Lunel's vision to life. The photo below are rough -- but she hopes to have lots of plants, and shrubs in the ground so she can simply enjoy her recuperation watching them grow.

Of course Phil and the three corgyn will be on 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th helping her achieve a "home run" recovery!

Illegal Aliens! (in cages?!)** OK, bad pun!

Michel (with 3 'horns' -- and Janet Jacksons

After our home was destroyed (by fire and then lava)  back in May of last year, we were grateful to find two temporary living situations. While living in our second temporary home on the 6-acre farm we found out there is a population of green illegal aliens -- living right here in Volcano!

It appears that a pet store owner on Oahu in 1972 got a permit to import them from East Africa, but since that time with numerous escapees, their population has grown and they are now considered a pest with prohibitions on raising them to sell or transport between islands.

At the farm the local cats found them entertaining and would bring them inside to play with. We helped rescue a few, and decided they would make fun (caged) pets. Here's a photo of Michael and Janet Jacksons -- because they are "Jacksons Chameleons" -- Trioceros Jacksonii.

They live up to 10 years and grow about 13 inches long. It's hard to tell how old these two are, but they are obviously mature. This last week we have been watching their slow-motion courtship. We do NOT plan to incubate eggs when she lays them because we don't want to contribute to the population as they compete for insects in the native forests.

So, now our weekly grocery/shopping list includes buying crickets which they each eat every day. And, speaking of weekly lists -- here's a sample of what a "Hilo Day" typically looks like. Of this overwhelming list of 15 stops, we only we able to get 12 done -- but we at least managed to stop for the Jacksons' crickets and for us --  a tasty take-home dinner.

FINALLY!!!  We are moving into our newly completed art studio. Today we began to schlep boxes of tools and supplies from the temporary "shop" where Phil has been working with his wood art. We will be posting photos of the inside and outside very soon.

** Of course the use of 'cages' is a hot topic -- no offense or inference intended, just a bad pun. 

Haysmers' New Art

Poliahu

During the past year as artists the creative process has been an absolutely essential tool for dealing with our loss and grief. The day after Lunel came out of a coma and was released from the hospital Phil helped her by a few art supplies so she could begin a new journal.

With some of the go-fund-me money gifts, Phil immediately bought wood-working tools. Neither of us stopped creating; we found our emotions were channeled into the healing process of making art -- particularly in response to the enormous loss of our retirement home and 99% of the contents (including our art and art collections.)

Ai La'au  (Forest Eater)

"Moving Through Fear"

During July the Wailoa Center in Hilo, together with Hawaii Island Art Alliance (HIAA) is hosting an exhibit for artists' work specifically related to last year's Kilauea's lava eruption. During this time Lunel has created three journals full of art -- over 400 images in about 400 days; some of these images have been shared in previous blog entries; she has been asked to offer a class in July to share her unique process of  using images combined with quotes, drawings and poems.

Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.  Thomas Merton

This last year Phil has been experimenting with his latest tool -- a Japanese carving tool, and with it -- he has created four new bas-relief pieces. Three are directly related to the Hawaiian mythological characters, including Pele, Poliahu (Pele's snow sister) and Ai La'au who was the personage living in Kilauea crater before the arrival of Pele to the Big Island. 

"Deep Water Challenge"

Pele

His last image while more ocean-related still addresses the unusual "voyage" we have made in our lives this last year. The vessel is a traditional Polynesian sailing vessel "Wa-a."

Magma Chamber

For those of you visiting, and maybe wondering what is going on with the Haysmers -- no, we have not fallen into the magma chamber that opened only a few days ago spewing lava and cinder. You have probably already seen images on your favorite viewing devices. As we described in previous blogs, we are being treated with true aloha-spirit, housed comfortably with our four corgi dogs a few miles away from what once was our home in Leilani Estates on the Big Island.

What you may not have seen is the beautiful piece that Phil created for the state-wide, juried June exhibit at the Wailoa Center in Hilo. We received notice of his acceptance just a few days after our sudden evacuation, and had to notify the coordinators that, sadly, Pele had already claimed possession.

We received a surprisingly kind response from HIAA (Hawai'i Island Art Alliance) Board that they wanted (with Phil's permission) to enter his piece anyway -- offering to print and frame the piece on his behalf. With tears in our eyes, we said "yes." We thought those of you visiting our blog would enjoy seeing what the actual piece looked like before it became Pele's offering. As for "offerings" we thank all of the many that are coming our way -- each one precious -- each one gratefully received. As we can, we will be sending out more individual "thank yous" to each of you.

Phil was also recently interviewed by our previous Eureka home publications Times-Standard and the Northcoast Journal. He was also amazed that the Lansing State Journal in Michigan where he spent many years also called for an interview. It was there that he received his Master of Fine Arts Degree from Michigan State University and taught sculpture at Lansing Community College for a short time.

If you would like to, there are links below to those articles.

Times-Standard (Eureka CA)
Lansing State Journal (Michigan)
Northcoast Journal (Humboldt County)

"Hokule'a" - A small vessel on a very big mission.

We cannot begin to tell the whole amazing story of the voyaging vessel the Hokule'a here in this small space, but we will provide you with a link so you can learn more about this incredible story, not only of Hawai'i culture but linking all of Polynesia with the world!! Story of Hokule'a .

Here's a teaser from the above article:

  Hōkūleʻa, our Star of Gladness, began as a dream of reviving the legacy of exploration, courage, and ingenuity that brought the first Polynesians to the archipelago of Hawaiʻi. The canoes that brought the first Hawaiians to their island home had disappeared from earth. Cultural extinction felt dangerously close to many Hawaiians when artist Herb Kane dreamed of rebuilding a double-hulled sailing canoe similar to the ones that his ancestors sailed. 

Navigational stones - "Maka o Hule" Heiau (Tom Bentley)

Hokule'a recently returned to Hawai'i after a outrageous and exciting three-year adventure around the world. Even before we moved here, we unexpectedly discovered ancient navigational stones while on a hike on the north west side of the island and we began to learn about this inspiring cultural renaissance.

This vessel navigates ONLY using ancient traditional methods, following the stars, wave patterns, wind and knowledge of sailing dating back to ancient Polynesians.

Ho'okupu (blessing/offering) lei that Lunel made for
Holuke'a with orchids and yellow ohia from our yard

This week we had a wonderful close-up-and personal visit while Hokule'a was moored in Hilo. We joined excited school kids, locals and tourists dockside listening to stories about every facet of life aboard a wa'a (double hulled canoe.)

Standing along side I was struck by both how small and large she seemed. A small world traveling over vast oceans, carrying, feeding, protecting and guiding all the souls in her care. And, yet how very big her heart -- carrying the spirit of all Hawai'i with her on her long journey.

Four Years and Counting

Fragrant Pua Kinikini

Red blooms of Hawaiian Ti

We began to buy plants for our undeveloped acre long before the container of our personal possessions arrived at the port of Hilo on the Big Island.

As is true in life, some things don't grant you the delight of instant gratification like the familiar annuals (or even perennials) of  The Continent.

Hybrid Bromeliad
 (Reba for size perspective)

That being said, we had no idea that we might have to wait not two or three years, but four or five years for some of our first one-gallon purchases to bloom.

Newly planted bed outside
our front gate (bromeliads)

One of many Heliconia varieties

Ta DAH....well, this is that year, and we are delighted with some significant and crazy blooms.

While these may appear to be exotic, here in the rainy jungle-forest area the Puna District, they show up frequently in gardens we have visited.

On our visit to the Botanical Gardens above Hilo, we were stunned by the outrageous blooms of both Heliconia and Bromeliads, and of course the huge variety of colorful Ti plants, so these are featured in our landscaping. In addition to the flowers, our fruit trees have been loaded with both blossoms and fruit. Like many of our friends and neighbors, we have a couple trees each of oranges, tangerines, limes and lemons, a couple dozen pineapple plants, passion fruit (Liliko'i), papayans -- and eatable.

WE WILL UPDATE THIS POST WITH A PHOTO OF THE HYBRID BROMELIAD WHEN IT BLOOMS (PICTURED ABOVE AS JUST A 'STOCK') SHOULD BE STUNNING. 

HILO in Three Acts

Some days present such a unbelievable chain of event as to be a complete Shakespearean absurdity.  Such was yesterday and our trip to Hilo.  Well, of course there is "The List" with 11 stops (10 of which were completed.)

Act I -- "The List"  -- Together we completed some off the errands before Phil was dropped off Downtown for 1st Friday Art Walk. Then while he did gallery duty, I checked off the rest of the list, and while doing so, noticed that I had lost my Chase/Visa card during or just after the OfficeMax stop.  So, I swung back around to see if they found it, but no one had turned in the card.

 Act II -- "Chase Card" -- (nearing evening) Naturally my next move was to call Chase/Visa to cancel my card, but in the meantime, of course some creep had already rung up $70 of gas and over $100 at Kentucky Fried Chicken!!  Really?? After gathering up my stuff my next stop was to pick Phil up so we could return home with our supplies....

Coconut can and quick thinking solved the problem

EXCEPT -- Act III -- "Dead Battery"  (Scene 1)  So my first call was to AAA, and by this time it is dark.  Fortunately I was parked directly in front of OfficeMax next to a handicap spot with lots of room.  The guy responding to AAA call was there in 15 minutes, but had to drive back to pick up the right battery for the VERSA.  I was hungry, so I broke into the ice chest for some smoked ham, slice of bread and a can of coconut water and had just finished my snack when the battery arrived.

(Scene 2) We noticed that the new battery was inches smaller than the old one, but after checking the book for the right replacement, it was the recommended version.   However, there was no way to "block" it into place so it wouldn't flop around on the stand. A block of wood would have been perfect, except -- no wood.  So I grabbed my coconut water can and sized up the space, and we shoved it in for a tight fit.



(Scene 3)  The AAA guy's girlfriend was the manager at OfficeMax!!! So, when she came out to say hi to him she recognized me and asked if I had found my credit card!  Aloha!

(Scene 4)   So the battery is in and tested and we are ready to finish the transaction with a credit card (we have two so that was no problem.)  However, HIS credit card machine was not working, payment could not be by check .... and here I am at the end of a huge shopping day.  Opening my wallet, I find about $70 toward a invoice of $120!   I took a breath and remembered my "secret stash" which I never used -- and YES!!!  There was a $100 tuck away.

Denouement  All secured, I swung back around (again) to bay front for Phil, keenly aware of the precarious balance between the coconut can holding the battery in tight and the fairly good VERSA suspension.
.
Act III ends with us safe at home with doggies who had waited HOURS for a very late supper,

THE END

Finding Your Way on Hawaii Island

Today we had a chuckle when we drove in for my doctors appointment.  When people first move to the Big Island they can experience a learning curve when it comes to directions and street names because 99.9% of all Big Island street names are Hawaiian.  First, that means that although there are some familiar vowels, they are pronounced quite differently, A = ah, E = eh, I = ee, O = oh, U = oo, and, there are only 7 consonants:  h, k, l. m, n, p, w.

Secondly, you learn that local folk don’t refer to north, east, south and west.  This is an island, and directions are given in relation to the five volcanoes (mountains.) Mauka means toward the mountain and Makai refers means away from the mountain.  Sometimes directions are also given in relation to a village or town.  For example – Kona-side, or Hilo-side. 

So, driving in for our appointment went like this:  Leaving our house on Luana in Leilani Estates, we drove mauka (toward the mountain) past Pahoa.  Once onto Kanoelehua we turned mauka again on Kekuanaoa until we came Kilauea and then mauka to Ponahawai, turning mauka once again up to Komohana, and finally onto Pu’uhonu. Got that??    (PS Yes, we can actually pronounce them.)

Pua in Pots & Plates

PUA means flower in Hawaiian -- over a dozen are blooming right now.

Our new dishes have a LEI of PUA around the edge

We made a recent trip into Hilo Town to tackle a long list of stops including our dentist where we each had appointment.  After several hours, hungry, we stopped at one of our favorite Thai restaurants.  As we passed by we notice a sign in a pawn shop that said 50% of everything.  Since we didn't even know a pawn shop was there, we sauntered after lunch to have a look-see.

The building itself was a little mysterious, and each room seemed to open out into yet another space which lead to another room, etc.  It was a little like visiting one of our favorite antique stores in Old Town Eureka.  After poking around for a while, I found a set of dishes that was very pretty.  Of course we already have an adequate (if boring) set for eight (which we got at a garage sale. ) There was no price on the box -- and it was a FULL set of 12!!   I figured it would probably be a few hundred dollars -- BUT one thing I have learned -- ASK.

So, I did, and was shocked to find out they only wanted $50.00 for the whole set.  My response was easy ...."SOLD"    Today, as I was cleaning them all, and packing up the old boring dishes, I noticed what a profusion of orchids were blooming -- and how beautifully they went with our new dishes.  The remaining problem is -- just what does one DO with 12 small matching cups and saucers -- since we all use BIG mugs for our beverages nowadays.

Booming With Blooms

Island boy at Wailoa Center

When we retired and moved to the Big Island of Hawaii a couple years ago, we left an beautiful well-established Victorian garden we had lovingly tended for over 20 years.  The loss we felt over leaving has been replaced by the delight of our new land and landscape as we work to terraform forest and jungle into garden.

In developing our new garden in the Puna district, we've had a ton of fun buying a whole new pallet of bright unusual plants.  Over a year ago we purchased some unique bromeliads and right now, they are sending up stocks of blooms which will open soon.

In the meantime for Mother's Day, I received this amazing orchid with long, long whiskery lips or lobs.  Many of the orchids we have purchased in the past two years have surprised us by blooming again.  In Humboldt County we never bothered with orchids; too much fuss.  Here, we keep a couple trays filled with them out under the ohia trees and do nothing to them except wait for them to bloom, them bring them into the house to enjoy.

We recently visited one of the local galleries in Hilo at Wailoa Center for their fiber art show.  Although there were a couple of quilts, the other entries utilized a wonderful variety of both man made and natural fibers.

TWO DAYS LATER...I went out to weed around some other 4 1/2 foot tall giant bromeliads (which must be done with care as their razor edges can leave you bloodied) I found yet ANOTHER hidden bloom (close-up artfully adapted.)  So, for our 29th Anniversary, we had to walk around the whole yard -- looking down into the intimacies of all our plants!

Dexter Dinkums Wigglesworth III

Dexter the puppy

Travel Papers in Order

About 10 years ago, we adopted our third corgi dog.  One evening we were perusing the dictionary for new words when Phil came across the word dexterous and declared, "Dexter" would be a good name."  But, further down the page, he also found Dinkum -- which is an Aussie term meaning genuine or authentic.  It was during the first few days in his new home that we discovered how VERY wiggly he was, and as pet names do, the full name morphed and emerged as -- "Dexter Dinkums Wigglesworth III."

Departure from Humboldt Dec 2012

Sadly, early in 2012, we lost both of our other, older corgi dogs, so it was Dexter who, after completing all his travel papers and packing his favorite toys, made the big move to our new retirement home in Puna on the Big Island of Hawaii.

We arrived on 12-12-12, but within a few weeks Dexter scared us all by having his first seizure -- not the best way to meet the new vet, but after a few weeks on his new medication, he recovered very well, and by the end of 2013, he wanted to know if he could have a brother or a sister.  (Actually we ended up getting two!)

A few days ago, after two years of no seizures at all, he surprised us once again and after conferring with our vet (Dr. Lyons at Maika'i Vet in Hilo LINK to VET ) we have increased his medication.  After a few days of disorientation and rest, we trust he will be doing well and stabilizing on his new dosage.

He, like us has aged and his sweet face and shoulder withers are laced with grey.  Our other two corgi dogs (Reba mom and Poko pup) treat Dexter with respect and are staying close during his recovery.

For those of us without human children, these are our "kids."