Hawaii Fall Colors

All our beds have names -- this is our "Pink Bed"

Phil grew up in Michigan and I grew up in Oregon, so we each remember a real season called Fall or Autumn, but in Hawaii our seasons are more subtle.

Tangerines loaded!

L-O-N-G green beans

That being said, we DO have some stunning COLORS around the property at this time of year.  The other day, Phil went around the yard taking pictures -- just take a look!

Emily Dickinson wrote of winter's slant of light, but a few years ago, I wrote my own version -- it was about how, for me, it is Fall's 'certain slant' that reminds us that winter is coming.

"Fall's returning certain slant whispers in scents dark, deep and damp...."

Heirloom Tomatoes

Close-up-Monarch Butterfly
and Bee Favorites

Close up of blossom/s

Jade Vine on Trellis  

A few years ago we planted one Jade Vine -- whose blossom colors were light blue and purple. When we found out that there was another similar vine with ORANGE flowers, we constructed a trellis using two dead ohia trees for it to climb on. The crab-claw shaped blossoms could not be more orange!

Aye! The EARS have it!

When Corgi puppies are born, their ears are soft and floppy, but about week eight or so, the ear muscles begin to develop slowly as the ears began to go up. By week nine or ten, one or both ears will stand up. Here are three photos taken only three days apart that illustrate how quickly this change happens.

I'm working on my ear muscles!

Wheeee! My ears are UP!

See, I got one up today!

Not only are my ears up, but I am running through the green grass OUTSIDE, and playing with my "Unko Poko"(uncle), my mom Lani, and even my Tutu Reba, who is trying to be patient with me.

Not only am i very TALL I am also very L-O-N-G -- Mom measured me nose to tail at 26"

Hobbits and Corgyn

"TUDOR" - is 8 weeks old and is waiting patiently for his ears to perk UP

Corgi dogs (plural, Corgyn) and
Hobbits have several things in common, particularly Corgi PUPPIES!

• They obviously have short legs
• They are fond of snugly, cozy places
• They believe mealtimes are critical
• Meal times for both are identical
• They love many occasions to frolic.
• They know naps are very important 

Happy Birthday to Me!

TUDOR - age 7 weeks

It is probably true that some birthdays are more memorable than others, but this one was spectacular in ways even I, as a consummate organizer, could have never anticipated. As our blog readers will know, recently we got to be surrogate parents as our young corgi, "I'I Lani" had four adorable puppies. During the process, we decided that we really would like to keep one...but which one?

"Mom, I can help you with these boxes."

As the puppies were fully weaned, we were able to see them safely transported on Sunday to the breeder so they could be adopted...all except for the one we chose to keep, "Tudor." He is named for Tasha Tudor who wrote and illustrated children's books featuring corgi dogs, (Corgyn) of which she had several. So, awakening on Monday (my birthday) I got up early, made coffee, and while the rest of the family (Phil and our other three corgyn) were still sleeping, I got to play with the new puppy...who had fun not only with his toys, but with the boxes and wrapping from my birthday.

of course it ain't this big...YET!

My friend, fellow artist and weeding partner, Kate arrived around 8:30 along with our dependable yard guy. As a team of four, we managed to cut of a big limb from a dying ohia tree, weed a shady area called "The Terraces" (all of our landscaping beds have names,) and plant a bunch of anthuriums, hibiscus, and a new Jacaranda tree near the sculpture described in the previous blog.

After cleaning up, we were delighted by visits from friends and then off to Pahoa Village for a late lunch. Then another unexpected thing happened. A couple blogs ago, we showed a photo of what we envisioned for a structure to go on top of the lava outcropping near the front of the property. Well, a new neighbor had a large pile of wood left over from their project and offered it to us at a good price. The best part? It is already sanded and stained -- exactly the color of the photo in our previous blog!  (Thurs, July 20th)

I got a lovely large solitaire peridot necklace from Phil, and lots of cards arrived in the mail -- some from people I've not heard from in some time. All in all, a fabulous birthday -- including homemade, tart lime bars from Penny who lives one block over, and a rousing party with the "Girlie Girls" who meet every Tuesday evening.

All In Good Time (papamanawaa)

Elsewhere in a blog entry I mentioned my favorite sign along Mango Road on the way to the ocean, swimming pond at Ahalanui and boat ramp at Pohoiki. 

4 years ago -- felling dead tree & beginning excavation 

4 years later -- the root takes its place as garden art

Although the sign is no longer physically there, it read simply, "It is only a matter of time." Being a fan of (Science) Science Fiction, black holes, dark matter, and quantum cosmology**, the message continues to make me smile. 
 (**One of our many landscaping beds is called "Cosmic Dancer."


When one of our first grand ohia trees died, we excavated a particularly sculptural, twisted root, setting it aside for possible garden art; that was four years ago. Being fond of all things reptilian, I saw its u-shape to be snake-like. I leaned it up against some lava and it sat along the driveway for over a year. 


Eventually, Phil got the idea to turn it upside down and hang a wind chime off each end -- and, since I'd not done anything with it I said, 'go for it.' Since then that heavy root has been relocated numerous times as other tasks took priority. 

Just recently, I uncovered an area of thick moss that I pulled up and saved in the greenhouse -- not knowing for sure where it would go. This week, however, I realized that our beautiful root would look wonderful as a garden sculpture covered with moss. 

The two photos above represent a visual example of how art percolates over time and how time sometimes has its own independent structure so to speak. The first photo is what this 15x12' area looked like after we had begun to whack back the invasive trees, vines and bushes. The second is what it looks like now, with the new moss covered root mounted on where an ohia tree once lived.

Pictured is another example of "all in good time" -- one of the first things we bought was a unique hybrid hibiscus called "Gabriel" -- which promptly succumbed to a common plight here in Hawaii -- leaf mites. It has been severely pruned three times and treated for three years and FINALLY (given time) it is now healthy and blooming. (I almost tossed it out numerous times.)

Note: In Feb 2012, we bought a house in Puna on the Big Island -- while on vacation without really having a plan for the future as such, or even a time table -- more an abstract image of what could be, and a deep trust in our creative power. We discovered two ideas of time in Hawaiian cosmology. The word "papamanawa:" Papa is the Earth-Mother-Goddess -- so we chose to move into the that space, allowing things to flow (while we put in the hard prep-work admittedly.) Another Hawaiian concept is a notion of "vertical time" -- when time stops because we are living in the moment of Nowness. Interesting to see both the philosophical and practical applications 

New Garden Art -- Mo'o

View is when you first come in the gate to our property.

"Stanley" has been protected with sprayed layers of FlexSeal

In mid June I posted the story about my wanting to create a Mo'o -- a lizard-dragon like the beings recorded in Hawaiian mythology. I included photos of the beginning process of making a mo'o sculpture.  Mo'o June Entry

CLICK  PHOtO to read about  "da silly slippa's"

Although I've never done this kind of thing before, I figured the best way to learn is to just do it!

"Stanley" (yes, he told me that was his name) now stands watch, perched high on an outcropping of lava -- visible just as you drive in the gate. This is an beautiful feature of lava that flowed (years ago) directly across what is now our driveway.

One of the issues that came up near the end of the construction was that his toes were a little vulnerable on such a rough surface. My friend in Honaunau suggested, giggling, that maybe he just needed some authentic Hawaiian "slippa's" -- so that part of the story is also included -- for giggles.

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Now You Don't See It....

NOW YOU DO!! 

Thirty-One years ago, when Phil wrote an ad in the Santa Cruz personals column, he said he "wanted a woman who would inspire his creativity and he hers." That's the way it has been since the very first year. He helped me establish a successful museum-store related business called Ancient Art (which I sold ten years later.)

Look way over on the right side

A few years later, when I asked him what he would like to do he said "open a gallery" and we did, selling that successful business 22 years later before retiring and moving to the Big Island. So, together we have had a lot of fun with our ability to both imagine and envision and to creatively manifest what we don't yet see. And we have fun looking at things differently.

The other night as we were getting ready for bed, I thought I saw something move in the bathroom window, but after looking more closely there was nothing there. Moments later, however, I was able to catch the movement again, and sure enough there was something there -- a little camouflaged house gecko. So, here's a couple photos of the bathroom window including close-up of how hard he would be to spot.

What we envision - could be screened

Usable NEW space is about 20x40 feet

Now here's another visual trick. Over the years, we have worked to clear away invasive species of bushes, trees and vines all around the property, but especially the front half where we discovered several lovely lava features. This last year, we have spent a lot of time clearing a very large section of lava that is now big enough to envision what "could be." See what you think! There's this project along with the ongoing development of a large fountain-pond also featuring lava. Both will take time, of course, so we will keep you posted on both.

It's All About the Dogs!

"mine"  "no mine"  "hey, move over" "headin to the mezzanine"  "get your foot outta my face"
"i was here first" "wanna trade?"

Our routines have been seriously interrupted! Chores are slipping, the grass is ready to mow, the garbage is overflowing along with recyclables. But right now at the Haysmer's hale, it IS all about the dogs.

Morning routine now finds us sitting in rattan chairs coffee mugs in hand -- simply transfixed watching puppies taking turns having breakfast.

Here's little mamma (I'I Lani) with her four gorgeous pups. We are preparing 6-7 protein rich meals daily, high nutrition puppy chow, and other healthy treats. She is partial to lamb and rice, but her favorite treat are "chicken cubes."



We buy a whole rotisserie chicken and save the skin, and all the bones that get tossed into a pot of simmering water for 3-4 hours. After cooling, we run it in the blender and pour it into an ice cube tray. They are added to her water 2-3 times a day to help keep up her milk production.

Both Reba (grandma) and Poko (uncle) have been extremely well behaved and very respectful of the lanai area which they know is off limits. They get lots of pats and treats for good behavior.

Admittedly, this maybe more than you wanted to know, but no apologies from us
! At the Haysmer's right now, it is all about the dogs!

PUPPIES

Didn't expect to post two blogs in 24 hours -- hope you will check the previous one -- but, in the meantime, here are the PUPPIES. First picture is at 4 hours, and the second (with working names) is this morning.

While they appear black, they may lighted up. Some have redish brown cheek spots. Mom and pups doing well. With only 3 hours sleep, the "great grand parents" (us!!!) are a little worse for wear.   GOOD JOB "Lani"

Malama o ka 'Aina

Pohoiki is 4 miles (as crows fly) - but the meander through mango trees, papaya fields and organic farms takes 15 min

Life on the 'wild side' on the Big Island -- no high rise condos, no fancy hotels or 4-lane highways. In fact getting down to the ocean is part one-way because no one will be cutting down an old mango tree! We think we are the luckiest folks.

We are fortunate also for great activities in our local association facilities and that a lovely local educator offers weekly classes in Hawaiian language and culture here in our small subdivision called Leilani Estates.

We have long been interested in indigenous cultures and traditions, and it was important to us that we learn about the values of traditional Hawaiians. A few words specifically address some of the depth of the Hawaiian language..

kuleana - responsibility and commitment
malama - caring for 
'aina - the land (not as "land ownership" 
but in relationship with all aspects of the environment

Some of our nearby friends and neighbors have lived here for 25-30 years and we feel very lucky to have found them and be included in our Leilani Ohana (extended family.) Phil joins other volunteers with weed whacker and rakes to join a group of local citizens who care for our local park and swimming area. By doing regular weed whacking along the park, they are helping to eliminate the use of pesticides along our local shoreline.

Even an I write this blog entry on 6/27 we had two small earthquakes last night just off the coast in this area -- once again a reminder that our adventure here is at the grace of mighty forces -- it is a vital, living land like no other we have ever encountered.

Please enjoy watching  this very short video. The first section is of of the area where the volunteers work, and near the end (about a 1/2 mile) is of our favorite swimming spots. Both are only a few minutes from our house. -- 
Video of Pohoiki Bay

Surprises Everyday!

Six years ago we lived in Humboldt County -- our house (built in 1860's) was paid off, our 22-year old gallery was doing well with a staff of 4-5 who helped to cover seven days a week - 12 hours a day.  We were busy and had actually given very little thought to what retirement might mean or look like. It took only one visit to the Big Island to conceive of a whole new adventure -- retirement in Hawaii!

Now, this many years later, we continue the learning curve that living in rural Puna means, and we are continually surprised at all we are discovering and learning. Sometimes it's the simplest things that offer the most surprise, and any day holds the potential discovery of something new and unexpected.



Such was the case today which began with a drive around the 'hood, following a few 'garage sale' signs. But even before we left the driveway, we were delighted to find that the bright orange Jade Vine we planted only a few months ago was loaded with bright (BRIGHT) orange blooms. But, stepping over an ohia log to get a closer look, we found another bloom -- the "Devil's Trumpet" -- the  plant itself is less than 12" high but has two open blooms and three more pending.

Off for our neighborhood drive, we circled around the block to visit one of the newest neighbors who had offered to give us some scraps of heavy concrete fence materials for use in the garden and then to an estate sale where we found yet another treasure -- a hippopotamus -- that has a water spout in his mouth -- and which we think will be a great feature to our (slowly) developing lava pond.

Spirit of the Mo'o

Reptiles and serpents of all shapes and sizes have been my favorite beings since I was a little girl. I was enamored with snakes in rural Oregon; I found it delightfully devious to put them in my teachers’ desks.

As a kid, I remember reading about mythological flying creatures in my Child Craft Encyclopedia. China's flying serpents-dragons were in the oldest writings of that culture. India's "Ramayana" describes humans and their "serpent-god" ancestors, and African myths refer to dragon-like beings who brought civilization to humankind. Ancient texts from Sumer (3000 BC) describe sapient, fiery, flying serpents. There are numerous other examples from Japan, China, Australia, etc. My all time favorite has long been Quetzalcoatl of Meso-American literature. Reading Dragonriders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey as a young adult was also influential.

Papermache (old phonebook) over chicken wire -- the beginning.

When we bought our retirement property in the Puna District on the Big Island of Hawaii (2012), I drew out a possible design along our long driveway for landscaping -- that, not surprising, included an aptly descriptive (and prophetic?) title, "Path of the Serpent."

"So," he asked, "do I get wings?"

In Hawaiian mythology the Mo'o are the most mysterious creatures found in some of the oldest stories and are associated with a deep ancient magic. Citing from an article by Shannon Wianecki (Maui No Ka 'Oi Magazine) Mo'o possess profound powers, are omniscient and are also shape-shifting beings who guard and protect fresh water pools. Most Mo'o are female, but a fierce Mo'o on Moloka'i is a male protector..

According to language experts, "the word mo'o" also refers to spine and a succession or lineage, and a mo'oleo is a story...a progression of words strung together like a vertebrae.

Recently while clearing a large section of overgrown jungle area of invasive shrubs, weeds and vines, we discovered a rather interesting deep hole (puka) in the lava that we are now shaping to become a fountain/pond feature -- and what could be more appropriate to guard it -- a six-foot long Mo'o, who now takes up residence in our spacious open-air art studio. A few days ago while I was sculpting his face, he asked if he was going to have wings which prompted a significant change in design -- but who is going to say "no" to a Mo'o...not me! (As the water feature and the Mo'o develop, we will post new pictures.)

"The Sacred Spine" - Shannon Wianecki; "Wise folks don't mess with Mo'o" - Bob Krauss; "Mo'o Dragons of Hawai'i" - Mike Limatoc, "Flying Serpents and Dragons" - R. A. Boulay