On Off On Off On Off

We have long known that everything is "on loan" and that nothing is permanent, and just when you think you can count on something -- things shift and/or shit happens. The last three months have proven those axioms to be 100% true.

• ON -First you THINK you have house insurance, including fire and OFF - find out you don't

• ON - You THINK you've planned out your retirement pretty well, then - OFF - your house burns down.

• ON - You THINK you have access to FEMA but find out - OFF -you don't --- because you have not received a denial from your insurance company which then takes 60 days and the cost of an attorney just to find out you are denied -- after 80 days of the loss of your home and 60 days after you filed with insurance

• ON - you THINK you might be able to apply for SBA loan - OFF - but because your income level is low, you don't because you can't replay the loan.

• ON - You THINK you can apply for Food Stamps -- and finally do, but OFF - it takes 2 months to process because you "have insurance" but have not received a denial.

• ON - YOU finally find out that FEMA has offered you grant money OFF -  but you then get a DENIAL for any assistance with housing. 

• Then, a week later, ON (again) you do have rental assistance but OFF -  finding a small partially furnished rental is nearly impossible because no one wants three adorable corgi dogs

• ON - We have been so lucky to find a temporary place for three months with gracious folks and,  OFF -- it is really time to take the "next step."

• ON - You THINK you've lined up back-up and then find out NOPE, OFF -  that just fell through too.

We expect that life offers a lot of "not knows" -- but it has been unnecessary compounded by waiting over 60 days to even receive an answer from our (supposedly biggest and best) insurance company in the world -- who somehow manages to insure rocket ships, football players, space stations and Kim Cardiashian's butt.

If this ain't a lesson for a couple of Punatics who are used to going with the flow -- don't know what is. We will adjust, adapt and press on looking for the next "diamond" opportunity; that's what we do. And, we are not alone in this predicament -- there are others -- many others. If you happen to know if a rental (partially furnished would help) with a fenced yard for really outstanding corgi dogs, and a shop for Phil to earn some money from his wood art (selling at One Gallery in Hilo) please give us full contact information. (We cannot reply to "comments" leave email or phone)  MAHALO

Generosity of Friends and Strangers

Memorial Day Altar to Them (and crystal mala)

Ever since we have been together now, some 32 years, we have always found a special place for our altar -- a treasure of objects, photos and gifts that we use to remind us of our own spiritual path and philosophical truths. And, with the sudden outbreak of the fire that destroyed our home and urgent evacuation, all of these tokens and reminders were left behind. 

Rather than naming all of the objects, here are some of the photos we have taken, some seasonal, and others, like the "Memorial Day" altar, a remembrance of friends and teachers who have guided our journey. Of particular importance, however was the figures of Ganesh, and Tsonghakpa, the hand carved walrus tusk pipe, and quartz crystal mala

that I used to recite my Sanskrit japa for meditation.

Winter Altar filed with white objects (and mala)

Over the past weeks, I have often thought about replacing some things, but it never felt right to just go out and buy them, so I have waited, and gradually items have come one by one. First a Ganesh,  then a Minoan snake goddess, a "diamond" faceted crystal, another Ganesh, rose pedals, hand carved moon, dark quartz crystal, and yet, another Ganesh. But the one thing I seemed to miss most was the crystal mala that fit perfectly on my wrist. I also knew this was something I could not simply buy.

Today, while buying dinner in Foodland for our host family, I noticed that the woman in line in front of us was wearing a mala just like the one that was lost. I tentatively reached out and touched her arm lightly and asked her where she got her crystal mala.

Gifts of Ganesh -- and my new crystal mala

What followed next was nearly unbelievable. I explained I was hoping to replace my mala and she volunteered she was visiting from Maui where she not only made malas, but had a practice similar to mine! She began to ask for my contact so she could send me one, but then hesitated and asked me to wait a moment as she finished her transaction.

We stepped aside and she began to speak Sanskrit words that were immediately recognizable. As she began to unwrap her mala she gently took my hand so she could wrap it around my wrist. With each turn she offered a Sanskrit verse.

With tears flowing down my face I tried to thank her -- but she insisted that she thank ME for the opportunity to make this offering (ho'okupu) to me. And, now, I can't even remember her name -- and also know that it doesn't really matter. Mahalo Nui Loa!

Ka ‘Aina Keahialaka

When we began this intimate dance of creation,

You hid, shyly behind a verdant veil

Of forest, fern and vine.

I felt your presence, your breath on my skin,

Your heart beat in my bones

As you wooed me with low tones and tender sighs.

I was seduced and fell hopelessly in love.

I nuzzled into your embrace, and

In the joy of creation

We imagined an exquisitely woven tapestry

Rich in color and texture.

I brushed back long tresses,

Sculpted carefully around roots,

Cleaned debris from your body,

Brushed dust from your face.

And as you hummed softly,

I felt nurtured, warm in the sun.

This amazing fountain of lava is flowing from
 what was  our front yard! (I guess technically 
GPS it still IS our front yard.)

We labored together

Birthing crescent shapes in

Multi-dimensional schematics,

Molded always by sun, rain and time.

Slowly you slipped off your

Layers of heavy coats

Revealing graceful limbs laden with orchids,

Releasing fragrant blooms

Falling soft on pale damp mosses.

I adorned you lavishly; You anointed my skin,

We danced our own rhythm into Beingness

And a splendid radiance, carried on sea breezes

Washed over Everything.

All as if in ritual preparation

To honor your re-awakening

Oh Destroyer and Creatrix!

Pu’uwai  'O Tutu Pele.

And so, we burn, again,

Somewhat befuddled, again,

And we bow, again

In awe.

Lunel Haysmer

© July 6, 2018

(Hoping my use of Hawaiian language
is not disrespectful or inappropriate.)

Disturbing Incident

(revision of post) Well, dear readers, as if losing our retirement home is not bad enough, we have discovered that photos of our property are being used in a variety of ways. While some may be innocent, generally demonstrating the on-going catastrophe, some are being used on Go-Fund-Me accounts to get money even while their houses are still standing.

We DO understand that nearly everyone in our beautiful subdivision is suffering those whose homes are gone as well as those who have had to evacuate and their lovely homes that are still standing. As we said, some uses of this photo are not done with deliberate intention to defraud.

However, for us, personally, it is very disturbing to find photos of what was our house being used in this way. The photo was taken from our neighbor's driveway across the street on LUANA street -- adjacent to Fissure #8. That is our front driveway, our gate, our palms -- our complete loss; I was in a coma in ICU at the hospital at the time of the emergency evacuation and Phil had less than an hour to so our loss is total -- except for computer and dogs.

On the one hand is this unbelievable loss and on the other hand, the generosity of both friends and strangers. We are deeply appreciated the donations we have received on a Go-Fund-Me account that was set up FOR us by friends in Humboldt County (where we lived for 22 years). We also are grateful for the beautiful family in Kea'au who have taken us and our three corgi dogs in until we can find our way to a new life in an uncertain future.

We have been treated only with compassion and kindness by the Red Cross, FEMA volunteers, and SBA as well as other neighbors. We wish only the best outcome for everyone during this distressing time. We only ask that people be honest about their losses and their OWN situation. 

Another WISH for us is that we have  been waiting for over six weeks now to hear about our insurance coverage, and it is only contributing to our anxiety and depression not to KNOW about our coverage. We are going to write letters to the governor, states representatives, and congress people as well as our local district supervisors -- anyone who can apply pressure to help us get some answers.

In the meantime, Peace, Phil and Lunel

"Fire Works"

Well, tonight, instead of looking at the glow of Leilani Estate's Fissure #8 in Puna, taking up a quarter of the sky even from 15 miles a way, we watched a few local groups from upstairs at our hanai home. However, if you want to really see some explosive wonder -- you must watch this amazing U-tube video, sent to me by a sister artist: Explosive Genius - Cai Gui-Qiang

Dirty Thunderstorms and VOG

This is the color of the air we are breathing today!

Adding insult to injury! As if a volcanic eruption destroying your home and neighborhood, leaving people homeless, isn't enough, now we are experiencing more new phenomena -- at least for the Puna District on the Big Island of Hawaii.


VOG  -- Vog is a hazy mixture of sulfur dioxide gas (SO2) and particles (PM2.5) originating from Kīlauea Volcano. Sensitivity to vog varies, so individuals need to protect themselves as necessary. People with pre-existing medical conditions are expected to be at highest risk for health effects, depending on the amount of emissions, distance away from the vent, and wind direction from day to day.  Learn more about protecting yourself here:  Click to learn about VOG

Example of what it looks like (not local) but what we been experiencing this morning (photo obviously was taken at night)

DIRTY THUNDERSTORMS --Some sources are referring to today's weather as Dirty Thunderstorms. I read that Dirty thunderstorms earn their name from the ash, rock fragments, and other ejecta which collide during a volcanic eruption and generate static electricity within the plume. or that it can be caused by ash and ice particles colliding with volcano plume, creating static charges. Interestingly, the lightening isn't coming from the sky, but instead, generated in the ash cloud coming from the fissure 8. The process is called Charge Separation.

TODAY:  This is a Civil Defense message for Monday, July 2, 2018 at 1:00 in the afternoon. State of Hawaii Department of Health reports Elevated Gas Levels due to the ongoing eruptions and current weather in the lower East Rift and Pahoa area.  The National Weather Service forecast that light winds are causing Sulphur dioxide to fill in the area.  Northeast tradewinds will build in later today and push winds to the southwest through the rest of the week and improve air quality.

New HVO Video explains some unique weather patterns : New July 2 HVO Video

Unprecedented Geological Lava Event

Tropicbird - Koa'E'kea flying at Kilauea by Kietrich Varez 

Aloha to all you faithful blog followers! So much is happening in our lives right now, it is hard to keep on track with all the various "fronts," many of which may take weeks yet to resolve: Health, Insurance, SBA low interest loans, FEMA grants, reality check of monthly budget, living expenses, possible rent expenses, trying to creatively approach back-up plans, and secondary back-up plans in worst-case scenarios.

Perhaps the most difficult issue for us is NOT hearing from our insurance company it has been weeks and by law they are supposed to respond within 15 days. Not even knowing whether we are covered or not is creating highly stressful anxiety. Lunel is on various anti-seizure meds and some for anxiety and depression. Driving is out, so Phil is doing a lot of the driving and leg work with FEMA etc., while Lunel works on-line and phone negotiating appointments and meetings

AND, in the meantime, staying focused on NOW and living with gratitude that we are staying in a comfortable place, we have the comfort of our three corgi dogs, and we are eating well, staying in touch with friends near and scattered, and that we both have some minimal artistic distractions for ourselves.

All lava from Kilauea and Pu'u O'o now flowing at Fissure #8

Additionally, we are so thankful for the many kinds of contributions we have received from people we know, and many we don't. With them, we have been able to replace Phil's tools, replace toothbrushes, clothes, prescriptions, extra emergency cell phone, file folders to keep paperwork, and just the simplest things of every-day life.

Here's an interesting graphic that simplifies how the collapse of Halema'um'u inside caldera is pushing lava out through tunnels and up in --- yep, our front yard through Fissure #8. (You can scroll down to May 25th blog entry for close up photo of our property and lava.)




Health: We are dealing with medical issues for Lunel of course. Meeting with neurologist this last week has resulted in more tests like EEG (which for some reason was not done at the hospital before this!) Also, she's being referred to a cardiologist as hospital tests did show a small "thing" on one of her heart valves. Until those tests are done, she continues to take the seizure medications as prescribed. While the neurologist didn't particularly link the stress associated with 100 earthquakes the hours before to her seizure/stroke/coma event -- it is possible that the autonomic nervous system did kick in with a "shut down' of some kind. We are hoping the additional tests will provide more definitive answers.

Phil's Koa wood sculpture of Koa'E'kea bird

If you are interested in the "lava news" related to Kilauea and Halema'uma'u -- the following video, while long, provides an excellent overview of what is currently happening.  Excellent explanation of current Lava event

If you watch it, you might miss something really MAGICAL because it happens so fast. That is the video of the Tropicbird -- Koa'E'kea flying over their home -- nesting around the inside rim of the volcano! We've also included a photo of one of Phil's most recent Koa wood sculptures of this graceful bird now available for sale at One Gallery in Hilo.

If you want to watch a shorter version of the birds in flight, here is another link: Short Video of Birds Flying over Lava

Phil's Birthday -- Juxtaposition

Photo by our fellow evacuee, The Great Clive Cardozo, Hawaii Aerial Visions LLC, Licensed Drone Pilot

What a strange life we are living!

It's Phil's Birthday this week and while he's glad to have some tools to begin making some art, the reality of this New Life is continuing to shake us to the core.

On the one hand we have an amazing geological Lava Event -- a process of destruction and creation. And in the other hand, we are attempting to re-create our own lives after the mind-blowing obliteration of our retirement/investment dream.

Phil with his new purchases (with generous donations)

First stage: Rough Cut new fish

The photo above shows where we are living. We are living about 15 miles from Luana street in Leilani Estates, where Fissure #8 (current source of all the flowing lave) is spewing huge fountains out of  what was formerly our front yard. This is the view from where we live -- taken by our friend and fellow evacuee, Clive Cardozo with his high-tech drone. The plume on the far left is from lava (flowing at 15-25 mph) into a wide swath of ocean front. The inland plume is from Fissure #8. Watch for the "Night shot" coming soon...."

Just a sample of over 25 finished Hawaiian Reef Fish  ($30 + shipping)

More on the creative side of this equation, Phil was able to buy some necessary tools through a fellow artist from One Gallery in Hilo (where Phil's art is being sold.) He is moving back to California and was selling his good quality used tools.

See Phil's Art - Click HERE

Phil has now managed to gather enough pieces of equipment and tools (also through generous gifts) to continue making his beautiful Hawaiian reef fish again -- sawdust being in his veins from  his Grandpa Dorr Scott, who was a builder and worked with wood.

(PS - Phil is not overly sure about turning 77, but since he is now living here with a 96 year old WW2 decorated bomber pilot named Walter who is teaching him TiChi, he is a bit more encouraged.)

Pretty "Biblical" huh!?! We won't be following this pillar of fire to the promised land -- that's for sure!
(Clive Cardozo, Hawaii Aerial Visions LLC, Licensed Drone Pilot)

Waiting Is: I Grok (or not)

Of course losing our lovely retirement home in the lava flow has been devastating. And in the midst of this loss we are blessed to be finding the "diamonds" that Lunel's dream envisioned while she was in the ICU, what seems a long time ago, but was only May 2nd -- only hours before the lost of our home by fire, and a few days later, by lava.

It has now been over a month since we filed our insurance claim and this waiting to hear is only contributing to our anxiety. Perhaps you never realize what PTSD is until you personally experience it; drugs like Valium help the rage or anxiety, Prozak helps with the severe depression -- but WAITING and WAITING is the hardest part.

We so appreciate the kindness we have been afforded by staying with a lovely family. Yes, the loss of our dog, Reba, was another hard reality to face. And, we know that she is in her original home where she will be loved and cared for -- another blessing and relief. Of course many people, some of whom we don't even know personally, have contributed to the Go-Fund-Me account that was set up for us by Astra at Many Hands Gallery in Eureka. Others donated through Amazon or Home Depot -- most of which has been used to purchase wood-working tools for Phil.

Our gracious host in our temporary home has set up a space for Phil to continue "making sawdust" that is a way for him to process the loss of the amazing wood shop we had built, and the people we bought koa wood from donated a lovely stack of wood he will use to continue making fish for the gallery he sells through.

Lunel continues to process her grief through her art in a new journal -- a few pages of which are here, and through some reading. She is also writing short pieces about her internal process and the magnitude of such a loss. The dogs are constantly by her side and now that there are only three there is less stress and more comfort.

Some people have asked about insurance. Well, yes, we had insurance but it appears that there was a "Lava Exclusion" on about page 47 or so of 50 pages. We have submitted a claim however, and now all we can do is wait. Actually, we should have heard from insurance company by now.

In the meantime, life goes on -- Lunel is getting therapy to help with anxiety/depression etc., all associated with PTSD. Her cataract surgery, that had been postponed due to the seizure/coma incident has been rescheduled which will be very helpful as her contacts and bifocals are now under 25 feet of cooling lava with everything else. Phil did good: He got the dogs and the computer, without which we would really feel isolated. We've lost all addresses, phone numbers and birthdays, but will have to let that go for now.

There is current state and county discussion about setting up a new sub-division for those of us who lost our primary residence, but, as with most government processes, it will take time and "due process." Until then:  "Waiting IS...."  We are fortunate that our mutual life-philosophies include the concepts that life is unpredictable, that nothing is certain, and that all we can be sure of is CHANGE. A quote from someplace: "It takes courage to be done with the old and to seek the new." We did that once, leaving Humboldt County, so it seems we still have something to learn.

For those following our blog -- maybe this is more than you wanted or needed to know, but for now it is our primary way of answering questions many people have asked -- it continues to be a challenge for us to repeat all of this information to individuals over the phone -- and we appreciate your understanding. Mahalo to everyone!

For those who want a brief overview of Haysmer's Famous Fissure #8 here's the latest Utube:
Lava News June 14

Room By Room

When we moved from Eureka in Humboldt County, we left a wonderful network of friends who wanted to share in our excitement of setting up a new household. 

So, that's when we began taking pictures of what we bought and how we set things up. Now those photos are proving more helpful than we ever imagined as we attempt to compile a list of personal items we lost -- room by room.

In some ways, the process is both emotionally painful and, oddly enough, therapeutic at the same time. While Phil is out buying new tools with Home Depot gift certificates from generous contributors (thank you one and all!) my job is to work on these room-by-room lists -- trying to recall where we bought what, hopefully recall the brand, manufacturer or model. 


Unfortunately all our records, statements, receipts and warranty files were all lost in the fire. At least I can use the internet to establish some reasonable guesstimates on prices. 

It has now been over 15 days since we filed our claim, so we are hoping to hear from them soon -- one way or another. Things insurance won't cover are all the lovely antiques -- two kitchen tables from each of his grandmother's. A blanket made by my great-grandmother that was made with wool from her own sheep, carded, spun, dyed and loom woven. Or, all the wonderful masks and art from countries all over the world, collected over our 32 years together, including wedding rings. We have our memories of these treasures -- and we have today, and hopefully tomorrow to begin again.

And Another Loss

Today is a sad day for us.The stress of relocation not only affects humans, but our beloved four-legged family members as well. 

We are so grateful for our temporary housing situation here in Kea'au, but the additional stress of so many dogs and neighbor dogs as well has been too much for our Tu-Tu girl Reba, who we nicknamed Reba-Bo-Beba. Today she will be moving back to her original family in Captain Cook who love her and will take good care of her. 

She has never really "played well with others" and there have been scuffles in years past, but this has placed too great a strain on all of us. She will be in a beautiful setting with lots of grass and trees and a place that will smell familiar to her.

A good friend offered to pick her up at our place and take her to her new home for us. After our final goodbye, we decided that a trip down to the ocean would be in order -- and, it matched our mood pretty well. Grey clouds scudding across the sky -- rain dripping down the windshield and the ocean -- the slate color of tombstones.

Listen to Our Morning Prayer

Aunty Pua Kanakaole Kanahele -Chant

One of the reasons we chose to live and remain here -- on this living land.

And, to see what Haysmer's Infamous Fissure #8 is still doing:
The Fissure #8 current activity

Facts: "Pu'u Luana" (as we are calling it) is producing 6-9 MILLION cubic meters per day.

Scientists report that this is 15-25 times the rate of flow when Pu'u O'o erupted over 30 years ago.


Learn more about the Hawaiian cultural reverence for the land and Pele Family:
Learn More:

One Month Later

Phil looking at "Magma Chamber"

Looking back -- one month later. Time has a different dimension and life has radically changed shape, not only for us, but for hundreds of friends and neighbors. While we did not have the emotional fortitude to attend Wailoa's "First Friday"  open house, (on June 1st) yesterday we managed to gather enough courage to go see the piece Phil submitted for their current  juried exhibit "State Wide Annual All Media."


The reason for the delay in attending was because a month ago our house burned and a few days later was covered with lava -- including Phil's piece entitled "Magma Chamber." Wailoa Center graciously offered to use a photograph of the piece and frame it -- in order to include it in the show. Of course we wanted to see it.

As we approached the piece, I took a photo of Phil as he stood looking at it, but I did not realized until we returned home how aptly it illustrated or how dramatically it captured how we both feel about our loss -- one month later. It feels like everything we have built and known has been "framed" for us to look at -- look back at -- as though it is hanging on a wall -- and we are standing in some vague shadow at what was our life.

On the other side of that loss is the amazement, wonder and beauty of the earth's own cycle of destruction and creation witnessed in the graphic images being documented and shared around the world. Like other friends and artists we meet, we feel that we stand on the edge of this awesome process, and if there were a "prayer" it would be that the overwhelming pain we feel at our personal loss will eventually subside and something new will be created as emotions, like the lava, cool and we begin to envision a new life and path ahead -- one month later -- one year later.

Practicing Normality

Our healing view of ocean from yesterday's outting

In the midst of the obvious chaos of our lives, the last couple of days we have tried to focus on "practicing normality." Attending to the business of medical tests, making doctors appointments for Lunel's health and well being, getting insurance forms completed, working with inspectors, adjusters and -- buying underwear and a toaster oven...life has been a bit crazy.

Our new Hawaiian host family have been unbelievable gracious in letting us share their kitchen for group meals and we have been taking turns with prep and clean up. Phil bought a dog pooper-scooper and walks the 3/4 acre property doing doggy-duty -- for a total of seven furry family members. They have nearly completed an additional 300 sf of screened in space that allows us to have some fresh air in our tiny room -- so we six (us and corgyn) are not all so tightly packed.

Yesterday, our Exercise In Normality was to drive down to the ocean -- NOT an area where lava is involved and set up chairs and just b-r-e-a-t-h-e in the fresh sea breeze. The dogs are used to a full one acre area to romp in, but here, we are taking them out every couple hours for a walk around the grounds which include a small hydroponic garden, small orchard and surprising sprays of orchids.

Lunel in bottom left -- surrounded by all her girlfriends

If you are visiting our BLOG for the first time -- the latest images of the corner of Leilani and Luana (where our house was - scroll down a few entries...) is now a 20 foot deep lake of lava. (we are not putting those on this blog entry again) In the last few days 200' foot high fountains of molten lava have been shooting up right at what was our corner of Luana and Leilani. Lava continues to follow its own course covering acres and homes on the way to the ocean.
Link #1 to our corner of Luana and Leilani 
Link.  #2 what was our corner Luana & Leilani.

FOR NOW: Although we are homeless, living out of a few bags and boxes, we have been the recipients of amazing generosity -- clothes, gift cards to Home Depot and Amazon and the Go-Fund-Me account that was set up for us by Astra (present owner of Many Hands in Eureka.) Lunel was gifted with a small box of jewelry which she wore on Tuesday night to her "Girlie Girl" night -- a tremendous support network for her.

A New Nest

Yesterday we marked 32 years together, and considering the rather grim previous post, we just wanted to update our blog with something special and positive. Phil took my hand and told me that he had sometime to show me, so we walked out of our cozy small apartment onto the lawn along a row of palms. 

He pointed to a fallen palm frond and there was a bird nest. With all our jewelry -- Phil's dad's ring, my grandma's engagement ring -- our wedding rings to mark mark our 32nd anniversary all buried now under lava, it is especially lovely to find this symbolic gift. Now, together we will find a way to build ourselves a new nest.

Right now we are floating in a sea of ambiguity -- health, housing, insurance, trying to see the way through to a new reality. We have filed our insurance claim, and for now that is all we can do. After 32 years of creativity and problem solving -- some of the answers will just have to come in time. Thanks for your love, prayers and support.  

Lava -- Too Close for Comfort

The photo here shows just how up close and personal this experience has been for us. Our house (the white rubble to the far left) is what is left after it burned a few days before this photo was taken. The homes near the bottom right corner belonged to a beautiful Hawaiian family and other good neighbors -- all now under lava; family now relocated or living with relatives or friends.

Hard to believe that only a few days ago, Phil was sitting by Lunel's bed in the hospital waiting for her to come out of a coma from a seizure she had 12 hours BEFORE the fire began. Despite what many tests, MRI, neurology, etc. may show, isn't is just possible that Lunel's deep connection with this land somehow realized she did NOT need to witness this part of the destruction/creation cycle?

Maybe you've already seen enough footage and images of lava -- up close. The voices of the people in the video (linked here) seem to expressing both wonder and amazement at the power and beauty of "being there" up close and personal. For us, it represents a different kind of "personal."  LINK: Up Close VIDEO

Living Land

From "The Atlantic" - Lava crosses the land

Aloha from Phil and Lunel -- While we are safe if not completely "sound" we are still in shock as are many of our homeless friends and neighbors.

Remains of house after it burned.

Pictured here is an early photo of what was left of our home and property after it burned. days before lava covered it. Today we filed our insurance claim. Our four corgi dogs are with us sharing a home filled with aloha (7 dogs and 7 people) and everyone is doing the best they can.

We are stunned and grateful for the outpouring of donations we have received: on the Go-Fund-Me account that Astra (current owner of Many Hands Gallery in Eureka) set up for us, as well as gift cards for Amazon and Home Depot. Good News:  Phil has already lined up a list of tools to replace with these generous donations and even received a gift of koa wood  (and some small tools) from the folks he usually buys from. There have been a couple of local wood workers who have offered space for him to work that will be of comfort to him on many levels.

CLICK to see bigger image

For those of you who knew about Lunel's emergency trip to ICU in a coma just 12 hours before our evacuation -- Good News:  her MRI came out perfectly normal. She has a prescription for Valium and is checking in regularly with her doctor. Her grief runs deep as she was so connected to her art studio, her best assemblage pieces, and particularly her art journals. But, in her unstoppable style, she has begun a new journal filled with pages of quirky drawings, poems, and collage - sample here too.

For personal friends to reach us the best way is through EMAIL:  haysmer@sonic.net.  We have a one-fuinction cell phone we are saving for insurance and medical related things. Frankly, a lot of personal phone calls right now, with our emotions so fragile is hard for us to manage on top of this huge loss.

As dear friends have reminded us: 'chi va piano, va sano e va lontano" -- who goes slowly, goes safely and goes far.

For you who want to see some very current photos of what is happening right now, here's a link to look:  Lava Photo from The Atlantic 

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)

All Things Being Equal

Lunel has begun a new journal 

For all our friends and ohana family who are checking in periodically there are just a few things to know about our current situation.

1. Our new family and place where we are staying is safe and comfortable and beyond generous.
2. The internet connection for anything is extremely sporadic so communication may be slow
3. We are both finding ways to "feel normal" without all the things that used to fill those roles.

Evening meal with our new family and old neighbors

(from bottom)
All Things Being Equal
And Change Inevitable
I Choose to Be Her Now!

Years ago, during a major life growth/adjustment/change at age 60, I got my first tattoo -- a symbol that kept coming through in my dreams and art. Since then I have used it on all my art. For me it is represents one of my basic core beliefs: Joy and Sorrow - Life and Death - Light and Dark all are not only necessary elements to existence but also equal.

New family building on just for us!! That's aloha!

And so it is in the be-here-now moment, or as we say here "Be Here Na'au." The loss feels overwhelming and unbearable and yet, somehow it also feels equal to the generous aloha-spirit that is being extended to us. And, that is equal to our discomfort at asking for help or even receiving it. The photos on our previous blog show the destruction and these represent how we are processing the pain and receiving the aloha as we find our way into an unknown future.

Especially to those who have made any kind of contribution we say MAHALO!! our difficulty getting on-line or even staying connected to say "thank you" makes responding a challenge.