The final Day

Here is an unusual sky. . .doesn't it look like someone practicing their penmanship?
Obviously we wake up early for a 7:30 Yoga Basics class with Laura. She has broken her back twice and discovered yoga as she struggled to come back from paralysis. She is an apprentice teacher here (with a masters degree in kiniesiology). I am blessed to study here. Class is slow and easy. With two students I receive a lot of personal attention.
Then we check out of The Cliffs. Driving South we enjoy the Kauai Orchid Farm. Then we have lunch at Gaylord's, which is another estate with beautiful gardens.





We check in at the Marriot and meet our group at a bay near Poipu for the Captain Andy's Sunset Whale Watch Cruise. I get a picture of the sail. The spinner dolphins and whales are everywhere, within feet of out craft, but holding a drink, my hat and a camera is more than manageable while holding on to the rail.



It is so much fun. We return to our room and spend half an hour sitting on the beach at Nawiliwili Harbor until the table is ready. It is a somber scene for tomorrow we fly home.

Glorious sunshine

I love so much about Kauai. Waking up early and slipping out here to watch the sunrise. sipping Lion French Roast coffee as I blog. I love how alive I feel, the fresh air and great food.
I love the yoga classes and walking on the beaches, inspired drawing and relaxing.
Today began with the bikram breakfast two hours before class. I was looking forward to class today, after a day of rest. Class was fine. It is not yoga and I would not recommend it to anyone but a misguided jock. It is addictive and stressful. You need a good basis of self love and self honoring to go there, also a sense of gratitude to endure each minute, I want to go again tomorrow, but be check out of here at 10 and Dan thinks I will want to shower before heading South for our last full day on the island.



I gave Drill Saergant Janet a slimy, sweaty hug even though she grimaced. "Open your hearts (maggots)", she barked.
Dan and I planned to enjoy the feast this last day and a host of whales showed up for our entertainment, Dan took 150 photos. We has penne and pizza and salad and steak.
Rgen we romped in Hanalei Bay. We actually saw Bethany Hamilton the girl who's arm was eaten by a shark. No mistaken her. Then when the thunder clouds encroached we headed for Anini and played there. More sunbathing.
Home to shower and dress for dinner at Bar Acuda a tapas bar in Hanalei Town. We think we've done it all and we are so thankful we are leaving on a sunny note.
Dinner is the Highlight of the food week.
Bruschetta is unique. A peeled, roasted kauai tomato in a shallow dish with olive oil and balsamic with toasts is the first tapas. I order the sea scallop atop a bed of French lentils and Dan has more of an entree; blue nosed bass with an au gratin potato in a nutty succulent almond butter. Then we share an arugula salad with roasted yellow beets and dessert is Kauaian honeycomb with a green apple and parmesiano-reggiano cheese.
Wow! This new restaurant is just below the yoga studio, who knew?!
Tomorrow we move South to the Marriot and a pupus sunset cruise with Captain Andy and our Lutheran brothers and sisters.
It has been restful.

Hanalei and Anini

Is this sunshine at last?
Yesterday I told Dan I would take two classes to make up for the day the road was closed. And also I said, "Bikram every day. . .' I was so thrilled to have enjoyed the class. But sore muscles and fear returned today. I can only push myself so much.
We are going to enjoy an entire day at the North shore. At Hanalei Bay Dan tested the waters, they were muddy following all the heavy rains. He read and I drew. The sun was so delicious and deeply warming. We traveled a ways to Anini for a pre lunch fish taco and more beach time, shells for a picture frame. The surf advisory is High and the tides are bold. Dan still hasn't been able to bob in the aqua waters.
We drive east at 2 to the Mediterranean Cafe. Dan gives them a 'poor'. Seventeen dollars gets you three pieces of lettuce and a slice of gyros. My Summer Bliss Salad had four boysenberries and five slices of starfruit. They forgot the pita bread and walnuts. It was still sweet to be there with my honey. This is the vacation some only dream of.

Yoga is at five thirty, Relax Deeply. Carrie and I remember one another and greet. I am very structured, Carrie is not. This class is mentally more challenging than the Bikram. She loves to create new poses. . the salmon and the bear, the walrus. Also she uses 'Feldenkranz' little micro adjustments. She never leaves her mat to work with us (hello) and plays some loud music. ( I think it was her own recording.) She is beautiful in every way. especially her voice and when I locate her in the dark I smile at her lovingly. This is important to soften the heart. I recognize our different styles and try to embrace the lesson she is teaching me. Two key phrases:
"Reflect. Where can you soften and let go?"
"Yoga invites you to be authentic."

Dan arrives to fetch me. A pizza is waiting to be baked and the dining table it set with candles; a soothing re entry.
Bedtime is earlier than usual. Mahalo and sweet dreams.

Ash Wednesday

Grey, grey and more grey above the verdant jungle greeens. ( the French Polynesian spelling:-)
I took one look at Dan and it was a Holden Village moment.
"Do I need to get you out of here today?" I asked. There was only a slight response.
I offered to swap my hatha yoga for a Bikram yoga class so we could go South for the day, gaining two hours of sunshine, and a bit of beach time.
The light in his eyes glittered. Twelve years of marriage, I know my husband.
My offering to take a Bikram class seemed right at the time. And I like to push myself every year or two to try one.( I am like that) The first Bikram yoga I ever took was a near death experience. A hot day, apparently dehydrated, and wearing polyester . In no time at all I was ready to vomit. I sat at the wall and the teacher watched me carefully for 90 minutes. Once home, Dan was instructed to put me in a bath of epsom salts and to feed me lots of electrolyte beverages.
When I take the class here I am terrified and wiggle nervously all the way into Hanalei. In my mind I am pushing Ahimsa, non violence ( to myself.)
Bikram Yoga is a series of 26 poses done in a room heated to 105 degrees. A 'drill seargant' barks orders for ninety minutes. You are to do as commanded. It's not a kind and gentle practice. And two sit ups are practiced between asanas. (Spin and give me two!")
So I enter and meet the lovely Janet, I tell her I am terrified and will do my best. My eyes are weak but my inner practice strong.
I will draw upon Yvonne's Shanti wisdom and my home practice, including Svatyaya or self study.
To make this story short, it was pure bliss. I stayed in each moment, breathing and not going too deep. I said a prayer of thanks between each pose and didn't "Leak" energy, moving minimally. (This was key). Then it was over, I hopped up and met Dan at the car. He thoughtfully brings me a Fresh ginger lemonade from the Polynesian Cafe. It is an acquired taste, grated ginger. Dan knows it cleanses and rejuvenates me. He is a great husband.
We are off quickly to the blue skies of Waimea.



We have a pupu platter at the Brew Pub ; fresh shrimp , lumpia spring rolls and teri chicken on skewers with pineapple.

Then we settle on a beach and just enjoy the sun and surf, spotting a few of the 30, 000 whales offshore.
Dinner is at Pomodoro Italian before Ash Wednesday service at Lihue Lutheran with Pastor Paul. The placing of ashes on the forehead is a powerful reminder that weare dust and will return to dust. Talk about organic.( don't panic)
We spin home through more showers; a downpour, a gully washer a deluge and a drip.
Here are few hibiscus to meditate upon, Mahalo

Aloha Gail and rain and yoga

It's a good thing Dan and I were both born in Portland, Oregon; for we both love rain. This vacation has given me an opportunity to really study it. During our delightful banana taro waffle breakfast (Dan-o! Dan-o!)the rain 'sizzled' at the Cliffs. This morning the showers came in waves, like an oscillating sprinkler. It is 76 degrees and we are happy slogging here and there.
We bid Gail Sue a fond Aloha at 9:30in the morning. We needed to locate a room for Saturday, our 15th night on the island and toured Lihue looking at properties Dan had read about; torrential rain, light drizzle, a gentle showers all day long. We, like a stream, meandered our way home. I saw this sink at two Frogs Hugging.


We liked Scotty's for lunch with a pleasant view of the surf. Winding back to the Farmer's Market, we picked up tumeric and ginger roots, bananas, oranges and greens. Then a little swordfish at the Hanalei Dolphin and a stop for coffee and potatoes at Foodland in Princeville. We considered hot tubbing in the rain. . .



Dan watches the Super Tuesday election coverage and I read, looking out through the veil of low rain clouds to view some happy whales slapping their fins.
Relax Deeply was outstanding, because Bhavani was teaching. My eccentric, precious teacher. Pure theta brain waves(the place between waking and sleeping). She explained the close link between physiology and psychology. We followed our eyes along the optic nerve to a deep place in the hypothalamus. Then we moved through the ears along the auditory canal to deep within the brain. Then up the nostril channels, along sinuses and we all met at the pineal gland. This may have been during savasana. I can never be sure when I leave that studio, where I was or am. . .
She read from Rumi, Hafiz and the Tao while we held poses for 5 to 11 minutes. (Oopsie) She gets lost too.
The poses were Butterfly, reclining Butterfly, Firelegs or double pigeon, Legs up the Wall (closed and falling open wide) Virasana or Hero's pose, and a Twisted Vine.
My adorable Dan was there to guide me through the downpour to the waiting car and home. Savoring the drizzle,we grilled at the gazebo and sipped a Mai Tai. Dinner was sushi and swordfish, baked potatoes with roasted garlic and a Sterling Chardonnay.
For Your Consideration is a funny film by Christopher Guest which ended the day on a silly note.
Sleeping deeply to the tropical water falling. Mahalo

yoga, yoga, All yoga, all the time.

Class with'my student' starts the day. We are working on her flat feet,'wonking'. Lots of standing poses in correct alignment and breath work. She is absolutely radiant. . .I was blessed to be her teacher for the week. Namaste Gail Sue.
Then Dan bakes a breakfast pizza with Portugese sausage on one side and Kapuna Dairy goat cheese on the other, top that with basil chiffonade. "Yummers," as Rachel Ray would say.


We drive into Hanalei where the road is now open, but the school is closed. Little narrow, wooden bridges to the west end of the island are risky for school buses transporting small children over raging flood waters. And they may not get them home.
I have yoga at 12. Carole is teaching again, she is so joyful!! We worked on Dancer Pose again, then added a version where both hands find the back foot and it is suhka. I notice my right standing side is stronger. We learn something called the 'Cloud Lock".I first thought we may be trying to stop the rains, but no, this is the bandha work; lifting the perineum, engaging the lower abdominals, softening the heart while constricting the throat with the Ujjayi breathing. That's it!

Also I learned, while in Pigeon, that there is a center of physical awareness, but there may also be an emotional center. I was clenching my teeth at the time, so that was easy to notice, it wasn't the hip.
Lunch at The Hanalei Dolphin was spectacular as always, charbroiled Ahi salad and a Keoki Gold.Gail announces the French Polynesian link. The Gustafsons while appearing to be Viking-Swedish, are actually French. Well the only sensible conclusion is that they are French Polynesian which would explain their island stylishness.
A quick shop as I need a gift for the sweetheart watering our house plants.



Then we puddle jump our way to the Kauai Orchid Farm, which was closed. Here's a picture from the Farmer's Market instead.
Every Monday at the reception we have a chance to win a free week at the Cliffs, I do win 15 minutes on the internet, and ask the Mayor' to draw again so someone else may win:-) After all, we have our Apple laptop.



Sunset is in the Living Room at the Princeville Hotel. Here is our drink presentation. It is a stunning space with views of Mt Makana or Bali Hai. Home for the evening,
we dine alfresco on sushi, steak and local salad greens.
It hasn't stopped pouring in 10 days.

My Ohana

Tale of Two Weathers

we are waking up late to a socked in Hawaii/ Kauai.
Scrambled eggs, toast and a sunny fruit platter get the day started off right. When the rains are heavy the whales offshore go deep and sleep. It's all good, we are off to church.


Gail needs to see the turtles, so we head South, stopping at Pizzacato for a slice and salad, then straight to the Point at Poipu for a visual frolic. The sun feels so great on our skin, despite the winds. There are many multiple sightings. . .little brown periscope necks, and great round disks surfing the swells!
It is Super Bowl Sunday so we promise Dan we'll get him home to view it. The weather up North is frightening. . . lightening and thunder bursting over the ocean (where the whales are lazing) and the rains will not cease. Dan tried to take me to a Rest Deeply class at Yoga Hanalei, but the roads are closed and there is a flash flood warning in effect for HERE! "Turn Around, Don't Drown." is the slogan. Twice today the weather people reported three inches of rainfall in one hour.



I draw a hibiscus we photographed on the way to church and Gail is planning her last day on the island. That would be tomorrow.(Your wish is our 'command',)
We will have Onolicious Chicken Satay on a papaya salad with a hoisin balsamic vinagarette. They picked up some light Hagan Das ice cream for the pie that will follow the healthy entree.
We settle on the lanai to watch the light show and sonorous sky, before grilling the sesame chicken kebobs.
What happens when lightening penetrates the ocean? ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ. Gail thinks the salt diffuses the charge.
Mahalo, Susan

Day of Two Beaches and more. . .

The day begins with a slice of macadamia nut pie with coffee and fresh oranges from the Tantrum lady, Estelle.
We're off to the Hanalei Farmer's Market for a few staples: pineapple, bananas, goat cheese and a look at the locals on Saturday morning. These boys are playing tag football in swim trunks and a foot of warm rain puddle.



Then we are off to the UCC Craft Fair, where we find Diva Dot with a new creation...
(This may be a separate bog entry.)
We lunch on pizza and fresh greens at Pau Hana on our way to the Kiluea Lighthouse where they admit blind girls and three of their friends for free. Its called a National Park Access Pass. We are thankful that Gail braved the Portland snowstorm to bring our coats to Kauai. We have never needed them. I write this as rain is dripping down my legs, sitting in the back seat of our rental car, on our way to church. At the lighthouse Gail spots a monk seal yeah!


We have yoga class on Moloa'a Beach, ujjayi breathing, ardha hastasana and nataranjasana:dancer pose.



It was hard to find good footing in the sand so I allowed my standing leg to be 'swallowed' up and that worked: a lesson in upekkasa:-) Welcome it all in!
Dinner is grilled Ahi burritos with guacamole, Kauai tomato and pineapple salsas with sour cream.
Dan loves watching South Pacific so we did. If anyone knew it was Groundhog Day we would have brought that.
We are happy to report the monk seal saw her shadow,

Sunshine Family

I am awaking early to howling winds and the ocean's roar. The rain is falling in sheets from the upper lanai onto ours. It's a balmy 72 degrees. The roosters cock a doodle do.
Dan is sick, yesterday he spent the better part of it in bed, resting. Despite valiant efforts, (Emergen C, Airborne fizzies three times a day, Airborne gummies, Advil, aspirin and Nyquil. . .) he has succumbed. He rallied twice yesterday, picking me up from yoga for lunch and we had reservations for our first ever Luau.



Gail Sue and I had the house to ourselves. I made a macadamia nut pie, which we may enjoy as breakfast, when the sun rises. Gail blogged. I taught more yoga to Gail. . .the top of the sun salutation: Mountain Pose, Upward Salute and Waterfall .
Then it was time for Yoga Hanalei. In four days four different teachers. Carole, Maria, Melissa and now Katie. Tara is away on a skiing trip, then she will travel to India.
Katie was wonderfully clear and poised. When at last it was time for Savasana, she adjusted the subscapular, pressing down on the shoulders to 'release' me. Then drawing her hands up my neck, scrunching my ears and pressing something cool int0 my heart center, anahata. I huge smile came over my entire body.
The Hanalei Waldorf salad is incredible; green apple, blue cheese and candied walnuts in a sweet dressing gently tumbled with butter lettuce, Yum!!!
We tried to outfit Gail at the Tropical Tantrum, but she resisted. Instead we bought a few more of Estelle's oranges. ( Hopefully, with curative powers!)

After drawing another Hibiscus from an Anini Beach photo (it's raining again) we went to the Luau.



The asking price was $75. per person. The timeshare presenters awarded us $168. for 'playing'. So we brought our cost down to a reasonable sum. The Smith's run a smooth and informative operation on thirty acres. We were well fed and the stage entertainment featured dancers from Chinese, Japanese, Philipines, Mauri, Samoan and Tahitian cultures.
We fell into our beds quite pleased with the day.

Love Poems of Rumi

Ode 314



Those who don't feel this Love
pulling them like a river,
those who don't drink dawn
like a cup of spring water
or take in sunset like supper,
those who don't want to change,

let them sleep.

This Love is beyond the study of theology,
that old trickery and hypocrisy.
If you want to improve your mind that way,

sleep on.

I've given up on my brain.
I've torn the cloth to shreds
and thrown it away.

If you're not completely naked,
wrap your beautiful robe of words
around you,

and sleep.

The Perfect Beach Day

At last, a sunny day. Of course, it's all good, some are better than others:-) We have eggs and toast and a fruit platter with Lion coffee and head up the road to Anini Beach. So many intentions: to read, to stroll and find shells, to draw or practice yoga? There was time for everything! Gail and I take a delightful stroll up to the Stallone place. The Puka shells will adorn a dotted frame. I tried to pick up a rather large crab (properly) who was mostly hidden below the sand. When I realized how big he was I panicked and let him go. He scurried across my feet, causing me further freaking.
Dan took us to Red Hot Mamas for a burrito on the beach. The store sign read, "Established in 1975." It looked like it could be from the 40's (like me). Things here really weather.
The afternoon was spend on Kepuhi Beach, where some dogs remembered Dan from last year and joined us. Dan threw a lot of sticks for this shaggy, sandy duo.
Once home, Dan napped and Gail had her first yoga class with me. I designed about 5- 15 minute classes, as not to overwhelm. Child's Pose, back breathing and Cat and Cow variations today.
Then I went to Yoga Hanalei for Relax Deeply with Melissa. We began with alternate nostril breathing. Some neck, hand and spine stretches. and into the deep, five minutes asanas. The papaya colored room, lit with a row of flickering candles, heavy rain showers and gentle jazz set the tone. ("It is the suspension of time that occurs when we are so immersed in an activity that we become it." D.F.)Melissa thanked us for practicing yoga saying, "The world is a better place because we study yoga." Donna Farhi echoed the same thought. We practice not to achieve samadhi, but to live with more compassion and kindness.
Dan and Gail prepared a mixed grill feast which we savored on the lanai, lingering over a good red wine. Mahalo friends. . .
"

This morning Dan and I strolled Anini Beach, despite the rainfall. It was shell nirvana. We played on a rope swing and when the heavens opened, we took refuge under a tree.
Yoga at noon with Maria. I see why it's important to share your energy, walk around and smile, touching people. When I indulge in 'my practice' as a way of demonstrating poses, I am not sharing my love.

Dan brought me a ginger lemonade and we rushed to the Lihue Airport to pick up Gail.
After an hour or two on the lanai with Aloha hospitality we got serious in the kitchen.
Dan is marinating ahi and Gail and I prepared the papaya spring rolls with cucumber, mint, basil and cilantro in kiluea lettuce leaves. Yum with the peanut sauce.
When the last light is faded, we'll head down to the gazebo to meet our international community at the Cliffs in Princeville.
Mahalo, Big Happy, Susan and Gail

Refreshed by Breezes

Today is like the other days, windy and pleasant.
After coffee we head for the Jacuzzi to relax and stretch in the 'jet streams'. Then off to a time share presentation. One week there sells for 79K. Do they think we're nuts
(just because we come from Oregon?)
Dan buys me a dress at the Tropical Tantrum; It looks like a Mai Tai. Tonight we dine at the Hukilau Lanai where at 5 there is a five course pairing menu. We rarely go out for dinner, In fact I am foregoing my Relax Deeply class at 6 to dine here. After our quick shop we strolled the Hanalei Farmer's Market buying apple bananas, mint, basil, cucumber, lettuce and a lilikoi goat cheese. Tomorrow Dan's neice Gai arrives from snowy Portland. I am making her spring rolls with papaya and cucumber and Dan is grilling some Ahi kebobs. I plan to make a Macadamia nut pie too.
In the afternoon we enjoyed more pooltime, reading and laying in the sun. I had a little time to draw a scene to paint.

"Bringing Yoga to Life" by Donna Farhi

I am re reading this book to deepen my practice on and off the mat.
The question is, Why we come to practice Yoga. Donna believes it is a spiritual impulse to to know and reclaim our divine birthright. On some level we seek this treasure and long to be truly alive, joyful and at peace.
As I lay curled up in our king bed this morning wrapped in tropical air howling and the doves cooing I feel this palpable thrill, this contentment, the nature of Suhka or sweetness at my core.
"The practice of yoga helps us connect with the part of ourselves that is always virgin.""The place within us that can never be damaged."
I Love this!

Cloudy Days are here again

Blustery overnight. . . .go figure, 79 degrees and gusts up to 40 mph. . with the wind chill factor, what is the actual temperature?
Feels like 60 :-) But, you know, it's ALL Good! We 'Sunbathe' this morning, reading and soaking up the diffused light. We are wearing suits and flip flops, hanging out at the hot tub and hanging very loose. I have tan lines now :-) Wahoo.
Which reminds me: Yoga today was awesome. Hatha Flow One was 50 variations of the Sun Salutation/ Ashtanga style: hopping. The coolest sequence was Eagle pose,opening the wings,then bringing the big toes and heels together and squatting ,balancing on the tippy toes.. Then opening the stance and moving to Garland Pose flat footed. And from there tucked the knees into the armpits and moving the heart forward to balance on the arms in Crow Pose In reflexology the feet and ankles represent the head and neck, curious. eh?
In Savasana Carole said, " Loose your attachments and aversions ( didn't we just study these causes of suffering?) Move into your witness being. I felt myself soar and hover above the palm tops and witness.

Dan picked me up at 2. Time challenged, I have no idea where I am, who I am or what happens next after this yoga class. Lunch is on the agenda. Then a little dress shopping and back home for the Member's reception.
Later Dan watches whales and I find my first drawing of the week. It is so hard to begin, but ask myself what is the worst thing that can happen? I don't like it. Okay, Bye!
I like perfect and am acommodating my vision loss, "invite it all in, the good and the bad." Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
And so I paint.
Now for dinner, it's off to the BarB with a New York Steak and a little Walu. Time to meet the neighbors. . . . . .

Cloudy and Windy: Sublime

We slept well to the gusty and pleasant breezes. The morning light was GLORIOUS, shimmering and golden infused lilac gray clouds. I tried to get a photo, but even 30 seconds in the bathroom was too long a delay. The whales were rolling in the surf as we enjoyed our coffee. Dan made waffles and we had eggs, then strawberry bananas with lime. We drove into Lihue for church at 10:30. Shopping at Long's Drugs and a tour of Costco preceded our lunch at the Hanalei Gourmet. Dan and I swam at the pool and read before settling back onto the lanai for whale watching. There is a gazebo across the lawn for grilling, It is fun to hang out there and meet our neighbors. Tonight's guests were from Los Angeles, Edmonton and Omaha ((North High class of '75).We grilled a chicken and fresh pineapple to go with the local greens, macadamia nuts and kauai tomatoes.
Tomorrow things get going with yoga at 12 noon.
Church was wonderful and two rainbows welcome us home this Sunday.

Coming Home

We were lucky not to have 'slipped' out of
the Northwest on the sheet of frozen rain, which reportedly was nipping at our heels.
The better part of the day was spent soaring through the air on Hawaiian Airlines, dozing, cuddelling, reading and eating. By three in the afternoon we were motoring along the North shore, admiring the big waves of Kealia Beach.
Dan loves the isle of Kauai, where no building is taller than a coconut tree (This is not Maui!) (Nor is it Kansas, or Omaha for that matter.) I can see him 'soften' before my eyes, He is so happy here. When interviewed he will tell you that he loves Kauai because he gets to see me in a bikini for two weeks and secondly he loves watching the whales frolic in the pretty blue sea.
I love Kauai because Dan is so happy. I come here to rediscover myself. Living outdoors, barefoot, lightly clad, smelling salt scented breezes, eating papaya, walking on turgid grass, I open my heart, spirit and mind. I breathe deeply and feel more alive.
This is the Gayatri Mantra*, which I teach about at home, feeling unity with all creation; openness, love and joy.
We buy some groceries, check in to The Cliffs at Princeville and settle on the lanai with sushi and cool beverages: A coming home to ourselves; relaxed and free.

*Gayantri Mantra, translated by Donna Farhi:
"Everything on the earth
in between, and above
Is arising from one effulgent source.
If my thoughts, words and deeds
reflected this complete understanding of unity,
I would be the peace I am seeking in this moment."

2 Below. . Winter 'Ale' Advisory

"Winter Hail?"
I asked as we finished our delicious pizza at Juliano's today. Maybe we should take a winter vacation. . . Hawaii? I can be ready by tomorrow morning! That is, if the winter hail storm doesn't actually occur and make travel to the airport impossible.
Let's call the Blue Star people to be sure we can catch that plane at 8:45.
Cool!