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!