Homesick

South Padre Island stirred something up in me. Ever since we left, I've been missing Hawaii like CRAZY! I miss plumerias. I miss papayas. I miss floating in the ocean, how it's calming and humbling all at once. I miss how even the rich people over there have rust on their cars. I miss driving to work and feeling smug as I passed by the tour bus because its passengers' week splurge was my every day. I miss the rickety, funky homes that look neglected because everyone would rather be at the beach. I miss Buzz's in Kailua. And chow fun after swimming. I miss our pet birds, Pink and Floyd. They were newlyweds like us and always together. We'd leave crackers on our balcony at night, and there they'd be every morning at 8:00. After breakfast they'd fly away until the next day, unless it stormed. Then they'd come spend the night under an old door we had propped against the wall and huddle together in a sweet, feathery ball.

I even started visiting the old coffee shop down the road. It's out of my way now, but the owner is from Hawaii too and I like to hear him say "Mahalo" as I drive away. I can't stop googling Maui. I think I'm looking for www.maileschildhood.com. The closest I could get was the Maui Sunset. This is where my grandma lived for years and as kids we'd visit every weekend. We were so busy playing marco polo, we never realized we lived in the middle of everyone's vacation.

Now I'm HARD CORE PINING. I'd give anything to spend a month or two over there, but it's not realistic right now. So I'm doing the next best and filling my life with things that remind me. Like these pillows, and this random fish vase I bought last week. They make me so happy.

Then I'm in Michael's the other day, and I passed by the wooden letters again. I love letters and words and always wanted to buy them. But I could never think of a word I loved enough. I mean how many times can we see the word 'dream' slapped over somone's bed? You know? Then, with Hawaii on the brain, it finally came to me. Aloha. ALOHA! The best word ever. I mean ever, ever, FOREVER! Not only does it mean hello, and goodbye and I love you. But it also refers to an overall way of living: The Aloha spirit. See? My Hawaiian Studies classes in 5th and 6th grade are being put to use. Which is shocking because the teacher was 179 and all I remember was how her teeth moved when she talked. She had long white witch's hair and she would "teach" us about hawaiian legends as if they were fact. We'd come home asking, "Mommy, is it true that if we don't pick up that hitch hiker, we could die because it might be Pele the fire goddess in disguise?" Go Hawaiian Educational System! :0)

Anyway, I wanted to learn more about Aloha, so I looked it up and found out that I loved it even more than I knew! Did you know at one point, there was an ACTUAL law on the books in Hawaii called The Aloha Spirit Law? It stated that all citizens, visitors and government officials of Hawaii were obligated by law to conduct themselves in accordance with this law in their day to day living. It goes like this.

Aloha is being a part of all, and all being a part of me. When there is pain-it is my pain. When there is joy-it is also mine. I respect all that is a part of the Creator and part of me. I will not willfully harm anyone or anything. When food is needed I will take only my need and explain why it's being taken. The earth, the sky, the sea are mine to care for, to cherish and to protect. I will be in unity and harmony with my real self, God and mankind. I will be honest, truthful, humble and kind to all life forms.

They used to say Aloha means "God in us". And the actual word breaks down like this: ALO- sharing, in the present    OHA- joyous affection, joy     HA- life energy, life breath

It basically means 'joyfully sharing Life in the present'. Doesn't get any better than that.

Also, the day I bought the letters, I came home to read this post. I thought it was only more confirmation that I was in the Zone. Then today's post again. Aloha is in the air! Can you feel it too?

Comments

[Kal]

Yes, wahine! There's something about aloha that just grabs you and never in your whole life lets go.
Aloha. Aloha. Aloha.

[Chasity]

there is something beautiful about longing for home. no matter how many years i'm here and regardless to how much i love it when i'm HOME i feel peaceful because it's familiar and predictable...and there's a little piece of vacancy that fills up for just a bit when i'm there. surrounding yourself with little reminders of that will do your spirit wonders!
btw-LOVE the fish vase! so cute!

[Paige]

Maile, as I was reading this post I was thinking "what a coincidence, Kal was just talking about Aloha on LoveLife today." You really were in the zone. Well I love the letters and the vase and pillow. I hope it's not too long before you get to back for an extended visit.

[Susan]

I noticed those letters on Sat night. Way cool sister. You painted them right? Because I have never seen red letters at Michael's.... can I pay you to paint some letters for me? Maybe AMORE...cause I am all about LOVE! When I win the lottery tonight, I will take you to Hawaii! -- for a month!!! :-)