Hi there! I’m back :-). Although I’ve been AWOL from this blog, I can’t let March slide into oblivion without sharing a few snippets from the month:

• Traveled with Na Lei Hulu to Honolulu where we performed “Daughters of Haumea” at the Hawai’i Theatre (see the stage below), March 7 & 8. A theatrical hula production, choreographed and directed by Kumu Patrick Makuakane, Daughters is based on the award-winnng book of the same name, by Lucia Jensen and Natalie Mahina Jensen. Check out the pre-show press here and here. The shows were very well-attended and received. Haven’t seen any critical reviews but I’ve heard good feedback through the grapevine.

• Stayed in Honolulu a little longer, did some research (at UH Manoa Hamilton Library) and visited folks. I was able to hang out with my friend, author/illustrator, Scott Goto down at Waiola Shave Ice in Mo’ili’ili (my old neighborhood!) and I got to see his F&Gs for his upcoming book “The Perfect Sword.” Breathtaking stuff! Can’t wait until its release!

• Hopped over Long Beach, CA to perform “Daughters of Haumea” for another show run. We performed at the Carpenter Arts Center, March 14 & 15. The performances and atttendance went very well! We were reviewed by the OC Register which can be found here.

• I extended my LA experience with a visit to Pasadena to see friends, did a tad bit of research at several libraries, and headed over to the Getty Center Museum for a day. Wow, what a place!

I saw this…

this…

and this…

…and so much more.

The first image hints at the striking modern architecture of the Getty Center complex. Built on a plateau in the Santa Monica mountains, one feels uplifted and out of the realm of everyday life. It is an art-filled place, for all to enjoy (admission is free). IMHO, this place is way more magical than Disneyland!

The second photo depicts one of the many permanent pieces exhibited at the museum. I was able to view a collection of rare illuminated manuscripts, as well as, as the work of the Impressionists (the third image, a Van Gogh painting titled Irises), and a host of other works (including modern art, photography, and media installations).

• I visited the Getty Sketching Gallery in a little room on the second floor of the East Pavilion. Museum attendees are welcome to sketch from several artifacts and miniature sculptures. I was handed a large sheet of paper, drawing board and pencils and I set out to draw a sculpture of a Roman disc thrower. I added a chef’s hat, pizza and other fun details (see the image at the top of this post).

Sitting quietly and drawing was the perfect way for me to unwind–especially after two weekends of shows. Two thumbs up for the Getty Center from this gal!

How lucky am I to have met Sarah, a writer friend who lives in Iceland. We met online via a writer/illustrator discussion board and she recently indulged my request for photos of Iceland as it looks today. Thank you, thank you, Sarah!

Much of Iceland appears to be just how I remember it as a child. My family moved there when my father, a Chief Petty Officer, was stationed at the US Naval Air Station in Keflavik. We lived off base for quite a while which exposed to Icelandic lifestyle. I reveled in its landscape, people, sights, and sounds–even the smells. I loved the fresh loaves of bread from the marketplace. Hated goat’s milk and going to school in complete darkness.

These photos depict an Iceland that is indelibly stamped in my mind: Fields of green, low-lying plants, hardly any trees. Generally speaking, Iceland is green and Greenland is icy…

The charming buildings and streets of Rekjavik…

Stinky, dried fish hanging stakes, dotted the landscape for miles and miles. I plugged my nose for miles and miles on many a long car ride…

And, of course, the splendor of the aurora borealis, also called the northern lights…

These last photos were taken by photographer, Thor Marteinsson. I stumbled on his gallery in cyber space. This photographer uses absolutely no special effects in his photos. Aren’t they amazing? The aurora borealis is a natural, fantastical occurance–no special effect photography required.

The image above displays a canopy of northern lights over a geothermal vent.

The aurora borealis as it cascades down, soaking the sky with a myriad of colors. This is my favorite photo (so far) as it comes closest to my recollection.

If you think these photos fascinating, then just imagine being there, standing beneath a vast expanse of color, mixing and melding on a canvas of sky for as far as you can see. This experience changed my view of the world, sparking a life-long love and appreciation for color. I am attuned to color–not only in paintings–but in words, music, dance,…almost every facet of life.

View more aurora borealis photos at Thor’s website.

Besides the author visits and signings, I enjoyed island life all over again. I consumed plenty of fresh papaya (ono!):

…and mango, nene awa (my first time drinking it), shave ice, chicken lau lau, lomi salmon and poi (of course!). I attended a memorable 30th Anniversary Brothers Cazimero May Day concert at the Waikiki Shell.

On Kaua’i, I stayed in a cute studio cottage complete with kitchenette and indoor plumbing…

and outdoor shower!

I was even interviewed last-minute on Kaua’i Community Radio, KKCR, by DJ Tracy:

Tracy’s such a pro. She kept the conversation flowing with good questions about my book while plugging my school, library and Borders appearances. ‘Twas good fun!

The book tour was followed by family gatherings and a wedding and reception for my big bro’s middle son, Chris and his lovely bride, MaryGrace, at Lanikuhonua, a beautiful Hawaiian cultural center at Ko’Olina:

In spite of the busy-ness, I enjoyed plenty of R&R, both alone and with family. Some of us got together at Waimea Bay on O’ahu’s north shore the day after the wedding:

Island life has a way of slowing you down–taking you along a meandering path in which you lose yourself to nature. (Or actually get lost, like I did a few times in Kaua’i!) Traffic moves slower. People are more laid back. I’d been out of the island frame-of-mind for so long, I’d forgotten it. However, this trip resonated with me, reminding me to take pause, savor the moment and simply…hang loose.

I just returned from a terrific book tour on the islands of Kaua’i and O’ahu. My Kaua’i journey was, in my mind–a mini book launch–celebrating the actual presence of The Sleeping Giant on the island and the release of my book. I put on presentations and read my book at Waimea, Lihue and Kapa’a libraries. (Stay tuned for photos from these events and more in my upcoming Kaua’i Spring ‘07 Page.)

Here are some kids and parents learning a sitting hula at Kapa’a Branch Library:

I visited a 5th grade class at Kilauea Elementary and performed assemblies for five classes of 4th graders at Wilcox Elementary in Lihue, Kaua’i. Here I am with Wilcox School librarian, Marlene Morimoto:

My Kaua’i experience culminated with a presentation and reading at Borders Lihue which went “smashingly” well! Pardon the adverb, but it’s true! Kids and adults showed up for my presentation, reading and signing. Plus, I had the pleasure of meeting Bill, the manager,…

…bookseller, Helen, and Roberta, owner of Gaylord’s Kaua’i:

On O’ahu, I had an all-day appearance at Kamiloiki School in Hawai’i Kai, presenting to grades K thru 5 :

Students at Kamiloiki even wrote about my visit in their journals. You can read some of their entries on the school’s website (please scroll half-way down—it’s below the May Day pics).

Throughout the tour, I met some of the nicest people on the planet–students, parents, teachers, librarians, booksellers–all kinds of wonderful folks! I visited exquisite beaches and coastlines on both islands and I now have a new favorite beach on Kaua’i:

Sorry, I won’t divulge its name online–I don’t want to spoil its beauty with an onslaught of visitors!