School Days

Second Place winner and my favorite shot

I learned about an inaugural triathlon while having lunch at Tutu’s Soup Hale. I thought it would be excellent to cover the first triathlon on Kauai and dreamed of submitting it to Triathlon magazine and Senior Living because the man putting it on was 65 and competing in the duathlon. 

Sunday morning we woke at five and got to the Marriott by six. Dan had a wonderful time shooting the competitors, who were pretty much all men, and mostly locals. He quickly garnered their respect and was happy to be included in their ohana when the title bruddah was addressed to him.

First place winner

I, on the other hand, had a difficult time getting any useable information form the founders wife. She spoke on and on of the minute and in consequential details of their lives that only they and maybe family would care about with a tendency toward exaggeration. “Oh, my lord yes,” she said in a Texas accent, “he has competed in triathlons for years. At one point he did one every month.” “Triathlons?” I asked shocked of the possibility. “Oh well, you know 5k’s, 10ks, relay duathlons.” Totally different, but I could use that information.

Her husband, having finished running 4k of the relay duathlon (his partner rode his bike for 20k), didn’t have much to say. I got to interview one triathlete who gave thoughtful answers to my questions and I began to think I might have something. The athletes were frustrated because the course was not well marked and many of them ran farther than they had to, rendering their time useless and the event as an extended form of exercise. 

I also found out there were two other triathlons on Kauai. The first and second place winners, local boys, were modest and didn’t feel comfortable talking about their success. I learned a lot of lessons that day but the futility of it set me into s slump.

I tried to ignore it, push down feelings of failure. I wrote a post for the travel blog and submitted an article for the local paper. I have not heard from the paper.

On Wednesday, I knew I was feeling down so I prepared for my lunch with Christena by watching a motivating documentary that never fails to life me up. Afterward I got all dressed and made up and happily drove to meet my lunch date. Things were going wonderfully until she asked how I was doing. I played off the triathlon with a touch of anger. I bolstered myself by relaying the efforts I am making towards getting work. “Why do you always promote yourself,” she kindly asked. “Because no one here knows me and I need work,” I told her, proud of my industriousness. “I figure if I keep writing, someday someone will pay me for it.”

Tears of frustration welled in my eyes as we sat in a restaurant I frequent, who I have done a restaurant review for, whose owners I know. Embarrassed, I looked toward the door as she got me a napkin.

“How is that working for you?” she asked when she got back. “It’s not,” I said as more tears welled up. “As a matter of fact, my work has decreased.” Then she hit me with a doozy. “Why don’t you stop trying so hard. Stop promoting yourself. Stop looking for work. If your husband supports what you are doing then take this time to figure out what your experiences have in common.”

So, I am on reconnaissance. Her words rang true. I am flat out depressed. I know the only way out is in. I have to wander the murky depths of my sadness and release those negative feelings. 

The next day I laid on the couch, in a fetal position, curled into the dogs and cried. Napped and cried some more. When Dan came home he listened and decided Christena was right. I had permission to be sad and sit with that sadness. He didn’t judge me for it, try to make light of it or change what it was in any way. I love him for that gift.

Thursday Dan went to the North shore to give two computer classes, one was for Christena. She is an avid reader, a former English teacher and a writer. She had given Dan three books for me to read. I spoke with my friend Deb on the phone and soon we were laughing. She is having a rough go at life and I admire her will to keep pushing forward and her ability to laugh at it all.

Friday morning I felt heavy again, weighed down with sadness. After Dan left for work I curled up on the bed with Baxter and Lucy and cried myself to sleep. The phone woke me. I listened to the message. It was someone who wanted me to do a restaurant review. I called him back and easily put on my game face. He was energetic vibration was very high. A happy EMT, restauranteur, husband and father. We spoke for 30 minutes and by the end of the conversation I was lifted. 

I started to slip into a slump so after I meditated I cracked open Christena’s book Prosperity Pie, How to Relax About Money and Everything. Four hours later I had finished the book and took a nap. I woke feeling lighter.

Saturday, I worked on the book some, answering questions. The first assignment was to list all of my worries, anxieties and fears and take a break from it. After the break, I would answer the questions like I would for a best friend. I was feeling tired from it after eight (out of 33!) and decided to read a book for fun. 

I’m happy to say it’s working. I feel much better though I am not raring to put myself out there again, yet. Christena suggested I go to community college. I have wanted to get a degree for years. The other day Dan suggested I do the same. I told her I could only get a two year associates degree so it wasn’t really worth it. She replied that it was better than nothing and I could always finish up online. 

I am in love with this idea, the thought of it gets me excited. So, this week I am going to go down there and apply for the English 100 Composition1 course. After spending $500 bucks (!) on the dogs Monday, we don’t have the money for it. But, mom called earlier today and said her and dad felt like sending $200 I love you bucks so it’ll only cost us $48! I am definitely wealthy in love and friendships!

Ladies, enjoy the pictures!

Aloha Nui Loa

The winners

Local boys after the race

Casey, the triathlete was gave me a great interview

The founders of the triathlon

Casey said this guys is the fastest triathlete on Kauai!

Little Tsunami II

I will never take my washer and dryer for granted again! When I had a nice home with a laundry room and a utility sink, I found it a chore to do laundry. Confession here: I’m not really that into cleaning. I miss my biweekly housekeeper too. If I could, I would hire one to clean the treehouse, hehe. No mom, unfortunately I did not take after you in that way. My home is clean enough...

Now, I have to use precious hours in my day—hours in which I could be writing, reading walking the dogs, taking naps, making meals or doing yoga—shlepping my laundry to the laundry mat down the hill. Collecting quarters along the way. Now, I am grateful that I have the quarters and a place to clean my clothes. It’s all about perspective.

Meanwhile, I have a laptop that I am extremely grateful for and I can write while my clothes take a spin. I suppose since Stephan King wrote Carrie on a child’s desk in the tight quarters of a laundry room in a rented trailer before he made it big, I’m on the right track!

I’m feeling a little discouraged about writing. I know I’m a newbie, I need to learn the ropes. I know I will get a lot of rejection letters before I get an acceptance one. I know I am lucky to have writing jobs that pay as it is. It still frustrates me when I craft a query letter, even send in a sample or two of an idea, and I hear nothing back. I would like a formal rejection please. I will persevere. It will happen someday. And, just like my promise to be kind to new comers on the island, I promise to at least send a formal rejection letter or have one of my people do it!

We have the great fortune of being friends with a wine shop owner. Tuesday he called and asked us if we wanted to come to his house for an impromptu wine tasting. We spent a fun evening with friends old and new, in a beautiful home sampling 4 wines. The most expensive bottle was $1000!!! The rest were $300 to $500!!! Our friend has a client who has a “small” 3000 bottle cellar here and she wants him to tell her what wines need to be drank and when. Tough job!

I am unbelievably fortunate in many ways. I miss my folks dearly. I know this move has been tough on them and I know they miss Dan and I a lot. I hear it in my mother’s voice every time we say goodbye. I’m sorry mom, I didn’t mean to hurt you.

I feel your love and concern thousands of miles away and appreciate all the little things you guys do to show your love and support. From sending me a magazine that I can’t find on this island because we have no longer have a book store and I need to do research, to sending thoughtful birthday cards, my favorite chewing gum, or our down comforter. I really appreciate the countless hours you spend listening to my small triumphs. I am grateful Susan is there to love and take care of you.

I am also grateful for my husband. He works hard, very hard to bring income into this household while encouraging me to stay home and write. He still finds the energy to spoil me with little things. Opening the jeep door for me to get in, getting me a blanket or glass of water, running to the store for chocolate covered macadamia nuts, easing my worried mind with his strength and courage, lightening my load with his laughter.

It seems that stripping away our comforts of money and stuff has unearthed the true gems in my life. The ones that really matter. I also have my health, my dogs and I live in paradise! We may be poor monetarily but we are rich in things that really matter!

Mahi mahi wrapped in prochuitto with pesto, white beans and a saffron broth at the East Side in Kapaa

Speaking about being grateful: Dan and I came home all fat and happy after doing a restaurant review at The East Side. After we watched a movie, we got on Facebook and Dan saw a posting for the tsunami. We spent the night safely tucked in the treehouse and glued to the TV and Facebook watching things unfold. We set the computer up in the bedroom and fell asleep watching about an hour before the wave hit. Thankfully we live high enough no damage was done on Kauai. Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers and mom don’t worry! If one hits we’ll be ok—it’s just the following days would be a challenge. The day after our local DJ said, “Lucky we are all alive, breathe it in Kauai.”

I came across this quote and thought I’d share.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” 

~ Nelson Mandela

Aloha Nui Loa

Beaches, Beets and Bobs

Dan and I got to do two beachside restaurant reviews and a luau this week. First was the Mediterranean Gourmet, an hour away up on the North shore. Run by a husband and wife team they specialize in Lebanese food, where he is from. We had pita bread with ginger hummus, sun-dried tomato hummus and curry hummus. A bulgur, tomato and parsley salad called tabouleh and watermelon bruschetta with feta cheese. Needless to say we had the leftovers for dinner!

Mediterranean Gourmet has beautiful views and a distinct Middle Eastern decor.

Crispy Spinach Fatayers

 Lahkme Benadora, a Lebanese comfort food made of diced steak, jalapenos and onions on top of ginger hummus.

Two days later we went back because the couple invited us to experience their luau. Fresh exotic flowers embellished coffee tables and a bamboo trellis running the length of a wall. Tourists laughed with glee at the Hawaiian entertainers who sang haunting songs and made silly jokes. We were both mesmerized by the rapid movements of theTahitian dancers and their lusty hips. The Polynesian version of the tango.

A couple of days later we found ourselves at the Beach House, an hour to the South in Koloa; winners of Honolulu magazine’s Hale `Aina (Home Land) award for 2011 Best Restaurant on Kauai (Mediterranean Gourmet came in second). Fresh local fish is their specialty and we enjoyed wasabi and panko crusted uku (Hawaiian snapper) and a watermelon salad with candied macadamia nuts and gorgonzola cheese. I’ve had watermelon three times since we got here, twice in the last week!

The view at the Beach House

Crispy Stuffed Crab Roll with just caught Ahi and soy wasabi sauce flecked with black sesame seeds

I decided I needed a hair cut to represent my new pilgrimage to be the best version of me possible. Plus, what is the point of having long hair if it’s always tied back? I try to wear it down because everyone tells me it looks better, but it always goes back up. The heat and humidity getting the better of me. I really don’t know how the local girls do it!

Right after I got my hair cut

I am trying to make it look as cute as the hair dresser did. I haven't had to style my hair in a long time yea?

I started a Bikram yoga class. For those of you not in the know, it’s where you do yoga in a 110 degree room. Sounds crazy for someone who doesn’t do heat well; someone who turns beet red when my temperature rises above 98.6 (Dan says it’s my Scottish blood). I happen to love Bikram yoga. The heat loosens my muscles and I can go deeper into the poses. Cleansing sweat drips onto my towel covered mat and I imagine my demons leave in those tiny droplets. 

Dan picked up a new client. The travel agency I write for hired him to do their graphics (mahalo Cindy’s Group!). His delight in creating graphics makes for pleasurable afternoons as we work side by side on our office/couch.

Hawaii-Aloha Travel hosts giveaways and contests, play often!!

I made two amazing things this week that I’d like to share. Fresh Thyme Cheddar Scones were inspired by the pouring rain we’ve been having for three days and a care package in the form of soup from our friends at Tutu’s Soup Hale. The Beet-Feta Tart was brought on by the need to prepare beets in a different way. Beets are in abundance at our local farm and this is the third week in a row Dan has brought them home. We are lucky because we get a small refrigerator full of organic produce every week directly from our farmer for 15 bucks!

Aloha Nui Loa

The recipe comes from King Arthur Flour

Cheddar and Black Pepper Scones

I used fresh thyme instead of black pepper because I had some.

3 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour

2 tablespoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

1 cup (4 ounces) grated Cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper*

3/4 cup (6 ounces) buttermilk or plain yogurt

milk (for glaze)

*This amount of black pepper will make very spicy scones. For less heat, decrease the amount of pepper.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar. Cut in the butter and cheese. Stir in the black pepper. Refrigerate the dough for half an hour. Gently stir in the buttermilk or yogurt. Gather the mixture into a ball with your hands, and on a well-floured surface roll or pat the dough into a 12 x 8-inch rectangle approximately 3/4-inch thick.

Grease a baking sheet. Using a large spatula, or a couple of spatulas, transfer the dough to the baking sheet. Use a dough scraper, baker's bench knife or a knife to cut dough into 1 1/2-inch squares. Separate the squares slightly on the baking sheet. Brush each square with a little milk.

Bake the scones in a preheated 400°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they're very lightly browned. Yield: about 40 small scones.

Beet-Feta Tart
From Orangette

I added fresh dill because it goes well with beets and feta.
1 half-recipe Martha Stewart’s pâte brisée without sugar (flaky pie dough, enough for one 9” tart)
2 medium-sized red beets, washed, roasted (at 400 degrees in an aluminum foil packet for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until very tender; you don’t want a crunchy beet here), and peeled
2 large eggs
¾ cup milk (I used whole)
4 oz French feta, crumbled
A pinch of salt

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

On a lightly floured surface, roll the pâte brisée into a circle large enough to line a 9” round removable-bottom tart pan. Transfer the dough into the pan, pressing it gently to the edge and up along the sides. Line the dough-lined tart pan with a sheet of aluminum foil, and place enough beans, rice, or pie weights in the aluminum foil to cover the base of the tart pan in a single layer. This will prevent the dough from puffing when you blind-bake it. Place the tart pan in the oven, and bake for 15 or so minutes, until the edges of the tart shell look set and barely golden. Remove the aluminum foil and weights from the tart pan, and continue baking until the tart shell is light golden. Remove the tart pan from the oven and allow to cool.

Turn the oven down to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Meanwhile, cut the roasted and peeled beets into ¼-inch slices. Mix the eggs, milk, feta, and salt in a small bowl or measuring cup.

Arrange the beet slices in the blind-baked tart shell, taking care to cover the base of the shell as well as possible. It is preferable to only have one layer of beets, although you may want to add an extra beet here or there to cover an empty spot. Pour the egg mixture over the beets.

Bake the tart for 40 minutes to an hour, until the filling is set and lightly golden in areas. Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Flakey crust tastes like butter, sweet beets and savory feat cheese, YUM!

Fine Art, Bygone Days

Dan’s mom emailed us a picture of a 24 x 36 drawing Dan gave her many years ago. He drew it when he was 15 years old and won five awards for it. The picture is 28 years old now. 

He’s spoken about his fine art days. His eyes reflect joy as he relays the details of drawing for hours. Going through cases of pencils and reams of paper in a single semester, he tells me he was a pencil and paper snob. 

I have never seen anything from that time. He doesn't own any of it. Well, I take that back. Once, I glimpsed a copy of an Einstein drawing his folks have. Another award winner. I have seen his doodles.

I just sat and stared at the drawing. Amazed that this came from a 15 year old who is now my husband. I drank up the American Indian, the eyes specifically. So life like. Spirit is reflected is those eyes. I like how the lines of time roll across the face. 

After 16 years together, I saw a part of Dan for the first time. I was stunned. Surprised. How could I not know? How could this not have flourished? A person has a gift like that, people know about it. Right? 

I wonder why his art wasn’t supported. It makes me sad. I guess it wasn’t meant to be. A bright burst of brilliant flame. A lingering flair. Forever extinguished by a teardrop.

Moonbows and Milkshakes

Andrea King at Moonbow Magic's grand opening

Last Sunday we went to the grand opening for Moonbow Magic. Dan designed the Web site and the owner wanted us to come and celebrate with her. About 50 of her friends showed up and everyone brought something to eat. In Hawaii, it’s customary to have a blessing when you start a new venture like a business, new home, wedding, birth, anniversary or graduation. 

It’s hot in the mid afternoon sun when the kahuna begins with an ole (chant) in her native Hawaiian tongue. The ancient words, projected to the good people of Hanapepe, are infused with power and grace. Soon, black bumble bees the size of ping pong balls, are buzzing around and shadows are cast from shimmering butterfly wings. Someone looks up and notices the moon hanging low in the sky.

Andrea's husband, the Kahuna and Andrea 

Bees symbolize industry and wealth. Butterflies symbolize transformation and good fortune. I was grateful to have witnessed such a powerful moment and happy to share my ha, (breath, life force) with the fifty or so other folks who came to wish owner Andrea King goodwill.

She sells hand made jewelry

and cool decorations for the house.

Dan surprised me on Valentine’s day with a coupon for a facial. When he got home from work, we took a walk along a beach close to home and picked out pretty shells that dotted the shore. It’s winter so that means high surf on the east side, and lots of shells, coral, coconuts, seeds and plants wash up on the sandy beaches.

Explosive rock collapses inside Kilauea volcano at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park created beautiful sunrises all week. Even though the days are overcast from the vog, it’s still warm, averaging 75 degrees. 

Birthday sunrise

On my birthday, I took the dogs to the beach before I went in for the facial. Dan works with Bonnie and because she really likes him, I got the hook up. I was supposed to get an hour facial but she spent two hours on me giving me a massage, facial and painted my toes. When she was done, she gave me a white ginger lei that her friend made. It was the most beautiful lei I’ve ever worn and smells divine!

Dan and I met at Tutu’s Soup Hale for lunch. Bert whipped up a “birthday cake” made of Hawaiian sweet bread in a pool of coconut and chocolate syrups and topped with whipped cream. YUM!

We spent dad and mom’s birthday money at Oasis. Luckily, they like us (I’m sure it has nothing to do with the restaurant review that just ran) and gave us a great deal! Sitting by the beach and listening to live ukulele music, we had squash blossoms stuffed with ahi, ahi civiche with avocado, oxtail risotto and strawberries with creme fresh ice mousse. All with a matching cocktail or wine!

Port, tuaca and amaretto cocktail

Ahi civiche on avocado

Kauai Kunana goat cheese makes an interesting caprase salad

Thursday, we went to do a restaurant review at the Waipouli Deli, owned by two Japanese women who immigrated here 40 years ago. Their deli has been open for 33 years serving excellent local style food. I came home to an email from the paper saying it was due in four weeks instead of Monday! I had to hustle and get something scheduled.

Friday found us reviewing Kauai Pasta. I really like the food here. High end dining in a casual environment with a liberal use of truffle oil. The bartender Joe suggested we review them on several occasions. We tried pizza, pasta and fries; beer, cocktails and a rum and coke float - a milkshake for adults!

Rum and Coke Float made with ice cream and ground ores.

Angle hair pasta with prawns and edamame in a buttery chicken broth

Parmesan Truffle fries with four dipping sauces

The KP Lounge is super swanky!

Lucy has a bladder infection so we took her to the vet Saturday. Today, as I write this, rain is coming down and low thunder vibrates the walls. I have homemade chicken broth simmering on the stove for a meat and bean stew. Dan is chatting with someone who wants his vacation rental shot. 

We cut Lucy's hair. There was enough hair left over for a whole other dog!

Same with Baxter

Baxter, with his new mohawk, and Lucy want pancakes

Dan and I went to a botanical garden on the north shore and he got this shot of a bee

Kids can feed koi in the lagoon

There are bronze sculptures throughout the gardens

Papery plants grow up the trunk of a palm tree

and exotic plants like this 8 foot fuzzy thing are among the unusual sites.

Aloha nui loa