Live Aloha
It was back to Kaua’i in November for my third appearance at the Kaua’i Writers Conference. This time was different for several reasons:
Master Class. On my previous trips I simply enjoyed the 3-day conference with panels by authors, agents, and other literary professionals. This time I engaged in a twelve-hour class called “The Storyteller’s Craft” with bestselling authors Patti Callahan Henry (The Story She Left Behind) and Ariel Lawhon (The Frozen River). A huge fan of both writers, I knew it would be a dynamic experience. It was beyond that! Patti and Ariel are charming, down-to-earth, and full of knowledge that they eagerly shared with us. They were genuinely interested in our thoughts and our projects. My only wish…more time with them!
‘Ohana. The KWC was a mini–Foreword Retreats France reunion. Christina Baker Kline and Paula McLain were there, and this time we shared a strong bond. “The French Ladies” (aka my new writer friends) were there too - and we talked story, drank wine, and shared smiles in the sun. I came a long way in creating a community since my first trip there alone.
Adventure. Yes, I enjoyed some Hawai’i fun as well. Dan and I went zip-lining for the first time with Shaka Zipline - I can still hear my happy squeals as I zipped along that skinny cable over the vast canopy of trees. We helped protect a monk seal on Poipu Beach by calling the Kaua’i Wildlife Hotline when we saw the seal resting ashore and putting out the barrier signs to keep people 50 feet away. We also golfed 18-holes at Hoku’ala, the Ocean Course and savored delicious huli huli chicken salad sandwiches at the pro shop.
Lilikoi. And…we fell in love at TropiCats , a cat cafe, with a 6-month-old kitty. We adopted her and she was flown all the way home. Her new name is Lilikoi (aka Lily) and she is the perfect amount of sweet and sour - just like the passionfruit she is named after. Her big dog sister, Mango, approves.
Living aloha is important to me. It means love, respect, harmony, and compassion. It is the breath of life - and every time I play my ukulele or look at my delicate tattoo on my wrist, I feel the power of the Hawaiian state of being.
