Proof Positive the Universe Will Provide!

 

I was feeling blue about spending so much time marketing Wai-nani: A Voice from Old Hawai’i, and thought I was losing touch with what had inspired me to write her story in the first place. I longed for the sensuality, sustenance, and nurturing that comes when I am in what Mark Twain dubbed “the prettiest fleet of islands ever to lay anchor in the Pacific”—the Hawaiian Islands.

Then, in my email appeared an invitation for an “Un-Cruise” with American Safari Cruises throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Spending a week on a smallish ship with a maximum of 36 other passengers; stopping in sleepy lagoons on Lanai, Molokai, Maui and the Big Island to snorkel over coral reefs teeming with flamboyant fishes; kayaking; paddle boarding or skiffing sounded like this adventure travel writer’s idea of perfection.

Experiencing “moana,” the grand and vibrant sea, like the early Polynesian voyagers is a thrilling prospect for me. Not only would I be immersed in the elements; sun, balmy breezes and heavenly, cobalt blue water, I would not have to hassle with where I would sleep that night, or where I was going to eat. Was I dreaming? No! American Safari Cruises had already conjured up the perfect holiday for me with forays on land to sacred sites of historical significance.

OMG! I just completed the creation of Wai-nani’s Wayfinder—a map of sacred sites on the Big Island that I am giving as a gift to those who purchase a copy of Wai-nani. Could anything be closer to my heart?

So, this is why I say be careful what you ask for. You are liable to get it, and then the question becomes are you ready to meet the answer!

I promise to return brimming with warm "Aloha" and ready for a fantastic New Year!

Adventure-travel writer, Linda Ballou, shares Great Outdoor days in L.A, as well as a host of travel articles on her site, along with information about her travel memoir, Lost Angel Walkabout-One Traveler’s Tales, her historical novel Wai-nani, A Voice from Old Hawai’i and her latest action-adventure novel The Cowgirl Jumped over the Moon at-www.LindaBallouAuthor.com.  

Her quest today is to get to as many beautiful places as she can before they are gone. Subscribe to her blog www.LindaBallouTalkingtoyou.com and receive updates on her books, and travel destinations.

Message from the Guardians of Old Hawai'i

Mikilani Young

I got my much needed “Aloha fix” at Mikilani Young’s creative presentation of the guardians of Hawai’i, or Aumakua. 

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It was a delightful fusion of traditional hula and powerful images of old Hawai’i. Mikilani did a voice over a slide presentation telling the myths and legends behind the dance that ensued. She explained that animals embody the spirits of departed loved ones who come back in dreams with messages to protect the living human. I thoroughly enjoyed her well-informed telling of the Hawaiian story.

 The dancers in her hula halau range from scene stealers who are about four years old to aunties still graceful in their senior years.  Flowing movements of the more experienced dancers in stunning red velvet gowns graced with white shell leis was mesmerizing. I enjoyed the variety of music and dances from Kahiko, the ancient dance to drumming and chant, to modern hip swinging hula and left the event filled with warm aloha.

Authors Shine at the Bank of Books

It was great fun sharing Wai-nani, and Lost Angel Walkabout at table with Kaira Rouda at the Local Author Fest sponsored by the Bank of Books in Malibu. Fast becoming a community hub, Bank of Books with it's cozy coffee bar and welcoming staff is the place in Malibu to find stimulating books and meet new friends. Thank goodness for this new Indie Book store that gives us a place to shine.





Delores- the God Mother of Malibu, made everyone smile with reflections about her life in Malibu over the past 44 years. She came from Brooklyn, started with a food truck and is now the author of a local classic "The Malibu Cook Book."