THE PLACES I'VE BEEN AND THE PEOPLE I'VE SEEN

Organization is a big, fat nuisance. Unfortunately, any campaign to get something done needs more than a bunch of disconnected ideas—which is probably why I'm late with this blog. Loads of ideas flying all over the place, but no organization:)

First, this was supposed to lead off somewhere along the lines of: A day in an island life. Or something like that. Maybe: Living the island life for a day. Then everything I was sort of ready to write about slopped over into two, then several days and my whole premise was blown.

Islands, especially small islands in the Pacific like Kauai, are famous for peace, soft breezes off the ocean that's never out of sight, sunshine, cleansing showers, smiling people and a slow pace of life. It's all true but there's a huge problem few people warn you about; choices. What to choose—now? The beach for a walk at the edge of the surf; a long, cold drink on the lanai; hours buried in the latest, great book; cook that mahi mahi fresh from the sea and given by a dear neighbor—together with garden fresh salad to finish off the meal; a few hours working on the mosaic birdbath with the world's ugliest cabbage-shaped teacup and saucer cemented in the middle (the cup is for the birdseed—sneaky, huh?)?
Or there's always work—hmmm.

I am busy writing OUT OF MIND, second book in the Court of Angels Series and I love it too much. Of course I'm meant to write paranormal stories—they rock! Poof, pow, zing and zap. Here this minute, gone that minute—and watch out for purple smoke.

I'm writing, but I'm also having a wonderful, renewing time. The folks of Hui Hula O Halele'a, Jill Marie Landis's hula group are pictured inside "The Wave" after performing at a pancake breakfast for local charity. That was this morning—just up the road to Ke'e, or wherever you have in mind to go when you travel that way. With one main road running around the edge of the island, you can only go two ways—for me that's right or left because I can't find north so . . .

The second photograph is of me with Jill. No, she's not standing in a hole and I'm not standing on a stepladder. There was a reason for the kids to call me Chile when I was in school. Even the boys were shorter than me—but they eventually grew:)

In the cafeteria at Hanalei School, pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, papaya and pineapple were served to sunny Sunday crush. And the people sang, and the dancers danced. I wish you could all see Jill and her friends dancing to "When you see Hanalei by moonlight, You will be in heaven by the bay." Of course there was a raffle and a silent (oh, right) auction. And the question isn't whether you'll have to sit alone and feel silly because you're a stranger, but how can you manage to talk to all the people who want to offer you a seat at their table?

What a busy morning, followed by, yes, the cabbage teacup (purple cabbage) attached to it's own green cabbage leaf saucer. I have adhesive and grout up to my elbows—it doesn't come off that easily—but my birdbath is turning into a thing of . . . interest. Thanks to Mel (who is an expert at this stuff), with advice from Jill and Mary, this creation is, without doubt, unique. Wait till my neighbors see it on my terrace and drool. "Death throes, not envy," you think? I've passed all my CPR courses. By the way—wait till I get the little mirrors on that birdbath, to attract as many birds as possible when the sun shines.

When I was exhausted from all that creativity I came back and spent several difficult hours listening to slack key guitar and ukulele music while I read. In fact, that's what I was doing before I sat here to talk to you. But I finished my book and knew I needed to share some of this hardship with you.

Yesterday I took part in a discussion on publishing at Borders in Lihue. I was there to sign copies of CYPRESS NIGHTS, visit with the wonderful people who work in the store and meet a great and interested group. Tammi and David are the kind of booksellers you dream about. They not only know about books, they love them and read them and can tell you why you should want to dive into a particular story. They made me so welcome, as did the people who came to chat and, very kindly, buy the book. One of the most wonderful things about a gathering like that is that I receive so much more than I give. Shared ideas, hopes, dreams and disappointments, too, make for a fulfilling afternoon.

I must mention meeting Red Wakefield, editor of a new and incredible magazine, THE PACIFIC JOURNAL. The journal echoes back to the era of fine, heavy paper, beautiful layout and editorial, and a sense of anticipation with the turn of each page. Here are photographs, articles, short stories, amazing old journal entries, and features from the entire Pacific. The 2008 edition is in another print run and the 2009 edition will go to press in a few months. Find these enthusiastic artists-with-a-cause at centralpacmedia@hotmail.com. Take a look at the magazine and see if you might have just that right piece to submit.

Enough from me. Wow, I seem to have a lot to write about. Did I tell you I got to paddle in an outrigger—probably, but forgive me because I'm still thinking about it.

There must be something I've forgotten—many things. Photo number 3 shows Jill Marie Landis with Kristin Hannah and moi having way too much fun at Tahiti Nui—a real South Seas bar that's been on that road to Ke'e for many decades. Laughing is so good for the soul.

Jill is going to write a blog for us in the next few weeks. Her new book THE ACCIDENTAL LAWMAN (I love that title) comes out toward the end of May and she has promised to come and tell us about the story. The cover is yummy.

My friends, it's good for us to get away from routine, not forever, but for long enough to recharge. I'm a tense soul and always on the lookout for disaster. I need peace like I need air and I've been blessed to find it in the past few weeks.

There's only one little drawback—I miss my kids, grandkids, Millie the dog and Mango the cat—sniff!

Aloha,
Stella

Q: What brings you the most happiness, the greatest sense of peace. Do you remember one particular day, or series of days in your life with more joy than any others?