serenity, rain and burials

It was such a beautiful day, quiet, with a gentle rain that started as a drizzle early this morning and then continued intermittenly but more heavily from 12 noon. Two birds got terribly surprised as they crashed into picture window but escaped with losing only a few grey feathers on the front door steps. Lately I have been burying a lot of wildlife in various areas of our garden. Mom always told me to bury them where there is no foot traffic out of respect for them. Birds, toads, Kois and even a dead rat are now lying peacefully between pineapple plants, under an azalea bush, near the oregano hedge and under the tangerine tree. It was Obon a few weeks ago and time for prayer for the deceased.

My intention is to draw that wonderful chicken I found in Flickers when I have the time to start drawing again. My wooden tub is filled with drawing pencils and I just purchased some kneadable erasers from Ace Hardware where they expanded their art supplies. Hurray!

I had called Pearl Paint awhile back and they charge extra just to ship a few things to Hawaii. That is so unfair!! Some outrageous amount like $14 extra just to put it on the plane. Shipping and handling is another price. I canceled my order and my gift certificate is just sitting here.

Meanwhile my hand aches from using it all day in the garden and that seems like an excuse but I am so weary sometimes. The best times to draw is when you are completely relaxed and calm. When the sun hits you in the perfect angle, it is so inspiring.

A few days ago, my brother took me on a drive on Napoopoo Road and it was so beautiful there. If there was more time, it would have been great to take more photos and perhaps draw. The vog from the volcanoes was rather thick and it obscured the usually wonderful view of the Kona coastline which is so spectacular as we are located on the slopes of the majestic Mauna Loa.

Hawaii is so lush with thick vegetation. It is the most beautiful area in the world though I do miss all the cultural events in bigger cities. Oh, I missed some wonderful exhibits. One day. One day. To have it all would be the most perfect thing in this world.

The first chapter of a new life

You cannot believe how much my life has changed in the last three years. I have relocated several thousands of miles away and I am living in a rural area with no subways, fresh bagels and 24-hour delis. I have adapted to my new lifestyle and in some ways, I am enjoying gardening, the quiet life and bartering fresh fruits and vegetables with family, neighbors and other family friends.