A Tropical Bohemian's History...

Waikiki

  I often ponder how my love of all things Tropical came about at such an early age. Especially since I was born and raised in the heart of Los Angeles! Was it from learning how to do the Hukilau dance from my second grade teacher, Mr. Ishimaru? Or was it from going to the Tiki Room at Disneyland??? 

 Fast forward a few more years, and my family takes our first trip to Hawaii... and that's it. The second we got off the plane and I felt that balmy, plumeria scented tropical air, I was hooked.  I have probably taken more trips to Hawaii than anywhere else in the world.  At first, it was all about going to the beach and getting nice and brown. And going to the outdoor vendors for Hawaiian stuff...oh, how I loved the stuff... shell jewelry, Hawaiian fabrics,  etc. Mostly though, it was just that awesome feeling of being there that I loved and the great memories of fun I had with my family. 

    I made and sold Hawaiian clothes for  about 20 years...every once in a while, I will see a man wearing one of my shirts!! I always ask them if I can see the label just to make sure!!!  What I need to do is take a picture of them! Those shirts are antiques by now!! haha!

Dancing on the Condor at sea with Stacey my Hula Sistah!

              But then I found hula.. or I should say, it found me. I was not looking for it, nor did I think I could afford to take lessons, since at the time, I was a single mom. But I found a way. The money showed up and so did the time. Everything aligned perfectly so I could commit myself to it.  Embodying the spirit of hula, I brought my love of the islands deep into my being.  After dancing for 16 years, it lives in me now, in a profound silent kind of way, and it touches others when I get out there to perform.  Is it a past life thing, or just destiny? Whatever it is, I am so thankful that it found me (though I wish it found me when I was in my teens!!!).  

      I still LOVE the STUFF though, as this blog will show you. Every island photo catches my eye, and I adore wearing sarongs ANYDAY!!!  (Well, any WARM day!!)... And shells and pearls???  EVERYDAY, of course. Life just isn't right when I don't have something lovely and tropical on me!!! 

Thank you Mar for weaving this beautiful bracelet for me!! You ARE ALOHA!!!!