Fall Break at Ho'okena

Aloha Everyone,
This week I took a break from my artistic journey to spend some time with my family and unwind.
(Although I did do a little bit of work.  Scroll to the bottom of my post if you are not interested in my vacation for a sneak peek.)

This past week was Fall Break for kids in Hawai'i, and since my husband is a teacher it was a break for him as well.  We decided to spend the week relaxing at Ho'okena Beach Park.  I closed down my Zibbet shop for a few days, and we all unplugged.  You don't really have a choice at Ho'okena, it lies at the bottom of a cliff near the south side of the Big Island, and there is absolutely no signal of any kind whatsoever. We had a lovely time.  We cooked lots of food on the grill, swam in the pacific ocean and soaked up lots of rays. (In my case a few too many - ouch!)  As it is also a favorite resting place for spinner dolphins, we were also lucky enough to see a whole pod of them while we were on the beach on Tuesday, frolicking in the waves.  We also made it a point to stop at the southern most bakery in the united States, Punalu'u Bake Shop for some awesome fresh baked malasadas.  Here are a few photos for your viewing enjoyment.

This is a photo of the fishing canoes lined up on the beach.  Ho'okena is first and foremost a fishing village, to my understanding.  The second night we were there a fisherman came in very late with his catch.  His brother was there to help him get the canoe up onto shore, but they clearly weren't getting along, which brings me to my favorite quote from this trip.

Younger Brother: "What you like me do?"

Older Brother: "If you gotta ask..."

YB&OB continue arguing in this manner and things escalate, the older brother getting angrier and promising beatings, telling little brother he needs to work for a living, etc, and making me a little nervous, until finally I hear...

OB: "You know what your problem is?  Our madda nevah give you lickings enough when we was kids."

YB: "Yeah, well, you know what your problem is?" (pause) "Well, I don't know what your problem is, but you sure got one!"

At which point I had to stifle a giggle.  I privately agreed with the younger brother, but I really didn't want to draw attention to the tents on the beach with them clearly absorbed in an aggravated family squabble - not the best idea.  It quieted down about an hour later and I was able to get back to sleep.  My daughter slept through the whole thing, as did most of the camp.   Apparently, I am a very light sleeper.

This is a view of the beach from the other direction, standing in our campsite.

It's been years since I've ridden or driven around the south point of the Big Island.  I had forgotten how beautiful some of the views are.  This is a view from the truck as we drove towards Na'alehu.

And this is a photo of one of my husband's favorite stretches of road - because of the view of the coast.  Please excuse the antenna.

So, yes, not a whole lot of work in the studio this week, but I spent tonight setting up a craft fair table for my first dry run.  This is what it looks like.  It was a little bit of a struggle getting everything onto one table, but hopefully I'll make enough money at my first event so that I can afford to buy another one.

Big Mahalos to my husband for building my displays for me.  

And here is a closeup of the inventory on the left. (The scotch tape is not for sale.  oops.)

So that's it for today.  Thanks everyone for reading, and checking in.  If you feel like it, leave me a comment.  I'd love to read some feedback.

Aloha!