Boy, there was a really long recovery period for me after Merrie Monarch hula festival this year. The event itself is totally draining — emotionally, I mean. There are 4 days of constant ups and down, and deadines, and meetings, and appointments, and …

During Merrie Monarch Hula Festival you see so many old friends, and make many new, as well. It is an experience that can bond people for life. This was my sixth straight year to photograph the event, and my tenth year overall to attend. Man, this one drained me.

Following the week in Hilo, I headed to Hana. I go to Hana frequently to re-charge my soul and get my feet back on the ground. In Hana, I hung with dozens of people whom are my friends, my hanai ohana, and my cultural kumus. Whew, the energy out there was strong — something I rarely say, or think, but it was.

I spent a night in my timy tent in Oheo.  How wonderfully freeing that can be to wake up in a lightweight tent that is little more than a mosquito net; next to the crashing waves, with the sun gently rising directly from the ocean between the cliffs of Kipahulu and the Big Island.

I have fallen way behind with my normal daily tasks such as attending to my retail stores, and writing blogs, and sending newsletters. My mind is becoming more occupied with a few books I hope to publish. I finally met with one of my card publishers (Island Heritage, and the Madden Corporation) and had a great meeting about the prospects of making my first jump into authoring. This is really exciting for me,  I have to admit.

Also, I am gearing up to present 3 or 4 classes at the first annual Maui Photo Festival in September. i am already starting  to work on my class outlines and can’t wait for this event. So much is happening. Oh, if you are interested in more information about this event, just go to www.mauiphotofestival.com.

Wow, summer is nearly upon us. The gallery has survived the down period (April & May) and we are looking forward to a fantastic summer vacation period on Maui. The airline prices are at an all-time low, at least what I see on Travelocity.com, so try to take a break and come visit us in person!

Also this month, a very important family on Maui — the Kaina ‘Ohana — had to say farewell to soon to Hokulani, their beautiful, young, shining star. Not to be forgotten.