Wordless Wendesday: Mele Kalikimaka

Wordless Wednesday: Hawaii_Christmas

Deb-E for SAM-E

To the right of this post, you can see Deb-E's "vote for me" button.  Debbie's a college writing friend from way back in the day when we had nothing better to do than write about toe fetishes and nanny-ing.  Now we're moms and blogging up a storm instead! She would make a great representative for SAM-E.  Debbie is always smiling and happy with just the right amount of healthy cynicism (its great for the colon!).  Plus she met Jack Johnson and spotted pre-presidential President Obama coming out of the bathrom at Turtle Bay.  Check out her blog here and don't forget to vote Deb-E for SAM-E.

Halloween Photo Essay

Doesn't Halloween just speak for itself?  Pumpkins, costumes, smiling kids.  Its all here, folks.  No commentary needed.

Moms Making it Happen: Community Children's Theater in Laie

A curious thing has happened in my community for the past two spring and fall public school breaks. Some moms teamed up before the break to write an original play and then spend the week-long break producing it, featuring the elementary school aged children of Laie. The first production, during Spring 2010, was Peter Panipopo, a local musical improvisation on the traditional Peter Pan story. The second production, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, riffs on the Narnia trilogy and uses songs the audience knows and loves. My Second Born has been involved in each production and has loved it. The kids practice their parts/musical numbers, paint sets, work together on make-up and costumes and, best of all, have a great time together. In the spirit of sharing what resourceful moms can accomplish when they creatively collaborate and what kids can learn even when they're on vacation, I've included a photo essay of The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, performed in the elementary school cafeteria on Friday, October 8^th. But, first, an interview with the moms who started it all and who keep it going: Michelle Blimes, Laura Blum and Emily Bradshaw (how weird that they're all Bs!).

left to right: Michelle, Laura and Emily

Why did you start putting on these plays during fall and spring breaks?

Laura: I was [sign language] interpreting a Social Entrepreneurial class where you (in the words of Ritchie Norton) "Rock your World.. by seeing a need in your community and doing something about it." He always stressed- you don't have to have all the skills, just an idea, and gather the people with the skills to accomplish your idea. So, around the time of the Spring Break- when there was a local production of The Music Man (my kids went both nights and I saw many of the community kids there), I thought, "Hey we have an amazingly talented community-- our kids should have more opportunities to do this kind of creative stuff." I knew I didn't have the skills to pull it off alone but I also knew I had Rock Star talented friends so I gathered them together and everyone was so excited and supportive. The kids are so talented and amazing. It's been a blast.

Emily: I started doing the play-in-a-week for three reasons. First, the state of Hawaii decided to Furlough teachers last year, leaving our kids with 3 1/2 days of school per week most weeks last year. I felt like I needed to pick up the slack and do a little more with my kids outside of school. Also, our school doesn't have a music or art program (or theater, but what school DOES have a theater program? Only on FAME.). This was the particular slack I wanted to pick up. Finally, I did it because my neighbor, Laura, showed up on my doorstep with the idea and asked if I thought it was possible, and how do you say "no" to that? Of course it's possible! That's how it started. 

It turned into a Fall Play, because Laura came back from Summer vacation all rarin' to go on another play. I think we should stick with one per year, personally. And it's been a real set-back for the janitors at the school, apparently. They made me promise not to do any projects during Spring Break this year.

How has it changed from the spring break play to the fall break play?

Michelle: Not much changed from the Spring Break play to the Fall Break play. We had a formula that worked; a narrator and a small group of main characters to move the plot along, plus several singing and dancing groups to include as many kids as wanted to participate. This time Laura and I kept saying to each other, "Next time we will do it this way..." But mostly it was small details that we would want to change. The overall process has worked well twice, so there is no reason to change a good thing.

How do you think the kids are benefiting from working on the production?

Michelle: What I hope the kids are getting from putting on these productions is a love a theater, a sense of confidence, and an opportunity to engage in a wholesome activity with their friends.

Emily: The major benefit of this play is getting all the kids under one roof together working on one project. You've got big kids helping little kids, kids making new friends, kids from different cultural backgrounds working together. Also, kids get to create all the elements of the play. They get to make props and costumes, paint scenery, learn songs and dances, and I think by the time they're done, they all feel good about what they've created. It's not about the polished performance. It's about the process of creating something together. Lastly, I just watched more than one child go from saying, "No I can't try out--I've never done something like this before," to singing a strong solo in front of an audience with no problem whatsoever. The kids gain confidence. It's good for kids to put themselves on the line, audition, and perform. 

The other benefit is for the adults. Most of the time, we drop our kids off at school, and leave them in the school territory. For the parents who are able to stay, it's a chance to step into that teaching territory, and interact with school community. It's the kind of collaboration where everyone takes a small piece--a pirate group or a dragon group, for instance--and then we put the pieces together. And it's really fun to be part of a team with fun, talented moms. I'd say parents, but let's be honest. It was the moms. 

Things Local Kids in Hawai'i Love to Eat

There's a definite Asian influence to what kids in Hawai'i eat.  I'm limiting this list to snack foods although, argue-ably, fried chicken with ketchup might be a full-on meal item. Also, yes, our kids eat fruit and veggies! I'm just listing these snacks that are particular to Hawai'i.  Here they are in no particular order:

1. Li Hing Mui anything, especially sour candy or fruit. The wiki I've linked to states that mui is the dried plum but lots of "li hing-ed" products here say "li hing mui" and then the candy/food/etc.

2. Spam Musubi: 'nuff said but here's more info if you need it. Spam musubi is a great post-soccer game snack!

3. Shave Ice

4. Mangoes off the tree: a kid showed me how to eat the mango so that it doesn't make a mess.  First you roll it on the ground a bit until it softens up.  Then you bite a small hole at the top and suck all the juice and pulp out of it.  'Ono!

5. Mochi cracker: in and out of popcorn.

6. Top Ramen: (called saimin) dry from the package with or without the soup base. Cooked or "raw", this stuff is not good for you so I try not to keep it in the house.

7. Fried chicken with ketchup.

8. Rice candy

9. Nori: my kids will eat this right out of the package.

These are just the ones that I know about.  Can you think of other Hawai'i-specific treats that Local kids love?  Here's a simple recipe that delivers the nostalgic kid-friendly flavor of Hawai'i. Enjoy!

Review of the Haunted Lagoon: Be There To Be Scared!

Last night, the Hub, the First Born and I went to the Haunted Lagoon's Preview Night at the Polynesian Cultural Center.  This was the first time I've ever been to the Haunted Lagoon even though its seriously just down the street from our house and this is the third year PCC has hosted it.  I'm not big on scary.  Horror movies feel like a waste of time: why get all stressed out being afraid? Suspense movies are only a slight improvement on the horror genre: stress for me but without all the blood.  I can do suspense as long as I know in advance like I did with the Haunted Lagoon.

Oh it was scary, all right! The First Born tells me that the special effects are better than ever this year and I noticed the mix of live and dead action. (Pun!)  I screamed.  A lot.  I wanted my mommy but all I had next to me was a skinny teenager.  The Lady is indeed frightening as are the swampy creatures around the canoe.  The atmosphere of the Haunted Lagoon is mucho creepy, complete with shrouded mist, terrifying props, and a bone-chilling soundtrack.  I'm sure everyone around me enjoyed my screaming.  And that's what's important at Halloween--sharing the spirit of terror and hysteria.

For those with children, there is a keiki version of the Haunted Lagoon (info below) and I should point out to scaredy cats like me that although the Haunted Lagoon is scary it is in no ways threatening.  Happy Halloween, everyone! Information about the Haunted Lagoon follows:

POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER’S ‘HAUNTED LAGOON’ RETURNS FROM THE DEAD THIS OCTOBER. The Lā’ie Lady is back, and this time SHE MAY NOT LET YOU LEAVE!

What: “Haunted Lagoon” canoe ride at the  Polynesian Cultural Center

When: Oct. 1 – 23, 2010
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Oct. 25 – 30, 2010
Monday – Saturday
*Closed on Halloween
Box Office open from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., time subject to ticket availability
Canoes run from 6:30 p.m. (“Keiki canoe rides” run from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.)

Where: Polynesian Cultural Center, 55-370 Kamehameha Hwy., Lā‘ie, Hawai‘i

Why: Brave souls are invited to get into the Halloween spirit early this year on Hawaii’s most popular haunted canoe ride, featuring a ghostly cast of over 100. Daring passengers may even catch sight of the otherworldly Lā‘ie Lady, who’s looking for some company this year. The center offers a keiki version of the ride for the entire family and a “spookier” version for braver souls. Admission: Booking Haunted Lagoon tickets in advance is strongly recommended as limited space is available and seats often sell out. Tickets for kamaaina are $19.50 per adult and $14.50 for keiki. General tickets are $25.00 per adult and $20.00 for children.
Kamaaina Annual Pass holders may ride free on weekdays and for a discounted rate on Fridays and Saturdays. Guests can also purchase tickets to a fast pass line for a shorter wait. Kamaaina Gold Pass Members receive one free admission and fast pass line access per night. Bring in a Pepsi product on Wednesdays and receive $5 off admission. $3 off coupons are also available at participating 76 gas stations, Domino’s Pizza and 7-Eleven locations. During the Fall Break Special, from Oct. 1 to 9, kamaaina students (elementary through high school) can show their school I.D. to receive $5.00 off admission. Offers and specials cannot be combined.

Information: For more information, to check ticket availability or to make reservations, visit www.HauntedLagoon.com or call the Polynesian Cultural Center ticket office toll-free at (800) 367-7060. In Hawai‘i, call (808) 293-3333.

Disclosure: I did not receive any form of compensation from the Polynesian Cultural Center for this review.  Any and all opinions are my own.  All images and video courtesy of the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Be Afraid . . . . Be Very Afraid.

As a member of Hawaii's social media, I've been invited to a Friday night sneak preview of the Polynesian Cultural Center's Haunted Lagoon.  I hear that this year is better than ever---but how would I know?  I've been too chicken to go the last few years.  And now blogging is making me swallow my fears and go.  Plus the Lady of Laie has been tweeting. She's scary.

 And so are her friends . . .

I hope I get out alive . . .

Disclosure: I did not receive any form of compensation from the Polynesian Cultural Center for this post.  Any and all opinions are my own.  All images courtesy of the Polynesian Cultural Center.

10 Things Tourists Should Know about Hawai'i and its People

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Hawaje-NoRedLine.jpg

1.  Hawai'i is a state. There are 50 states. We are a state of islands; you came from the "mainland". When you go back, you'll go back to the "mainland". You can use it in a sentence like this: I live in a small town on the mainland.

2.  We don't use the term "Hawaiian" to refer to anything place-based here.  Because of the cultural and political history of Hawaii, only Native Hawaiians are Hawaiian.  For example, we don't refer to Hawaiian weather or Hawaiian politics.  Instead we say Hawai'i weather or Hawai'i politics.

3.  Sometimes local drivers will tailgate slower cars.  Sometimes tourists will drive slowly, taking in the Ko'olau range on one side of the road and the ocean on the other.  If you find another car following yours too closely, you should pull over and let him/her pass.

4.  Many people who speak pidgin (what linguists call Hawaii Creole English) can speak standard American English.  If you hear someone local speaking pidgin, its because that person feels most comfortable speaking it or because the context of the situation allows it.

5.  Sharks in Hawai'i don't eat people.  Many here consider them our "aumakua" or guardians.  As an example, when Bethany Hamilton lost her arm, she went back to the water and apologized to the sharks.  People here try to live in harmony with the animals and the land.

6.   Aloha Spirit, while generous and expansive, is also reciprocal.  That means if someone in Hawai'i is gracious to you (thus reflecting the Aloha Spirit), you should return the favor, thereby keeping the Aloha Spirit alive.  We'll even let you take some Aloha back home with you.

7.  People here eat Spam but they don't eat it every day at every meal.  And its not polite to react negatively to the idea of eating Spam.  Its like me going to your house and turning up my nose at something you like to eat.

8.  Take your shoes off when you come visit our house; it shows respect to our culture and our home.

9.  Never, never turn your back on the ocean.  It will sneak up and knock you down. Don't ask me how I know.  As a related aside, if lifeguards post signs warning you not to go into the ocean, you should comply.  They know Hawai'i waters better than the malihini, or visitors, do.

10.  The people of Hawai'i are just as warm and beautiful as the islands themselves.  If you remember this during your visit, often the rest will take care of itself.

**If all else fails, listen to some IZ.  He will help you understand Hawai'i nei.

Mahalo nui loa to @kailualisa and @underdad for their feedback and assistance with this list.  Hawai'i tweeps no ka oi!

Labor Day 2010 Photo Essay

Sigh.  Our Labor Day was all about the First Born's birthday which is actually on Thursday but the hub will be out of town next weekend so we celebrated in advance. With her friends. Who are teenagers.  Now the hub and I are tired so I'll leave you with a photo-essay of the birthday party today:

Museum Day 2010 | Smithsonian.com

Mark this date on your calendar! Museum Day is great! You can look up the participating museums in your area here and print out a free admission pass for you and a guest for Sept. 25th The kids and I went to the Queen Emma Summer Palace a few years ago on Museum Day. At that time, there was a royal quilts exhibition and I was mesmerized by the gorgeous (and fragile) textiles. In particular, I was fascinated with a piece of kapa that Mary Kawena Pukui dated as pre Captain Cook (that's pre-1770s, people!).

This year, we want to go to 'Iolani Palace. I've been wanting to see the palace for years but there was always one thing or another to keep me from going. I can't wait!

Museum Day 2010 | Smithsonian.com