Remembering Hawaii

Recently I ran across some old photos I took of my wife and daughter some fifteen years ago on Maui.  We were there for my oldest friend’s wedding and were joined by an entire entourage of friends from the mainland.  There were over twenty of us including kids, staying at the same hotel at Ka’anapoli.  The experience of swimming pools, white sandy beaches and open air restaurants was enhanced because it was shared by “the group.”  The charter boat to snorkel on Molokini was entirely friends of both the bride and groom.  What a morning.  What a vacation. 

We ended our stay with my Uncle Russ and Aunt Leanna.  They moved to Maui in the 1970s and their beautiful home overlooking the ocean has served as a hotel for many a Stodd et al over the years.  It was there I took this snapshot. 

 

Experimenting with mixed mediums I first did a charcoal drawing on colored paper.  I then image-transferred it to board and then painted over the top of it.  I then used colored pencils for added texture.   It was a fun little experiment and definitely worth the risk.   It’s now under glass in a matted simulated bamboo frame I found at Goodwill.  I just removed the cheesy photo that was no doubt purchased by an excited tourist in Lahaina.  Maui will do that to you.  They clearly came to their senses upon returning the Pacific Northwest, hence the “donation.” 

       

Hawaii is a paradise for both kids and adults alike, but it’s even better when shared with your closest friends and family.  We’ll go back someday, but February/March 1998 was a once in-a-lifetime experience.  We knew it then and we know it now.