Strawberry Shortcakes

Tyson finally got his chance to join a soccer team. He had a blast and it was terrific fun watching him play. His teammates chose "Strawberry Shortcakes" for their team name. Tyson was mortified by the name--seemed too girly (probably my fault because I like to drag my boys down the girl's doll aisle to smell the strawberry shortcake dolls every now and again). Anyway, in the end, the Shortcakes did pretty well and also built some good friendships--just what Tyson needed!

The following pictures are from the last game of the season. It rained pretty hard on them through most of the game, but opened up to let the sun shine just in time for their celebratory swim party.

Hemingway: Great Author, Lousy Husband

My most recent read:

I borrowed the book from a co-worker. Once I heard what it was about I knew I wanted to read it.

The book is a fictional take on the relationship of Ernest Hemingway and his first wife, Hadley Richardson. I took a Hemingway course at Wellesley and learned a lot about his work and a bit about his life. I am fascinated with his stint in Paris--there were so many amazing artists there during the early 1900's--so, of course anything about that time period and place excites me.

My overall reaction: I loved the book. I found it easy to follow and quick to read. The storyline is fascinating, partly because it is based on real people, places and events, but also because the author, Paula McLain, creates interesting characters. In fact, there are an assortment of characters, all fairly believable, and I enjoyed their interactions.

I loved imagining the places that Hemingway was when writing so many of the works I studied and have come to love. McLain includes the Hemingways' trip to Pamplona, Spain to see the running of the bulls, etc. The bull-fighting was integral in Hemingway's story, The Sun Also Rises, and Paris was where his career really got started.

Like most people, Ernest Hemingway was a complex person. I felt that this author, Paula McLain, did an excellent job delving into the many layers of such an intriguing individual. The best part is that you learn about Hadley while getting to know Hemingway.

What I learned: Marriage is wonderful, comforting, frustrating, exhilarating, adventurous and difficult (actually already knew that). Many people take from it what they want or need, sometimes without giving back. It is a constant lesson on forgiveness and trust.

Marriage, apparently, isn't for everyone. McLain portrays a few characters that can't seem to understand how to function in a simple relationship, not to mention a marriage; it's too confining for some. My favorite quote from the book speaks to this on a certain level. McLain, through the voice of Hadley, writes:

Ernest once told me that the word paradise was a Persian word that meant "walled garden." I knew then that he understood how necessary the promises we made to each other were to our happiness. You couldn't have real freedom unless you knew where the walls were and tended them. We could lean on the walls because they existed; they existed because we leaned on them." (298)

Relationships, like most good things in life, require boundaries. Man, I have learned in my own life that boundaries are necessary, but not necessarily bad. Hemingway, in this author's portrayal, did not understand the importance of such a principle. We can always use another reminder; perhaps this book about Ernest and Hadley is just that--a reminder.

Overall, I think I learned not to take my own marriage for granted. I'm ever so thankful for my own husband; I'm pretty sure he's no Hemingway in all the right ways. He truly is the half that makes me whole. We may not be in Paris, or even Spain or Austria, but we're having our own type of adventure. It's been a lovely trip so far, this marriage, and I want it to be that way forever. I think I'll go tend to my walls now.

Allergic to Work

No, really. I think I am allergic to work--my office that is.

Here in Hawaii there is always something blooming to stuff me up, but it's especially bad at the office. If only that was a good enough excuse to pay me to stay home.

Just sayin'.

A Good Day

Rarely do I ever leave work on a Monday thinking, "Hmmm, what a nice day." Today, however, I did just that. I left with a spring in my step and a smile on my face. I worked today just as I have every other Monday, or any other day of the week for that matter, yet it felt different somehow. I felt happy and not just because I was going home.

On my way to the car I noticed a tall tree along the sidewalk filled with big yellow blossoms and thought, "Wow, I'm glad I live in Hawaii." Believe it or not, I do not usually think that way. Hawaii has been quite a challenge for me and I have struggled to find joy in my paradisaical surroundings (the views are stunning, but the expense of living here can cost one their happiness). I can't say what exactly is different about today versus other days, but it sure feels great to have a good day.

Aloha!

Women, Writing, and Love

Tonight I finished reading Peony in Love, by Lisa See. First of all, I have enjoyed the past couple of books written by this author. Second, I really enjoyed this particular selection and can't wait to share my thoughts.

The title gives the reader a small sneak peak into what so much of the story entails, yet it doesn't even begin to explain the many layers of what kind of person Peony is, what her story is and how love defines her life and what she learns about love. Not only is this book about Peony being in love, but it is about love in general.

One of my favorite quotes from this book actually comes from the "Author's Note" found after the story has officially ended. Lisa See writes: "All women on earth–and men too, for that matter–hope for the kind of love that transforms us, raises us up out of the everyday, and gives us courage to survive our little deaths; the heartache of unfulfilled dreams, of career and disappointments, of broken love affairs." How true the statement rings to my ears. Love can become a type of hope or faith that bridges the disappointments in life and helps to carry us forward; it provides encouragement to endure.

Perhaps best of all, this story doesn't just speak of the love between a man and a woman, but Peony's tale helps the reader recognize all of the different relationships we find and build throughout, and after, our lives. This book especially spoke to me about the relationship between women. So many  relationships are found between women. These relationships we share from one woman to another help build us into the women we are. The men are important too–yes–but there is something deep about a good relationship between another female, whether it be mother, sister, grandmother, aunt or dearest friend; the ties, the threads of kinship run deep and this story portrays those types of relationships well.

The story also highlights the importance of education, especially reading and writing. Even in an age when women were practically discouraged from having original thoughts, many women pushed for excellence and individuality. I found it inspiring. Like me, the main character, Peony, enjoys contemplating and expounding on the literature she reads. She's an early example of a English major! I know how important it is to thoughtfully ponder what we read and it is a wonderful habit to write down those thoughts. If all else fails, keep a journal so you'll remember the inspiration that comes from things you read, plus the loved ones who follow will have the chance to get to know the type of person you were, what your thoughts were and what you liked to read and how you educated yourself. I kept thinking that this selection should be a Wellesley book; my thoughts continued to drift to the many amazing and strong, thoughtful and brilliant women I met at Wellesley. That school fosters many who thirst for knowledge. Peony seemed to thrive for education and self-improvement.

Lastly, the book spoke to me of legacy. The importance of family, especially one's ancestors drives this tale. The culture portrayed in the book venerates and pays great respect to their ancestors. My own culture speaks often of "turning the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers" (Malachi 4:6). Geneology is of great importance in my own religion. I love learning about my ancestors and hope that I glean all of their good traits and learn from their mistakes.

I'm glad I read this book. I have meant to read it for quite some time. I love books that make you feel a better person for reading them. I feel enlightened and encouraged. Who could ask for more?

Christmas Day Hulk Smash

On Christmas Day, after presents had been opened, our little family made our way to the beach. The waves were too big at our favorite spot, China Wall, so we went to our second favorite near Halona Blowhole.

In the picture below you can see Zac and Tyson perform what Tyson likes to call his "Hulk Smash."

I love my little family!

Later we met with a couple of other families, ate Christmas dinner together, and enacted the Christmas story found in Luke. Tim was the narrator and Tyson played the role of Joseph. It was a wonderful way to top off our Christmas celebrations.

Christmas Eve 2012