The New Ford Focus, with Optional Lizard

Hawaii, Hawaii. Oh, how mixed are my feelings about you, reputed tropical paradise and tourist mecca. Right now I have bugs of various kinds crawling down my back, along my arms, up my legs, across my forehead, over my belly--well, you get the idea. And this is all happening after an application of Waikoloa Bob's Hawaiian botanical oil. There are moments when I believe I shall go quite mad, and end up a gibbering wild woman, cavorting through the jungles of Puna with a giant fly swatter cackling and calling out, "Come to momma, you little blood-sucking motherf***ers!"

Other than that, I'm fine! How are you?

Oh, wait, did I forget to tell you about the lizard in my car? I picked up a rental at Hilo Airport during my first week, because I realized it was folly to believe I could survive without one. Anyway, they gave me a very new Ford Focus, with only 4,000-plus miles on it. The lizard came later. He (or she--who can tell?) ended up in my car because I tried to save him from getting blown off my windshield. One day as I returned from filling the tank, I looked up and there was a little yellow lizard, perhaps two or three inches long, clinging for dear life to my front window. He tried to lift his head, and the air pressure pulled it back. Fearing for his neck, I pulled over to the side of the road and tried to coax him off the glass--and scared him right inside my car!

To make a long story a little shorter, at first he would crawl out of the air vent once in a while and pay me a visit. I haven't seen him, though, since decided to crawl up my leg one afternoon. I screamed like someone was trying to kill me and shook my leg quite hard. Last I saw of the little guy, he flew through the air a short distance. Not surprisingly, he hasn't poked his little yellow head out since.

I had quite an adventure with the ocean last week, too. I had no clue how powerful the sea is out here, and got bashed against some rocks by a giant wave. I went to the water on a ritual quest, seeking cleansing and transformation. I specifically sought to release what no longer serves me, and the injuries I received were perfect, since they are identical to ones inflicted on me frequently in childhood. Deep processing of past emotional pain ensued, and I realized I was finally ready to let go of some old ways of seeing the world--ways that no longer serve me in the life I've created. And that was just my morning. Later the same day, I decided to brave the black sand beach in Puna, along Kalapana-Kapoho Road. I give myself points for bravery, that's for sure--facing the sea twice in the same day.

I stood on the beach, feeling the waves wash over my legs and feet, believing I was safe because I was on a beach. Oh, how foolish I was then. Quite a large wave came and covered me. It knocked me off my feet, rushed up my nose, and started dragging me out to sea. I fought to stand upright, and as I did, my head whipped around to spy a truly enormous wave moments away! I threw myself forward, reaching my hands toward the beach as if I could anchor myself with handfuls of black sand. I was certain the wave was going to grab me, cover me, and carry me off and I would cease to be embodied on this gracious plane.

Yet Pele sent her priestess to my aid! A woman with long silver hair flying out behind her, and short white skirt whipping up to reveal her yoni and her long, tanned legs pumping ran to my rescue. She grabbed both my hands and helped me make it to the beach and solid sand before the second wave overtook me. I do not know her name, but I will never forget her. I hugged her and will forever think of her as Momma Pele.

I feel blessed to be alive, despite the aggravations of insects and all else that conspires to remind me I am theoretically in paradise.

Thank you for reading. Tomorrow I'll write about the rainbows, pan-fried ono, dear Darlene at the coffee shop in Pahoa, and other adventures. Take care, and may you appreciate all that you have.

~Love and Blessings,
Selene~