Barbie Perkins-Cooper, Author

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  • November 6, 2012 — Election Day in America Please Vote!


    We are only hours away from Election Day in America. As a woman, I sincerely take my right and privilege to vote as something serious. While I will not say what party I am — neither a Democrat, nor a Republican — I have voted every election since I was eighteen years of age. When I get phone calls reminding me to vote — and this year — there have been too many — I answer without revealing who I will vote for.

    Why?

    My right to vote, and who I vote for is no one’s business…not even my husband’s business!

    I walk into the voting booth, ready — with a print out of who I am voting for, and when I get home, I shred it!

    American women fought for years for the right to vote. Still, I don’t understand what those foolish, insensitive men were thinking when they wrote the Constitution. How dare them to leave women out. And I don’t understand why their wives failed to express — but what about us…the Women??? Men of the “Good Ole Boys” generation fought for women not to vote. After all…those neurotic, self-righteous males wanted to ‘keep their women home…with the children…perhaps barefoot and pregnant…after all…all decent women belong in the home…’ and all of those ridiculous clichés! Sounds familiar, especially if you are from the South! How I wish I would’ve been a fly on the wall then…I would’ve made certain those cigar smoking, disgusting males of that generation would’ve accidentally set fire to the Constitution!  How dare them not to consider the Rights of Women!

    Fortunately, in the 1920’s — passed by Congress on June 4, 1919, ratified on August 18, 1920, American women were granted the privilege to vote. http://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=true&doc=63 When I read about this in American History I questioned why women were not allowed to vote until that date. It infuriated me that men actually thought they were so superior that we, THE WOMEN OF AMERICA…the ones who hold the family together…birth the children…and for the most part still in the Twenty-first Century, rear the children, organize and manage the homes and in many corporations, run many aspects of Corporate America, are still not appreciated for all that we do…as a child, I simply could not understand why women were not equal.

    Now, older, and perhaps a lot wiser, I’ve recognized that Women are still striving to get our rights. I confess, I live with and am married to a macho man…there are so many times he ruffles my feathers…and when he does…I am the first to stand up to him and let her rip…Julia Sugarbaker Style! No, I’ve never burned my bra…but I will step on my soapbox whenever men, women, or issues ruffle my feathers!

    So, now, if you are an American woman, reading this on Election Day…please…do your civic duty…stand up and be heard.

    There are so many people who actually say something to the effect of: “My vote doesn’t count…it’s the Electoral Vote that matters… “Perhaps…but I fully believe it is our duty…our freedom to express and vote for who we believe will be strong leaders for the United States of America. If we do not vote, we should not complain…criticize…or make fun of our elected officials. The time is now to stand up and say, “Yes…I will vote…” You do not have to share who you voted for. I will not ask. And please provide the same courtesy to me. I will admit, I do not discuss politics or religion with my friends. I learned that lesson before I started voting! Yes, I am proud to say – to shout from the rooftops – I am woman! HEAR ME ROAR!

    It is my right to vote for the person I BELIEVE will do the best job. It is your civic duty to do the same…especially IF you are  A WOMAN… HEAR ME ROAR!

    I look forward to the day when a Woman will Run For the President of the United States and she will win! No, I wouldn’t vote for a woman simply because she is a woman, but there have been many women bosses I have known that would make a great candidate! I am one of the people who actually evaluate the issues…I make a pro and con list, I do lots of research and I have my decisions made when I walk into the voting booth. Who am I voting for? I’ll keep that opinion to myself! Just Vote!!!

    PLEASE VOTE — NOVEMBER 6, 2012!

     


  • MISSING ——-

    PLEASE HELP US FIND A LOST, FRIGHTENED DOG – “Cletus” or “Clete Clete”

    LOST OCTOBER 20, 2012 – Old Village area of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina

    Cletus is 14lbs, a Schnauzer/Maltese Mix, and is missing. He is VERY timid, has been abused, and will run if frightened. He has never bitten but will growl if frightened. Speaking to him in a comforting voice and approaching from his level will get him to allow you to pet him.
    HELP US BRING THIS BABY HOME. IF SEEN, PLEASE CALL Barbie at 843-884-7631. He is microchipped, neutered, up to date on all shots, and just got to his foster home in Mt. Pleasant earlier this week. We, the foster parents are devastated. Please help us find him. Thank you!

    Please call Barbie Cooper at 843-884-7631 if you see this precious baby. He is frightened, scared of people and hungry!

  • Walking the Bridge — the Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge Saga Continues!


    This morning I awoke from another night of fitful sleep, exhausted once again. Yesterday, I gave in to it, allowing my depression and lack of energy to defeat me. Today, I procrastinated for a bit, then finally forced myself to get up and get busy. Get off this computer. Move your legs…move your butt…just move! Isn’t that what Michelle Obama tells everyone. Just move! Great advice, but yesterday, I simply gave in.

    Today is Wednesday…a new day! I refuse to allow my depression and lack of energy to defeat me today. Yesterday, I had a bit of anticipated bad news about someone once close to my life. I’ll not mention, or elaborate what the news was, but those who truly know me understand. While it would be easy for me to just say, “To Hell with it…” I will not. I have dragged myself out of the depths of depression many times…and to those of you who do not understand the struggles of depression, believe me, you are blessed to never have experienced it. The lack of energy…the sadness…the emotional roller coaster…the tears… It is so easy to allow it to bring a person down, but I’ve been down before, recognizing that when I am emotionally buried within that deep hole, there is no where else to go, but up! Today is a new day!

    Rushing to style my hair a bit, I dressed and headed to the Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge. Today, regardless how I felt I was certain that a swift walk on the bridge was the only drug I needed to get me moving again.

    I’ll attempt the first tower. Maybe I’ll feel better. The walk begins. The wind is brisk in my face, almost taking my breath away. I was suddenly thankful I had remembered to pack my inhaler in my bag, in the event I needed it. Inhaling. Exhaling. I continue the walk, forcing my legs to move faster. I time my walks, always curious as to how long it will take. The first walk was four miles total. I made this journey in 2.5 hours. Maybe not a good time for some people, but while I’m not a beginner walker, the bridge is a challenge.

    Today, I made it to the first tower in about 20 minutes. OK. Maybe not great…but I’m asthmatic and the wind is forcing me to slow down a bit. Accomplishing the first tower, off I go to the second span from the Mt. Pleasant side. I am proud to say, today was a new day for me…a great day…I walked three miles on the bridge in 1 hour 28 minutes! Oh Happy Day!

    Today, not only did I do something for my health, my emotional health and my demeanor, I broke my walking record while proving to myself that when the depths of depression attempt to bring me down, I can fight back without being violent (violence is not in my character) and I can beat it by feeding myself positive mental feedback!

    Yes, I still worry about the situation that I heard about yesterday, but that situation is truly out of my hands. I cannot control what happened, nor can I change it. I cannot allow those sad days to bring me down, and I cannot let bad news influence me. After all, I am the person I am today because I chose to move away and not look back on my life, or the emotional scars I have endured on my journey of life. I have to continue to make life an adventure. Today, I am proud of my achievements…and I am thrilled that I can do what I set out to do today, while making a road map for future adventures. Walking the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is only one of my journeys in life.

    How about you? What are your journeys? Dreams? Accomplishments? Let us all live to survive life by making lemonade when life gives us lemons!

    There is a cliché I live by now — “This I do for me!”

    Another valuable lesson in life to guide me through the disappointments and life’s challenges!

     

     

  • Walking At An Advanced Level While Working Thru My Fears – Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge


    Today, I tackled the Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge once again. My goal for each week is to walk it three times weekly. To those of you who do not know, “The bicycle and pedestrian lane is 2.7 miles long (14,400 feet), measuring from
    Patriots Point Road to East Bay Street. Measuring only the part that is on the bridge structure, the walkway is 2.4 miles long (12,750 feet). Most of the bridge is limited to a 4.1% maximum slope. On the Charleston side of the
    main span, the long approach is a 1.8% slope. On the Mount Pleasant side, there is a section three tenths of a mile long that has a 5.6% slope.” http://www.cooperriverbridge.org/bike.shtml

    The bridge opened in 2005. Almost every time I have driven across this bridge I have always said to myself, “One day, I’m going to walk that bridge…” Thanks to Weight Watchers and the new goals I have established, I am achieving that goal. I must say, as I approach the beginning of the bridge, I look ahead, noticing the steep incline. “Focus,” I tell myself. “You can do this.” There is an inner-voice inside of me saying, “Don’t you hear the traffic. Don’t you remember how frightened you are of busy roads, cars rushing by and so much traffic.” I struggle to push that inner-voice aside…not to listen to her…to be stronger…more determined…and before I know it, I continue the walk. My first goal is the first tower from Patriots Point. Accomplishing that goal, I rest…breathing in…breathing out…remembering how I must breathe so I do not have an asthma attack.

    I am proud of myself for accomplishing the bridge walk. As a child, resting inside an oxygen tent, fighting another episode of asthma in the hospital, I never thought I could accomplish this task. Doctors had said that I would never be active like other children, simply because asthma had left me weak. The steep incline intimidated me at first, but I wanted to prove to myself that I can do this. Maybe I cannot run like the joggers who pass by me, but I can achieve my goals, and I have.

    Today, while walking up the first incline, I noticed a woman struggling. She stopped. As I passed by her, I turned back. “Are you Okay?” Her breathing was raspy. She held on to the rail, looking down.

    “I’m afraid of heights… I can’t do this. I told my daughter I couldn’t and I’m scared.”

    “Where’s your daughter?”

    “Up there ahead of us.”

    I touched her. “It’s okay. I have a fear of traffic. I was hit by a car when I was nine-years-old. I’m horrified that a car may jump the ramp and hit me…but I can’t focus on that. I have to believe in the power of positive thinking, and I must have faith that I can do this walk.”

    The woman gave me a puzzled look. “When you were hit, were you injured?”

    “Definitely. The driver was a hit and run. He was a teenager. He was drunk, but when he noticed someone was writing notes about the accident, he pulled over. I guess he knew he would be caught, so he stopped then. I had a severe concussion and my brain was swollen. The doctors and police officers said I should’ve been killed…but look at me now…Here I am walking the bridge. If I can do this with my fears, so can you.”

    The woman released her clutched hand from the rail. “Ok,” she said. “How do you know I can do this…that I can work past my fears…?”

    “I have faith…God will guide you.”

    “You don’t know me…”

    “I have faith.”

    I started my approach again. The woman followed me. When I topped the second tower, I saw her again, walking with her daughter. She stopped to hug me.

    “Thank you,” she said. “I did it! I wouldn’t have done it without you.”

    Her daughter smiled, said thank you and together, they turned to walk down the bridge.

    Funny. Today was my day just to walk the bridge, only today was a new day for me to smile at someone, share a bit of courage, and a lot of faith. Every day of my life, I attempt to share a bit of kindness to others. Never did I think I would do that on the towers of the Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge.

    Walking down the bridge, I felt a bit wiser…a bit stronger…a bit happier with who I am. I smile at people as I pass them on the bridge. Most of them are preoccupied with cell phones, Ipods and a blank look on their faces. Today, I am thankful that although my Blackberry is inside my pocket, my Ipod is at home and I am focused on the challenge of walking the bridge…building a bridge to my health, happiness and weight loss. Much of that I give credit to Weight Watchers, but today, I give credit to the kindness of a stranger who was struggling to work past her fear…and she did it…along with me!

  • Weight Watchers — I Do Not Understand Why I Can Post Comments but Not Post on MY Blog!


    I have attempted many times to post on my Weight Watchers blog with anticipation of getting readers to read my blog; nevertheless, it appears that EVERY TIME I post on the blog, select my category and click post, I get a foolish message that I cannot post at this time…try later.

    Furious, I copy my post and add it to my personal writing blog, https://barbieperkinscooper.wordpress.com/

    Today, it will be interesting to see IF this post will work. I read lots of blogs on the Weight Watchers site while I am curious as to why mine fails to post.

    I have much to share, or, at least I thought I did. Lately I’ve accomplished walking not at a beginner’s level, but an advanced, walking the 5.4 miles of the Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge in Charleston, SC. My goal was to post about this experience here, on the Weight Watchers site. Please don’t say to me, just contact Weight Watchers. Duh! I have. They told me to check my cookies. If that is the case, then why I am allowed to post comments?

    So, for now, this is a test…and only a test…I expect to get that silly comment again…Here goes! If it doesn’t work here, just visit https://barbieperkinscooper.wordpress.com/

  • Top 10 Workout Songs for October 2012


    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    The Top 10 Workout Songs For October

    Fort Wayne, IN – October 1, 2012 – This month’s top 10 list should have a little something for everybody.It’s got a song you hear everywhere (from PSY), a comeback single (from Christina Aguilera), and a wildcard country track (from Dierks Bentley).There’s also a crossover hit (“Only the Horses”) and a song popularized by a Kia commercial (“In My Mind”).Lastly, there’s Dragonette with the month’s number one track. The group isn’t a household name, and the song’s not from the Top 40—which means it had to top the chart the old-fashioned way: through sheer awesomeness.

    Here’s the full list, according to votes placed at Run Hundred–the web’s most popular workout music blog.

    Dragonette – Let It Go – 131 BPM

    Christina Aguilera – Your Body – 104 BPM

    OneRepublic – Feel Again – 70 BPM

    Dierks Bentley – 5-1-5-0 – 118 BPM

    PSY – Gangnam Style – 134 BPM

    Maroon 5 – One More Night – 93 BPM

    Scissor Sisters – Only The Horses – 127 BPM

    Flo Rida – Whistle (Disfunktion Remix) – 128 BPM

    Ivan Gough, Feenixpawl & Georgi Kay – In My Mind (Axwell Remix) – 127 BPM

    Enrique Iglesias & Sammy Adams – Finally Found You – 128 BPM

    To find more workout songs, folks can check out the free database at RunHundred.com. Visitors can browse the song selections there by genre, tempo, and era—to find the music that best fits with their particular workout routine.

    Contact:
    Chris Lawhorn
    Run Hundred
    Email: Admin@RunHundred.com

  • Walking the Arthur Ravenel Bridge — a 5.8 Journey for Health


  • Walking the Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge – Charleston, SC


    Yesterday, I went to my Weight Watchers meeting, furious with myself that I gained 1.4 pounds. Since early August, I have been yo-yo-ing and I am furious with myself. Yes, I’ve had several press trips to travel to, making it difficult to track and choose the right foods. Nevertheless, I dragged myself to the meeting, recognizing that if I continue missing the meetings, I will not continue losing weight.

    Our discussion was “The 8-Week Countdown Challenge.” In 8 weeks, Thanksgiving will be here. My goal for this date is to lose 8 pounds. I admit, I haven’t been as active as I should. Making excuses, procrastinating and just being downright lazy has been my lifestyle. I need to make a change. I volunteered how I would achieve my challenge. “I want to walk the bridge, and tomorrow, I plan to do it!”

    When I got home, I started thinking about my challenges. My goals. My desires to lose weight and I decided, “Today is the day. I’m walking the bridge.”

    I gathered my camera, car keys and off I went. In less than five minutes I parked the car, gathered my things and started the approach. The time was 11:46am. I must mention, I have an arthritic knee and asthma. Walking isn’t an issue for me since I do walk, but lately, it hasn’t been a regular activity.

    The walk felt great, as I approached the steep incline of the bridge. Trust me, when walking the bridge, it is a LOT longer than driving it, and the steep incline appears to be a small mountain. My legs were energized. My heart was pumping and I felt great! My goal was to reach the top of the twin towers of the bridge, and then, I would turn and go down. Guess what! When I reached the towers, I sat down on one of the concrete benches to rest and take more photographs. I was euphoric! I was doing the bridge walk. It didn’t matter that I was a bit slower than some of the people passing me. I didn’t care! This was my first time and I was determined not to give in.

    I hopped up and continued the approach — all the way down! Traffic bothered me at first, but I told myself not to focus on the cars rushing by. I was hit by a car when I was nine-years-old, so traffic always frightens me. I stopped looking at the traffic, focusing on my goal — to walk the bridge and make it back without anyone assisting me.

    I am proud to say, I made it — a 4.8 mile walk, up a steep bridge — all the way, on my first journey!

    Thank you, Weight Watchers. I am on to my challenge now. This I do — for ME!

  • 1st Annual Ventura Oysterfest on Saturday, October 12 at San Buenaventura State Beach


    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                          Media Contact:

    September 17, 2012                                                                            VC Oysterfest

          vcoysterfest@gmail.com

    First Annual Ventura Oysterfest Celebrates Oysters, Sustainable Living

    Ventura, CA – The uniquely Ventura Oysterfest is an event that will show off the best of what’s local: exceptional cuisine, great music, crafted beers and outstanding local wines. The theme of the event is oysters and there will be representation from Oyster Farms throughout California and Greater California with the local The Jolly Oyster, Drakes Bay Oyster Company, Tomales Bay Oyster Company, Pickleweed Point Oyster Co. and Carlsbad Aquafarm all attending.

     Some of Ventura County’s top restaurants who have a history of purchasing locally and sustainably have signed on to be food vendors. To date The Sidecar Restaurant, Osteria Monte Grappa, Twenty88 Food & Drink, Ventura Meat Company, Loo Hoo’s Asian Comfort Food, Watermark Restaurant and Chef Gabe Garcia with Rio Gozo Farm have confirmed with more to follow.

    Five bands will play the main stage throughout the day with local favorites Rey Fresco headlining. Other acts include The Silent Comedy and Amanda Shaw and The Cute Guys, Jeff Hershey and the Heartbeats and Charles Johnson.

    Beverages continue the local theme with crafted beers from Surf Brewery, Anacapa Brewing Company, Firestone Walker Brewing Co. and Ouroboros Brewing Co.

    Old Creek Ranch Winery, Vino V Wines, Four Brix Winery, Ojai Vineyard, San Vicente Cellars, Magnavino Cellars and Malibu Family Wines from the Ventura County Wine Trail will delight with wines perfectly selected for the foods available.

    Other items of interest:

    This a “green” sustainable event. Only compostable or reusable beverage containers will be used, only compostable food containers and utensils, paperless ticketing, and reusable signage. Cooking oil will be recycled, there will be free parking for bikes and car poolers. No bottled water will be served at the event which has a goal of 5% maximum landfill.

    A kid’s area will be provided by Friends of Channel Coast State Parks and all kids under 14 are free accompanied by an adult.

    Putt frisbee golf, horseshoes, bean bag games and novelty photo booths will be throughout the event for patrons amusement.

    The Marquee Tent will include cooking demos from three renowned chefs, a shuck and suck competition and a town hall forum on sustainable farming featuring Mark Reynolds from The Jolly Oyster, John Fonteyn from Rio Gozo Farm, Erik Oberholtzer from Tender Greens Restaurant Group, and Brian Brennan from the California Coastal Commission (South Central Coast). This will be chaired by Lisa McKinnon from the VC Star.

    Proceeds from the event will be channeled back into the community through the non-profit Friends of Channel Coast State Parks. Their work benefits the environment through their invaluable, educational and voluntary contributions.

    What: Ventura Oysterfest

    When: Saturday, October 13, 2012 11am-6pm

    Where: San Buenaventura State Beach Park, Ventura, CA 93003

    Who: Rey Fresco, Amanda Shaw, The Silent Comedy, Jeff Hershey & The Heartbeats, Charles Johnson Cost: $20.00 (kids under 14 free)

    Website: http://www.vcoysterfest.com Email: vcoysterfest@gmail.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/venturaoysterfest

  • While the Sun Sets On My Fantastic Trip to Hawaii


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    Waikiki Beach

    Wednesday, September 12, 2012 – I am happy to report I still have most of my Hawaiian tropical tan. People keep complimenting me and I am so pleased! I do apologize for not completing this saga of my trip to Hawaii until now. Life has really kept me busy lately. Two press trips, three assignments and so much more! The demands of my life appear to intensify with every day.

    My last day in Hawaii was July 12. Phil had to work that morning so I caught a ride with him to the airport, arriving at 9:30am. My flight did not leave until 12:30. I stood in the line awaiting check-in for over 45 minutes. Not a soul was at the desk. I told myself not to get frustrated because I fully believe if the airline personnel pick up on any arrogance, then, they will retaliate. Who can blame them? They must deal with difficult, rude passengers, deadlines and much more. I try my best to always be pleasant to them and I smile. When I checked in, I greeted the assistant with kindness and a smile even though I was just a bit tired of standing. She wished me a good flight. Easy enough!

    I was so sad to leave. Reflecting on my seven days in Honolulu, I must say, this trip has given me a new lease on life. Losing my sweet, precious Prince Marmaduke Shamus in the late spring, so unexpectedly left me empty. For weeks, I could not do anything with the exception of crying. Phil had to practically force me to go to karaoke on Wednesday nights. Gone was the normal smile on my face. Several people asked me what was going on and when I replied that I had lost a close family member, my special beautiful giant schnauzer, I would get strange looks from them. I suppose they have never adopted a rescue animal. Never have I felt so unconditionally loved, but I knew I had to move on, and that was so difficult.

    Sunset at Waikiki Beach

    The trip to Honolulu refreshed me and on this, the morning I had to leave, I wanted to run away. Maybe I could hide in one of the caves, or on Diamond Head. Maybe I could just climb to the top of a mountain and claim my stakes on the territory. Of course, that was not a realistic thought. If I ran away, just how would I shower, do my hair and makeup and how I would be able to be the real person I am. I suppose I could learn to become a hermit – on top of the mountains of Hawaii, with the beautiful turquoise waters, the refreshing morning rains, and who could resist the smell of plumeria? Humph. Maybe I should stay!

    Paradise Cove

    Like all things in life, all good things must come to an end. I was thankful I had packed everything the night before. While waiting for my flight, I jotted notes, recalling the culture, the delicious, aromatic scent of plumeria, the gusting fresh air, and wind, the beautiful view of the oceans, and I missed seeing the whales I failed to see, so while scribbling my thoughts I have decided that I simply must come back to Hawaii. I am hopeful Phil will be sent back to Hawaii for work, and I suppose I will just have to buy a ticket, just to keep him company!

    REMINISCING ABOUT PARADISE

    My last full day in Hawaii I enjoyed the pool again while chatting with strangers nearby. The early morning rain felt delicious on my skin and by 10:00, the sun beamed from the heavens. I relaxed at the pool for a while, then dressed and walked to International Market Place. Much to my surprise, the merchants remembered me and what I was interested in buying. I bartered with one merchant, a tiny Vietnamese woman. She had a gorgeous silver necklace with pearls and matching earrings. When I asked the price she replied, “$250.” I gently placed the necklace aside and walked away. She followed me. “How much you willing to pay,” she said in broken English. “Necklace was only one; a lady from Hawaii made it. I let you have it for better price, if you like.” I’m certain she could see that ‘I liked the necklace.’ In fact, I loved it, but $250 was more than I was willing to pay, even if the gorgeous necklace was one-of-a-kind.

    “I let you have for $140.”

    “No can do.”

    “What you willing to pay?”

    “$125.00, including the earrings.”

    The woman rolled her eyes as I walked away. “OK. You drive hard bargain but I let you have and I give you earrings. I can see you like and will wear.”

    “For $125.”

    I suppose you know, I simply could not resist and I have the gorgeous necklace in my jewelry box. Maybe I’ll wear it tonight!

    After making my purchase, I walked around the shops, looking around and admiring all the unique items. Gorgeous Hawaiian dresses, with Made in Hawaii tags. Beautiful jewelry that isn’t found anywhere else. I suppose I could continue describing all that I admired, but when you go to Hawaii, you simply must go to International Market Place!

    Stopping for a cup of coffee, I watched the people, finding them unique. Only once did I notice a young guy with clothing much too big for him, revealing the classic underwear of this style. I wanted to tell him to pull his pants up since they were dragging the ground, but since I was alone, I decided it was in my best interest not to say a word. There are lots of elderly couples walking around, without walkers, canes, or anything to indicate disabilities. I’ve seen one man (yes, according to his body, he was an older guy) wearing a speedo. The garment really did not flatter him at all, even though he had a six-pack abdomen and a nice golden tan. Although he’s athletic, his slow walk, and balding head gives his age away. There is another lady walking around, dressed in a bikini. Let’s just say, she was in her 70’s and did not have the body to wear a bikini. She pushed a cart. Her chest was drooping, almost to her knees and the bikini bottom was just a bit too small for her. I laughed, remembering how I’ve seen some of these people on the beaches of Sullivan’s Island, but this was Hawaii – Paradise! I kept looking at this woman as she carefully sifted through trash receptacles. When she found something interesting, she carefully looked around, as if to see if someone was watching her. When she thought no eyes were upon her, she quickly stashed the garbage items in a Wal-Mart bag. Each time, she nodded, bowed her head, and mumbled thank you. This interesting character still had the grace to be appreciative of the treasures she was finding. I was curious as to what she found, but I didn’t dare inquire. Nor did I take a photograph of her. I suppose it is true, what is junk or trash to someone is a treasure to someone else. Yes, you meet and see all kinds in Hawaii and every place, when you have the time to sit and relax and people watch. I made a note to remember this woman and to use her character in a story. She fascinated me. I was curious as to what had made her this way. Was she homeless? Did no one else care about her?

    A few moments later, a maintenance worker opened the trash receptacle, to empty it. Only a few pieces of trash did he find. He scratched his head and moved on. I suppose he was curious as to why the container had so little. People are so interesting!

    Finishing the last sip of coffee, I decide it is time to journey back to the hotel room. Before exiting International Market Place, I throw a kiss to say “Aloha.” Just how long will it be before I shop here again? That’s truly a great question. I truly hate to leave Hawaii.

    The Tradition of the Blowing of the  Conch Shell – Waikiki Beach

    Before going back to the Hyatt Regency Waikiki, I use the cross walk and walk over to Waikiki Beach, to say goodbye, until we meet again. There are several benches along the sidewalk, so I sit down, open my journal, and jot notes. The wind is gusting now as a beach hat flies by me and flops down on my bench. I anticipate someone will claim it, but so far, no one appears to want it. Suppose this could be a great toy for my new giant schnauzer, Prince Midnight Shadow. According to my dog sitter, he really needs to calm down a bit. Silly guy, in July he was so new to our household he didn’t know the rules. When I return home, I’ll start the discipline and training schedule. This hat could be something fun for him to play with since he loves to destroy all the toys!

    Hula Dancing – Waikiki Beach

    At 5 o’clock, I rush back to Waikiki Beach. The concierge said there was a hula show today. At sunset, the torches are lit, a conch shell is blown, and the hula show begins. Phil arrives and we stand, admiring the great atmosphere and show. I take an abundance of photographs, only to stop when my digital camera smart card is full. Rats. I wanted to take some more. Wouldn’t you know it…my last chance to capture sunset shots of Waikiki Beach and my smart card is full. I have several in my camera bag – in the hotel room. Duh!

    Today is truly my last day in Honolulu. Tomorrow I’ll board the plane and return home. I truly have enjoyed the culture, music, conch shell chimes, the food and fish, fruit; especially the pineapple slices on iced tea, and the people. Such a fascinating place to fall in love again. Maybe that is what is happening to me here in Hawaii. I am falling in love again – with myself.

    I’ve noticed that many of the residential homes in Honolulu have solar panels and it is such a beautiful, almost heavenly place. People appear not to rush around on the sidewalks and the lack of cell phones attached to ears truly intrigues me. I do know cell phones work here because I’ve phoned several friends back in the states, just to say, “Aloha!” I must say, some of the most interesting people I’ve met are Hawaiian natives.

    The native women are small, with dark, exotic looks nice bodies and small chests. The men are well-built – even in middle age they still have the bodies of surfers and their graying hair simply adds to their demeanor. I suppose I could describe many of these men as “good eye candy” as the cliché describes. Don’t think I took any photographs of this eye candy. I saw one stunning ‘older woman’ and I hate that expression. She was one of the performers at the Hula show. Her hair was snow-white. Cheek bones high and her body was still all in the right places. She walked, danced, and moved with graceful beauty.

    Hawaii has so many tropical trees they appear to touch the skyline. Some of these tropical trees appear to grow sideways, making them interesting tree sculptures. Walking around, I smell the aromatic scent of plumeria. I simply must find a cologne containing plumeria. I will never forget that delicious aroma!

    Honolulu and Waikiki Beach is truly a walker’s paradise. I will miss these pleasant walks. Never did I break a sweat. The humidity level is low and with the trade winds blowing, it is so refreshing just to walk around, watch people, shop, and enjoy the view. On many occasions when walking, I’ve glanced down at the crosswalks to see definitions of “Aloha” or other Hawaiian words on the sidewalks. What a great idea.

    Our last night in Hawaii we decided to make it a special night by walking in the downtown area. We had dinner at Seafood Village. I ordered Manchurian Mahi Mahi. It was so delicious. There is something special about the fish in Honolulu – it is so fresh and tender, combined with the fruit salsa and you truly have a delicious, mouth-watering meal. After dinner, we continue walking towards the street vendors and characters. Gosh, there are so many. We passed by a group of people standing around listening to two young boys singing. They were truly drawing a crowd and were most talented. I can’t recall the song they sang, but I do believe it was a Michael Jackson tune. The character I’ve mentioned before, the street vendor dressed and wrapped in newspaper was out. Placed by his foot was a tip jar. Elvis was out again – that is – a Japanese, or Polynesian Elvis. I waited a few minutes to listen to him, but he did not sing. He was more interested in watching the bikini chicks strolling by. I suppose you could say, He was a typical “Girl watcher” Elvis. Not far from him was a mime. I think I could easily love living in Hawaii!

    RETURNING HOME

    On the flight home, tears dripped from my face as I realized my dream week was ending. In less than 24 hours, I would be home, back to reality. The flight home was long, a night flight from Los Angeles. Tip to all frequent flyers – when you are flying and change planes, you will need to reenter the terminal and go through all of the security devices once again. While I understand it is to protect the safety of all passengers, it really does take away from the fun of flying. Trust me, flying isn’t fun anymore! Reluctantly, at LAX I inquire about how I might find United Airlines terminal. A young girl with punk rock hair, nose rings, and an attitude glares at me when I ask her. “Do you think it’s my job to know everything here?” She screams.

    “Obviously someone has burst your bubble today. Have a great day.” I rush away from her. I continue a journey I’m not certain is taking me anywhere I need to be but I glance up to see an Information Booth. There I am told to exit the building. Take a bus and go to another gate. I follow the suggestions and about fifteen minutes later, I stand at United Airlines. By now, I am so tired I simply want to curl up somewhere and sleep, but I never sleep while traveling. I have to be in control and know what’s going on.

    The next flight is to Charlotte, NC, scheduled to arrive at 9:15am. On the plane, people settle in to their seats, tucking themselves in for the night flight. Two hours in to the flight and I listen to many people snoring and mumbling in their sleep, but sleep does not come to me. I have a window seat and watch the night display of falling stars, in the distance, I see a stunning show of lightning, but it is so far away I am not frightened. The lady sitting two seats from me is sound asleep now. Behind me, the two soldiers headed home after wars are snoring. I don’t dare ask them to stop. Besides, I cannot sleep. I watch the dark, midnight skyline fade into shades of gray, as the morning sun rises. I reach to get my sunshades. I will arrive home in Charleston at 10:45. I plan to play with the pups and take a nap. I’m exhausted yet so energized while thinking of my dream vacation to Hawaii. I will miss the morning sunrises and misting showers of delicate rain drops, along with the stunning sunsets of Paradise Cove and Waikiki Beach. I will miss the pleasant people of all lifestyles that I met. The couples celebrating their 50th anniversary. The military. The culture. Hula dancers and music. I will miss admiring the gorgeous surfers and men, and believe me, there are many exquisite men in Honolulu. The blowing of the conch shell. Blowing Rock. Diamond Head. The coastal highway and the spectacular views. The sweet-smelling scent of plumeria. Walking along Waikiki Beach. Hula dancing. The culture and language, and so much more. I think I left a piece of my heart and soul in Hawaii, as the trade winds blew, my scent followed, but like all things in life, I must get back to reality. I miss you, Hawaii! For now, “ALOHA” until we meet again!

     Paradise Cove Luau

     Photography Credit: Barbie Perkins-Cooper