Saturday, June 7, 2014

Dreaming of Hawaii

by Victoria M. Johnson

I'll admit it. My favorite state is Hawaii. Currently my husband and I are planning another Hawaiian vacation. I'm so excited, and as usual, I need to do something that helps me keep going until the big departure day. Sometimes I get my Hawaii fix by reading a book set in Hawaii. Other times watching a movie made in Hawaii settles my eagerness to drive to the airport 21 days early. I'll pore over our photo albums of previous trips, seeking that tranquility and vitality I feel with every visit. Or I'll play my CDs of Hawaiian music such as those of Iz or Henry Kapono.
Hawaiian Hula dancers
But this time nothing is working. I really need the calm and serenity Hawaii brings me, and I need it yesterday. I can't unwind at all and I have more than three weeks until our flight across the Pacific. I am desperate for the lush greenery and black sand beaches, the majestic waterfalls and bright colors of exotic flowers. I can feel the drums beating for the hula dancers and hear the conch shell's echo. 
Hawaiian beach
In my desperation, I turn to Netflix and my personal library.  I could watch TV series like Hawaii Five-O, Baywatch reruns, or Magnum PI reruns.  Or I could reread some literary favorites like, Hawaii by James Michener, Flirting With Forty by Jane Porter, or The Descendants by Kaui Hart Hemmings. But I've read all those books more than once. They just make me yearn for Hawaii more than before, which does not make my situation easier.

So I glance through the options in DVD format: Blue Hawaii and two other entertaining Elvis Presley offerings, 50 First Dates, and Forgetting Sarah Marshall for lighthearted humor, and for completely different movies there is the SyFy Channel original film, Supergator or the biography, Soul Surfer. Don't forget the classic drama, From Here to Eternity.
exotic Bird of Paradise
I reach for Elvis and I already feel my blood pressure decreasing. Is it his rousing voice, his swaying hips, or is it Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach that provoke my spirit?  I can't say. I only know that Blue Hawaii works. I realize I don't need to calm myself for Hawaii; I need to awaken myself. I need to be alert to the beauty and wonder of Hawaii to fully enjoy the intoxicating serenity. And I just need to think of Elvis dancing to "Rock-a-Hula Baby" and know that I'll soon be enjoying my own Hawaiian sunset.

Do you have a favorite Hawaiian destination? I want to hear about it. Do you have a favorite book or movie set in Hawaii? Tell us!

Victoria M. Johnson knew by the time she was ten that she wanted to be a writer.  She loves telling stories and she's happiest when creating new characters and new plots.  She is also the writer and director of four short films and two micro documentaries.  Avalon Books and Montlake Romance published Victoria's fiction debut, The Doctor’s Dilemma, (A 2012 Bookseller’s Best double finalist).  Her other fiction book is a collection of romance short stories titled, The Substitute BrideVisit Victoria's website at http://VictoriaMJohnson.com for inspiration and tips and find her Amazon author page at http://amzn.com/e/B0046CG6PQ or connect with her on Pinterest and Twitter. 

10 comments:

  1. Paradise! Pure and simple. Love it. Oddly enough, the movies that leap into my mind are rom-coms. First is an Adam Sandler/Jennifer Aniston vehicle called "Just Go With It" where they pretend to be a miserably-married couple on the verge of divorce and (natch!) wind up realizing they love each other. And, of course, the second one is "Forgetting Sarah Marshall." Yes, both movies are full of cheese. But they also have the gorgeous settings (and pretty good soundtracks!)

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  2. Hi Gina--
    Oh, I really liked "Just Go With It" too. And "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" is definitely one that makes me laugh. You are right about the gorgeous settings, which makes them perfect for getting in the Hawaiian frame of mind :-)
    Victoria--

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  3. Blue Hawaiian w/ the ever-gorgeous Elvis is my favorite. However, I've never had the desire to visit that state. Maybe there's something wrong with me; or maybe it's because I live in the land of beaches. But, I'd never turn down a pina colada or two. Enjoy your vacation.

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    1. Hi Loretta--
      Once you visit you'll be like the rest of us, counting the days until your next visit :-) I love pina coladas, too. But my fav Hawaiian beverage is the mai tai.
      Victoria--

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  4. I have friends who "loaded up the truck and moved to Maui". (Okay, not really Maui, but that was the first one that popped in my head that rhymed with "...Beverly... Hills, that is." He, his wife and three children pulled up roots, traveled around in a Winnebaga for a couple of years, then after finishing up internships in medicine, they flew to the islands and are growing a farm! Some people are totally unafraid. You enjoy your trip! Safe travels!!!

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    1. Hi Sofie--
      Wow. That is one adventurous family! Thanks for stopping by.
      Victoria--

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  5. Nice post, Victoria, and timely for me. I'm checking in before going to bed. My husband watched the DVD of South Pacific this evening, so my mind is full of the beautiful images and the wonderful songs.

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  6. Hi Sandy--
    Ah, yes, South Pacific! That's another great one. You'll be dreaming of Hawaii for sure :-)
    Victoria--

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  7. Hawaii is on our must see list. The islands looks spectacular--not the beaches so much because we have fabulous beaches here in Aus but the mountains etc. We've been to Fiji and Tahiti but so far Hawaii is missing.

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  8. Hi Elisabeth--
    You'll be hooked once you go. I live in California and very near the beach, but there is something about the ocean in Hawaii. Yes, the mountains are beautiful. I hope you get to visit soon :-)
    Victoria--

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