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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Bride. Visit 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.
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!)
ReplyDeleteHi Gina--
ReplyDeleteOh, 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--
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.
ReplyDeleteHi Loretta--
DeleteOnce 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--
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!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Sofie--
DeleteWow. That is one adventurous family! Thanks for stopping by.
Victoria--
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.
ReplyDeleteHi Sandy--
ReplyDeleteAh, yes, South Pacific! That's another great one. You'll be dreaming of Hawaii for sure :-)
Victoria--
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.
ReplyDeleteHi Elisabeth--
ReplyDeleteYou'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--