The Art of Life: December 2012

Miniature Decorative Pineapple

Lodge at Koele - Lana'i Hawai'i

G. Cornwall - c.2012

"Seek to enjoy, not to possess." - Nana Veary

December has been a time for me to consider the differences and balances between having things and doing things.

In October of 2012, I found an incredible deal with Westjet and booked a ticket for the first leg of my journey from Victoria BC to Honolulu Hawai'i. I followed up with an island hopper booking to Lana'i, Hawai'i. I had spoken with a friend on Lana'i and she graciously agreed to let me stay with her. My trip was set for December to celebrate my 51st birthday on Lana'i. I had attempted to put the trip together for my 50th and it hadn't worked out. I officially named this trip my 50 redux.

Some people told me I was "lucky" to be taking this trip. While I know I am fortunate to live in a country where I have a job, a place to live and enough to eat, rest assured, I did not win this trip. What I did do was: work tons of extra hours, sold my art and photo cards for very reasonable prices and I liquidated family belongings that had been sitting in a cupboard because I did not like them, did not use them or both. I scrimped, saved, worked, planned, sold and bartered and, in December, off I went to Lana'i.

I saw old friends and met new ones. I hiked, toured the island with some very knowledgeable locals, ate local food, chilled at the beach, studied the island's history at the Lana'i Culture and Heritage Centre, took pictures as two of the kindest and loveliest people I have ever met renewed their wedding vows, was treated to two incredibly luxurious and delicious lunches with them at the Lodge at Koele and I treated myself to a few drinks and meals at the islands top-notch restaurants and hotels.

As I mentioned earlier, for the largest part of my trip I stayed with a friend on the island but I also gave myself a birthday present of 3 nights at the Hotel Lana'i, where I indulged in the simplicity and camaraderie of this island gem.

On the Friday before my birthday, I headed down to Hulopoe to enjoy a day on the beach and in mother ocean. It was a day when the mother was at peace with her shores and all of her children rejoiced in her pristine, crystal clear beauty. The air caressed with a gentle, warm breeze like a kiss to the cheek of all life.

I knew the dolphins were in the bay but I never chase them down so I set up my spot on the beach and went to change into my swim wear and got out my snorkel gear. I swam straight out for about 100 metres and, in no time at all, a pod of about 17 dolphins was headed towards me. I was the only person in this part of the bay at this time and I held my place in the water to watch these beautiful creatures approach. I have to say, it is a little intimidating as it is impossible to tell if they are upset - they are always smiling. :-) When the lead dolphin was within several feet of me, we began swimming beside each other, my eyes to theirs with a silent communication of mutual acceptance and pure joy. It was then I noticed the two mamas with their babies swimming directly beneath them in perfect rhythmic unison with their mothers. It is the most beautiful experience I have ever had. I can never clearly articulate the emotion and feeling of this experience. It may sound odd but it was intense and perfect and simple. It was the best birthday present I could ever hope for and I will never forget. I can close my eyes and be right there again. The memory of it is as clear and perfect as the mother was that day.

None of the objects I sold could ever offer me the joy and beauty and perfection of those moments. I hope I will choose experience over objects, always. I choose to live, love, do, see and feel.

Here are some of the pictures from my experience on Lana'i. a place I have been getting to know, like a lover, for twenty years. This is a glance at Lana'i through my eyes.

-Gillian Cornwall, December 30, 2012.

**All images and text on this blog are the property of Gillian Cornwall. Please notify me if you wish to use any. Mahalo.**

he'e nalu - Hulopoe

Karen and Alan's Pagoda, The Lodge at Koele

Orange hibiscus

Kaiolohia

Me at Kaiolohia

Looking to Maui from Kaiolohia

The Cook Island Pines at sunset

Christmas time in Lana'i City

Amazing dinner hosted by my friend, Barb

Lana'i Boat Harbour

Fishing - Lana'i Boat Harbour

In these hills, roam thousands of Axis Deer and Mouflon Sheep

The old jail cells being spruced up for ...?

The Lana'i Theatre used to play movies but has sat empty for a while now.

Where you stay?

Mouflon Horns

The Four Seasons Lodge at Koele

On my day long tour with Bruce. Awesome.

The shipwrecked WWII ferrous concrete hull Liberty Ship

Was given residence here after the war as an "economical" method of disposal

Not for the faint of heart but a piece of cake for our guide, Bruce.

The fearless and very knowledgeable guide, Bruce.

The Ironwood Forest

Heading down to the barge harbour

The Three Sisters

A lava tube. Sometimes people were put to rest in these after they passed. Those who placed them would be the only ones who knew the whereabouts, so would plunge to their deaths to keep the secret safe .