My haʻawina hale (homework) for papa ʻŌlelo (Hawaiian language class) was to write down my moʻokūʻauhau (genealogy) starting with my maternal grandmother. I think it is fitting that I share it on Indigenous Peoples Day. Each of us is indigenous to somewhere. I believe my ancestors were indigenous to China and the Hawaiian Islands.
The fauna that Hawaii can claim is the variety of birds. Lately, a shama thrush has been visiting our small water fountain to take a bath. We know it’s here by its “tsk tsk” song. Other songs are more melodic.
Morning in Makaua Valley
It rained so heavily last night I wondered if I was driving through a hurricane. This morning I woke up to two waterfalls.
One, and the second is just outside of the right edge of the photo.
3 a.m. and the rooster is crowing! May all your dreams come true.
Mid Autumn moon sets behind the Koolau Mountains at Makaua
Pleased to show you my most recently completed paper collage of Kilauea. It’s big! I chose a warm color palette. It’s hot!
“Crater View” by Rebekah Luke. 40” x 30” hand-dyed paper on canvas. All rights reserved for the author.
Good morning, studio fans! Look what greeted me when I woke up: a pair of doggies and fresh blooms of white ginger.
JJ and Massimo
Amongst the red ti
Ahh, it’s a wonderful start of a successful day. On the calendar are finishing up one final volcano collage for my exhibit, a voice lesson, and a “Pau Hana” happy hour at my friend Kathryn’s. Hey, it’s Aloha Friday!
~Rebekah
Waking up the morning after and recalling so many moments of yesterday, challenged to name the best of them, I settled on the cliché “A good time was had by all.” The occasion was a reunion of about 45 Chong cousins, including partners, from my mother’s side of the family. My mother was the youngest of 13 who lived to adulthood. We descend from Chong How Fo and Pan Siu Chin who met in an orphanage in China.
Aunty Rosa, widow of Kim Kiu was the sole representative of the 2nd generation (who came to Hawai‘i from China) and the only one still living because Kim Kiu married her when she was comparatively younger. And it was fun to see the youth of the 5th generation.
The photos I’m sharing here were made by Jerome Osurman. Thank you, Jerome! Thanks to everyone who participated!
Cousins gather for a lunch at the Kalihi Union Church Welcome Center in Honolulu.
On-screen interviews with small groups will be edited into a new video to come.
Hula maidens Meilin and Kiri. Hula dancer Verdine is on the screen. A video of past family reunions played throughout the day.
Unique table centerpieces composed of a ti-leaf-and-pink-ginger table wreath around a goodie bag of peanut sesame candy and colorful shrimp chips. Note individual favors.
Ashley, Kiri, and Larry peruse the table of door prizes.
Kiri draws the family tree of her grandparents’ clan.
Titus and Rebekah tell viewers it’s time for the younger generation to embrace the “torch.”
5G members Jayson and Aaron
Cousin Laurie, our chief planner extraordinaire
Rebekah (that’s me) offers grace.
A good time was had by all!
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