One of my kumu hula (dance teacher) from the Big Island, upon first meeting me, asked me what island I was from. I told him I was born on the mainland and he corrected me, saying no, I was an old soul and in one of my lives I was Hawaiian. I guess you could say that explains my affinity for the Hawaiian culture as much as anything else – when I’m in Hawaii or I dance, it feels like home.
Dancing in a company for 15 years, I studied Hawaiian, Tahitian and Maori dance. I was even asked to be my kumu hula’s alaka’i (rather like an assistant dance teacher), though I got immediately
pregnant (not because of being an alaka’i, obviously) and that curtailed hula. I still desperately miss it, but it isn’t in my cards for the foreseeable future. I guess that means I’ll have to just spend a lot more time in Hawaii to make up for it!
I’ve leapt horses over fences riding English-style. I’m scuba certified for water, I’ve gone spelunking in underground caves and hiking in the forests. Oh yes, I’ve canoed down a stream, while bending backwards, to avoid a cottonmouth snake in an overhead branch. Bears I have chased a plenty. I’ve sprained my ankle in the Tower of London. I was a cheerleader who braved crowds of thousands even though I’m an introvert. I’ve delighted in holding sparklers and watching fireworks set off in the backyard off of a country road. I’m so much more than another vintage gal on the scene.
That’s me around 17 years ago in a vintage 40s evening gown. This isn’t my first rodeo. I’ve met the celebrated and well-known. I think visiting National Parks and monuments is one of the greatest gifts the American people have (I think last count I’ve visited 37). I sew, I dance, I play games, I cook, I garden, I mother, I nurture, I plan, and I dream. I’m more than just a pretty vintage face. But never fear. This isn’t a farewell, I’ve-lost-my-interest-in-vintage, adieu. Far from it. I love my vintage life and will bore you with it for quite a while to come. But we are all more than we are in the moment. We have all evolved into who we are today. And I know my evolution won’t end any time soon. I’m more than just a pretty vintage face today. I will be even more tomorrow.
So with this New Year, say cheers to how you have grown over the years, honor your past, and celebrate your future. The year is only a couple of weeks old. Live it to its fullest!
Cheers to you! I enjoy reading your blog and look forward to following it as you evolve.