High School English III

Not sure what this poem was about but, I remember my instructor at the time really dug this:


Carousing students fill my ears,
The glare of the sun
Beat upon my shoulders,
The feel of concrete beneath my shoes

Old and gray with years,
Peeling paint is everywhere,
Ruined by weather,
But people just don't care

Green and wild
Vines crawling their way
Not caring where it goes,
Having no destination

Weak knees, the
Pounding in my ears,
Blocking out what I want to hear
Everything slowly turns hazy,
Then black and quiet

The gentle breeze
Blows with ease,
Releasing pressure,
Savor the moment

Assignment: Write a Bio Poem

It's kind of weird to be back on this page.  I noticed from my last post that it has been a few years.  One of my younger cousins brought me back here - not directly.  A few months ago, we were chatting about her writing discipline (or lack of rather) when she casually asked me about my own writings.  I don't know... I just stopped writing.  The more I thought about it, I realised it has been about fifteen years ago since I last wrote.  Does time really travel that fast?  Yes, why, yes it does!  Incredible.  I remembered my collection of writings stored in my hometown and told my cousin that I would retrieve it for her.  I did just that this past weekend - but just the first step.  I only managed to grab a three inch thick binder full of poems.  The other stories that remain in boxes will have to wait.

What I believe to be my first poem ever written was an assignment in high school.  The instructions were really simple and corny.

Just follow the formula below:
Line 1:  Your first name only
Line 2:  Four adjectives that describe you
Line 3:  Sibling of, or son/daughter of
Line 4:  Lover of ... (3 things, people or ideas)
Line 5:  Who feels ... (3 items)
Line 6:  Who fears... (3 items)
Line 7:  Who would like to see... (3 items)
Line 8:  Resident of (you city and street or road)
Line 9:  You last name only

So here's how mine's turned out...

shelly
creative, fun, shy and moody
sister of may
lover of pizza, all kinds of music, all kinds of b&w movies
who feels bored to death when I don't have anything to do, frustrated when I have to think too hard, angry when people smoke in elevators or closed-in places
who fears getting sick, jumping off a cliff or a tall building and dying
who would like to see my future before it occurs, other countries besides Europe (not counting Italy), all people in the world at peace with each other
resident of wahiawa
bonoan

In a way, I haven't changed much from my teenage views.  But, it's also comforting to me knowing that I have grown.  I have decades worth of these writings to sort through, some I know are cringe-worthy, however, I'll share as I go along.

Speechless (...my mouth is full)

Okay, I admit.  I have been eating a lot more than I have been photographing.  I really can't help that.  In this sense, I happen to be the luckiest girl in town having a partner who not only enjoys cooking but, loves to feed me.  Wow.  I really don't think I could ask for much more.  Actually, I don't think I even should!  I don't.  Yet, I'm continually blessed with exciting international flavors and delighted even more that she ventured into dessert-making.

Tonight's surprise delivered Southern Indian Coconut Chicken Curry with Turmeric Lime-Infused Rice and Spinach.  It was slow cooked so the tenderized meat fell off the bone to the touch.  Yes, I photographed it...

I'm glad that my partner is only now getting into baking desserts.  I'm happy to taste test any of her health conscious modified recipes.  These granola bars beat my usual chocolate Clif bars any day with double the oats, almonds, walnuts, coconut oil, dark cocoa powder and chocolate chips, a bit of Burmese salt, raw organic sugar and honey.  Damn...

Happily, I don't have much else to say.

Befriending Kanaloa, Hawaiian God of the Ocean

Boy, did I get sun burnt yesterday!  I didn't plan on it, of course.  Coming from Hawai'i, it's not habitual for me to slap on sunscreen before stepping out into the sunshine.  It's been awhile since I've stayed outdoors participating in leisure activities since most of my weekends I'm running errands, keeping appointments and dining out, all of which consist running to and from indoor locations.

It was a gorgeous Saturday with ample cool breeze down at Spitting Cave.  The ocean sprays crashing upon the rocky shore certainly helped with keeping the temperature down.  Whale-watching was cool.  The water was choppy from the winds and it became a game of spot the whales.  Things got a bit exciting when we saw a sea turtle reunion, and even more exciting with flying fish followed immediately by a pod of dolphins.  The dolphins impressed me most with their beautiful synchronicity.

Armed with just a 50mm, I was 2 seconds behind from capturing this swift pod.

My cousins visiting from Alaska also taking their shots of the whales, dolphins and sea turtles.

I think what got me sun burnt most was the impromptu hike at Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail (beach path) where we scampered over boulders, scaled a rock wall and dodged ocean sprays.  Yikes!

All in all, it was an incredibly true adventure for yours truly...

Let's Talk About The Weather

Was Sunday really Easter?  Today actually felt more like Easter.  I know I went into work today, but it still felt like Easter to me.  Downtown was practically empty as if it were a normal weekend and traffic was - wait a minute, where was the traffic?

The weather is slowly warming up and I can't wait for summer to arrive.  The days will be longer and our leisurely breakfasts out on the balcony will stretch into the next mealtime.  Yesterday's brunch was just a preview of what's to come.

Who Me, Aspie?

My partner had sent me a link to an online quiz determining Asperger traits in a person and I scored 38 out of 200 with an NT score of 170 out of 200.  I am "very likely neurotypical."

I can see how I may have a bit of Asperger-like traits, but I've always thought them as little neuroses or idiosyncrasies that any typical artist would have.  Especially with my ability to notice certain details, and this would usually be inclined toward aesthetically pleasing views or feeling the need to make it aesthetically pleasing to the eye.  That talent definitely came in handy as an art director, an interior designer assistant and especially as a photographer!

I believe some of my weird habits may have been learned behavior as a child, for example, having a father who is a sous chef.  As an adult, I can now appreciate the work and creativity and satisfaction a well-cooked meal can give; however, as a child, it gave no comfort to me always having to be the last at the dinner table because I'm forced to clear my plate.  How could I learn to enjoy food I thought was foreign and complex at 6 years old?  Why couldn't I just have a cheese pizza or hot dog with mustard?

What may make more sense to my partner is understanding Asperger's Syndrome and how it applies to me in our relationship.  I admit I am not well-versed in long-term relationships, and I have friends who have witnessed this and can testify.  Perhaps these Asperger traits of mine appear to emerge when in an intimate relationship since that would be the immature area of my life.  I'm only now starting to grow, I think, and starting to learn how to be in a long-term relationship.  ...I like it.  I enjoy it.  I'm happy.

I'm just not too sure about carrying the full weight of having complete Asperger's Syndrome.  When I was diagnosed two years ago with ADHD, I was also diagnosed with mild Asperger traits.  At that time, it made sense to me.  I know I have an eccentric way of looking at things and that I am a very picky eater.  That's pretty mild in my book.

Angelo Merendino

This photographer is bigger than me.  Along with his wife, he was courageous to have documented their unforgettable journey.  Please view and share their story below.