Friday, April 29, 2011

More May Day

I forgot my camera!  I tried to take pictures with my little phone, but they didn't come out very well.  I wish I could share this tradition with you.  This year, Papa 'Eono (sixth grade) was the only class which required the whole class to participate - the rest of the numbers were performed by the kids in the Hawaiian Ensemble - believe me, these kids, not matter what grade, are incredible.  I thought it was funny that the Kane Papa 'Eono (sixth grade boys) performed a song about shrimp - because so many of them are pretty tiny - the girls are still at that age where they are outstripping the boys in maturity.  


The killer number for me was "Waika" performed by Wahine Papa 'Ewalu - the eighth grade girls.  That song gets to me in any shape or form, but the girls were absolutely lovely.  I admit I cried.  I was trying to find a good version of the song to post, but although I did find versions on YouTube, I didn't feel comfortable sharing them. 


I can't tell you why that song makes me cry - it is a beautiful song, but there are a lot of beautiful songs.  I used to listen to it at a rather tough time in my life - so it reminds me of that time, it also makes me homesick for the Windward side of Oahu, because it mentions places on that island.  I used to know a version of that dance, and seeing one of the women who was at college with me (on the mainland) who also danced in our little "halau" (wasn't really a halau, but we did dance) at the production was pretty fun.  I keep forgetting she moved to the Big Island, too - even though our kids our classmates, we only see each other at May Day and Open House - even though we were very close friends back in the day.  We're both working mothers of four kids apiece, and although we always say we'll have lunch - we never have time.  


Well, anyways, I am glad my 13 year old didn't see me cry - because he would have been heartily embarrassed.  I am also glad my husband snuck out the back door after our baby girl was done dancing, because he would have just laughed at emotional me, too.  


I can hear my daughter's (not so?) ex- boyfriend chainsawing dead trees for the kids' bonfire tonight, and my husband sawing up wood for a new sheep shelter (yay! the horses can have the second stall back!) , and I know there are things I should be doing.  But, it is nice to sit here and reflect.  



Have a lovely weekend, everyone!  

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear we are not the only one's to have those ex's (or not quite) around. Always a bit confusing. Enjoy the quiet time, the things to do will still be there later.

NancyDe said...

I did just do work stuff today - although with a bunch of teens coming over tonight, things will get hopping on the home front. The ex? boyfriend was a friend of my son's first - the whole big group of them all together friends - I think everyone is confused with the situation, but dealing with it. Thank goodness for FB - otherwise I would no nothing.

Kelly said...

Our emotions are so tied to memories and especially song. Your music, language, and culture are so tied together. I would imagine everything brings back memories. You are very fortunate to have this link. I'm happy that you appreciate it and pass it on to your family.

Jill @ The Prairie Homestead said...

Just stumbled across your blog. Have to say that I am so excited to "meet" a Hawaii homesteader! That is just awesome! :) Keep up the great work.

NancyDe said...

I do feel lucky, Kelly!

Welcome, Jill - nice to "meet" you, too. I will head over to your place after I visit with my sister - who is coming for one day. Off to pick her up from the airport!