Welcome to Litsy!

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

I had to run to the pharmacy after work & I decided I wanted Raising Cane‘s lemonade (& chicken strips but mainly the lemonade). There were 2 geckos🦎🦎frolicking on the menu sign in the evening darkness. Watching them made me smile & inspired today‘s kind of silly haiku.

Drive-Thru Companions

I guess geckos are
Tiny fans of chicken strips
Me too, little friends!

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

This is Thursday‘s haiku-just a little late. I was able to run out at lunch Thursday to get my favorite poke bowl. So fresh & so good it “broke da mouth” as they say in Hawaii.

Ono in a Bowl

Cold poke, warm rice
Fresh sea, crunch, and flavors burst
Broke da mouth fo‘ sure

The story of 3 generations of indigenous Hawai‘ian women, & the legacy of colonization, familial trauma, & secrets.

Such a powerful story. The real history of the overthrow of the Hawai‘ian govt & societal violence forced upon the indigenous population is masterfully woven w/ a story about coming to terms w/ legacy & future, while also paying homage to the beautiful tradition of hula dance. POV & phonetic accents takes getting used to.🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗

I‘m glad I chose to listen to this book to start,as it includes native Hawaiian languages, and listening to it is beautiful. Emotional story across 3 generations of Hawaiian women.. their history, the community and culture, the history of the land, and so much more. I got a little tripped up when there was a change in POV or time period, but overall I really got into this book.

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

Today‘s haiku is inspired by my window seat view on my plane ride home from Hilo, just before sunset.

Note: Kupuna means elder in Hawaiian, to honor the mountain‘s revered status. It‘s the highest peak in Hawaii & when measured base to peak (including the underwater base) it‘s technically the tallest mountain in the world.

Window Seat at Sunset

Mauna Kea sleeps
kupuna crowned in soft light—
my heart, full of awe

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

I‘m happy our daily haikus are continuing. They give me peace & joy. Today‘s is about the early-rising birds outside my bedroom window. I like hearing them while I slowly wake up.

Morning Sounds

Sunday, birds chatter
Early risers greet the light
I prefer to snooze

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

Stuck in traffic on the way home but I saw three rainbows that inspired today‘s haiku:

Spotted three rainbows
Traffic jam? No worries, sis!
Watch as nature smiles

#HaikuADay #HaikuHive

Yesterday I was watching a red-crested cardinal scavenging outside the coffee shop & it reminded me of one that hung out in another coffee shop & would fly in daily & grab a sugar-in-the-raw pack, fly back outside & open it up & share with friends. (Excuse the bad photo!) He‘s the inspiration for today‘s haiku.

Red-Crested Cardinals

Bold red mohawks fly
Scavenging with bright-eyed flair
Cheeky sugar thieves

I enjoyed this book, I learned a lot about the history of Hawaii and it makes me more interested in returning to the islands.
This book focused on the missionary take over and interspersed modern and historical facts. The different voice actors were a nice touch as well. I do wish there had been more discussion about the modern Hawaii independence movement.
3/5 read for a history of Hawaii and listen to this for good voice actors.

This is perfect for AAPI history month. If you are not familiar with the Hawaiian language I would recommend the audiobook. I am so alternated between audio and physical. It is the story of 3 generations I loved how Hakes explains the history and trauma of Hawai'i and weaves it with Hi'i story. An excellent book to really understand the islands from a native perspective.
4.25⭐