oil on wood panel $1250
“My first canoe voyage – actual longer than 2 hours, stayed overnight,
returned the next morning voyage – was a couple of weeks ago.
Coming home we found ourselves in front of a surprise set of waves near Ma’alaea Harbor.
Freight Trains (local name for this particular area) swamped our boat and the first wave
took 5 paddles that had been stowed behind the steersman seat for crew changes.
Everything after that was an excellent opportunity for survival training.
We ended up paddling a canoe that was entirely overturned, into the harbor.
My paddle was claimed by the sea. Before voyaging, we ask permission,
we chant respect to our ancestors and give thanks to the gods. We paddle with respect.
We beach the canoe and move it with the same respect we would show our loved ones.
My paddle that went missing was a gift from the same lovely and loving person
who had invited me to paddle a few months into the pandemic.
I was a little heartbroken at the loss of the paddle for a few short minutes after I realized it was gone.
Life has shown me so many times what is important, where the true riches are.
The paddle was tangible and infinitely replaceable. The true riches are the family of the wa’a
and every second that I have the heart-soaring honor of being on the ocean.
So, Kanaloa’s Prize. The fabric of truth and beauty is found in every culture.
Having the privilege to learn the Hawaiian stories has been a beautiful experience.
I think for me, on this voyage, the god of the ocean was the pause before embarking on this adventure,
the setting my entire being at one with the experiences to come, and the reminder of where my true treasure lies.
And the paddle on the side of this painting, slipping out of his tentacle?
Of the 5 paddles washed overboard, we were only able to retrieve my daughter’s loaner paddle.”
