Maui Girl

The Last Post

2007-03-07T18:15:00.000-08:00

This is the end of the Maui Girl Stories. Donna Austin and myself hope that you've enjoyed all that you read these last few months.

Donna has prepared some notes about these stories:
Epilogue

When Rose’s grand daughter (Maui Girl) spoke to her grandmother, she said, “Thank god you married Antone. (Tony) If you hadn’t, I wouldn’t be here.”
In 1924 on the U.S.S. Taft, Antone (Tony) & Rose and family came to California.
Antone (Tony) married Rose and she had 23 pregnancies, 12 live births and 6 living children. Antone and Rose are both buried in Santa Clara Mission Cemetary in California.
In 1998 Rose’s grand daughter (Maui Girl) went to Maui and talked to Lorraine who was Adelina and Jôao’s grand daughter. She asked her why the Portuguese had so many secrets?

Chapter Seven: The White Horse

2007-02-19T22:58:00.000-08:00

Finally the long wait was over. The day dawned clear and beautiful and fragrant with flowers. Tony borrowed a beautiful white mare from the mill owners. You could hear the clip clop of the horse’s hooves as Tony rode the horse down the dirt road to Rose’s family’s house. Rose, peeking out from behind gauzy curtains, ran out the back kitchen door and over to her neighbor’s house.
Tony tied his horse to the post. Julia and Jose were sitting on the porch. He walked up the steps and sat beside them. He fumbled with his words and finally blurted out that he loved Rose and wanted to marry her. Both her parents said that it was up to Rose, but that he had their blessing. They both liked Tony so much. He was hard working and came from a good honest Portuguese family.
Tony searched for Rose and found her picking mangoes at her neighbor’s house.
“Rose,” he pleaded, “I’ve waited a long time to ask you this question. Will you marry me? Will you be the mother of my children? I love you very much and promise to take care of you for the rest of my life.”
Rose thought for awhile and smiled her sweet smile. Finally she answered,
“I know you love me and I know you are a good man. Yes, I will marry you and I promise to be faithful to you.”
In Rose’s heart she knew that she could never love him, but she knew she could be a faithful wife. She would do everything in her power to make Tony happy.
Rose’s brother Jose was getting married to the love of his life, Mary Alves. There were great plans for the wedding and Jose had asked Rose and Tony to be their witnesses at the church. This would be the first time that Rose and Tony appeared together as a couple in a public gathering of this kind. Their wedding would come next. But they did not want to overshadow the couple’s joyous celebration with news of their engagement. They decided to wait until after Jose and Mary’s wedding to tell everyone of their engagement.

Chapter Seven: Rose Says Yes

2007-02-16T11:27:00.000-08:00

Tony had waited day after day, month after month, hoping Rose would change her mind. The six months had seemed like six years. During that time, Tony had kept very busy at the mill, riding and breaking horses. The horses were trained to pull the rail carts with loads of sugar cane. It was back breaking work and kept his body occupied but not his mind.

Tony visited his sister Adelina and her new husband and his best friend Jôao. Adelina was pregnant and seemed sad. Tony knew his sister and loved her and worried silently. Adelina’s eyes would light up when she saw Tony coming to visit, but they quickly dulled and seemed lifeless moments later.

Jôao seemed his usually cocky exuberant self. Yet Tony wondered what his friend had done too make Adelina look so unhappy. Tony talked to them both about his plans to wait six months and then ask Rose to marry him. Jôao was not as encouraging as Tony would have liked him to be. Adelina was as sweet as ever and hoped that Tony would be successful with Rose and happy.

Joao and Adelina's Wedding

2007-02-12T12:51:00.000-08:00

Rose managed to get through the ceremony and the festivities without a tear. Tony stayed by her side all day conscientiously supplying her with food and punch, conversation, and a constant companionship. Ordinarily this would have annoyed Rose, but today, she was grateful for his attentive company.
It was a big festive wedding with all the Portuguese families in the area attending. The Silva’s’ were a popular family and well liked. Rose saw Gus among the ranch hands. He came over to her and Tony.
“Say, it is nice to see you two again. Thank you for all your help. I don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t run across you in the Iao Valley. Gus’s face glowed with health and happiness. “I keep busy and I like to think I’m useful to the Silva’s ranch. How have the two of you been? When are you both going to marry? We can always use another wedding around here.” Gus laughed and his teeth flashed in his tanned face.
As Rose blushed, Tony answered for them. “I’m working on it Gus. Keep your fingers crossed that I can persuade Rose!” The two men shook hands and exchanged jokes and news.

Chapter Seven: Virginia Soothes Rose

2007-02-10T13:21:00.000-08:00

The corn-husk mattress on the other side of the room started to rustle. Virginia must be waking up. “Have you been awake all night Rose? What is the matter? Are you Ill?” She asked worriedly.
“No, I’m fine.” Rose answered listlessly turning toward the moonlit window.
“You know Rose, we all thought it would be you marrying João. It was a surprise for us all when we heard the announcement in church that he was marrying Adelina. Is that what is bothering you?”
“Yes.” Was the only word Rose could utter as her throat constricted with tears.
Unaware of her sisters searing pain, Virginia continued, “Forget him. He is not worth a backward glance. He’s so callous and unfeeling and a terrible flirt. He would only break your heart again and again as he became enamored by one new face after another. You are so good and kind and beautiful. Everyone loves you. They can’t help it. You’re fun to be around. You make people feel good just being with you. You deserve so much better than João. I think Tony is ten times the man that João is.”
“Please Virginia, let’s not talk about it. I could never love Tony. I don’t know how I can get through this wedding day.
At these words, Virginia got out of her bed and went over to Rose. She put her arms around her and hugged her tightly as Rose’s tears streamed down her face. “All right rose, we won’t talk about this again. But I want you to know I love you. We are all family. There isn’t anything in the world I wouldn’t do for you to ease your pain. Please don’t cry.”
“I’ll get you some warm milk and a cool cloth for your face.” Virginia said as she bustled out of the room quickly.
Rose felt drained but a lot better that morning after Virginia had soothed her with her home remedies and love. The flood of tears were gone. Her eyes were still a little red, and over bright, and her face was pale, but she held her head high as the family rode to the wedding in their wagon.

Faithful Tony, Faithless Joao

2007-02-05T22:58:00.000-08:00

Rose thought of Tony! Faithful Tony! He was handsome and strong and capable and honest. Everyone like Tony and she did too, but she did not love him. He lacked that certain something, the chemistry to excite her. Tony said he loved her and he certainly was patient with her lack of feeling for him.
It would have been so much better for Rose if she loved Tony instead of João. Then she would never feel this terrible pain in her heart. Why or why couldn’t she have fallen in love with Tony?
Only last week João had come over and asked her mother if he could talk to Rose. When they were alone, João said, “Rose, Lets run away? We can go to Oahu and I’ll buy land there. I won’t marry Adelina, I’ll marry you.”
Those words would have been so welcome a month earlier, but now it was too late. Adelina was Rose’s dear friend. She had confided to her that she was pregnant.
“Please don’t tell anyone!” she begged. Even though I was unwilling partner to João, no one would believe me, and I would be disowned. My brother Tony would probably kill João if he ever found out.”
Rose kept Adelina’s secret and hadn’t told a soul. She had told no one until João came that day to beg her to run away with him. Then Rose’s hurt and bitterness poured out.
“Never will I marry someone as traitorous as you! I know that Adelina is pregnant. Her baby will need a father.”
João hung his head and for the first time she saw this big strong man cry. He wept great tears of sorrow and shame as he just held her in his arms. Rose’s dark eyes were dry and bitter as she stood stiffly in his embrace. Her life was over. What did she have to live for now?

Chapter Seven: Kokomo

2007-02-02T23:20:00.001-08:00

The rough flour sack mattress, stuffed with corn husks, made a crunching sound as Rose tossed and turned in her bed. Her eyes were dark pools of pain and the moon casting its pale light upon her made them shine like stars. Her thick coopery brown hair was plaited in a single braid making her look like a forlorn waif.
So much had happened in the past year since the Gomes family had moved to their small farm in Kokomo. Rose had lost her heart to João. He had grown so tall and handsome and charming. He attracted girls to him like bees to honey. It was just part of his nature. But no matter how many girls clustered around him at weddings and fiestas and family gatherings, João would always single Rose out and make her feel special by saving a special place by his side by his side and treating her like the unique individual that she really was.
He told her he loved her so many times that Rose finally believed him. He even believed it himself. He was s exciting to be with and he made her laugh. He was her whole world and she lived for the times she would see him again.
Now that was all ended! Today João Silva was marrying Adelina, Tony’s sister! Rose couldn’t believe it was really happening. She hurt so much inside that the pain was almost more than she could bear. How could she face the day? Yet how could she avoid the wedding without hurting Tony’s family.
Tony’s father a widow, had remarried Gloria who was a captain’s widow and was rather well to do. Adelina was Rose’s good friend and Tony’s father was good friends with her parents Joseph and Julia Gomes.

Chapter Six: Tony Understands and Forgives

2007-01-29T18:27:00.001-08:00

“Please, will you help me?” Gus pleaded. He had spoken quietly but his face and words held the full message of his desperation and sorrow and sickness.
João eagerly answered for them all. “We will help you. My God, how you have suffered! I know my father can use a carpenter on his ranch. Let me run and talk to him. He’ll know what to do. Wait here!”
As João ran off, Gus turned to the other two and said, “I knew when I heard you two talking Portuguese and sounded so full of fun and adventure, that you might help me! That is why I followed you.” He bowed his head and looked kind of sheepish as he apologized. “I’m sorry Tony, that I hit you that day, but I was so afraid you would turn me into the authorities. Knowing the ship was still off shore and the men were searching for me, I just couldn’t take the chance of trusting you. Please forgive me.”
“Now that I understand what you have gone through and your terrible fear, I can forgive you easily. You frightened me more than you hurt me! Tony said reassuringly.
Looking at Rose, Gus asked, “Is this the girl I heard you talking about? The one you climbed the smokestack for to prove your love?
“Smokestack?” Rose asked, blushing a becoming pink. “What is he talking about Tony?”
Tony’s face turned beet red and his hazel eyes rolled upward to heaven. “I’ll explain later, Rose.” He finally stuttered.
“By the way!” Gus interrupted, “There was no gold! I thought you might be lying, but I couldn’t go without checking. How did you recognize me?”
“I noticed your gold earring. It is unusual and I guessed you might be my attacker. I’m sorry for the lie. That sort of evens us out doesn’t it? How was your climb?” Tony joked.
“Well let’s say I got my exercise for the day and I must say you sure were brave. Rose is a lucky girl if it is bravery she admires!”

Chapter Six: The Stranger's (Gus) Escape

2007-01-25T17:49:00.001-08:00

It was Terra de Fuego’s foggy mountain-tops and rain and gales that greeted us that day as we now moved westward through mountainous seas. I was terrified but resigned. We stopped in Maui and unloaded 17,000 pounds of bone. While there, small boats were sent ashore for Irish and sweet potatoes, firewood and fresh water.
“I fell in love with the beauty of the islands I gazed at it from off shore. Never was I allowed on the small boats that went ashore when we stopped in Honolulu or along the California coast or back again around the horn. My skills were too valuable and they were afraid I would try to escape.”
“I had been traveling for two years and four months and three weeks according to the notches on my bunk bed that I had made when we again docked in Maui. Remembering the beauty of the island and realizing there was no hope of my captain bringing me home or of even letting me go ashore, I decided to risk my life by swimming for the shore rather than staying in that living hell of confined quarters, terrible breathing atmosphere, poor hygiene and nausea aboard ship.”
The first mate tried to stop me when he saw what I was doing. I stabbed him in the groin as he reached for his gun. The captain called for his men to start shooting, as I leaped into the water and swam for shore. He sent men in small boats to look for me, but they were too late. As soon as I reached shore, I hid and I ran and that’s what I have been doing for days and months now. I don’t know which is worse, hanging for the stabbing of the first mate or serving under Captain Seymour on the “Bark Pacific” again

Chapter Six: The Stranger's Story

2007-01-22T11:34:00.000-08:00

“Unfortunately, I met up with Captain Jacob Seymour one day, as I worked at repairing a part of the wharf damaged by a storm. He had come ashore to unload 110 barrels of whale oil, which they had obtained on their two month trip from New Bedford to Flores.
Although Captain Seymour was big and powerful and mean looking, he acted so friendly and was very persuasive. He told me, “We need carpenters badly to repair ship parts and make new furniture. You will love the travel and adventure and make lots of money to bring home to your family.”
“I was 18 and naively innocent. I believed every word he said. Twenty four hours later, I was signed in and aboard the ship with my few belongings, my bible and my tools of the trade.”
As we passed my home island of Faial, our ship anchored in the harbor for supplies. A small boat was sent ashore. I begged Captain Seymour to let me go ashore and say goodbye to my parents. I knew they would worry terribly if they didn’t know what had happened to me.
The captain laughed and said, “Here, look through my spyglass, for that is the only sight you will ever have of this shore again!”
“I gazed longingly at my parent’s island and at their home and some of my other neighborhood friend’s homes. They looked so pretty to me. I felt homesick already. I knew then that I was in the hands of a tyrant and would never be able to escape.
“Two days later, we sailed off towards the south and the unknown. No one spoke Portuguese. I didn’t know what to do except obey the Captain who was considered the master.”
“Two months and eleven days later we heard the watch man yell, “Land ahoy!”

Chapter Six: A Walk with Friends

2007-01-19T22:57:00.000-08:00

“Let’s go for a walk before we all have to leave”? Suggested Tony.
“Yes, this will be the last chance to get to see you for quite some time.” Pleaded João.
Smiling, Rose agreed, and they raced off down a windingly steep path through some kukui trees and over some rocks and across a stream. As they waded across the cold stream, they laughed and chattered, totally unaware of the stranger hidden from their view watching them.
He stepped from behind a tree, as the three reached the streams edge. “So we meet again!” he greeted them with a crooked grin.
Rose gasped in shock at his ragged appearance and swarthy look. His skin had a sheen that looked feverish, his eyes were glassy and desperate. Tony and João pushed a frightened Rose behind them. Her heart was beating so loudly, she was sure the stranger could hear it.
“What do you want? And who are you?” Tony asked. His voice quavered a little as he protectively sheltered Rose from any possible attack.
The stranger said, “Please don’t be afraid. I won’t hurt you. I’m sick and I’m starving. Please listen!” he begged.
João, Tony and Rose stood rooted to the spot, as they listened to the strange story unfold.
“My name is Augustine Cunha, Gus for short, and I am a carpenter by trade. I had gone to the island of Flores in the Azores to work. I had been apprenticed for 2 years in my village of Castelo Branco on the island of Faial. Because I was considered a skillful craftsman, I was offered permanent employment on the island of Flores. I was making enough money to send my parents half the amount and could still live well off the rest.

Chapter Six: Ukuleles and Portuguese Tunes

2007-01-15T23:29:00.000-08:00

Ukuleles were very popular with the Portuguese who brought the instrument from the Madeira Islands where it had been originally invented by Manuel Nunes around 1877. The ukulele sounded so good played to the Hawaiian songs as well as the Portuguese tunes. It was an instrument easily carried, easily made, and simple to play, that attracted the Hawaiian natives who named it the ukulele which means a dancing flea.

Later Rose helped distribute the food to all the families. But she rejoined João and Tony when her task was done. She enjoyed their stories and jokes and songs and they made her laugh. After they ate, their brothers joined them for awhile and exchanged gossip.

Rose felt lighthearted and happy as she confided, “My family is moving to Kokomo within 6 months. They have someone who is willing to give them a good price for their land. I’m sorry to leave Hana because I think it is such a beautiful place, but I will be glad to be nearer my brothers and sister Flora. I miss them all so much, especially Mary who lives in Honolulu.

Tony interrupted, “How about me? Will you be glad to live closer to Punene?”
“And how about me? Added João “Will you be glad you’re closer to me in Kokomo? We’ll practically be neighbors.”
Rose laughingly answered. “It will be nice to see you both every so often.” She admitted.

Then Rose helped the ladies clear the picnic remains and store them in the wagons. The boys helpfully followed, adding their meager assistance.

Chapter Six: A Lei and a Kiss

2007-01-12T19:05:00.000-08:00

Rose put the lei around each boy’s neck, but quickly stepped back to avoid their embrace. “Sorry, but the native custom ends there.” She blushingly answered, giggling helplessly.

Tony and João both grabbed for her at the same time, wrapping their arm on each side of her and each kissed her cheek, one on either side. What a picture it made, as everyone stopped talking to watch these antics.
The boys held tightly to Rose’s hand so she couldn’t escape and dragged her along with them. Tony said, “Come on and sit with us. The picnic is about to begin. We want to hear all about you since we last saw you at the wedding eight months ago.”

“Yes,” urged João, “Please sit and talk with us. You don’t know how much we have missed you!”

They pulled Rose along until they found a place they could all sit. Then João spread a quilt on the ground, and when everyone was seated, pulled out his ukulele and started to sing. He sang one love song after another, serenading Rose with his beautiful clear tenor voice. Soon others with ukulele joined in and the singing began spontaneously.

Chapter Six: Picnic in the Ioa Valley

2007-01-08T09:51:00.000-08:00

Rose Lydia and Virginia helped their mother gather the hampers of food while Joseph tied the horses securely. Julia Gomes was glad to see her old friends, the Silvas. The women gathered under a banyan tree and enjoyed a good old fashioned gossip and general catching up of news. The men clustered in small groups and talked of cattle and crops and politics.

The younger girls decided to walk in search of fern and ginger to make everyone leis. They had learned this craft at school and they could also make very beautiful wreathes for their hair.

An hour later, emerging from their green lair, they were loaded down with bough and wreathes and leis of verdant green fern and ivory white ginger flowers. They looked like happy wood nymphs, laughing and giggling as they dispersed their gifts to everyone.

When Rose hesitatingly offered João and Tony a floral decoration, they accepted with alacrity. Rose blushingly handed them each a lei that she had made herself.

“But you must put it around my neck as the natives do!” João said teasingly.
“Yes!” added Tony and give us a kiss to seal your gift! It is the Hawaiian custom!”

Chapter Six: Ioa Valley

2007-01-05T17:39:00.000-08:00

Rose heard the rush of water in a nearby stream as it wended its laborious way through winding canyons, crashing over rocks and deep ravines, finally coming to rest in pools and ponds dotting the landscape. As Rose traveled the noise of the water sometimes sounded like a gurgle, sometimes like a torrent of rain, sometimes like a tinkle of bells and sometimes like a roar from an angry lion as it pounced over mountains and craggy cliffs. Everywhere streams and pools dotted the rich fertile green valley.

“I wonder if Tony and João will join us at the family picnic?” Rose thought irrelevantly and out of the blue.

Lydia poked Rose in the ribs playfully and said, “Wake up dreamer, we’re almost there. Look at those wagons. I guess there will be quite a gathering here.”

As they got closer, Lydia smiled and said, “Look, isn’t that Tony and his little sister Mary? Oh look, João is there too!”

Chapter Six: Rose Remembers

2007-01-01T23:10:00.000-08:00

Rose sat in the bouncing wagon, dreamily gazing at the verdant Iao Valley. All along the trail, lush green ferns of maiden-hair and fragrant ginger flowers grew profusely.

Rose felt mesmerized by the clip clop of the horses’ hooves and the swaying rhythm of the wagon as it progressed toward the heart of the valley. Her thoughts were far away, remembering her parents’ stories about the Azores, the tales of horror about their terrible trip on the “S.S. Hankow” which left their beloved São Miguel in April, 1883 and arrived in Honolulu July 1883. Rose thought her parent had traveled such a long perilous journey and how brave they were. Rose’s mother still dreamed of returning to their place of birth but the journey had been so terrifying that they would never chance it again. It was such back-breaking long hours in the sugar cane fields for her father and brothers. The family had scrimped and saved so they could pay off the passage fare and then buy land of their own. What a feeling of accomplishment and joy that they now owned their own farm.

Rose had heard her parents often talking lately about moving to Kokomo and buying a smaller farm, one Joseph Gomes could manage on his own now that his boys were married and gone. They would live close enough to Manuel in Kulanui and Joseph in Punene and Flora in Macawao to visit them often.
“I wonder if we’ll ever see Mary again, now that she has moved with her husband to the Island of Oahu. I miss her so,” mused Rose. “Mary had looked so radiantly happy as she waved Aloha to Rose and threw flowers in the ocean. Even though Mary was so happy, we couldn’t help the tears that rushed to our eyes so unwillingly.”

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-24T11:45:00.000-08:00

Maui Girl will be taking a break until after the first of the year. I hope you're enjoying these wonderful stories by Donna Austin.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Picnic in the Lao Valley

2006-12-24T11:42:00.000-08:00

After lunch you boys can ride with your father to check the salt licks. He needs your help and you need the change after all your hard work digging the pond and the strain of taking care of Mary. Shorty is going to Macawao for supplies. I’ll have him stop at Tony’s house on the way and pick up a change of clothes for Mary. I’ll have him tell her sister Adelina all about the dress and that you and Mary will stay here for the night. I’m sure Adelina could use a break from you two.”
“Thank you Mrs. Silva.” Said a grateful Tony.
After washing up, the boys sat down to lunch. João’s father was already there at the table. They recounted their adventures with the pond and the bridge and father laughed with them.
“I have some news too!” smiled father. “The Gomes family has come to Kokomo for a visit to their son Manuel. We’ve planned a picnic get together in the Iao valley after church tomorrow. I think it will be a nice to see Joseph again and a picnic in the valley will be a welcome change.”
“I’ll bake some pão doce with eggs in it for the picnic. I know Julia will like that! planned Lucy Silva. “It will be nice to see Julia again.”
João’s heart beat faster and so did Tony’s. There was one person they were both really looking forward to seeing. Rose!

Chapter 5: Mary is Rescued

2006-12-22T13:04:00.000-08:00

The boys didn’t know whether to laugh or groan with despair as they rapidly jumped into the muddy water. They each grabbed a desperate thrashing muddy hand. As they carried Mary out, water streamed from her dirty wet curls and drab muddy dress. This vision of yellow curls and sunshine now looked like a crushed bedraggled drowned daffodil. As Mary looked down at herself and saw her beautiful birthday dress ruined, she opened her mouth and started wailing on the top of her lungs with misery and distress. And that is how she was carried in this manner all the way to João’s house.
João’s mother, Lucy Silva came running out of the house when she heard the commotion Mary was making, thinking someone was dying. She whipped off her voluminous apron and wrapped it around the sad, dripping hysterical little girl.
Lucy took the sad yellow dress and put it in a pan of soapy suds to soak. Then she washed Mary from head to toe and gave her one of her husbands shirts to put on. When the girl saw the oversized dull gray shirt, she cried louder than ever at her loss.
“Shhh Mary, let me comb your hair and give you some tea to drink.” Lucy consoled.
After Mary quieted down, Lucy put the exhausted girl down for a nap.
“How about eating some fried taro and pork for lunch boys?” she asked as she bustled into her kitchen.
“Sounds delicious!” the boys chorused, glad she wasn’t angry with them for Mary’s accident under their watch.
“Mãe, we’re sorry Mary fell in the pond, but we warned her so many times. I hope her dress will be all right. She was so proud of it.” apologized João to his mother.
Lucy shook her head sadly. “I think the organdy material is ruined and can’t be saved. Don’t say anything to Mary and maybe she’ll forget all about it.

Chapter 5: Duck Pond for Two Ducks Named Julius and Caesar

2006-12-17T23:16:00.000-08:00

Ignoring Mary, João turned to Tony and said, “All we need now are the ducks. I’ll go get Julius and Caesar and see how they like the pond. Give me a hand Tony, please?”
“Sure João” answered Tony. Turning to Mary he said. “You had better wait here Mary and stay away from the water! Don’t go near it until we get back.”
The boys quickly returned with two snowy plump white wriggling ducks in their clutches. They were unaware of Mary until she asked, “Why did you name those ducks Julius and Caesar? How do you know they are both boys?” Then they saw Mary perch at the beginning of the new bridge. One foot was still on the ground as the other foot was carefully testing the solidity and strength of the board bridge.
“Don’t!” was all that both boys had time to say before Mary took her second then third faltering wobbly steps.
“See you boys, I’m not a baby. This is easy.” She bragged. She looked up expecting to see the boys admiring faces but instead saw their looks of horror.
“Oh no!” wailed João. “I knew that when I saw your baby sister coming down the road, it meant trouble. Now look at what she is doing!”
Tony quickly reached the ponds edge. “Stay where you are! I’ll come and get you. Don’t you dare move!”
Tony quickly put Julius in the water and he (or she) swam around happily unaware of the drama overhead. João quickly followed suit with Caesar, not even bothering to watch him glide serenely through the water.
Then Tony stationed himself at one end of the bridge and João stood at the other side. “Now stay there! I’m coming after you!” whispered Tony urgently. “Relax, don’t be scared!”
“No! screamed Mary. “Leave me alone. I can do it myself!” These were the last words she uttered before she lost her balance and plunged into the muddy water, startling the ducks out of their complacency and out of their pond.

Chapter 5: The Bridge Across the Pond

2006-12-15T23:26:00.000-08:00

The pond was about 6 feet wide and 3 ½ feet deep. It took many trips to fill its depths, but when it was finished the boys stood back and viewed their little duck pond with pride. “It needs something else!” said João thoughtfully. “I know what! A bridge! And I know just where there is a flat board that is around 8 feet long. It is leaning against the backside of the barn and I know we can use it until someone needs it more than we do.
The two boys eagerly ran toward the barn yelling over their shoulders to Mary, ”Stay right where you are until we get back!”
The boys were gone less than ten minutes panting and out of breath. They could see that Mary had not followed their instructions because she was standing on the pond’s edge dipping her fingers in the still muddy water. She looked like a ray of sunshine reflecting in the muddy depths.
“Look out! Get back! Your dress will get muddy if you slip in!” yelled Tony with alarm.
“No, I wont slip. I’m being extra careful,” said Mary sweetly. She watched curiously as the boys laid the board across the pool. “What is that board for anyway?” Mary asked inquisitively.
“A bridge to walk over instead of going all the way around!” answered João,
“It looks dumb to me. It is too small to walk across and it would be easier to walk around the small pond anyway!” scoffed Mary. “The ducks will never us it and neither will anyone else.” Said Mary with her little girl wisdom.
“Look little baby! I’ll show you how easy it is! Tony bragged as he demonstrated how easy it was to cross. He carefully put one foot in front of the other, balancing himself carefully like a high wire performer in a circus.
“I can go faster than that backwards”, and Tony proceeded to demonstrate his agility by walking the bridge backwards.
“Can I try? Interrupted Mary.
“Of course not!” said Tony.
“You’re just a girl and just a baby at that. Don’t forget you have to be careful of your dress little sissy.” Teased João.

Chapter 5: Mary Wants To Help (part two)

2006-12-11T22:44:00.000-08:00

The boys eagerly started to dig, but it was hard hot work and the joy dimmed a little as they grunted and sweated at the task. After a while Mary got bored at being quiet and doing nothing but watching the two boys shove pile after pile of dirt. She stood on an uprooted tree stump, twirling her new buttercup yellow dress. Her aunt Eva had give it to her for her 5th birthday and she was very proud of it.
“How do you like my dress, João?” Mary asked, twirling her body all the more for attention.
“It’s a nice dress for a girl.” João answered unenthusiastically.
“Can I help dig, Tony?” begged Mary.
“No!” was his terse reply.
“Can I see how deep it is?” Mary then asked.
“No! both boys answered simultaneously. “Keep out of our way or you might dirty that pretty yellow dress!” Tony cautioned.
That seemed to stop Mary for a short time, for she would never want to ruin her pretty birthday dress. But it wasn’t long before she started wiggling and jiggling and twirling again when she saw the boys carrying bucket after bucket of water from the stream nearby. Shorty and Jesse joined the boys on two or three trips with water too.
“
we just want to help you and your ducks out!” they both said.
“Can I carry a bucket of water too? I want to do something to help”, begged Mary.
“If you really want to help, just stay away from here. We’re almost finished and you’ll only slow us down and get in the way.” João answered her impatiently.

Chapter Five: Mary Wants to Help (part one)

2006-12-08T22:42:00.000-08:00

“Who is that with Tony?” wondered João. “Oh no, it is his baby sister, Mary. She is such a pest. Now we’ll have to take care of her all afternoon.” He thought glumly. “There goes horseback riding with father!”
João waved his hand and ran toward Tony yelling, “Welcome friend! You’ve come at a perfect time as I’ve just finished my chores. But why did you have to bring your little sister?”
Tony said, “Saturday is the only day my sister Adelina can really clean the house and Mary was in her way. I couldn’t refuse to take Mary. It was the least I could do. I’m sorry João. But I made Mary promise to watch us and keep out of the way and be quiet,” apologized Tony.
Mary’s blond curls bounced all over her head as she quivered in anticipation of the fun she would have. Her blue eyes snapped mischievously, belying the innocent expression of raised eyebrows, as she said solemnly, “I promise not to bother you boys. I’ll be as good as an angel.”
“You didn’t say which kind of angel!” quipped João skeptically. The boys turned eagerly toward the spot they had picked for their duck pond. As they walked, they passed the marshy taro and rice patches that João had helped his father dig and irrigate.
Walking to the spot marked with sticks, João said, “I’ve got everything ready for us. It’s all staked out and the shovels are ready. Julius and Caesar, my two pet ducks will really enjoy their very own pond!” enthused João.

Chapter 5: Jesse Throw Down Hay!

2006-12-04T23:28:00.000-08:00

The men walked toward the barn still talking in low voices. João trailed wearily behind. Although his body was tired, his heart felt light. Jesse and Shorty went into the barn and climbed the loft. João’s father pulled the horse cart around from behind the barn.
“What are those cowhands doing in the loft, father?” asked João.
“We need more hay in the fields for the cattle, son, and they are going to throw it down to us and we’ll load it into this cart to bring to the pasture bins.” He answered. “But they are sure taking a long time. I wonder what is keeping them?”
Just as João and his father were about to investigate, Jesse popped his head over the loft and yelled, “Hey someone has been camping here. We found a blanket and some food! It looks like whoever it was has been gone for a while because the food is spoiled and the bread is hard as rock. What shall we do?”
João’s father, Frank Silva called, “Leave the things there. We’ll lock the barn after we’re finished. Let’s just go on with loading hay.”
João tapped his foot and said, “I sure wish they’d hurry, I want to meet Tony this afternoon. We’re going to dig a pond for our two ducks.” Impatiently João walked under the loft and yelled, “Jesse throw down hay!” and at the same time he was yelling, a huge mound of hay already forked in the air, landed on his head and buried him. He sank to the ground, stunned by the weight.
“What did you say?” yelled back Jesse, peering over the edge of the loft. Seeing João buried in hay and struggling to get up, he asked, “Are you all right?”
João looked up and laughed, “I’m fine. Next time I’ll look first, before I yell for you to throw down hay.”
The expression is still used as a family tradition. When you hear someone say, “Jesse throw down hay!” in the Silva family, you know that the job has already been done. After locking the barn carefully, Shorty and Jesse joined João and his father to help distribute the hay in the fields for the cattle.
“Run along João!” Frank Silva said. “I see Tony walking down the road with someone. We’re finished here now anyway. Maybe later you and Tony can ride with me to check the salt licks.” He proudly watched his tall son start toward his visitors.

Chapter 5: Joao Breaks Horses

2006-12-01T23:30:00.000-08:00

The black sweating horse stomped his feet and snorted loudly. João had been hanging on the horse like a limpet to the rocks on the seashore. Every bone in his body ached, especially his teeth, which had transmitting a staccato beat to his skull, leaving his brain numbed from the pain.
He slid off the exhausted and now compliant animal, glad for the solidity of the earth beneath his bare feet. Taking off his straw hat, he wiped his forehead with his sleeve.
“How did I do papa?” asked João, as he walked over to the group of men who had been spectators.
“I couldn’t have done better myself, João. You’ve learned your lesson well,” said his father proudly.
“Like father, like son!” said Shorty, a 6 foot 6 inch tall paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy). He slapped João good-naturedly on the back. “Maybe someday you’ll have your own ranch with your own horses and cattle.”
“Yes, I want to break horses, because there is good money in it and they’re paying $50 a horse at the sugar mills. Then I can use the money to buy my own land, acre by acre, and buy my own cattle, one by one. Beef will always find a market, and I can grow a small crop or two!” said João dreamily.
“That son of yours has his future all staked out. He certainly seems to know what he wants and how to go about it,” said Shorty admiringly. Shaking João’s hand, he said, “Keep dreaming like that, and maybe someday it will come true!”

Chapter 4: The Pirate Again

2006-11-27T23:17:00.000-08:00

“Don’t tell on us please!” begged João as he stared at the fierce looks of the stranger.
“Don’t worry, I wouldn’t dream of it.” Assured the man leaning against a tree.
Tony studied the man carefully. His shifty eyes made him feel uneasy. When Tony eyed the gold earring, his heart skipped a beat! “Could this be the attacker?” thought Tony.
Thinking fast, Tony said, “I saw a sack filled with gold coins tied on a hook in the smoke stack rim, just out of my reach.” He lied. “I want to go get my father so he can go up and get it. My father’s arms are much longer than mine.”
The stranger’s face lit up with interest. “Say, I’ll guard this place for you while you go get help.” He offered.
Signaling João with his eyes, Tony said, “Thanks, I would appreciate your keeping an eye on things. It will take us awhile to get back. It is three miles to the sugar cane fields where my father works. We will hurry as fast as we can!”
Half-heartedly João agreed to go with Tony, although he knew it would ruin their day of fun and he would be caught for playing hooky.
Tony grabbed João’s hand and ran with him down the road. “Quick João! Lets get out of here. That man is bad. I recognized his earring! He’s my attacker from yesterday!”
João stopped in the middle of the road and said, “But that man will steal that sack of money before we get back!”
Tony laughed, “I made that story up to get him away from us.” He shook his head. “I guess he’ll be mad after he climbs that smokestack and finds nothing but an empty abyss. We better put a lot of distance between us and that guy.”
“Are you going to tell the constable about him? He might be able to catch him when he climbs down the stack,” asked João.
“Are you kidding?” answered Tony. “It would ruin our whole day of fun and get you expelled for truancy! Let’s go fishing with the natives liked we planned!” And that turned out to be the safest place for both boys because the ocean was one place the stranger wanted to avoid just now.

Sugar Cane Mill Smoke Stack

2006-11-20T23:53:00.000-08:00

Tony headed for the base of the 80 foot high smokestack. He climbed onto the roof of the lower buildings and found the rope ladder suspended by iron hooks to the chimney’s mouth. He scrambled up the shaky ladder, never looking down. His heart was pumping a mile a minute and hammering a rat a tat tat in his throat. When he reached the 80 foot rim, he looked down into its murky black depths, then, he looked over to the side and saw Tony looking so very small and far away. Tony froze, not because he saw another figure by the bushes, but because the realization dawned, that he was scared. He was more scared than he had ever been in his life. He felt like a rabbit pinned by a light, frozen with fright. Tony just couldn’t make his feet move to a lower rung in the ladder.
“Suppose this rope broke! Suppose the hooks give way! Suppose they do start their furnaces on Thursday! Why did I ever want to come up here? Rose will never know how brave I was and how cowardly at the end. She would despise me more than ever!” Tony thought as his whole life flashed before him.
João, standing below saw that Tony seemed frozen in space and time. He yelled, “Alright, you proved your bravery! Now come on down!”
When Tony still didn’t move, João climbed the lower buildings and stood at the base of the stack. Looking up, he yelled on the top of his lungs, “What’s the matter? Are you all right? Come on down. Don’t look down, look up and take one step at a time!” he coaxed and pleaded.
Heart in his throat, Tony carefully and mechanically lowered one foot and then the other, never once looking at anything but the big gray metal smokestack straight in front of him. It seemed like an eternity before he reached the last rung in the rope ladder and jumped the few feet to the ground.
“Thank God you’re down safely!” sighed João, “For a moment there, I thought I’d have to go up and rescue you and I sure didn’t want to have to do it. We might have both been stuck up there.”
A voice from behind them interrupted this speech. “Well done boys. You certainly have courage!” Both boys turned to the sound of the stranger’s voice and unfamiliar features and clothing.

Playing Hookie

2006-11-17T10:41:00.000-08:00

This suited Tony’s plans perfectly. He would sleep in until his father left for work and his sister went to do her housekeeping job for the Parker family in their beautiful mansion. Then Tony would slip out to meet his friend João by the mill.
The next morning all went according to plan. Even the weather cooperated by being beautiful and clear, for the boys day of adventure. João was there ahead of Tony waiting impatiently. “I thought you changed your mind about our plans at the last minute.”
“No way, I had to wait until my father and sister left for work. I was attacked yesterday and our house was robbed. My father thought I could use the rest, but I feel fine now,” said Tony.
“That must have been scary!” said João with eyes big and round. He had to hear all the details that Tony could remember before he said “Maybe you should take it easy today.”
“No! I’m fine. I’ve been looking forward to this day. Don’t you get all fatherly and over protective, too!”
Turning to the mill, Tony pointed to one f the smokestacks. “I dare you to climb that. I dare you for the love of Rose!”
“You’re crazy! I wouldn’t climb that. Suppose someone starts the fires up to boil the cane. I’d be fried like an egg on that smokestack!” argued João.
“Well, I have always wanted to climb that thing and today is the day I show you how to do it. You know perfectly well that the furnace is not fired up on Thursdays. See, there is no smoke!” Tony pointed out.

Chapter 4: Tony is Followed

2006-11-13T17:38:00.000-08:00

Tony skipped a little faster toward home, wondering what Rose, the girl of his dreams was doing now. Just as his thoughts reached the happy day of their wedding, he rounded the bend to Camp B in Punene. Rows and rows of unpainted simple houses lined the dirt roads. Farther back he could see the irrigation canals for the cane fields, glittering in the sun. Naked children were playing along the banks, trying to cool off with splashes of water. A bare footed Chinese man, wearing a pointed hat, walked by, carrying a pole across his shoulders with a bucket hanging from each end. “Peanuts for sale! Two Cents a bag!” he sang out.
Tony turned into the third house on the second street. No one was home yet. Adelina must be visiting one of her friends. Tony did not see his follower surreptitiously slip into the shadows of some nearby mango trees, nor did he realize how intently he was being watched and how glad the onlooker was to see that Tony was all alone.
Tony looked around the tiny house he had just entered. The living room, kitchen, dining room and family room and Tony’s bedroom all consolidated into this one front room. Two tiny rooms on the left were his sister Adelina’s and his father’s bedrooms. The outhouse and bath house were combined in a separate building 50 feet in back. This was called in Portuguese the casinha or little house.
Just as Tony started out the back door to the casinha, he heard the knock. “That couldn’t be Adelina”, he thought, “because she has a key. And it can’t be father because he doesn’t get off work until 6:00 p.m.” His first feeling was alarm that there may have been an accident!
Rushing unthinkingly to the door, he opened it quickly without first looking to see who it was. All Tony could later remember was a flurry of color, a knife, a gold earring and then a curtain of black nothingness.
When Adelina and Manuel, Tony’s father came home, they found him lying by the front door unconscious. Adelina ran to the pump for water, noticing that the house had been ransacked.
Manuel began chaffing Tony’s hands and saying, “Wake up Tony! Are you alive? Are you alright?” pleaded his father worriedly. He splashed the water Adelina gave him on Tony’s face.
Tony groaned, “Oh my head. Ow! What happened?” No one knew. Nor did they know that at this time Tony’s attacker was staking out the boys rendezvous for tomorrow!
Manuel Souza searched the house and yard and out house thoroughly. Seeing that all was clear, he went to report to the camp constable. Even after a thorough search of “Camp B, no stranger was found.
“All that seems to be missing is some food, a couple of blankets, and the $2, I had saved for clothes and soap. Thank God my Tony is safe and alive. You had better stay home tomorrow and rest,” admonished Tony’s father.

Chapter 4: The Pirate

2006-11-11T18:28:00.000-08:00

Tony threw a rock into a nearby silvery puddle and watched the circular rings made by the splash. “My hand is still tired from writing 5000 times, ‘I don’t know anything about who taught the parrot.’ What makes me madder though is that they took the parrot away to the brothers’ quarters and we’ll never see him again in our school courtyard. I really got to like that old bird. I sure agree that the brothers have absolutely no sense of humor.”
João shook his head uncertainly. “Brother Edward said, I’d be expelled the next time I got caught cutting school.”
“The secret is not to get caught!” answered Tony. “Come on, we deserve this break after all the writing we had to do.”
The two boys put their heads together and made plans, oblivious to the onlooker stealthily watching them from behind a kakui tree. He had dark swarthy features and a gold earring gleamed against his dark skin in the sunlight. He was not the type of person one would want to meet in the dark of night let alone the bright sun splashed afternoon. Yet here he was lurking behind a tree, listening intently to their plans.
He was hungry! He was tired! He was desperate! He was a hunted man! He had just escaped his ship, as the men clamored for his blood. He had slit one sailors throat and stabbed another man who tried to intervene. He had been running for hours!
Stalking the boys, he followed as they trudged along totally unaware of their surroundings. João arrived first at his ranch. “Come on in to the house and have a snack,” offered João to Tony.
“No thanks, I would love to, but I have to get home and help my sister Adelina clean the house and cook dinner. Since our mother died, we’ve been in charge of the house and it is too much for my sister to do alone on top of her housekeeping job. I’ll see you tomorrow by the sugar cane mill. Until then, adeus!”

Chapter 4: Teaching the Parrot!

2006-11-06T06:25:00.000-08:00

“I thought it would be fun to teach that parrot something other than the usual ‘Good morning’ or ‘Hello, Polly wants a cracker’ bit of boring parrot talk. It was hard work saying the same thing over and over again when no one was around. Of course you helped a lot. In fact I think you wholeheartedly endorsed the idea in the first place,” mused Tony.
“Yes”, confessed João, “I did think it was a great idea. But I never realized we’d get in so much trouble for it!”
Tony laughed and said, “I will never forget the brothers white, shocked faces looking on in horror as the parrot bellowed loud and clear, ‘Hello, you son of a bitch!’ I thought I would fall over laughing and then I was afraid I’d give myself away for enjoying the joke so much. But when I looked around, I realized I wasn’t the only one laughing because all the other boys were roaring with laughter too.”
“Yes, we were all looking bad and laughing together at the brothers faces. I was proud of the class when they kept their mouths shut and didn’t tattle on us. Brother Timothy stalked up and down those aisles asking for a confession and looking at each of our faces and deciding we all looked guilty. He must have asked ten times which one of us did it. All of our answers were the same. ‘I don’t know anything about who taught the parrot’ As he searched our eyes for a flicker of guilt.” Breathed João with a sigh. “That was tough to keep a straight face and look innocent.”

Chapter 4: The School Parrot

2006-11-03T12:48:00.000-08:00

As the two boys walked down the winding path, they barely spoke. João admired the view and beamed about with the serenity of one who has earned a holiday, although it was only midweek.
“Can you believe we got away with it, João? asked Tony with a chuckle. “I think this is the angriest I have ever seen Brother Timothy. I can still see his beet red face with the blood vessels bulging out in his neck.”
“Yes, Brother Timothy’s face was as red as his hair!” agreed João. “He sure doesn’t have a sense of humor and neither does Brother Edward the principal. They were so angry!”
“I didn’t think we’d get the whole class in trouble over that stupid parrot!” added Tony.
“Ha!” You should have taught that parrot to say one thing when the brothers were around and another thing when everyone else was there,” continued João. “I guess that parrot’s too dumb to tell the difference between Christian Brothers black robes and the kids bright blue uniforms though!” chuckled João.
The boys trudged along the muddy tracks feeling the squish of wet earth as it oozed between their bare toes. They walked along unaware of the surrounding beauty, through the wet ferns and coconut palms swaying in the breeze, both intent on their conversation.

Chapter 4: Introduction

2006-11-02T12:47:00.000-08:00

Chapter 4 is half truth and half fantasy. My uncle told me about climbing the smoke stack at the sugar cane mill in Punene, Maui. He froze at the top in terror. My Uncle also told me about the boys teaching the parrot bad words. That really happened and the parrot disappeared into the Christian Brother's house never to be seen again. The pirates are made up, but there really were pirates in the olden days in Hawaii. I keep hoping a publisher might read these stories someday and want to put them in a book.

Chapter 3: After the Party

2006-10-27T23:31:00.000-07:00

They danced on, their steps in perfect unison as the melody and crowd flowed around them leaving them alone in a small world of their own. When the music ended, Tony was there, ready to cut in with a tap on Joâo’s shoulder.
“No thank you, I’ve had enough dancing with you two smooth talkers. I’m going to rest and cool off.” Rose said.
Tony and Joâo resignedly and unwillingly walked Rose back to her family. They bowed and walked off together toward the punch bowl. Soon they joined Adelina and some of her friends and they all left the dance area together laughing and talking.
It was late in the night before Rose’s family got ready to leave. After bidding the bridal pair farewell, they were feeling a bittersweet happiness of personal loss but joy for the couple’s new happiness. The Gomes family boarded their tasseled buggy and started tiredly but happily on their journey home, minus one member, Manuel. It was the beginning of the end for that family as a new one was formed for Manuel and Felicianna.
Soon Mary, the eldest daughter, would be married to Tom Tavares, a childhood sweetheart, and move away to the Island of Oahu. Within two years, Flora would marry Frank Gouveia and move to Wailuku and Joe would marry Irma Silvia and move to Makawao.
Rose, Lydia, and Virginia would be the only ones left then. Their mother was ill. The farm was too much work for Joseph, alone without his sons to help. They would have to sell. Where would they go? What would happen to them?

Chapter 3: Rose Cools Off

2006-10-22T22:36:00.000-07:00

The song ended and Tony walked Rose back to where her family was sitting. “Thank you for the dance, Rose. I enjoyed it. I want you to know, I’m going to change your mind for you someday.”
Mary and Flora giggled and Lydia and Virginia whispered to
each other as Rose sat down with flaming cheeks and a glare for her audience.
Her father asked, “What’s the matter Rose? Don’t you like Tony? He’s a nice boy. I know his father. He’s a hard worker. He comes from a family of good honest people. They come from the Madeira Islands. Tony was born there and came here when he was two years old.”
“I’m sure his family is very nice, but I think Tony is too forward.” said Rose.
“Oh, I think he is just acting that way because he really likes you and doesn’t know what to do. Keep an open mind. You might find out he’s not so bad.” Her father said.
Just as Rose’s cheeks began to cool, Joâo walked up to he father and asked, “May I ask Rose for this dance?”
Rose’s father turned to her inquiringly and seeing her closed expression, said laughingly, “Sure, go ahead and ask, but it is up to her.”
Joâo masterfully took her in his arms and whirled her away in a dreamy waltz. Her feet felt like they were not touching the ground but dancing on clouds. His dark eyes flashed as he said, “I love you Rose. I know this is the real thing. I am not joking, I’m serious.”
“Rose’s face flushed with embarrassment. “I can’t believe you are ever serious about anything. You just like to flirt with all the girls. You are in love with love!”
He laughed and said, “You’re right. Love is wonderful. It makes me feel so good, so tall, so strong, so happy and so alive. I see the ocean, the fields, the cattle with a new light. The light of love makes me see everything in perspective and I owe it all to you.”
“I saw you dancing and laughing with Tony’s sister, Adelina, a while ago. Did you tell her the same thing? Countered Rose.
“I like her a lot. She’s beautiful and such a nice girl and my best friend’s sister. But I never told her what I’ve told you” He solemnly promised with a twinkle in his eye.

Chapter 3: Tony or Joao

2006-10-16T10:34:00.000-07:00

Rose had barely recovered from that surprise meeting with Tony when she looked up into the handsome laughing face of Joâo.
“We’re together at last,” he said. “I haven’t been able to think of anything else since I met the lovely girl with a seashell by the shore. My heart is gone and there is a terrible ache there in that spot.”
“I don’t believe your story at all,” Rose responded laughingly. “You certainly tell a good tale.”
Then the caller for the Chamarita, boomed out his next order and everyone switched again.
Rose danced for hours, feeling exhilarated and happy. There were slow dances and fast ones too. There were Portuguese dances and modern waltzes. Rose danced with her father, her brother, Manuel, and her brother, Jose. Her head was still swirling from a fast polka she had danced with her brother, Joe, when Tony came up with a girl at his side.
Addressing Rose’s brother Jose, Tony said, “Hello Joe, I’d like you to meet my sister, Adelina. She is dying to dance with you and I’d love to dance with Rose.”
Before Rose knew what was happening, she was in Tony’s arms dancing a waltz. For some reason, Rose had trouble breathing and she felt terribly shy and tongue tied. She didn’t know what to say to this tall golden haired boy man. “Can we be friends?” He pleaded.
“Why should my being friends with you be so important”, countered Rose with another question of her own.
“Because I’m going to marry you someday, if Joâo doesn’t get you first.” He answered seriously.
“Well you don’t have to worry about Joâo, because I’m not going to marry him,” she said emphatically, adding, “or you either for that matter.”

Chapter 3: Wedding Kaleidoscope

2006-10-14T12:53:00.000-07:00

Rose was to remember that day forever. It was a kaleidoscope of new experiences for her, permeated by the joy radiating from the wedding couple. The ancient Latin mass was solemn, the sermon beautifully spoken in Portuguese and the couple’s union was sealed and blessed by God forever in the beautiful round church of the Holy Ghost in Kula.
Rose had never seen so many decorated colored cakes and candied almonds in her life. There was sopas (beef and kale soup) for everyone, Pâo doce (sweet bread), salads of every kind and color, homemade linguiça and morcelas (blood sausage) and vinho d’alhos (wine and garlic marinated pork).
The band, consisting of a violin, a clarinet, a guitar, 3 ukeleles, a snare drum, a violin, and a trombone, played the opening set. They began with the traditional chamarita, a Portuguese folk dance. Everyone young and old joined hands weaving in and out, spinning and changing partners as the caller yelled his instructions in Portuguese. The women’s bright flowered full skirts swirled about as they twirled around their partners.
Rose was changing partners when she realized the hand she was reaching for, was Tony’s.
“Hello beautiful one, have you missed me?” Tony asked as he swung her in a circle.
Rose had to laugh at the preposterous question.
“Of course not, I’ve been so busy with wedding preparations, school and chores that I never gave you or your friend another thought until now.”
Just as Tony was getting ready to turn his full charm to advantage, the caller yelled in Portuguese that everyone should change. The men moved to the right and the women moved left until they faced a new partner.

Chapter 3: On the Way to the Wedding

2006-10-09T23:42:00.000-07:00

Although it had rained the night before, the morning held a rainbow in the mist, promising fair weather by noon. Nature seemed to be cooperating in making this a perfect day for the wedding pair. As everyone bustled around doing last minute chores, or putting finishing touches on their wedding gifts, their hearts lightened with gladness, that the day would be crisp and clear, for the celebration and dancing would be outside and would go on late into the night and early morning.
Joe hitched the wagon carefully, so as not to get his black suit dirty. The family had driven up to Makawao the day before to stay with friends so they could be fresh for the wedding in Kula. He was nervous and unconsciously fingered his bow tie as he thought about the duties of being best man. He checked his pocket for the hundredth time to see if he had the simple gold band in the small box. Manuel was still inside with his already perfect tie, and checking for imaginary specks on his suit and shoes. The reality was just dawning on Julia that she was losing her first born and her family was breaking up.
The groom appeared calm in the maelstrom of activity going on around him. He knew that what he was doing was right and the best thing that could happen to him. He smiled reassuringly at his mother, took his father’s hand and said,
“Let’s go. We’ll be late for the wedding if we don’t get started now.” He walked arm in arm with his father and mother on either side of him to the wagon, where the rest of the family waited.
A frame had been added to the wagon and decorated with colorful tassels and bells. Even the horse had his mane braided and decorated with matching tassels and bells from the wagon. You could hear the happy tinkling of bells as the wedding party set off on their journey to Kula.

Chapter Two: Beach Picnic

2006-10-02T17:34:00.000-07:00

Rose blushed with embarrassment and turned away, busying herself with her knitting. She pointedly ignored the two boys, as Joe invited them to join the family for lunch.
The boys sat down with alacrity, near where Rose was working. When she realized how close they were, she jumped up and sat near her mother on the other side of the tent. Her face burned with anger and humiliation as she thought about how forward and rude the boys behaved.
By now everyone was hungry so they all enjoyed the cornmeal squares, fluffy white bread, lapis, and mangoes washed down with fresh goat’s milk.
“Where do you boys live? Asked Julia inquisitively.
“I live in Makawao on the cattle ranch, said João. My father raises cattle.”
“I live in Puunene in Camp B. My father is in his last year of his 3 year contract,” answered Tony. “We both went to the Christian Brother’s school in Wailuku. That is how we got to know each other and become good friends.”
There was lots of laughing and talking after the meal was over. The boys started a game of tag in the sand, while the girls packed away the lunch. As Rose stood up to carry the hamper to the wagon, Tony stopped her and said, “Let me carry it for you. Can’t we be friends? We were just teasing you.”
“I can carry this myself. It is not very heavy at all. Thank you anyway.” She walked away with her body erect and her head held high, never even bothering to answer the second part of his question.
João tried a different method. He ran and picked a lovely red hibiscus from a nearby bush. He bowed and offered it to her with a flourish as she came back from the wagon for another load.
“Here’s a peace offering to wear in your beautiful long hair, he said.
Although Rose was only 14, she was a budding beauty, tall, fair and graceful, her long auburn hair a crown of glory. She said,
“No thanks, I am not interested in your flower or you! I wish you boys would both leave me alone. It is embarrassing. Go away!”
Sadly he walked away to join Tony and her brothers. They all helped load the wagon. Waving goodbye to their new friends, Manuel and Joe called, “adeus” (God be with you) and headed the wagons home. As soon as the passengers rounded the bend in the road and were well out of hearing, the teasing began.
“What is better than one boyfriend?” asked Lydia and Flora.
“Two boyfriends.!” chorused the family.
Manuel said, “Tony and João told me that Rose is the prettiest girl they’ve ever seen.”
Joe added, “Well both Tony and João told me they’re in love!”
As everyone was laughing at this news, Rose begged, “Please change the subject. I don’t like those boys at all!”
Thus the eternal triangle budded and blossomed.

Chapter Two: Lobsters and Octopus

2006-09-25T11:50:00.000-07:00

Just then Pãe and the boys came back. They had caught 3 ling cod and had scraped a large pile of lapis (limpets) from the rocks.
“These lapis will make a tasty addition to our lunch!” father said. The fish were stored in wet sacks, set in a separate hamper and put in the shade.
“We’re going back in one more time: The natives showed us a perfect place to dive for lobsters. Get the sacks ready!” Pãe said.
Past the first wave in a shallow lagoon, they began their dives. The spectators on the shore held their breaths as the divers held theirs. Soon Pãe surfaced, hands held very high, clutching a wriggling, snapping, angry lobster in each hand. He waded into shore, as the boys surfaced with similar treasures.
The girls held the wet sacks and the lobsters were lowered carefully inside of them. Then the lobsters were submerged in buckets of salt water to keep them alive and fresh for supper.
“Now we can sit and relax a while before lunch.” Said Pãe. But just then Tony and João came running along the shore towards the family. They were very excited.
“There’s an octopus over by the rocks hiding. We’re afraid to get it by ourselves because it is too big. Will you help us?”
Manuel jumped up and said, “Come on Joe, the four of us can catch him.”
Grabbing their spears, they followed Tony and João excitedly. Octopus was a rare delicacy and great sport to catch.
A half an hour later, the four boys returned triumphantly with not one octopus, but two! One octopus had been hiding behind the other making it look huge. In those 30 minutes, Manuel and Joe had not only caught their meal, but made two new friends.
Turning to his father, Joe said, “This is Antone Sousa and João Silva. Then turning to the boys he said, “I’d like you to meet my father and mother, Mr. & Mrs. Gomes, my sisters, Flora, Mary, Lydia, Rose and Virginia.
“How do you do?” the boys said smilingly. Tony and João both stared hopefully at Rose who looked back at them coolly.
João said to Manuel, “We’ve met your beautiful sister Rose but we didn’t know her name because she doesn’t talk to strangers.”
“Well, I think she is just pouting because we splashed her to get her attention,” added Tony.

Chapter Two: Tony and Joao

2006-09-22T17:55:00.000-07:00

Looking up, she saw two boys splashing and showing off in the water like a pair of seals, trying to get her attention. Only a splash in her face seemed to break her reverie.
“Hello, beautiful girl! What is your name and where do you come from?” When she didn’t answer, the boy said, “My name is Tony and this is João, my best friend”, Tony smiled coaxingly.
Rose noticed that Tony had the straightest white teeth she had ever seen, contrasted against his golden brown skin, reddish gold hair and yellow green eyes. His friend João was just the opposite with hair almost black and big dark eyes that dominated his tanned face. His eyes sparked sheer deviltry as he smiled at her. Both boys skin glistened in the sun as they walked toward her.
These two eighteen year olds were the best looking boys she had ever seen, but their behavior was inexcusable, and looks were only skin deep, as her mother had always warned her.
Rose’s amber eyes flashed fire, as she gathered her wits about her. “How dare you splash my face! Go away, I don’t talk to strangers.“ She spun on her heels and ran back to where her Mom and sisters were sitting.
“Look what I found Mãe. Isn’t this shell beautiful? Listen to the ocean.”
Ignoring the proffered shell, her mother asked, “Who were those two boys that you were talking to just now?”
“Oh, just a couple of show offs. They said their names were Tony and João. I got rid of those two clowns fast.”
Her mother wrinkled her face, thinking hard. “I know those boys from somewhere. Did they speak Portuguese? One of them looks like he might be German.”
“They both spoke Portuguese and English to me. I didn’t ask what their last names were because I didn’t care to know. They splashed my face with water!” said Rose indignantly. “I don’t like them at all.”
“A little water never killed anyone! You’re making a big thing from nothing”, admonished her mother.

Chapter Two, Story Two: Fishing and a Conch Shell

2006-09-15T11:04:00.000-07:00

When the family arrived, they set up their picnic spot with blankets and made a little tent with sticks and sailcloth to provide shade and keep the burning sun’s rays away from their eyes and skins.

While the girls took out their sewing, Pãe and the boys prepared to fish. They donned old pairs of trousers cut short. Each took a long spear and a gunny sack and headed for the waves in the ocean. The boys were just as good as their father at spearing fish. They had all learned from the natives.

As they walked out past the first wave, several Hawaiians called out a greeting and joined them.

“Aloha, you kanakas!” they laughingly joked. This was a real compliment and meant you were one of them. On the other hand, if they called you a “haole” it meant you were white, in power, and bad news to Hawaiians.

The girls watched for awhile before starting their sewing.

“It is times like this, that I wish I was a boy.” Flora said. She had deep set dark eyes that sparkled in her thin thoughtful face.

“I would never want to be a boy in a million years, but I’d love to go in the ocean like them”, asserted Lydia, as her round rosy cheeks crinkled in a smile. Everyone nodded their agreement at her statement and resignedly got started with their sewing.

Rose turned to her mother and asked, “Can I walk by the shore and get my feet wet for a little while? I promise not to get caught by a wave.”

Her mother smiled and said, “Sure, but don’t stay too long and keep in sight of all of us.”

Rose quickly ran down to the wet sand and felt the cold water run over her toes as a gentle wave lapped the shore. As it receded, she noticed a colorful shell sparkling in the sun, and she quickly scooped it up. It was beautifully pink throated inside, spiraling to seeming infinity inside itself, as the spinney bumpy exterior mislead the unwary eye to leave it unnoticed. Rose held the shell up to her ear and heard the sound of the ocean rush up and rash against the shores of time. As she concentrated on the shell’s magic, she felt a large splash on her face! Not her feet, not her body, but a splash on her face!

Chapter 2: Getting Ready for Hana

2006-09-13T16:43:00.000-07:00

The morning dawned, bright and clear in the sleepy village of Naihiko. It was a perfect Saturday for fishing in Hana and the Gomes family eagerly looked forward to it. Manuel hitched their wagon to Molly their plow horse, while Joe gathered the fishing spears and sacks. The cow and goat had been milked and the chickens fed at 5:00 a.m.

Julia had cooked cornmeal with fava beans and couve the night before. Now it had cooled and hardened enough to cut in squares for their lunch. Along with the cornmeal, she added several loaves of bread and a jar of goat’s milk and a dozen mangoes to the hamper. Then she covered the contents with a clean white towel and put it in the back of the wagon.

By six o’clock, all was ready and Mãe (mother) and Pãe (father) sat in the front seat with little Virginia between. Mother took some mending from her bag while father gathered the reigns of the horse. Lydia and Mary took out crochet hooks and yarn. They were working together on a beautiful yellow blanket for Manuel’s wedding present. Flora was doing some intricate stitches on a pillowcase for her present. Rose was hemming towels and dishcloths for her gift, as the wagon bounced over the bumpy road. The boys sat in the back with their bare feet dangling over the edge. Joe pulled out his harmonica and Manuel strummed on his Ukulele. The made a happy picture as they rolled down the winding dirt road toward Hana and the sea. It wouldn’t take long because it was only two or three miles through the lush green forest of coconut, mango, papaya and banana trees. It had rained during the night, washing the dust from the leaves and making everything look brightly vivid, and clean, smelling fresh and mingling with the fragrances of ginger, sandalwood and frangipani.

This was Rose’s favorite trip. She was convinced that Hana was the most beautiful place in the world. Hibiscus bushes grew rampant. And everywhere she looked their bright colors greeted her eyes. Anthuriums with their bright waxy leaves and screaming yellow tongues sitting in the marshy ponds surrounded by lush ferns, drew Rose’s attention. She loved the variety and color of the flowers all seeming to beg for her notice. Rose felt aware and alive and very happy.

Chapter Two: Introduction

2006-09-05T11:22:00.000-07:00

My mother told me stories of how her father (He is Tony in this story) would dive into the water with the native Hawaiians. They taught him how to hold his breathe and swim deep into the water and where to look for the crustaseans. She said she would always remember how he came up to the surface triumphantly with a lobster in each hand. It sounded so exciting to me.

Of course, the story of Tony and Joao in Chapter Two is really my grandmother's story. She really loved Joao, but she married Tony. I'm glad she did because he was a much better person and I wouldn't be here if she had married Joao. In real life he turned out to be a scoundrel. I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Sandwich Islands: Story Seven

2006-08-25T18:37:00.000-07:00

I went to Lahaina today to trade a load of bananas at the dock. The sailors were full of the news! Queen Liliuokalani is being held prisoner in her palace on the island of Oahu. Ever since 1890 we’ve been in a state of depression because of the McKinley Tariff. This tarriff raised the price of sugar 2 cents a pound over American sugar. Now a group of people, in favor of annexation, have forced the Queen out of power.”
Enjoying his interested audience’s appreciation of the news, Frank Diaz continued, “I’ve also heard that in prison, Queen Liliuokalani wrote the most beautiful song to her beloved Hawaiian Islands. It is a haunting, beautifully sad song called “Aloha Oie”
Everyone discussed the news and heard and reheard the story several times from Frank before they were all finally satisfied that, that was all he knew.
“This means that we could become American citizens someday soon” said father thoughtfully. I wonder how that would affect us? I feel sorry for Queen Liliuokalani. She was loved by a lot of people and she was as good queen. But I guess the big plantation owners couldn’t stand back any longer while their sugar was taxed out of competition with other countries. It is a shame the almighty dollar must come first. But I guess that is progress,” he said philosophically.
Changing the subject father said, “I think I’ll go to Hana tomorrow. The moon tells me the tides and time of month is right for catching lobsters. They’ll make a tasty dinner.”
His children smiled at the news and nudged Rose. She was the favored spokesman and the apple of her father’s eye.
“Please papa, can we all go with you? The girls will bring sewing to do while the boys help you fish. Even mother can come and we’ll have our mid day meal by the shore. Please say we can?”
Joseph smiled as he looked around at his children’s pleading faces. “That sounds like a good plan. What do you think, Julia?” their father asked.
“A family picnic would be fun and we can all enjoy the fresh ocean air and hopefully the sunshine,” smiled mama. “Now its time for bed.”
Each of her children kissed their mother’s hands in turn and she traced the sign of the cross lovingly on their foreheads as she blessed them and hugged them in her warm enveloping embrace. Then they each went off happily and quietly to bed. Their only thought as hey peacefully and tiredly laid their heads on the pillow was the blue sky an ocean waves crashing on the rocks.

Sandwich Islands: Story Six

2006-08-21T13:22:00.000-07:00

Everyone lightheartedly cleared the table and helped wash up quickly. Then they gathered again on the front porch. Unless it rained, this is where the family always gathered at the end of the day. Joe pulled out his harmonica while Manual got his guitar and Pãe got the ukulele tuned up. Mary, Flora and Lydia’s sweet voices harmonized as the rest of the family sang soprano from the mixture of Portuguese and Hawaiian songs they all knew. “I love a pretty Maui Girl, she lives in Waikapu…”

Later in the evening some friends came by as was the custom. This was the time for gossip and trade needed items. “
“Hello Johnny Freitas!” father called. “What do you have there?”

Johnny’s wife, Mary carried carrots and kale while John had a side of salt pork. “Could you spare some corn and a dozen eggs and a loaf of your delicious smelling bread? (pão)

Father smiled and said, “Of course! And we can always use the vegetables and salt pork too.: Turning to his son Joe he said, “Please run and pick a dozen ears of corn for our friends. Rose, would you wrap a loaf of bread in a clean towel for them? Mary, please gather some eggs.” Then father invited his friends to sit down and join the family on the porch.
Mary Freitas gave Julia the vegetables and followed her into the kitchen while the men stayed outside to talk. “I hear your son Manuel is going to marry the Pereira girl in June.”

“Yes! We are happy for him,” Answered Julia. “She is a good Portuguese girl.” Then Julia put the vegetables in the pantry cooler. “We’ll have a big party after the wedding at the Holy Ghost Church. Her parents are from Kula and are planning to invite half the island to the celebration. It is only two months away and Manuel will start working in Kulanui and living at Camp B in Punene the very next week.”

As the women went back to the front porch to join the men, they heard loud voices. Frank Dias from Hana, had just stopped by with big news!

Sandwich Islands: Story Five

2006-08-18T13:02:00.000-07:00

(5)
“Rose, tell us your story!” begged Flora, who hadn’t forgotten about the tale Rose had promised.
“Yes!” chimed the other children, “Tell us about the parrot”
Rose smiled her sweet smile and her eyes twinkled in the candlelight.
“Well, once father took me to the dock with him when I was 6 years old. He had brought a load of corn, bananas, and mangoes to trade with the sea captains in Kahalui Harbor. He left me on the wharf, while he did his bargaining and I wandered around drinking in all the strange sights and smells and sounds. Sailors were stacking boxes of tea and coffee, bales of material and piles of salt cod. I saw a load of Chinese men, wearing pointed hats, come down the ramp of the ship. They looked bewildered and homesick. I felt sorry for them because I know they would be working 26 days a month, 9 hours a day, for only $3 a month. That was barely enough to buy soap and clothes and still save enough to escape bondage some day. If they tried to run away, they were thrown in jail for breaking their contract. I wondered how they could ever better their situation.”
“As I meandered around, enjoying the sounds of all the different languages, German, English, Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese, I heard some very loud squawks coming from a slatted crate. Being very curious, I walked around the box to see what was inside and was astounded to behold the strangest, most colorful bird, I have ever seen in my life. He was beautiful and seemed to know it. When he saw me looking at him, he fluffed and preened his colorful red, orange and green feathers for my inspection. He strutted on his perch and turned his head full circle, keeping his beady black eyes on me the whole time.”
“A passing sailor stopped when he saw me gazing at the bird, wide eyed with admiration.
“Say little girl, don’t put your finger near his cage. He may be beautiful, but he’s ornery and mean. Have you ever seen a parrot before? He’s the sailors pet mascot, and their lucky charm”.
I shook my head and said, “No, I’ve never seen a parrot before and thank you for the warning.” Then I carefully stepped back.
Just as I started to turn away, the bird astonished me further by saying, “Hello, how are you?” Amazement and disbelief warred inside my head. But the sailor assured me that it really was the parrot talking and not a ventriloquist or the work of the devil.
The sailor explained that “He doesn’t know what he’s saying, he just rattles off words he’s heard before. He is what you call a mimic or copy cat.”
Then the sailor left, whistling a Portuguese sea chantey. Timidly I said to the parrot, “Hello, what is your name? My name is Rose.”
The parrot promptly mimicked me and said, “Hello, my name is Rose! My name is Rose! My name is Rose! And then he started whistling the sea chantey I had just heard from the passing sailor.
“By this time, I was getting a little embarrassed,” Rose said, “Because the parrot was screeching and whistling and talking so loudly that people were beginning to stare.”
“Unfortunately, just as I started to leave, the parrot realized it was losing its audience, and yelled, “Ai que diabo” (the devil take you) and following that was a strong string of filthy words and oaths never heard in the Portuguese language before by God fearing people. My ears burned and I could feel my face turn red from the roots of my hair to the tips of my toes. I turned and ran, while the sailors who had stopped to watch, roared with laughter. I was so embarrassed that I ran to our wagon and hid my face among the flour and sugar sacks at the bottom of the buckboard. I didn’t lift my head again until pãe (father) came back with a sack of coffee and a pile of salt cod. I was so ashamed that I never told a soul until this day.”
The family laughed at Rose’s story which she told so well, but they understood her embarrassment even while enjoying the humor of the situation.

Sandwich Islands: Story Four

2006-08-14T11:52:00.000-07:00

They both heard the pots start to bubble and the lids rattle their warning. “The water’s ready for the baths.” Said Rose. Manuel helped Rose fill the large wooden tub in the bathhouse with a mixture of hot and cold water. Then Rose went to the front porch and called, “Virginia, bath time! You’re first!” Thus began the long process of bathing, starting with the youngest. By the time her father had come back from the fields, hot, tired and sweaty, the tub was again filled with clean warm water, ready for his turn.

As father took his bath, Julia his wife, scooped the last loaf of bread into their outdoor oven with a long paddle. The smell of fresh baking bread wafted through the yard and competed with the smell of ginger and mangos hanging on their bushes and trees and with the smell of corn barbecuing on the grill.

Suppertime was the happiest time of the day for most Portuguese families, but especially so for the Gomes family. Anyone standing outside could hear the laughter and observe the glow of happy faces, glad to be all together again, Prayers were said, corn, freshly churned butter, home made bread an thick vegetable chicken soup was eaten with relish and stories were exchanged with interest by all.

Although Joseph an Julia Gomes had come to Maui in 1883, on the Hankow from the Azores and traveled around the Horn, they spoke some English. But at home when they were together, they spoke their native language, Portuguese. All their children were sent to school for a few years at least so that they could learn to read and write English and do Arithmetic so they could understand the value of money. Saving and hard work was something Rose’s parents believed in strongly, next to the Catholic religion and their family, which tied for first place in their lives.

Sandwich Islands: Story Three

2006-08-11T13:10:00.000-07:00

Back at the house, Rose went about the task of cleaning the corn and heating large buckets of water for the tub in the bathhouse.
Her oldest brother, tall and handsome, walked in as she was busily working. “Hello Manuel”, she smiled, “Did you milk the cow and goat?”
“”Its done and the milk is already in the spring house. How was your day, Rose?” Manuel asked.
Although Rose was only 14 years old, everyone loved her and confided in her. They loved her smile, her quiet ways, her interest in people and her sense of humor and the great stories she told. Her oldest brother Manuel, who was 21 especially loved her and confided in her often.
“Oh Manuel, I’ve had a busy day and an interesting one too! At dinner I’ll tell you all about it. But right now I want to know how you and Felicianna are doing?”
“Felicianna is as beautiful and good as ever. I love her more and more each day. We plan to be married this summer at the new church of the Holy Ghost, which was built in Kula last year. Her parents are pleased that we will be married there, since her father donated some of the wood and helped build the church. So did our family donate and help with the building. It seems right and fitting to be married there.
Manuel sat down at the kitchen table and watched Rose as she took the large pan of dough that had tripled in size. He loved to watch her hands as she deftly kneaded, twisted and formed new shapes for the waiting greased pans. Then she covered them again with warmed towels and dusted off her hands to wait for the final rising before the bread could be baked.
Manuel said, “Mr. Peck and Mr. Baldwin signed me up for a 3 year contract at their sugar plantation in Kulanui. I will get to be an overseer and I’ll make $12 a month. Since I’m getting married in June, I get a free house with a wood burning stove in Camp B. If I was still a bachelor, I’d have had to sleep in a large dormitory with the other single men. Having my own place will be much nicer.”
Rose’s face glowed with happiness as she said, “That’s great Manuel, I’m so happy for you and Feliciana. I know she’s a wonderful person and will be a good wife to you.”
Manuel smiled happily and said, “Thanks Rose, I’ll name my first girl after you.”

Sandwich Islands Story Two

2006-08-07T13:47:00.000-07:00

A pot of sopas (soup) seemed to be perpetually awaiting a panoply of ingredients. Its garlic and onion fragrance haunted Rose as she went about the job of preparing the pão. (bread)
First she coiled her think long hair back and pinned it up, tying a kerchief around her head and behind her neck. After washing her hands, she put a large pan of flour on the outdoor oven to warm. Yeast, her mother cultured, was put into warm water and stirred into the warm dry ingredients. Kneading the dough was the secret to light fluffy mouth watering bread. As Rose worked strenuously at the task, perspiration gathered on her hot cheerful face. She loved pounding all the air bubbles out of the mixture and as she worked, she hummed as song of the islands. When the dough was kneaded to her satisfaction, she called her mother.
Her mother came unhurriedly into the kitchen, her voluminous white apron swishing in the breeze. She smiled lovingly at her daughter. Then her mother traced the sign of the cross over the dough and said in Portuguese, “May this bread rise, like the faith all over the world.” She turned to Rose and the children and said, “Now will you please pick a dozen ears of corn for our dinner. Pull off the silk, but leave the husks. Soak the corn in the pan of salt water. Later we’ll cook them over the coals from our lãores (outside oven-grill)
Rose with her older brother and sisters, eagerly ran through their father’s cornfields, racing past row after row of stalks, looking for the biggest ears of corn. As they ran, Rose’s brother, Joe, reached up and tagged Flora’s back. Flora tagged Lydia and the race was on with everyone chasing Mary and Virginia who were the oldest and the youngest girls and still uncaught. Chunky and quick, two seemingly contradictory adjectives described Virginia, as her short black page boy hair vanished in the wind followed by a very red faced puffing Mary.
Rose laughed at their antics, as she went about finishing the job of picking corn. As she started back toward the house, she saw her father in the distance. He was busy digging a ditch for irrigation. His red hair and beard glistened in the sun as he worked. He paused for a moment, shaded his hazel eyes from the sun’s glare, and waved to Rose.
“I’ll be back at the house in a couple of hours, tell Manuel to milk the cow and goat before I return.”
“Yes Pãe” (father), Rose called, “See you soon. Adeus” (goodbye), she happily waved back.

Sandwich Islands: Story One

2006-08-01T23:54:00.000-07:00

She looked like a country girl, tall, apple cheeked, dressed in a coarse unbleached cotton dress, her long wavy chestnut hair trailing below her waist. She walked tall and proud, feet bare,coming from her school in Hana, her bare feet, making footprints in the red powdery dirt. She was feeling light hearted because school was over and her home was just around the bend.
“Rose! Rose is coming!” echoed her brothers and sisters glad voices, as they ran up the dirt road to greet her. “How was school today, Rose? Did you learn any new stories to tell us?” Their upturned eager bronzed faces glowed with inner joy as they scrambled along holding her hands, her skirts or her books.
Rose laughed and answered, “Not today, but I know a true story I’ll tell you later after we’ve done our chores for MaeMãe (mother).”
“What is it about? Is it funny or sad?” chorused the boys and girls. “Is it about the sea again?”
“Yes, it’s about the sea, but there is a parrot in the story too!” she said as she walked up the steps of the wooden clapboard house. “Mãe, a sua benção (mother bless me)” she called. Then she reached out and took her mother’s tired worn hands and kissed them.
Her mother traced the sign of the cross on Rose’s brow and said, “Deus te abençoeabençôe (God bless you)” After kissing her daughter she asked, “How was school today? Did you learn something useful? Do you have homework?”
“Of course mother, there is so much to learn and not enough time to absorb it all. Did you know Mae,Mãe, that the Hawaiian Islands were once called the Sandwich Islands? Wasn’t that a funny name for them?”
Her mother’s round jolly face mirrored her astonishment, as her other children curiously clustered around her. “Sandwich Islands?
I don’t believe it! (Samweech! Zha não believe!) The islands don’t look like samweeches to me.”
Shaking her head and smiling, Rose said, “It’s true, Captain James Cook came from England and he was the first white man to discover these islands in 1789. He named the islands after his friend the Earl of Sandwich and not because they looked like sandwiches. Captain Cook was killed in Hawaii just a year later in 1779 in a native uprising. Now isn’t that something? I love history, it is fascinating!” Rose said.
“Yes,” her mother agreed, “It is interesting alright, but it doesn’t get the bread baked, the supper fixed or the children bathed so let’s get started. I’m glad you’re home because I can use your help and enjoy your entertainment as well.”

Prologue 1976

2006-08-01T23:00:00.000-07:00

A woman with her 3 year old twin girls gazed in awe at the church built perfectly round, made completely of wood, and still standing in spite of its almost 100 years of assault by time.
“Look Kristen and Nicole”, the woman pointed toward a sign. “It says this church of the Holy Ghost, is dedicated to all the Portuguese people who came to this island and contributed so much economically, culturally and socially to Maui. Let’s go in!”
The woman’s tall husband stood back to admire the church with a practiced architectural and engineering eye. He noted how each piece of wood had been cut and slotted to fit the circular structure. As he thoughtfully studied the clean lines of the building, he heard footsteps behind him.
Approaching him was an old man with graying hair and skin the color of teak wood. His face was wreathed in smiles as he said, “Aloha and welcome to our church in Maui. I’m the sexton and my job is the care and cleaning of this beautiful church.” He was obviously an extrovert and a curious one at that. He chatted on for some time before he asked, “What part of Maui is your wife from?”
“Oh no, my wife is a native Californian, born and raised in the Santa Clara Valley,” he answered. He saw that the old man’s crestfallen face looked very puzzled at this information. So to make him feel better, he truthfully added, “But her mother was born in Maui and her grandmother was born here too. Her mother’s family migrated to California in 1924.”
The sexton shook his head and smiled knowingly, “I thought she was a Maui Girl.”