Aloha from Hawaii

This week I have returned home to La'ie to do some book promotion, combined with a little bit of research. While not everything went quite as planned, I had a week that was nothing short of amazing.

I ate food featured in Bumpy Landings, including banana pancakes at the Hukilau Cafe:

and pineapple delight (which is no longer served in a pineapple shell) at the Polynesian Cultural Center night show.

I did my first school presentations as an author at my old alma matters, BYU-Hawaii and Kahuku High. I was joined by fellow CFI author Susan Corpany, who lives a short hop away in Hilo.

Susan also joined me for a very successful book signing at the BYU-Hawaii bookstore.

I met with all kinds of old friends as I wandered around town, and when they asked what I was doing there, I pulled out a card and told them about my book. It wasn't the way I planned to market Bumpy Landings, but it sure seemed to work.

I also went to see my friends in the band Vaihi, who provided the background music for my book trailers.

They made me get up and dance the Shama Lama.

And I did research. I was privileged to go behind the scenes at the Polynesian Cultural Center, and watch the cast and crew put together the night show. I also went to a community fundraiser, and solved two different problems that have been plaguing my current work-in-progress.

I had a chance to attend the La'ie temple, and see how nice everything looks after its recent renovation. Afterward, I went behind and took a picture of myself in front of the giant banyan tree.

The week has flown by, and while I'm excited to get back home to my girls and a routine that will maybe allow me a bit more writing time, it's going to be hard to leave behind this wonderful place in the middle of the sea.

Aloha oe, La'ie. Until we meet again.