JUMPING OFF THE PIER

All along the pier the signs say NO JUMPING, but these kids (and some grown ups as well) pay no heed.  They wait until a wave comes and off they go.  Some don't even wait for a wave.  They jump, swim to shore, and run up the pier again for their next jump.  Fearlessly, tirelessly, over and over.  Guess that's what it means to be a kid.  Giving yourself completely to pushing the limits, to play, regardless.  Part of me is right there with them, wishing I had the courage to jump when I was a kid (I froze once when I had to jump off the high diving board for my swimming diploma).  But all I do now is take pictures and jump vicariously,

OCCUPY EVERYWHERE: LONDON 10-15-11

Friends visiting London sent me these pictures with the message:  "Here are two photos from St. Paul's Cathedral, London, taken on 10/15/11. We didn't know this was happening, just stumbled upon it. Note all the police in yellow coats."

Thank you, Sandy! 

OCCUPY EVERYWHERE!

IMPROMPTU SHRINE FOR STEVE JOBS

On the sidewalk in front of the Apple store in Waikiki, a touching memorial of flower lei and apples (yes, apples, of course!), pictures, and messages has sprung up in honor of Steve Jobs.  I read somewhere that he will be commemorated this Sunday.  May he rest in peace.

OCCUPY HONOLULU - Continued

After walking through Waikiki from Diamond Head, I met the Occupy Honolulu demonstrators by the Halekulani Hotel and joined them, retracing my steps back through Waikiki to the Gandhi statue in Kapiolani Park.  

It was great fun to find many friends I had not seen in a long time among the large and enthusiastic crowd, chanting: "Show me what democracy looks like/THIS is what democracy looks like!"  And another favorite: "Whose streets?  OUR streets!”  Many people driving by honked their horns in support, adding to the joyful cacophony in the street.

The rally ended in the park in the shade of banyan trees where volunteers had set up a table with sandwiches and salads.  Besides a cooler of water, someone had provided a bunch of coconuts, as well.   

People ate and visited, while a couple of guys played guitar and ukulele.  It looked like a big gathering of family and friends, wonderfully friendly and laid back.

I left before the General Assembly, planned for 3:00 PM.  I had a great day!