Sunny Waves
Friday night started out with documenting a live performance of a local artist that goes by the name of CalmOddity. The show was a mixture of different levels in performance but CalmOddity was solid. He really grips your throat with his lyricism and style. When the show was over a text message was sent over from a good buddy from the University. An invitation to go meet some new folks and kickback for the rest of the night. Annika and I were game, so we cruised on up to this amazing house that sits above the bay. Our night escalated to second story porch jam sessions and laughs all night long. Getting to know these wild people has been awesome, from one on one talks and jam sessions with Zach to hanging out in banyan trees, the fun never stops.
Saturday we all woke up to the golden light walking through the windows onto our beds. The bay was calm with stoic cumulonimbus clouds and shimmering reflections off the dark blue ocean. A few boats waded around with white trails following behind.
There had been talks in the late evening before of going on an adventure to Kona side to camp and surf for the weekend. Spontaneously we all came to the conclusion to just go for it. There was a general consensus to go somewhere near Makalewena, one of the most beautiful beaches on the Big Island. The drive to Kona was peaceful and filled with good stories and laughs. Justus rode in the backseat of the CRV cramped between loads of surfboards and other gear. He's someone that I've been wanting to get to know more and hear more about his stories, but all comes in time.
The first beach that we hit up is just south of Makalawena and eventually connects to it. A sandy strip with a bit of waves and good places to chill out at. The sun was still relatively high in the sky and we were hungry, on the menu was poke, rice and tortilla chips. Something that is deeply enjoyed on the beach. Zach, Justus and Nico went out surfing while Annika, Terry, Lindsay and myself kicked back on the beach. I didn't have a board and was more in the zone for kicking back with the guitar anyhow. Hammocks were tied onto palm trees as the guys paddled back to shore. Backflips, lifting fallen palm trees and gazing out over the water were had.
Our plan was to camp out at the End of the World sandpits, but by the time that we arrived there were already a few parties that had taken the spot that we were planning on staying at. Besides the fact we chose to hang out on one of the cliff sides talking story and eating a quick dinner for a few hours. One of my favorite parts of the night was talking story with Zach. Exploring ideas about music, potential spots for a jam pad and the likes. Everyone was having a great time and the hours were glowing thinly closer to morning. Without a place to campout for the night, I suggested the old airport to campout at. Relatively close to our current location and overall a nice soft place to seek refuge for the remaining hours until daylight. By the time we arrived at oldairport the gates had yet to close and lock, so we were able to park inside and walk a short distance to soft sand padding. The conversations and laughs under starlit evening continued forward. I called it goodnight quite sometime before everyone else, which is often rare.
My eyes opened after a restless night, the sky was black with hints of dark blue sculpting the way over the volcanoes peak. Stars cascaded to nothing from where all endless spaces erupted and I stared wondering about how this day would play out.
Not too long after, Zach stood up and began moving about our campsite when he spotted an officer of law speaking closely to another group of folks further down the beach line. That was our cue to get up and moving onward. We scattered, even though the realization hit that we could stay and kick back with no issue. Back at our cars we decide breakfast and most likely coffee was in store. The only thing on my agenda was to attend Shorebreak Church and get some Jesus in my soul.
A stop over at Safeway for some chicken and Starbucks coffee was breakfast, afterwards we all parted ways. They headed to the beach and Annika and I to church.
The service was incredible, never have I experienced an acoustic worship set as I did this morning. I remember standing singing, worshiping, listening to the congregation and feeling as if angels were singing around us all. There was a calm slow motion stilling flow that captivated a piercing smile uon my face.
We met up at Costco for lunch, then torpedoed to Kua bay where we all had a blast getting thrashed by waves, found a message in a bottle and continued to explore.
Overall this was definitely one of the coolest weekends back on the island.
Music Update : New Electric "Sleepy Bay Lullaby" Jam
Take a listen to the new song I've been working on called "Sleepy Bay Lullaby" that I recorded.
Place a comment with some feedback! I'd love to hear what you think.
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Kick out the New Jams
Go scope out some new jams in the music section of the site.
The Spot : Laupāhoehoe
Saturday I made the random decision to ditch Hilo and go for a drive, ending up at one of my favorite kick back spots on the Island. I spent the day there working on music, organizing and editing lyrics. Really dialing in my ideas of conceptualizing an official album. The ocean in front of me and the cool breezes swaying the branches back and forth. A time of peace and quiet, no distractions, no excess of food, people, ulterior motives or sucking time away from the true activities I wish to be partaking in. It was incredibly refreshing to setup the table and kickback in the car watching the repeating waves as fingers pluck guitar strings.
Around 7PM Holy Spirit promoted me to head back to Hilo, though I definitely wanted to just stay back and camp out by myself, but there was a very definite prompting and I couldn't exactly figure out why. It was only after getting back on the road that the memory of what was taking place, The BCM Operation Christmas Child party.
A good half an hour ride back into town revealed the truth. It was a good time to reflect on the afternoon, my ideas and plans for the future. Packing the boxes for someone that I don't even know in a foreign country let off an uplifting feeling, that the possibility of helping someone in a greater manner than the usual day in day out.
The realization has set in that time alone in the wilderness is once again a time for seeking. For me personally too much time with people can and will effect my relationship and time with God. In order to have the most beneficial outward relationships with community, the vertical relationship must be established and firm. In order to do that a state of recharging much take place. That my own personal relationship with Christ needs a definite evaluation often especially when looking to influence the people around me. If Christ is not the main focus and the conduit for my mindset and discipline, then character and actions could be off. Christ needs to be the constant source of influence, the constant target that is being consistently aimed at.
Keep moving forward and hitting your target.
-ArrowAhead
End of the World - VLOG
During the first month of being in Hawaii there were quite a few adventures had. But then one of my cameras broke. Here's a video of a journey to the end of the world, a cliff jumping location just outside of Kona.
Down into the valley
Choice : Wait in line for hours on end in hopes for a chance to vote for the nations demise or go on a hike and experience freedom with people that love adventure and good times?
We chose the good times with God and new friends. No set plans other than the rough idea of heading towards Waipio Valley to hike and explore. Starting with a nice hot breakfast of eggs and coffee was an excellent way to begin the morning. Annika and I's ride arrived around 6:40 A.M. so we car pooled from her house to the Zip line near about 15 minutes north of Hilo, where we met up with some more folks to parade down the valley with. Most of these strapping young characters worked at the zip line or were friends outside.
Laughs and shared stories entered the air as we became familiar with each other, then the time came for us to surge into the vehicles and get on the road. I rode with two gentlemen and one of the girls. Annika rode with Falicity and another guy with his dog Slayter. The drive was mellow, a soundtrack of local reggae jams and the smell of fresh ocean air rising up over the cliffside.
My mind was clear and instead of filling the atmosphere with conversation I went internal, thinking of the things that I would like to improve on in my life, heart and mind thoughts. For sometime my breath has been constantly a struggle to get ahold of, It's highly possible that I still deal with minor dresses of anxiety. Noticing that my breathing is often rushed, causing my thoughts to rush and a tension to pace back and forth throughout my veins. Having once dealt with this on an extensive level I knew and understood how to counter attack this, it's only once you realize the problem that you can begin to repair it. Slowing each breath to a drawn out process allows for the mind to slow, piercing the lack of focus and bringing me to a direct intention of thought. 4 Seconds inhale, 4 seconds hold, 4 seconds exhale, 4 seconds hold... Repeat. No thought, but the slow repetition of upward counting to the number 4.
If this life is meant to live and give it all, give all in everything you have to give.
A misty fog and light rain greets us from the look out. We all are on the fence about committing to this hike down, but we have high hopes that the sun will come out and clear away the darkness. Our descent down is quite intense, the road slippery and nearly 40* in grade. The view is incredible, the stillness of rain trickling down off of overhanging plants and down the rugged cracked asphalt creates a metamorphic state. From the busyness of town, slowly transitioning into an ever close canopy of vivid green tress and slow passing rivers. The group passes through slippery mud and hop over and around deep puddles like children that make believe in their backyards of real adventures just as this. We are experiencing freedom, freedom from worry and fear, freedom from time, freedom from a body of busy contractions built into society.
The campsite is setup, part of the group took a four wheel drive Toyota pickup down in order ease they're bodies from the unimaginable hiking. They are barbecuing sausage, bacon, potatoes, burritos and talking stories. The ocean roars with pumping waves nearly 10-15 feet high. Like living next to an airport where the consistent uproar of engines pulsates throughout town, the rushing waves move in explosive crashes yet carries the followthrough with grace and immense calming fractures towards the shore and upriver, where fresh and salt water mix and coexist.
I shoot video and photos of all the fascinating scenery taking place around us. Black sand sinks over my toes with each passing step and slow breath of the salt filled air. I take about fifteen minutes to sit and recognize my creator, that even amidst some of the wildest rocks, waterfalls, ocean waves and roaring soundscapes all is minute, microscopic in comparison of which could lock down life as well as pluck it all away.
“Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalm 46:10 Amplified Bible (AMP)
Soon, my eyes pan from one end of the shore to the other, the misty waters rise and fall against the cascading cliffside. I am in awe of the greens, browns, blues and vibrant red and oranges that are painted upon the trunks of wildly developed trees.
One part of the beach is separated by the large river that intertwines into the ocean front. The tide washes in and out with dramatic effects. Raising and lowering by major amounts of water. I watch the timing of the seas melodies with the idea of crossing over to the other side. The smells from the barbecue float on a winds edge bringing me back over to camp for some delicious spicy Italian sausage and burritos.
Annika is beginning to get restless in the sitting and watching, she asks for more adventure. Rounding up the crew we walk to the rivers edge, the black sand falls sheerly into the rocks below. White water salt foam swirls round and round creating intricate patterns overwhelming by site. Tide pulls out draining the entry point of the river leaving the river to stand steady around 15" high. We all wade across to the other side with smiles in the presence of such a vast valley.
One of our first discoveries was a couch made of rocks stacked onto each other,
then an array of wild trees to walk and climb on.
A time comes to where I leave the group to walk alone in the wilderness, to find time to be with God in the quiet solitary divine.
My heart was overwhelmed with a calm peace that I had been praying about for sometime. From the moment I woke up to the very moment when I sat alone by the riverside and viewed the dancing reflections, picturing where I had come from to where I am exactly. Amidst all of the bumps in the road and the moves that had been made still standing united in the truth and with the people that matter most. Nothing seemed to bother me, though there were a few thoughts that were negatively effecting my perspective they were quickly taken captive and released unto the savior. There's nothing greater than the peace that comes with a mind of gratitude and hope in the Lord.
Time passed with a subtle unawareness or care for numbers and clocks. One of the members of the crew had just received a certification for climbing trees and brought along his climbing gear. He strings up an awesome rope swing and we all take turns enjoying learning how to move up and down the rope. We are all weightless.
Even though we were not paying attention to time, there was an obvious awareness of surrounding and the sun begins to drop closer to the horizon. The camp is packed up and we hike the incredibly steep road back up towards the lookout point. It took us about 45 minutes to get to the top, drenched in sweat having finished all of our water and skittles.
I lay in the grass to cool down and watch the oceans repeating rolling waters against the monolithic cliffs.
Our journey is finalized with a great feast of local pizza and a cool drive through the night.
Black and White Friday
This week was one of trial and letting go of the usual routine and habits in order to search out new experiences and people. Aside from my usual dedication towards my own personal work and the typical folks that linger in the daily in and out. To put that aside, purposefully releasing that subject from my mind space. To have a clear mind in order to allow the new to appear and grow away from the overwhelming box that routine often throws me into. It bites hard, the routine that is... Doing the same thing over and over with no end in site. The idea of settling down to a confined space to live out a life that isn't true to my perspective and desires would be going against who I've been designed to be. With the explorations of mind, environment,
Sacrifice has been a repeating motive to aim at, especially in these days. Not standing in the spotlight, not using words that don't need to be used, relinquishing the desire to be someone that I am not, to please a crowd with false character. Stay true to the character that is you. Sacrificing time and energy for things or people that wouldn't usually be the focus point in my days and hours. It's not only important to mix it up because of the new things learned but because it is indeed refreshing.
In these new discoveries and purposeful setting aside of agenda to see what else is out there, new people were met and learned about. Conversations that opened perspectives and ideas on how to engage in my own ideas.
Here are some photos from Black and White Friday. Nothing too spectacular or eye gripping. But a bit of where I was at that night.
Bird Day Weekend
The month of October is where my Birthday lands. The entire month was filled with adventures day in and day out, radical love displayed by others and more self discovery. But it wasn't until this past weekend that all of the real fun began, when a journey across the island was put into movement. From Hilo to a beautiful location called Laupāhoehoe was the first leg of our trip. Raging waters and dark skies with vertical drop cliffs and monolithic concrete structures to create the pier welcomed us. There is a misty rain that falls from above, out at sea thick white walls move closer and closer. A kind but ratty stray cat finds his way to us and befriends us for the comfort of a pillow. My inner dog care taker comes out and tells the cat to get lost, to where he takes refuge underneath a dry tree canopy. Annika made an incredible batch of tangy crock pot chicken with carrots and other veggies to which we made delicious tacos and had dark chocolate for desert.
Rain drove us further North into Waimea, we stopped for a good hour or so to re-plan the adventure. The weather was not expected at all, and though it was in its entirety a surprise from Annika, she had to spill the beans and tell me that the next location was supposed to be a hike in Pololū Valley. The rain was surrounding us and caused this grand scheme to be put off for another time. We both came to the conclusion that it would be exciting to just drive and see where we end up together. Kona was our new destination, specifically "Pine-trees" another sandy beach North of Kona where camping and fires are allowed. More gifts and laughs were had, a walk among the sandy waters, stars overhead and a roaring fire. She brings ice cream sandwiches on a plate over to me next to the fire, candles lit and a simple "Make a wish". Ice cream cake on the beach, never been had in all my ages. Soon we decide to leave and head back to my mothers house. The night continues with celebration and timeless scenes. A blizzard in my mind and lighting from another time.
The morning comes in a soupy loudness from the kitchen. My mother walks into the living room where I slept and begins singing the birthday song, then proceeds to tell me that she's taking me out for breakfast at Bongo Bens, a nice beachside style diner. My sister Savanna joins us, a very nice way to start the day. I ordered a black coffee and a "Bongo Omlet" Filled with sausage, bacon,cheese,onion,mushrooms and other awesomeness. Annika ordered a fruit covered waffle which she covered in coconut syrup. My mom ordered a stack of pancakes and Savanna a simple breakfast burrito. A lot of good conversation and laughs, the turquoise ocean greeted from across the street and birds flew around us. Afterwards we all headed back to the house in order to get ready for the beachy afternoon. My sister sophia was at a friends house taking care of some puppies, so we had to pick her up as well. The puppies were not even three weeks old yet and had just opened their eyes. Incredibly soft and wanting to be held. Soon I would like to get a puppy to raise and train. Perhaps soon? Driving to the beach is a good twenty five minutes if not longer. I filled the time drawing illustrations on my sisters hand and leg, then mine as well.
Kua beach was next on radar, white sands and calm radiant blue waters to play in. My guitar brought sounds to our group and we all continued sharing stories. After about 45 minutes of sun bathing we all jumped in the ocean and waded around. The waves began to pick up, so naturally I began to body surf and rag doll myself into the waves. A bit of snorkeling, then back to the beach, where the stories began to get deeper and bring more comedic value. My mom begins with a few embarrassing tales from my younger childhood days, which leads into me talking about my mischief days and rambunctious acts during the summers left alone with my brothers. Around 3 o'clock we leave the beach and go back home for the actual birthday cake and gifts from family. My sister had prepared cupcakes with white chocolate frosting which were amazing. Photos are taken for memory, my mom is ready for work and they all watch as I open up the gifts. I'm incredibly grateful for the gifts I received, A notebook for writing music in, a power inverter for the car, a nice dress shirt and thermos for coffee.
Soon my mom heads to work and I prepare the car for the journey back to Hilo. In my mind I'm thinking that the birthday weekend is complete and all the fun surprises had been had. But no, Annika had a few more up her sleeves. Once in Hilo, she pretends to be lost and disorientated and I begin to give her directions and not understand why she isn't listening. She parks and says, "I just need to take a minute." We're parked in front of "The Hilo Burger Joint", somewhere that I had never been before but had heard amazing things abut it. She asks if I would like to take a walk around and then leads me into the burger joint to which a group of people are sitting at a table and begin signing happy birthday to me. It's a very unique group of folks that we've come to know through bible study and Sunday night church. This time I am genuinely surprised, and thought it was quite entertaining to watch her play it out. The birthday person receives a free burger on the house, so through the many awesome choices I select the blue cheese burger with Fire and Ice fries. We have a feast of American style food and the stories make their ways around the table.
What an excellent weekend and way to complete the journey.
Makalawena Campout
The last weekend consisted of a spontaneous adventure to Makalawena, a secluded beach Kona side. It's access is mostly available only by 4x4 vehicles but completely worth it. Leaving late in the afternoon caused us to arrive at our destination quite late, finally arriving at the campground around 9:00 PM. The campground overlooked a bay that was completely illuminated by the full moon. The quiet dreams brought forth by the calming waves whispered into my ears throughout the night. Unfortunately the campground was very rocky and exploration was still to be had despite the late evening. A soft white sand beach about half a mile down trail greeted the crew. I had the guitar on hand and stayed up until midnight strumming away. The warm sea water clothed my feet on and off as I sat on a large uprooted tree. Lonesome times to talk with God and seek out answers and help.
One of my greatest struggles lately has been dealing with bitter sadness. Roots of which began to grow sometime ago due to circumstances and fallen, or perhaps delayed dreams? It's very interesting to experience an unfamiliar range of emotions, passiveness towards people, with an aim to stare them in the eye and sigh. The struggle to really care : not only be there, but to hold on and fight. It seems as if everyday has been a fight from the moment my eyes open. A fight to consciously decide that I am still for Jesus and actively pursuing Him. A fight to say no to the nagging pull to stay in the safe position of laziness. The battle is already won though. Day in and day out the victory is there not because of my own strength or mind set, but because Jesus is fighting for me. Fighting for the ones he loves.
On this night with the ocean glowing blue the silence surrounds me every waking move. Every strum and thought was an orchestra of crying out. In this moment everything inside wants to give in and lay my body into the sea to forget my problems, forget my sin and forget the racing mindset. But then an overwhelming calm comes over me and the questions of solace revise the wrong doing opinions about myself. Friday night is slowly peaking into Saturday morning, my eyes grow heavier and heavier, soon I walk through the cool white sand to my sleeping bag next to a log and call it good night.
Saturday Morning : My eyes open before the sunrise and everyone else. Annika and her house mate lay down aways on the beach still asleep. So I pick up my guitar to go sit by the waters edge once again. My contemplative state is heightened and begin to question everything once again. From faith to the reasoning behind being in Hawaii. The questions that were being asked in my head were both heavy and uplifting at the same time, because with every doubt came reassurance from my experience and walk with God. Testimonies are powerful, witnessing God's grace and mercy, his intervention on your life is the crossroad that can lead you back to truth. The reminder of where you came from to why you are living out your life the way you are. My testimony reminds me of the dark life that was left behind to live for the King. That my hope doesn't belong in work, people, or pleasures of this world, but that of the Glory to the King.
The frustration of life was still lingering, but my hope was reassured.
A few hours later the crew was up and about. Fishing, walking the beach, gazing out over the ocean. We were all taking on individual tasks and trying to make the most of the trip. Some things led Annika and I to go for a walk across the long white beach. The wind was howling and turquoise blue waves began to build up. Sand dunes grasped our attention, green vines grew all around and over the berm a dozen goats roamed freely. I watched for a solid half hour. They simply lived. Eating and roaming. Why can't we live like that?
The sand blew across my face, grains stuck to my salt stained hair and I gazed vacantly about the scenes. Rays of light crept through the clouds over hanging mountains and ageless lava rock. I'm curious as to what else will be learned in the near future. How will love evolve in my heart, closer to the way Jesus had shown or further apart? Do I grasp the things I used to hold?
Breakfast was a plate of oatmeal and rice milk, quickly gobbled down. I found a resting place on the tailgate of the Toyota 4Runner, sitting watching the ocean swells sweep round and round. My guitar in hands I begin to play again, like an old friend that's been kindly neglected. Most of the early afternoon is spent simply being still. Listening to waves, conversations and pondering all the information coming at me. Silver, yellow and red fish gather in the shallow areas. Refracting light dances off their scales with color that blends into the blues. Being still really sets in perspective the amount of self control you have. Stillness of mind and body help to focus your thought, but most of all brings the realization of exactly how controlled you are. An inflatable kayak was brought along and we all really enjoyed sharing the vessel. From one beach to another we travelled back and forth, soon to take a decent amount of time to nap and sunbathe. Annika and I take the kayak out for one last voyage back to the camping spot. We watch the sunset reflect off the dark ocean top with no noise but the licking waves moving about all our surroundings.
For dinner we eat fresh fish that Tom caught. Another night on the sandy beach leads to staying up late for the full moon. Walking across the beach I take several long exposures. Having forgotten my tripod the gift of improvisation kicks in and I use the natural environment as a stand, a few rubber bands and a rock as a shutter hold. (Since my shutter remote had stopped working a while back.)
Teaching Annika photography has been a great blessing in my life, sharing the obtainde talents and knowledge. She takes hold too the camera and begins instructing me on where to stand, how to pose, then hits the shutter based on what I've taught her.
Early morning we left quickly and headed back to the heart of Hilo. Another grand adventure on the island of Hawaii.
The Road Ahead
This video has been in the works for some time now. It derives from two eras of my life. The first half was developed and filmed on the Big Island just before leaving to go back towards the mainland. My buddy and worship pastor for Shorebreak Church allowed me to borrow his Honda Shadow motorcycle for one last weekend island ride. Spontaneous thoughts to stop and film the journey ruled over my actions. The camera would be planted on the roadside where then I would backtrack and get the shots. Overall there wasn't any particular story I wanted to be telling with the footage. But once arriving back to the mainland ink dropped to paper and often never left for days. Inspirations from proverbs and psalms were drawn away.
The motorcycle footage was compiled based around the poem and then stored into my computers hard drive for nearly a year. Sometimes I lose interest in a project or move on to something else. In this case it was both, I had grown bored of it, especially attempting to get someone to collaborate musically for the videos sake.
It's only been recently after returning to the Island that the project was dug up and these hands began to rework the footage and add onto it. The original scoring that was floating in my brain was that of a space dream sound. As played in the video it's more heavy and darkened. Black ash and fire.
Enjoy