Sounds of Silence

Plumeria

Everything stops at night. Sounds of silence. Listen closely and you hear the noise of void. It's dark and beautifully empty.

The island curfew seems to be working. The state of Hawaii reported this morning that two visitors arrived on Kauai last Friday.  Less than 180 visitors showed up that day on the island of Oahu, tourist central.

The numbers are supposed to be less for Saturday, although not yet published.

Because most arrive by air, Hawaii has the distinct ability to monitor incoming people. Few flights are arriving or departing due to the virus. No deaths from c-19 have yet been reported.

We remain undecided about when to leave. As the clock ticks, airlines eliminate departures. The very few direct outbound flights cost more than $1,000 each.

Will the nefarious virus soon spread widely here, too? Then what?

Yesterday the weather was perfect. Periods of brilliant sunshine and patches of blue sky following the deluge of Friday-Saturday. Plumeria and Puakenikeni flowers are beginning to bloom. These are the most popular flowers for making aromatic floral leis.

Both flowers grow on trees. The plumeria are opening their petals with shades of pink, white and yellow. The leaves on plumeria trees take more time to show up, as if less important and late to the party, the opposite of self-important people.

It's amazing how the scenery changes so quickly and dramatically. Tumbling white waterfalls appear on the mountain sides. Glossy greens subtly wave. Red and yellow hibiscus add color. I am humbled by nature's majesty.

Isolated walkers and a few bicyclists move about on paths and roads.

Surf riders watch, wait and listen.

Quiet, contemplative times while we slow down, pay attention to our most vital needs and gifts.