It was well past midnight in the architecture studio when a fellow student stuck a video camera in my face and said,
“Hawaii you here?”
We were in the middle of an all-nighter sweating a 10 a.m. deadline for final presentations. The bright Hawaiian shirt I was wearing in hopes of keeping my mind awake in the wee hours likely spawned his question, which translated was,
“Why you here?”
That was many, many years ago. years after a lengthy life journey in search of a meaningful pursuit that ultimately led me to architecture, which is why, in answer to his question, I smiled inches from his camera and said,
“Because I love architecture!”
At this point, my mouthful of “Pop Rocks” exploded.
Okay, for those who’ve never heard of or treated themselves to this candy sensation, it’s a hard tart sweet candy you toss into your mouth and when it melts, tiny bubbles of pressurized carbon dioxide are released resulting in a sizzling sound and a taste explosion.
When this surprising spectacle is presented open mouthed to a close up video camera lens, it’s absolutely gross.
But, in our defense, it was well past midnight, and anything that jolted us back to consciousness outside of drinking and drugs was fair play. The drinking and drugs came later.
So much for the leap back in time, let us resume our conversation in the present,
“Hawaii you here”
Just what are you doing here on my blog? Rest assured, I lay awake at night puzzling over why so many people from so many places with so many different backgrounds visit “Travels with Tio.” Is it the catchy title? The image of a stunning sunset over the Teton Mountains in Wyoming, the witty and humorous posts, the poetry? Or, are you intrigued by how a blind guy stays sane while caring for his demented wife?
As I get about 1 actual comment for every 50 visitors to my site and this is not a statistically relevant sample, I’d really like to hear from you. Rest assured that I will sleep better at night and will certainly answer you back. Heck, I might even send you a package of “Pop Rocks.” (Send your mailing address to tiostib@gmail.com, and I will introduce you to this unique candy experience).
“Hawaii you here?”
tio stib
You might also enjoy: Jumping Off, Life Journey Poems & Prose
Travels with Tio 
No “Pop Rocks” please, just more of your keen determination to answer “Hawaii you here?”!
done
Because you’re a nice person and it’s good to read your short blog and feel uplifted.
Thank you for your kind thoughts, I enjoy reading your blog too.
Steve – I read EVERY one of your blogs! I am amazed every time! Amazed about your use of descriptive words. Amazed at the variety of subjects. Amazed at how you are taking care of Maria. Amazed at all the challenges you have. Amazed at how you keep picking yourself up. Amazed at how you keep positive. In other words, I’m AMAZED! When can I come over and visit?
Larry, your kind thoughts are deeply appreciated. I’ll connect with you offline to arrange a get together. Again, thank you for your support.
I return and read because I like your writing, I like how your words move me. I also am concerned for you and your situation, and wish you well, wish that just reading and ‘Liking’ your words could improve your day.
Thank you for your kind response and, yes, such responses do brighten my day. I am also heartened to hear how you work to stay connected to Nature and share your love of the wilderness world with your family. Wishing you a wonderful Fall, my favorite season for outdoor adventures.