Art grew up on the Big Island of Hawaii in a small town called Honokaa. He was a Honokaa boy who grew up with friends and relatives always around. His mom and dad owned the Sweet Shoppe Restaurant. Art says he's washed more dishes than I'll ever see which is probably why he's forever finding what I missed when I wash the dishes. His father also ran the theater which is featured in this book by Leo Yoshida. Art says he helped to operate the projectors as well.
A broken hearted Japanese college student apparently went to live in Honokaa some years ago after Art left and formed a beautiful friendship with an older woman who was the mother of Art's classmate. This fellow then left Honokaa and wrote a book and that book was made into a movie (called Honokaa Boy) in Japan. My mother has read the book and says she's surprised that actual names are in there.
Isn't it amazing that you think your town and your lives were just ordinary stuff of life and suddenly it's made into a movie.
I guess all our lives are really books that could be written. I guess that's why I love reading the chapters of your lives.
That IS amazing. Did you see the movie?
ReplyDeleteHave you read Cloudia's book about Hawaii? From the reviews it is really good.
Kay, you could print your post every day and then bind them into a nice book.
so true and we all need to take the time to write down our stories for our kids and grandkids to read and know us better...
ReplyDeleteYou've hit upon exactly what I was forever trying to tell my high school students, Kay. In the creative writing class in particular, and in all of my classes really, it was hard to convince students that they had stories to tell. One student said to me once, "I have nothing to write about. My parents aren't divorced, I had a happy childhood, no one close to me has died." The students had a hard time believing that what they considered everyday stuff had in it the makings of interesting stories. Some eventually got it; unfortunately, others didn't. The same held true when my seniors wrote the biography of someone important to them. So often the adult they chose as their subject would say to them, "My life hasn't been interesting. There's not enough in it to make a good story." Sad, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteThat is an amazing story Kay! How wonderful!!
ReplyDeleteI think you (and Jean) did hit it right on the head: everyone has stories they can tell. They don't have to be full of tragedy or loss. Every story is unique.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding me. I've got some writing to do.
Great post, Kay! And what you say about our lives is so true, that's part of the joy of blogging -- not only being able to tell my stories, but to read so many others stories as well.
ReplyDeleteKay;
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing about Art's home town being a title and a story of a book....and what you say is so true. We all have at least one book about our own lives that would interest many if written!
...and that's why I write memoirs, 3 so far. Copies can be found in Hawaii public libraries as well as in University of Hawaii libraries. Who knows, maybe the next memoir will contain your name!
ReplyDeleteDina: No, I haven't seen the movie because it hasn't opened in the states. Our friend is visiting from Japan and says he'll bring us a copy of the DVD when it comes out. It's playing in Japan right now so isn't out in DVD. I have seen the trailers though. You can just type in Honokaa Boy on the Search and it's there.
ReplyDeleteLin: I agree and I'm trying.
Jean: We do all have stories to tell but we do have to work to make the telling interesting.
Sherri: We're quite surprised by all this and excited.
Jo: Good for you, Jo.
Sylvia: I feel the same way.
Peggy: Get started Peggy because I know for a fact that you have a very interesting story to tell.
Gigi: That's fabulous! You and Cloudia are such terrific writers. I envy your gifts of words.
We all certainly have stories to tell and I agree with you that "our lives are really books that could be written"-well said! And I enjoy reading your chapters very much!
ReplyDeleteThat's so amazing! What a surprise for you!! I have stories to tell. Stay tuned, Kay.
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff!!!
ReplyDeleteMy book depreses me.
Cheryl: Thanks, Cheryl and you know I love reading yours.
ReplyDeleteMare: You know I'm always staying tuned to you. Your posts always make me smile.
Kay: I'm sorry, Kay. And yet you write with such self effacing humor and wit.
Kay,
ReplyDeletePlease email me --
glendahinchey (a) yahoo.com
thanx.
This was a great post...it seemed to resonate with so many of your fans. Count me among them. Yes... I agree that we all have stories to tell. I am ever so aware of that when I listen to my husband tell about his adventures as a boy and a young man. They're hilarious and poingnant and full of fun and inspiration. He's entertained our children and nieces and nephews and neighbors for years. Yet, he thinks they're "nuthin much to write home about". I really need to get them into print!
ReplyDeleteYou need to compile your stories into hard copy print for your children and grandchildren!! They've been such a joy to read.
This post gave me a warn, nostalgic feeling. All of our childhood stories, our small towns, our experiences, are book material. I love your ending...Chapters of our lives.
ReplyDeleteCaryn: So much of what makes a great book, I think is not necessarily the story but the telling. You, Caryn are a master story teller.
ReplyDeleteLinda: Thanks, Linda. I also grew up in a small town and I believe somebody did write two books about it. It just wasn't made into a movie.
Wow, that would be great to see Kay. I think the best movies are those based on real life. The ordinary lives we all live. I am going to look out for this movie.
ReplyDelete