I have really been looking forward to this year's MM. Last year at the MM craft fair, a girlfriend of mine, who is also does my coiff, bought the Fornander Collection. I vividly recall her showing me the set, and how happy she was at such a precious score. Yes, it was really spendy, but like our Pākē foremothers used to say, "suffer the price for the best you can buy and you only cry once." At the time, I had made a mental note to myself that I would wait for Native Books to come back, and I would evaluate then if I wanted to drop the cash on those books.As this MM approached, I had developed a quiet resolution that yes, I really wanted my own FC. I have collected books over the years and try only to buy what would I consider valuable content (I don't get worked up over particular editions or quality; if I can turn the pages and read each one, I'll go after the bussup copy on ebay any day over one in pristine condition). I have never considered owning Fornander, because let's face it, that set was soooo out of reach. This year though, I would make it a financial priority; a gift to my household and to my impending 40th birthday.Its the beginning of the month and the bills are paid. Funds have been squirreled away and I am ready. This morning I said, "today is the day! Native Books is going to be at the Civic!" I walk down the isle and see ʻEhukai. ʻAelike ko māua maka. I ask him if they had brought a set of Fornander with them this year. His face slightly fell as he said, "we sold our our very last set last year here at this craft fair…out of print…quoth the palala nevermore…"Several things run though my mind…blood throbs between my ears…ebay and alibris and gouging and oh no…gaaayah…plan b…gotta get back to work…try to do the Ghandi trip and chill, but freafrickafreraarefarfugneugenfindmemyfornandersconfonnit…Ok. Nuff kicking the dirt. It isn't meant to be right now. Get up, Trinity!…then the day goes on. Hale Bihopa is new this year at the Civic; they bring this hu-mangous display in front of the food booth. As the day goes on, the mnemonic programming from repetitive gazing gets at me. After the lunch rush, I take the time to really check it out. What. A. Score! It is the Haʻilono 2008 display, with a free booklet replica of the display, as well as a quality reprint of a particular edition of Ka Nupepa Kuokoa 1862. Ke Akua is so good…no lede, you aren't getting a priceless bookset. You get to save your money and take these copies of equally priceless ʻike. As the rest of Hilo is sitting in the Stadium enjoying Johnny Arum Ho (as his gazillions of Japanese dancers respectfully call him), I am going to chill out the rest of the evening pouring over the booklet and nupepa, just a little stoked at how this day has turned out.Nani ka haʻawina.Later on I can plan on how to get my hairdressah to gimme back my Fornander set that she bought with all the money I gave to her…
Luahiwa- Aloha wau ia 'oe, you always know how to make me smile. From the first day we met, so many moons ago at the PLOH on Kino'ole when my Hi'i was in diapers. Your mau mana'o always puts a smile on my face. I feel so blessed to call you my friend. Give my aloha to your 'ohana, la maika'i ia 'oe and once again Mahalo for the countless smiles that you have caused.....and I'm sure will continue to cause.....
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