Lisa Carter's Blog, page 36

Let’s Go Hawaiian—A 1.5 Minute Tour of the Place of Refuge

Teaser—Something significant happens here between Kai and Laney.

For more behind the scene photos of Aloha Rose, visit http://www.pinterest.com/quiltsoflove/aloha-rose-by-lisa-carter/.

Let’s Go Hawaiian—The Painted Church

When missionaries arrived in the Hawaiian islands, few islanders could read or write in English. As a way of sharing the gospel, pastors would often paint Bible stories onto the walls on the church sanctuary so that the truths of Scripture could spring to life for the island people.

This small church just off the highway to the Place of Refuge is a wonderful place to stop. Here a 19th century priest—and self-taught artist—shepherded his flock through the use of these beautiful renditions of Bible stories. The church has a commanding and breathtaking view out the back of the bay. The parking is well appointed and there is no entry fee.

The church, listed on the National Register, is a still active congregation and lovingly preserved by its congregants. Respect any services in progress. And if all clear, leave a donation for the unique example of missionary art.

For more behind the scene photos in Aloha Rose, visit http://www.pinterest.com/quiltsoflove/aloha-rose-by-lisa-carter/.

You say “flip-flops”, Hawaiians say “slippahs.”

In the islands, the preferred footwear of choice for Hawaiians is “slippahs”.

Flip-flops are a thong sandal so named by Americans and Brits since the early 1970s. An example of an onomatopoeia, the word derives from the sound that is made by walking in them.

In other parts of the world, flip-flops go by different appellations. In India— the “air sandals” are known as Hawai chappal. In Japan, zori. Hawaiians call them slippers.

Flip-flops can be traced to the ancient Egyptians. One pair, discovered in Europe and composed of papyrus leaves, dates back 1500 years and was worn in Jerusalem at the time of Jesus Christ.

Can you say wow? Who knew?

Flip-flop Factoids

1. Masai flip-flops are made of rawhide.

2. The Japanese and Chinese use rice straw.

3. Made of wood in India. Ouch.

4. In Mexico, flip-flops are constructed using the yucca plant.

5. The strap hasn’t always been between the first and second toes.

6. Ancient Roman citizens wore the sandal strap between the 2nd and 3rd toes.

7. In ancient India, only a “toe knob” separated the 1st and 2nd toes.

8. The modern flip-flop emerged in the U.S. as soldiers returned from World War II bringing the Japanese zori.

The flip-flop became popular in the 1950s and was redesigned to fit in with the bright colors common to the postwar American culture. In the 1960s, Californians adopted the sandals as a necessary wardrobe element of their beach lifestyle. Since then, flip-flops have become an essential footwear not just for beach or casual occasions. Girls decorate their sandals with charms, beads and jewelry.

Barack Obama became the first U.S. President to be photographed wearing flip-flops while vacationing in his native Hawai’i. Sales of flip-flops exceeded sneakers for the first time in 2006, a remarkable feat considering the low cost nature of the sandals. As Americans embrace the less is more, casual lifestyle, flip-flops promise to be an enduring element of the American dream.

What are your favorite flip-flops?

Share a picture at lisa@lisacarterauthor.com.

See http://www.pinterest.com/quiltsoflove/aloha-rose-by-lisa-carter/ for more slippah photos featured in Aloha Rose.

Let’s Go Hawaiian—Aloha Speak

The Hawaiian language contains only 12 letters.

H, K, L, M, P, W, N—7 consonants

A—ah, E—ay, I—ee, O—long o, U—oo

5 vowels which are used over and over—in the same word where each vowel utilized is sounded out.

Lei—Lay + ee

Two diacritical marks are used—the okina (backwards apostrophe) and the kahako.

An okina indicates a brief, silent pause.

Hawai’i—Ha-(v)why-ee

The kahako is placed above a vowel and stresses the vowel sound.

And we’re not going to even touch on the diphthongs.

Favorite Hawaiian Words—

‘ohana—family

Mele Kalikimaka—Merry Christmas

Hau ‘oli La Hanou—Happy Birthday

Favorite Pidgin Hawaiian Expressions—

No make big body—Try not to act as if you own the place.

Wheah you goin’ braddah?

Oh, holoholo—No plan, it’s the journey not the destination.

Eh fo’real, brah—It’s true, brother.

Your turn—Translation Please

Broke da Mouth—Tastes really good.

For more behind the scene photos of Aloha Rose, visit http://www.pinterest.com/quiltsoflove/aloha-rose-by-lisa-carter/.

Two Free Book Giveaways—Celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day

Today instead of celebrating Columbus Day, I’m celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day. This photo cracks me up and pretty much sums up my feelings on Columbus Day.

Several states recognize Indigenous Peoples Day as a way of honoring the indigenous people groups of North, Central and South America.

North Carolina is home to the largest population of Native Americans east of the Mississippi. I’ve known various members of the Cherokee, Lumbee, Haliwa-Saponi and Coharie tribes throughout my life. I’ve always been fascinated by their culture. And admired their persistence and perseverance against overwhelming odds to survive and thrive.

This picture makes me laugh, too. Yes, I realize I may have an “unusual” sense of humor.

In honor of fictional hero, Mike Barefoot who is one-quarter Cherokee—the only federally recognized tribe in North Carolina—I’m giving away one copy just today of Carolina Reckoning.

And . . . I’m also giving away just today an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) for Aloha Rose—in honor of fictional grandmother, Tutu Mily, who is Native Hawaiian, another under-recognized indigenous people group within the United States of America. The winner will get a sneak peek at this Quilts of Love island romance that doesn’t release to the general public until November 19.

Two free book giveaways to two lucky commenters. Contest Rules—1. Comment on the question and leave your email address for a chance to win. 2. Share this blog link to your Facebook friends.

Indicate in your comment if you are entering for either book or if you have a preference.

Deadline to submit entries will be 11:59 pm EST on October 14, 2013. U.S. residents only.

What are your thoughts on changing Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day?

For a chance to win Carolina Reckoning or Aloha Rose, leave a comment. The winners will be notified by email next week.

Check out behind the scene photos of Carolina Reckoning at http://pinterest.com/lisacoxcarter/carolina-reckoning/.

For behind the scene pics of Aloha Rose at http://www.pinterest.com/quiltsoflove/aloha-rose-by-lisa-carter.

Let’s Go Hawaiian—2 Minutes of Whale Songs

Anyone remember who heard the whale singing in Aloha Rose?

Close your eyes and really listen. Breathe deeply. Let the serenity and peace of one of God’s most majestic creatures overtake you as you glorify Him for His infinite creativity and imagination.

Let’s Go Hawaiian—A 15 Second Tour of Rainbow Falls

Time for a Hawaiian Calgon stress reliever break. Hit PLAY, close your eyes and open your imagination. Breath deeply. Exhale. This moment of tropical paradise has been brought to you today courtesy of Aloha Rose.

For more behind the scene photos of Aloha Rose, visit http://www.pinterest.com/quiltsoflove/aloha-rose-by-lisa-carter/.

Let’s Go Hawaiian—Under the Sea with Aloha Rose

90% of plants and animals are found nowhere else in the world due to the geographic isolation of the Hawaiian Islands.

Butterfly fish—believed to mate for life

Parrotfish

Yellow Tang

For more behind the scene photos of Aloha Rose, visit http://www.pinterest.com/quiltsoflove/aloha-rose-by-lisa-carter/.

Let’s Go Hawaiian—A 30 Second Tour of the Akaka Falls

You want to see some waterfalls, Laney Carrigan of Aloha Rose. Kai Barnes will show you the most spectacular Big Island waterfall.

Akaka Falls is 442 feet tall, three times as high as the Niagara Falls.

There’s something Jurassic about this place with its giant tree ferns—and watch out for the jack chamelon lizards climbing in the jungle canopy above your head.

For more behind the scene photos of Aloha Rose, visit http://www.pinterest.com/quiltsoflove/aloha-rose-by-lisa-carter/.

Let’s Go Hawaiian—A 2 Minute Humpback Whale Breach

Wait for it . . . Be patient . . . Feast your eyes on one of God’s most awesome creatures in a spectacular breach over the Pacific blue waters off Hawaii. Whale-watching—One of the highlights of my second trip to the fantastic Hawaiian islands.

For more behind the scene photos of Aloha Rose, visit http://www.pinterest.com/quiltsoflove/aloha-rose-by-lisa-carter/.