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Oct 8

California Pride

This Pacific Standard Time art collaboration that I mentioned in yesterday’s blog is really something else. http://www.pacificstandardtime.org/

I am really proud + excited to be Californian + be surrounded by art + design that really personifies the West Coast + Californian ideals. I think these exhibits come at a perfect time, considering that soon I will become a permanent resident of Canada. It’s like a bittersweet goodbye to my beloved state + the artistic environment that I may have taken for granted, now that I realize all the art + culture that was surrounding me growing up.

Yesterday, we visited the JF Chen antiques + furniture gallery/showroom that was showcasing their huge vintage Eames collection for Pacific Standard Time.

I really thought Jeff was going to pee his pants when we stepped inside. It was like a museum. Everything was for sale, but the deal was that if an item was purchased, the paid for item was to be on display as if on loan until the exhibit was to come to a close.

I went to the ladies’ room + this is what I wanted!!!! Danish modern mirror!!!! Drooooooool!!!!! Dreamy.

The old department for Superman was super (haha!) close by, so I wanted to take Jeff there to say hello to everyone + debut myself as Mrs. Nishino-Fayle. Yes, I’m a hyphen!!!! Oh, explanation – this is where I was working before I left to go pack a 40 foot shipping container + get married.

The gang!!!! Cacey, Annie (The White Duchess), Ninska (Nina) + Kurt!!!!! I missed everyone like loco!!! We chatted, ate a bunch of their potato chips + headed down to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Better known as LACMA for all those who are savvy.

On exhibit is the “California Design, 1930–1965: “Living in a Modern Way”, going on until March 25th – so everyone, vite, vite!!!! Go now!!! Go!!!!! Go nooooooow!!!!! So well curated + displayed!!!!

The exhibits showed how Californian design evolved over time through the influence of German + Austrian emigres post WW II, the materials that were used in a post war era, the population explosion of Los Angeles suburbs + the needs of the growing atomic families, etc.

The contents of the Eames House living room was on display in painstaking historical detail. But alas, we weren’t allowed to take pictures. But it was really fun to see after being at the house yesterday.

The best part is a conversation I overheard between two toothpick baby hipsters chatting in their respective bathroom stalls. Hipster #1 was not excited about celebrating her birthday + was just going to do a quiet Sunday brunch (which is the female Angelenos most beloved past time, by the way). Hipster #2 asked, “Why aren’t you excited???”. Hipster #1: “I’m really not that excited to turn 26.”. Hipster #2 replied, “Well, it could be worse! You could be turning 27!”. Hipster #1: “Omigod, you’re totally right, I know!!!”. This whole conversation is even more ridiculous to me because I just had a conversation with a friend about how she was turning 37. When the hipsters came out of the bathroom stalls + saw me washing my hands + realized they weren’t alone in the bathroom whilst they were conducting their flippant conversation they bowed their heads sheepishly. That’s right!!!!!!!

At the permanent exhibit was “The Centaur” by Pablo Picasso. Jeff sneaked a picture for me because when I was 4 years old LACMA had a huge Picasso exhibit that my dad took me to. I remember this piece + how blown away, confused + mesmerized I was by it. This piece is really symbolic to me. I thank my parents so much for exposing me to the arts for my whole life.

Jeff + I were really excited to stumble upon the temporary exhibit of Ed Kienholz’s “Five Car Stud”. It’s a huge installation piece that was crazy controversial in it’s day during the civil rights movement in America. A huge statement on the race wars in America, it was only showed in Germany + was subsequently placed in storage for almost 40 years in Japan. Keinholz’s more famous “Back Seat Dodge” installation almost caused LACMA to lose it’s funding in 1966. His depictions of reality, violence + sexuality gets the good old US of A up in a tizzy.

This is not my picture, but from the LACMA website because you were not allowed to take pictures. But what the amazing thing was that we were allowed to walk into the installation + really get a really close look at all the details. I’m not going to describe “Five Car Stud” to all of you, because you should go + see it, or educate yourselves about it. This is a teaser!

I haven’t been to that many museums in such a short time in a really long while. I thank Jeff + Pacific Standard Time for being such a patron of the arts + for Jeff being my best friend!!!! I LOVE CALIFORNIA!!!!!!!

Oct 7

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Eames to the Nth Degree

Charles + Ray Eames overload!!! Is there such a thing? Possibly, yes. For those of you who’ve aren’t familiar with them, Charles + Ray Eames were an American husband + wife design team that were HUGE contributors to architecture, furniture design, photography, film, etc. Most of what the general public would think of as “mid-century modern design” was probably influenced by Charles + Ray Eames. Don’t they look fun?

Some iconic Eames furniture pieces – this only scratches the surface of what the Eames contributed to the world of design.

Yesterday was POURING rain!!!! Everyone said that Jeff brought the rain to Los Angeles. Jeff called it “a light mist”. Macho. People were decked out in all their rain gear – you would have thought it was a tornado warning. Angelenos freak out when it rains + it’s like the whole city shuts down. We went to the A + D (architecture + design) museum on Wilshire. The show was: Eames Designs: The Guest-Host Relationship. “The role of the designer,” said Charles Eames, “is that of a very good, thoughtful host, all of whose energy goes into trying to anticipate the needs of his guests.”

Rainy, rainy streets.

Another Eames philosophy was to find, “the uncommon beauty of common things.” Not a very good philosophy to promote to a hoarder. Easy, Jeff. Don’t get any ideas.

http://www.aplusd.org/

After A + D, we traveled across the street to the Petersen Automotive Museum. I think 92% of Angelenos have never been to this museum. It is fascinating + I highly recommend it, y’all!!! Usually it is the kiss of death going to the Petersen with Jeff because he’ll take 30 detailed pictures of one car. There’s THREE STORIES of cars. Lots of them. Luckily, he forgot his camera.

History buffs, pay heed. If you’re not much of a car aficionado, the Petersen Museum is still a good visit for insight into the evolution of car culture + the development of the city of Los Angeles. Incroyable!!

This guy is at the model T display as an example of how the cars would always get stuck in the mud. But, really Petersen museum?! He always gets a chuckle + witty remarks from the viewers cuz it’s like, “What the heck is really going on here????”. Jeff made me put this in the post. Guffaw, guffaw.

The rotating exhibit is, “Scooters – Size Doesn’t Always Matter”. Snicker, snicker. So, if you are a mod + have Quadrophenia on rotation on your plasma, go check it out. It shows the complete evolution of the scooter from the turn of the century to the luxury Vespas of today. http://www.petersen.org/

Today, the weather was absolument gorgeous!!!! To die for Los Angeles weather!!! Thus, Santa Monica, tally ho. First stop? The Eames House. Visit by appointment only, park on Corona Del Mar + no pictures of the inside of the home. Only the exterior. Nestled in a eucalyptus grove that smelled so fragrant after the rain!!!!

The contents of the living room have been moved to Los Angeles County Museum of Art which is a bit of a bummer because it would have been nice to see the living room intact, considering all of it’s contents have never left the house since 1949, when the house was completed. Everyone!!! Right now in southern California, Pacific Standard Time is happening – a six month celebration of art in L.A. from 1945-1980, with over 60 cultural institutions from Malibu to Palm Springs + down to San Diego exhibiting + showcasing southern California as a influential center for arts + culture. http://www.pacificstandardtime.org/

Charles + Ray’s grandson was on the premises being interviewed by what we assumed was a Japanese reporter. He shot a film about the dismantling of the studio on Abbot Kinney in Venice that Jeff loved. We bought a copy + Jeff was able to flag him down for a chat + an autograph. Jeff was thrilled. Eames Demetrios was thrilled as well when Jeff told him about meeting me on “Inception” because there is a character by the name Eames + Leonardo DiCaprio’s character spins a toy top, which is a huge symbol in the Eames philosophy. Hmmm. Coincidence??? Me thinks not…..

http://eamesfoundation.org/

Afterwards was a hop, skip + a jump to one of my best friends from high school, Adrianna’s house. She is preggos with her first wee bairn, + I haven’t seen her tummy grow since I’ve been gone!!! Here she is with her tummy + her beloved greyhound rescue, Enid!!!! How I’ve missed them!!!! Hi Adi!!!

Jeff is convinced that he + Adi are related. Crazy??? Yes. Unfounded? No. Adi’s maiden name is Day. Jeff’s paternal side come from a well documented line of Days from Cork, Ireland. Here they are looking at Adi’s genealogy binder. Because everyone should have theirs handy!!!! Look alive, people!!! Get with the program!!! Slackers!!!

For lunch, we walked up the street to Ocean Avenue for a packed picnic because we are thrifty like that.

A perfect Southern California day – beat that, Vancouver!!!!

The Eames Office on Pico was our next stop. It was bigger than I expected. They had the 1961 “Mathematica” exhibit commissioned by IBM showcased.

It was amazing!!! There were historical timelines, quotations from famous mathematicians, physics displays, photography + film from the original exhibition.

Oh + let’s not forget – a really amazing gift store. My favorite part. http://www.eamesoffice.com/

Okay, LAST STOP. The Santa Monica Museum of Art. Located in Bergamot Station – a collection of galleries located in an industrial location that’s been around for years. I remember going there in high school feeling artsy. The exhibit was on Beatrice Wood. An eccentric bohemian who was known as the Mama of Dada (Dadaism). I LOVED learning about her!!! She had a pottery studio in Ojai, east of Santa Barbara. She only wore Indian saris + was frequently seen with Roche + Duchamp during the early 1900’s, consequently it is assumed that she was the inspiration for the Truffaut film, “Jules + Jim”. One of the few French New Wave that I actually love.

After the excitement of Beatrice Wood, we drifted off to the many galleries that Bergamot Station has to offer. It’s one of those places where, if you’re a local, you take Bergamot Station for granted. But if you’re visiting – please go!!!! http://bergamotstation.com/

Julius Shulman – world renowned architectural photographer. Neutra, Lautner, Frank Lloyd Wright, Koenig + various other Case Study houses. Jeff was beside himself for real. All I was thinking about, was that Los Angeles traffic that was approaching. And believe me, it was. We braved traffic during rush hour + were better men/women because of it. Today was a plethora of information , art + culture that I haven’t experienced in a very long time. This need, should not go on so long ignored.

Oct 5

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Jeff’s 2 Day Birthday Festivities Pt. 2

Jeff’s Birthday weekend, part 2. Jeff is well loved. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2ND Jeff insisted all of his West Coast family (family also includes the Hoiles of course) to be together to celebrate his birthday, so for that to happen, we celebrated on Sunday. The Hoiles had us over for the partay. Tom, Deb, Matt, Tobin, Steve, Liz, Keiko, Hana, Benjamin + cousin Neil were all there!

Appies, y’all!!! Shaka!!!

Filet mignon + shrimp kabobs on the grill, yo!!! Decadence to da max!!!

Now that is the way to party. Veganism, goodbye. Sorry, Charlie.

Here’s little button Hana using a remote control as a cell phone. Ridiculously cute!!!!!! Unbearable!!

The dinner spread!!!! I kept instructing Keiko + Matt, “The Ta-Daaaa Pose!!! The Ta-Daaa Pose!!! Arms spread!!! TA-DAAA!!!!”. Like an obnoxious stage mom.

Jeff wanted a Dairy Queen ice cream cake. What do you think of the caption? 45 IS a big deal!!!! The zombie kid at Dairy Queen made me want to reach over to check his pulse, but I got a slight crack of a smile from him when he saw my ecstatic happiness when Isaw the cake. Before the cakecame out, Matt, Tobin + I busted out the crown that we all collaborated on the day before with our sweat + tears.

Hana had to give the crown a whirl. 45??? Me thinks not. A mere babe in the woods. A wee bairn. Jeff is definitely a young-at-heart 45.

Okay, how many times does it take to wrangle 4 children into a semi perfect group photo? Let’s take a count.

One. Where’s Tobin? Oh, there you are!!!

Two. Do you like Hana’s Uncle Jeffrey moustache??

Three. Uh-oh. Things are starting to unravel. Yikes. Focus Hana, FOOOCUUUUS!!!!! Tobin! Matt! What the heck!!!??

Four. Jeff + Hana, come on!!!! Keiko, kudos. Always ready for a photo op. Well done. Well done.

Five!!!! Success!!!! Oh wait, Hana + Keiko aren’t looking into the camera. Oh well, as long as everyone is facing forward with their little faces towards camera, that equals done to me!!!

Oh hey, I know what’s going on here!! I see the love gaze flowing between these two!!!!! What the heck??!!! Alas, I always knew Jeff was Hana’s main squeeze, before I even met Jeff. I digress. She’s always asking me, “Where’s Jeffy? Where’s Jeffy??”

After cake, Jeff + Hana blissed out in each other’s arms. They were so content, that they didn’t even notice the bright light of my flash. So cute!!!!!!!! Buddies!!! Happy Birthday, Jeff!!!!!!!!!

Oct 3

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Jeff’s 2 Day Birthday Festivities

Who get’s to celebrate his birthday for an entire weekend? Jeff does. He’s 45 y’all.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1ST – Jeff’s actual birth date

A present from yours truly.

Tobin’s new chapeau. All the rage with the kids.

Bent plywood magazine side table/stool!!! How moderne!!!!

Later, I had Matt + Tobin help me with some decorations for Jeff’s birthday party for the next night. It was a group collaboration, not without a couple creative differences. We had to stop every once in a while + re-group with a board meeting. Serious teamwork.

That evening, I took Jeff to Deep Cove to have dinner at a great restaurant called Arms Reach Bistro. It was tasty + stylish without being pretentious – so very Canadian!!!!

We got into a little fight before we reached the restaurant. Here’s me expressing my discontent in a very mature manner.

Jeff caught my very discreet expression + so I obliged him with a reluctant stiff smile. Not bad, right?!

I couldn’t stay mad at Jeff! He’s too cute!!! We hugged it out after a little talking + we enjoyed our dinner. We had a beef carpaccio appetizer (Canadians call it an “appie” as in a beef carpaccio appie – funny, right?) which I’ve never had before. It was UNBELIEVABLE!!!! OMG it was so good, like melt in your mouth good. http://www.armsreachbistro.com/frame.htm

After dinner we went for a movie. FYI, Canadian movie theaters really need a serious makeover. Ever heard of stadium seating? Surround sound??? Consider it, Canada!!! They’re all pretty small + outdated + make me feel like I’m in middle school at the Janss Mall going to see Beetlejuice.

I can’t wait for the Muppet movie to come out!!!!! Oh, Fozzie bear, you charlatan!!

I wanted to go see Moneyball, but since it was Jeff’s birthday we went to see Ryan Gosling in Drive. I mean, who doesn’t want to see a movie about baseball + statistics?! Let’s just say Drive was highly lacking. Jeff enjoyed it for some reason. The actors were extremely good, but there was absolutely no character development + the storyline was majorly weak sauce. When we got back to Tom + Deb’s, they were still up so we shared some bubbly to celebrate Jeff’s 45th year on the planet. Tom just got back from a trade show in Europe + bought this perfect Mr. T shirt for Jeff in Spain. Pity the Fool. Pity the Fool.

What are we doing here in this picture? I don’t know but it looks like a bunch of ballyhoo to me. Stay tuned tomorrow for Jeff’s 2 Day Birthday Festivities Part 2.

Sep 26

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Cottage Culture

Hi everyone!!! I’m completely + absolutely enjoying my Canadian immersion! Over the weekend Jeff + I went out to Steve + Liz’s Cabin/Cottage. Everyone on the West Coast (west coast is the best coast) calls them cabins, but east coasters call them cottages. Steve + the Fayles are East side so they always refer to it as the cottage. Sorry for the tangent, MOVING ON!!!!!

This has been my third trip to the cottage – located on the Sunshine Coast on Sakinaw Lake. Canada is plentiful with lakes. Cottage culture is huge since the summers are so short (regard my last post – Seasonal Affective Disorder, y’all) + Canuncks know to party it up with boating, canoeing, inner tubing, wake boarding, swimming, diving, paddling, water skiing…need I go on?

First, is the hour long BC Ferry trip from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale. Then, it is an hour long drive up the Sunshine Coast to where Steve + Liz’s boat dock is.

We usually grocery shop in Gibsons + pack up the boat tout suite!

The girls are old pros. Old pros.

It was surprisingly hot + so Keiko + I went swimming when we got to the cottage. Keiko loves to get in the water + yell, “I’M SWIMMING!!!!!!!!”. And we both get really psyched.

The next day was also warmer than we thought it would be so Jeff decided to get the party started by jumping off the boat house roof as he is want to do. The girls always have to have their life vests on when they are near the water. Auntie Shelli is learning alot of child safety the past couple of months.

I’ve done this jump before. It’s a lot higher than you think once you are mid air. It hurt my ears when I hit the water – I’m not a fan.

The girls love to yell, “Again! Again!!!”. This picture cracks me up because I didn’t use a fast shutter so I only caught Jeff’s legs right after he jumped off the roof. Doesn’t it look like muppet legs dangling from the top of the frame?! Hah!

Daddy’s girls. Awwwwww!!!

So irresistable!!! This picture reminds me of my sister + I. Cuuute. Buuuddies.

A couple pictures Keiko took with my camera. Not bad, eh? Eh!!!! Canuck Transformation commence!!!

Then, we did some work laying wood chip as a path from the dock up to the cabins.

More SWIMMING…

The water is exceptionally clear, clean + oh so refreshing!!! There’s nothing like it!!!

After swimming, Keiko + Steve started a bonfire. Check out the determination on Keiko’s face as she’s fanning the fire! Keiko + Tobin are two of the hardest + most tireless workers I know. If they ever teamed up, they will be CEO + VP of a multi billion dollar corporation + I shall work for them.

View of the cotttages (we stayed in the smaller one – the “honeymoon suite” as Steve called it) from the bonfire pit.

Enjoying some brewskis + vino.

Last year’s picture from the deck!!!! Vintage!

Grilling dinner!

Sakinaw Lake past dusk. Ah, serenity!

The next morning of our departure was crazy downpour. We managed to catch a break + quickly dash out to pack up the boat + take off!!!

View from the ferry. Oh, Canada. Sigh.

Sep 23

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Canadian Bacon

How’s it going, eh?! It’s been great to be back in Vancouver at Tom + Deb’s. Matt has transitioned from geckos to salamanders. Tobin + I have transitioned from sand castles to Lego villages. Yesterday was Jeff’s brother Benjamin’s birthday. Jeff + I stopped by the most awesome british butcher recommended by Steve to pick up some burgers. This place was my dad’s dream. Tongue, haggis, kidney pie, blood sausage, 12 different types of bacon, hooray!!!!!

Look at the dolls they had for sale!!! I was like, “WHAAAAT!!!!????”. I had seen them before because Jeff + his family grew up with these minstrel dolls called Golliwogs which was a character from children’s books popular in England during the late 19th century. AND they had a Golliwog clock on the wall!!! I just couldn’t believe they had them for sale on their counter, right up in front!

Jeff’s grandmother owned the original 1895 publication of this exact book.

Anyways, we all enjoyed the burgers – Steve, Liz, Keiko + Hana came to join the festivities as well!!! It was awesome being with everyone again!

The Salamander Whisperer + his face painted assistant, Hana the Amazing!!!

Keiko patiently waiting for her burger to be cut.

Tobin lost his two front teeth!!! Look at his superb cowboy hat + vintage suede cowboy vest. Courtesy of Uncle Thrift Store Jeff. It’s one of Tobin’s favorite looks to go shirtless with the vest.

One totally rad dude. Ready to rip it up to the extreme. Jeff said now he really looks Canadian. Really? I didn’t know Canadians were toothless.

I thought Tobin was channeling Bunker Spreckels, infamous surfer from the 70’s who inherited $50 million from the family fortune (his grandfather was a sugar baron, publisher + railroad tycoon). He partied hard + had really great style. Oh yeah, + Clark Gable was his step father.

Someone is anticipating cake time!

YAAAAAY!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNCLE BENJ!!!!

Today Jeff + I had a phone consultation with an lawyer to discuss our immigration paperwork. It is going to be alot of work, but she told us that if we have all our documents in order, it will take 5-6 months to process!!! Very good news!!! Chin chin!!!!

Well, Vancouver is already damp + drizzly. I’m going to buy a car load of Vitamin D when I move up here. I’m going to get Seasonal Affective Disorder y’all!!! We took the bus to pick up Jeff’s car from the detailer in downtown. The bus!!! Very exotic for an Angeleno.

After picking up the car + on the way back home to North Vancouver, we were driving through what Jeff + I call Cracky McJacky Town. Very unsavory, but I could still eat Canada’s crack addicts for breakfast when comparing them with Los Angeles crack addicts!!! But look at what we saw!!!

Girl fight!!!! The little one was dragging the big one by the hair!!! Then they both stood up + the little one was throwing punches like a pro boxer! It was on the driver’s side + I was hitting Jeff + yelling, “Take a picture!!!!”. Jeff wimped out + didn’t even roll down the window to get a good shot, so it’s blurry. To all my American friends, you probably thought Canada was all maple syrup + baby deers?! Well, think again!!! The mean streets of the Great White North!!! Voila!!!!!

Sep 22

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Last Day in Paradise

I’m writing from Vancouver, but wanted to post some pictures up of our last day in paradise at our Puako house, in fond remembrance. The entire day consisted of AMAZING snorkeling (we searched + did not find our shark again, but instead swam with a school of unicorn fish), reading + hanging out with my turtle buddies. Paradise, indeed. I’m so sad to have left it, but now it will always be a special place where Jeff + I will always return.

Here is a photo I found on the internet which is a really accurate representation of the marine life we snorkeled with in Puako. I’m not even exaggerating.

We came upon a couple of turtles having their shells cleaned by surgeon fish + tangs. So exciting + fascinating to watch. Again, not our photo, but a great example.

When the turtles are munching at the moss underwater, every once in a while they would bring their little heads up for a breath. I would wait with anticipation for that moment, like the patient naturalist that I am.

This little piggy was chowing down like it was his last meal for god’s sake.

Out cold. A most uncomfortable looking snooze.

The day we left the island, I went outside for the last time to say goodbye to our beach + to my turtle companions. It was high tide + I saw a group of three having their breakfast. I became teary eyed + went back inside. I hope to return to swim with them again.

Sep 20

Paniolo Pride

Ladies + Gentlemen, we celebrated the 36th Annual Waimea Paniolo Parade on Saturday, September 17th, 2011!!!! Jeff was up + ready! We drove 20 min inland + when we arrived in Waimea, I saw the crowds + tents + boy howdy did I start getting excited!!!! I LOVE festivaaaaaaals!!!!! Lobster Fest, Octoberfest, Scottish Fest, Swallow Day Fest….I could go on. It’s too bad my festival homie Debbie Im couldn’t be with us. In spirit, Debbie!!! In spirit!!!

Jeff found this Hawaiian western shirt couple days ago thrifting + wore a tiki bolo tie that he brought from his collection in Canada, just in case. Who knew it would become useful on this trip? Who knew? Jeff knew.

The parade begins!!!!! I’m going to organize the photos by section because we took so darn many. Hawaiian Royalty!!!!

Check out the court announcer singing with his gelled Jonas Brothers hair. And check out the kid in the red loincloth next to him giving serious stink eye!!!! Hah!!!

This guy is going to beat you down with a stick. In ancient Hawaii it was kapu (forbidden) for those of lower class to look upon the chief or cast your shadow upon him. The penalty is death. I think this guy is regulating!!!

These were my two favorite guys at the parade. How cute is the french horn player???

I picture this as my friends + I as we gracefully enter our sunset years.

Here come the paniolos!!! My heart was racing!!!!

Why sir, that is a very handsome moustache! Y’all know I’m a sucker for a hearty moustache!!!

Here are a couple of hunky paniolo pics for you ladies:

Lots + lots of adorable keiki (kids)!!!!

The Princesses! Each one represented a Hawaiian island. They would extend their hand from their mouths + softly say, “Aloha.”. After each one passed by, without fail I’d say, “preeeeettyyy”, like Lennie from Of Mice and Men.

The pink princess, I called the Nicki Minaj of Paniolo Princesses. She was all about it!!! Posing, waving, huge smiles!!! Girl was like, “Haaaaay!!!!!”!!!!

Here are some other highlights from the parade.

My favorite outfit with the whitelace gloves + jaunty woven hat. Sassy!

Let’s not forget the pooper scoopers!!! Each one had a different theme! Look! The driver is receiving a kiss! Poop + romance!!!!

The haole local ladies sitting in front of us did not appreciate this one!!! Oh my, no they did not!!!!

Jeff was obsessed with this kid because he had a drawn on moustache. Ole!!!!

After the parade was over, we went to the Waimea Farmer’s Market where Jeff had a fresh, homemade bacon sandwich. He pretty much was salivating over the lady making it + staring intensely at her (which I think freaked her out a bit), because we were staaaarved at that point. I really think it was wild boar that they killed in the hills because apparently the island is over-run with them + it tasted really, really amazing + fresh. I still think it was not enough food for a lumberjack, unfortunately as you’ll find out later in the post.

Sir, why so intense, sir??? Do you realize you’ve been on a tropical island on vacation, sir? Hello, sir???

At least SOMEONE was enjoying themselves!!! Sheesh!!! Island style, brah!!! Chill, mon!!! Someone bring me a Mai Tai!

After Jeff had a little food in him, we wandered to the park for the Ho’olaule’a for food, hula + fun. My recommendation to anyone going to the 37th annual Waimea Paniolo Parade is to skip this part. Great people watching, don’t get me wrong. But it was crowded as heck, the lines were insanely long for food + it is generally like herded cattle. We waited for $7 kahlua pork, they forgot about us + when we reminded them, they said they ran out of rice + the amount of pork given to us was like a melon ball scooper’s worth. Jeff was so irate but I felt bad for them because they seriously looked panic stricken + one of them was calling their auntie to bring mo’ rice.

Look at all those darn people! Moooo!!!

Princesses on their off time, hanging out in their jeans + drinking pop. This one princess in tan was probably related to Andre the Giant + was like 2 times taller than her husband. He + the baby were both wearing forest cammo tshirts. Bad ass Waimea style, yo!!!!

The good part is, there was a really crowded craft tent + Jeff bought a carved bone necklace by this old time artisan, Ika Vea who carved the pendant that Jeff chose + wove + braided the necklace while we hung out. It’s a very special handcrafted piece of art that Jeff is really happy about.

Here is Cranky Pants not so happy to be in a craft tent holding one of the gorgeous wood carvings Ika made that we now regret not bringing home with us.

Note to all ladies. Don’t take your significant others to festivals unless they’ve been previously amply fed. You’ll thank me later.

Sadly, I’m writing the ending to this blog post from Vancouver. Not sad, because I love Vancouver (we arrived at 2am to Tom + Deb’s last night), but sad because I miss my tropical paradise + all of my turtle family. I spent the entire last day in the backyard of our house at the beach. I couldn’t bear to be near the computer + had to fully enjoy our most amazing last day of the honeymoon. I will post more pictures of that last day tomorrow!!!! Sniff, sniff.

Sep 17

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Oh, It’s Such a Perfect Day

Today was the best day of the honeymoon so far!!!! I finally managed to sleep in, + this is what today mostly consisted of.

That’s right in our backyard, y’all. I’m sad because I think I had salt spray on my lens, so some of my pictures from today are a little blurry.

We did a good amount of snorkeling + it was like a GOLD MINE OF AQUATIC TREASURES!!!! Although, to our dismay, we realized that instead of my totally radical Japanese flippers that I bought at Waipouli Variety on Kauai, we had mistakenly grabbed flippers that would fit a 7 year old!!!! So, I had to go flipper-less + we swam out FAR, y’all!!!! The coral reefs were like a teeming city of fishies!!!! Like the Chicago World Fair of fish!!!! We saw a ton of humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, the longest word in the Hawaiian language.

Butterfly fish, dragonets, puffer fish, surgeon fish, yellow tangs, humuhumu’ele’ele, wrasses, etc.!!! As we were swimming around, along the ocean floor I noticed A SHARK slinking about!!!!!!! I was trying to be as non-conspicuous as I could be, “I don’t really see you, mister shark, do you see me???” while making minimal body movements. Jeff was pointing at it + so excited!!! I was thinking, “Be cool!!! Be cool, man!!!’!!! We surfaced + he asked, “What kind of shark do you think that was?”. I replied, “White tip shark”. Well, I’m a regular marine biologist, y’all, because when we got back to the house we did some online research + I was on the money!!!! White tip reef shark!!!!

Thank god they are non-aggressive. Shark bait. By the way, these underwater pics aren’t ours cuz we don’t have an underwater camera, but you betcha we are going to buy a disposable one tomorrow, after today’s bounty!!!! AAAAAARRR, avast ye yellow liver land lubbers!!!!!

Let’s just say swimming in white capped waters without flippers made we well worn out. The rest of the day we hung out, sunning ourselves with our turtle neighbors munching along beside us. HEAVEN, Y’AAAAAALLLLL!!!

Here’s one face down napping like a champion.

They get so pooped from eating from the algae buffet + dragging their fat little heavy bellies onto the shore, that once they manage – they just straight pass out. I can feel you, turtle brother. I feel you.

Jeff got antsy, of course + decided to yard work. Let me repeat, yard work on a rental house!!!! This guy doesn’t know the definition of RELAXATION!!!! My god, help me!!!!!

I was happy where I was, but since mister ants-in-his-pants wanted to go out for sunset, we went to Pu’ukohola Heiau. Built by Kamehameha I, on a prophecy that if he built this temple, he would conquer all the islands.

And by 1810, he united all the islands of Hawaii.

It’s been the most amazing day together. We are both so sad to see it coming to an end, but we are going to take advantage of this paradise to the end!!!!!!!!!!!

Sep 16

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Puako Fantasy

Yesterday, do you all recall the drama we encountered with tractors + jackhammers right next to our Puako honeymoon rental? Well, after I called the rental management company leaving three very angry messages, the care taker who resides in the main house below came to sheepishly explain to me that even she was surprised by the construction this morning, as well. Verrrry suspect, considering it appeared that the work looked like it had been going on for quite a while. I asked her to get the scoop on how many days they planned to be working because I couldn’t deal with the noise because I come from downtown los angeles, yo + I do not need to be listening to generators + trucks backing up all day!!! I do not!!!!! When she returned, she said they were re-building the sea wall + would be working for the rest of the week. OH HELL NO!!!!!! I called rental management + asked them if we had other options. While I was angrily negotiating + hopping mad, here’s what Jeff was doing:

Enjoying a snack, y’all!!! He let’s me be bad cop because he knows I can be as mean as a hornet when I get fired up. I see how it is…

Guess what, folks?! They moved us into a house down the road – A HOUSE!!!!!! We went from a studio TO A HOUSE!!!! AND they gave it to us for the SAME PRICE as the studio!!!!! A $510 a night house for $225 a night!!!

Granted, the studio was full of character + super charming, but it was small – I had to shuffle things around to prep dinner + had little buggies hanging around. But, this house had a stove!!!! Washer + dryer!!! Dishwasher + tons of counter space!!! I felt like a housewife fromthe 50’s. Being a lady of modernity, I was seduced!!!!

Shiny!!! Bright!!! Sparkly!!!!

Also, there was a mezuzah on the doorframe, so we knew we were in the right place. For all not in the know, the mezuzah contains a parchment inscribed with specific Hebrew verses from the Torah. My mom will be so happy to hear about this! Shalom!!!!

Wraparound windows in the living room!!!

Our backyard!!!!

Reflection in the window from the porch.

The master bedroom with retro phone + Hawaiian quilt bedding!!! Love it!!!!!! By the way, I’m really not talking on the phone in this picture. I just like to pretend.

It’s kind of funny, because when we first got to the house, we noticed construction going on next door on a new home. I was going to flip. But Jeff talked to the guys + they were just building a deck. I can deal with some hammering + sawing over a jack hammer any day! The houses are far enough away that I don’t even hear them from the porch!!! Score!!!! Also, this is turtle central!!!! It is like a turtle cafeteria in our backyard!!! They are muncha-crunching out there, we swam alongside them + you can see their little heads surfacing the water all the live long day!!!

I like this cutie-patootie’s sleeping style!!! Snoozel noodle!!!

This adolescent is like, “Peace out, you old folks keep napping!!! I gotta motor!!!” Action Jackson over here!

Whoopeee!!!!! Wild card!!! Black sheep!!! The rebel, as they say!!!!!

Up the coast, Kohala’s ritzy, cha-cha-cha resort hotels. Oh, rather!!!!!

Let’s just say we spent the rest of our day enjoying the house to da max. After moving in + moving out of the old digs, we just wanted to straight up chill. If chill means doing 3 loads of laundry. That night, bartender Jeff blended some cocktails + fired up the 2 grills.

What a romantic!!! Jeff insisted on traveling with the tealights we had recieved for the wedding from the Catlows + meticulously lights them every night! He’s a better man than I!!! Oh, wait that didn’t sound right….

We blasted the radio + had a dance party in the living room! When Flashdance’s, “She’s a Maniac” came on, we tore it up!!!! We got so psyched, Jeff found a youtube clip – in german + we kept on dancin’!!!!!!!

Ja!!!Es ist so gut!!!! Enjoy!!!

Sep 9

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The Last Days of Kaua’i

The days after the wedding were a blur for all of us at Anini House. The adrenaline of the days leading up the wedding completely left us all spent. We lazed around the house + here are some things I’ve learned about kids.

#1 – they really, really love television.

#2 – they really love playing in hot tubs. They’d be like, “Shelli! Come play in the hot tub!!!!” + I’d be like, “NO WAY!!!!! The ocean’s better!!!!” + they’d be like, “No it’s not!!!!!” + I’d be like, “Yes it is!!!!!!” + they’d be like, “No it’s not!!!!” We would have those type of conversations daily.

#3 – I never realized how much they like Ichiban noodles. They ate it cooked or they would munch on it dry!!!! Keiko + Hana are so cute, it sounded they were calling it Itchy Bum noodles. So that’s what we all called it during the trip.

We all made a couple of family trips to Hanalei Bay. I don’t know why I didn’t take a picture of the actual beach. Here’s lunch at Pat’s Taqueria taco truck with my swimming buddy, Ambur. The kalua pork tacos were to die for!!!! FYI, future Hawaii travelers, they close at 3pm.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/pats-taqueria-hanalei

After, we had shave ice at the truck next door. It was ono! That’s Hawaiian for good, y’all.

We had dinner that night with my mom + dad over. The Canadian Lady Posse wanted me to highlight what typically happens during dinner prep. Let me enlighten y’all.

Ladies toiling over a hot stove + slaving away.

Oh look…..how interesting!!!!!!! Here, we observe the male species in their natural habitat. Beer AND snacks (provided by the ladies, of course!) Must be nice, guys!!!!!!

Jeff, mom + mother Jean

Okay, okay. The guys helped a little bit, too. They grilled, okay!!!! Sheesh!!!

Look who’s first at the dinner table again!

Jeff with his Moustache Gang!!!! How freaking cute is that???!!!!

The next day some of us went to Tunnels Beach.

Here’s Jeff uptight in paradise. Getting everyone out the door is like wrangling cats. Daphne + I had to have a cocktail while waiting for everyone.

The current was pretty strong at Tunnels, so Deb + Liz took the kids back to Hanalei. Jeff, Daphne, Tom + I went to take a hike on the Kalalau trail along the famous Napali coast.

It is a steep uphill for 3/4 miles, y’all!!! I cursed my short Japanese legs trying to keep up with the long ass legs of the Fayle family!!! But every step of the way was so beautiful!!!

The descent led us to Hanakapia Beach. This sign greeted us towards the bottom. Yikes!!!

River leading to the ocean.

I didn’t know there were Spider monkeys at the beach!!!!

Lava caves

AWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!! Jeff is such a romantic!!!! This is what he was making in the lava cave in the picture above. So sweet.

The road back home.

Bye for now everyone!!!!! Sorry there’s so many gaps in the pictures, I still don’t have a hang on this software!!!!

Sep 9

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Mr. + Mrs. Fayle – Part 2 (aka “The Big Day”)

Sorry for the delay!!!! It’s hard to post when there’s 21 people in the house. I just want to hang out in the water all day, drink wine + sleep!!!!

After decorating the house, I went over to my mom + dad’s timeshare in Princeville to get ready. This is how the Nishinos get ready for the wedding. Watching the Kardashians + sleeping. Nice guys, real nice.

As I was doing my hair + makeup my sister asked me, “Shelli, did you do a trial run of your hair + makeup?”. To which I responded, “Nope! I’m hoping it all turns out!”. She was like, “You are so crazy!!!!!!!!”. I’ve done crazier.

At the house, Pastor Niles Kageyama + his wife Eileen had arrived. Jeff apparently was bossing people around while pointing + shouting. Like an art director or something.

The boys + their ginger stalk torches

My cutie niece flower girl, Ambur.

Jeff + best man Steve. Very affectionate, aren’t we boys???

Pastor Niles blowing the conch at the top of the ceremony. Mom + mother Jean looking on bemusedly. I wonder what they were thinking. “Oh my! How curious!” or “How very native!”.

The procession begins!!!! Look at brave Tobin’s face!!!! So earnest!!!

Here comes the bride!!!! I really don’t think I could have smiled any bigger. Pastor Niles + Eileen played ukelele singing Hawiian wedding song, “Ke Kali Nei Au”. I wish someone had taken a picture of Jeff’s face as I was walking down the aisle because his facial expression was priceless.

Jeff’s face looked like this:

Jeff + I were both so teary eyed during the ceremony. My tactic for keeping it together + not bawling was to stare at the moustache wax in Jeff’s moustache.

Here’s beautiful Ashley in her Hilo Hattie dress. My mom hand sewed the back to take it in + show off her teeny waist. Doesn’t she look so tropical?!

Our brave ring bearers, Matt + Tobin. Tobin was so nervous about it all day, but they both did an amazing job!!! Ring pillows were made by my mom with vintage aloha fabric courtesy of the fabulously stylish Cacey Riggan!!!

Don’t you love Matt’s cool surfer dude long hair???

Pastor Niles delivered a warm + heartfelt ceremony. Jeff + I were soooo happy!!!! Here’s me clapping for ourselves. So humble!!!

Husband + Wife!!!!!!

The Fayle-Downies

The Fayle-Hoiles

The Nishinos

My lovely + sweet caterers Ann + Catherine from Heavenly Creations – aren’t they pretty?! http://www.heavenlycreations.org/ If it wasn’t for Ann we would of had to barbeque or go out to a restaurant. She saved me!!!!

Appetizers were the best poke we’ve EVER had + teriyaki beef skewers!!!

Dining al fresco, y’all!!! If you look closely, you’ll see my mom bossing me around as I’m taking the picture, + Jeff throwing his shaka.

Luckily, with the combination of families, we had an arsenal of talented photographers.

Here is one of my favorite pictures. Me with the Canadian Lady Posse. Jeff said, “Why would you post that picture?! Look at your facial expression!!!”. Exactly. Hilarious.

Dinner was better than I could have ever hoped for!!!! Grilled Opah fish, chicken, jasmine rice, grilled asparagus, salad + okinawan sweet potatoes!!!! I had seconds, y’all.

The cakes from Kilauea Bakery. Mocha Macadamia + Lilikoi Coconut. Doesn’t it look like Jeff + Rob are getting married?

What a perfect day!!!! All the elements came together so seamlessly (except when I almost couldn’t find the marriage certificate in the morning) with everyone’s love, help + contributions!!! Jeff + I were sort of winging it through most of the process, but we couldn’t have been happier with how it turned out!!! I ended the night watching two back to back episodes of “Saved by the Bell” with Matt + Ambur + then ended passing out while Jeff hung out with the family. Good work, Shelli! I will post more pictures + thought throughout the blog about the wedding, but for now I’m signing off because I’ve been in front of the computer for an hour + a half, hunched over like an old crone. Paradise + family fun are awaiting me!!! I love you all!!!!

Sep 4

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Wait, what???

Yes, it is September 4th – the day of the wedding. You’re all thinking, “What is she doing posting on her blog on her wedding day? She’s crazy!!!”. That’s right!!!! CRAZY LIKE A FOX!!!!! I’m just going to post a bunch of pictures with short descriptions, cuz this sister is short on time if you know what I mean.

Our backyard

Me + my workout buddy Keiko

Matt the Gecko Whisperer

Jeff finally learning to relax

Rob + Kelly – so glamorous!!!!

LUAU!!!!!!

First meeting of the mothers – how cute is that????!!!!!

Will post later!!!! Running off to do more errands!!!! Yes! Errands on my wedding day because that’s the kind of bride I am!!!!! Love you all!!! Wish me luck!!!!!

Sep 2

Paradise

Man was I exhausted after a fitful night’s sleep. Nevertheless I powered through a run. Ashley walked over + we all made our way into Kapa’a for breakfast. Kountry Kitchen was on my mind y’all. Ashley had a fluffy macadamia nut pancake the size of her head.

After breakfast Jeff + I headed to pick up his family. Ashley decided to go on her own today because yesterdays festivities were a little too much for her sensibilities. We asked if she wanted us to drop her off a little more into town, but she was so ready to get rid of us, so she was like, “Sayonara, bitches!!!!”

The menfolk went with Jean + the children to do what Jean + children do. Jeff + I + the ladies all braved a mass Costco trip to fill up the house with enough food for 18 people. No, that wasn’t a typo. Here are the Canadians freaking out about the cheap plentiful supply of booze. You can only buy alcohol at government run liquor stores + it’s usually twice as expensive. Sad, right?

We had 3 full carts of food. Since I come from a small, insular Japanese family, it was all a little overwhelming, considering Costco gives me hives in the first place. He told me to take off for a bit + do errands. I had to go to Home Depot to clear my head. Aaaaaah. Sanctuary.

Daphne, Kelly + Deb in the grocery filled car. The booze total came out to $375. I freaked out, but the Canadians were ecstatic.

Next stop, renting paddle boards. Kelly + Deb ran across the street to get smaller item groceries while Daphne + Jeff were strapping the boards to the roof. Look at me in the front seat dejected. I think all the residual stress from the storage unit fiasco has worn me out. But I’m soooooooo happy that Jeff’s family is here now because they are helping distribute Jeff’s intensity. I’m passing the torch. Put a knife in me. I’m done.

We got to the gargantuan house at dusk. Kelly is the maestro of the kitchen + we were all her assistants.

Da kids.

Dinner was awesome!!!! Got to go!!! Wedding stuff to do! More later!!! Aaaaaah!!! Getting stink eye from Jeff!!!!!

Aug 31

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Canmore-Vancouver-Lihue

Yiiiiiikes. So sorry for the lapse in blogging. I’m so exhausted. Yiiiikes.

SATURDAY 8/27/11 – CANMORE TO VANCOUVER

We packed for Vancouver. I don’t know how we got everything into Jeff’s Toyota Matrix.

He wanted us to be on the road at 9am. Fat chance!!!! I packed up + cleaned the entire cabin while Jeff was running around town doing last minute errands. I actually fell asleep on the couch which is something I never do. The car was so packed that there was no space left in it. Not even 1/2 an inch. I was surrounded by stuff all around me so that I had to sit with my knees propped up against my chest.

I don’t know if you can tell, but that coche is full, homies.

It took us FOREVER to get out of town because we would run into people Jeff knew. His other Native name is Short-Story-Long. That’s because he can go onandonandonandonandonandonandon. I would gaze absently off into the distance when he would tell stories which was nice because it gave my brain a bit of a break. Here is me with my Native future “sister-in-law” Dolly standing next to the stuffed car.

We didn’t drive out of Canmore until 6:30pm!!!! Here is a beautiful view of the mountains that gave me some relief.

The drive was excruciating. Repeat. Excruciating. We were both so tired. I couldn’t keep my eyes open. What freaked me out even more was the fact that Jeff was probably worse off, + he was the driver. We sang very loud renditions of the Grateful Dead + Flight of the Concords to keep ourselves awake. Here’s Jeff happily singing along to, the Grateful Dead’s, “Box of Rain”. Thank God he’s such a happy-go-lucky person. We balance each other out, if you know what I mean. When the road became dark + desolate, that was when it got really bad.

I didn’t want to perish in a car crash before I was about to get married, so we took an hour + a half nap at a rest stop + kept on keeping on. We didn’t get to Jeff’s brother Tom’s house until 6am.

We got up at 10am + I was SO relieved to see Deb, Tom + Jeff’s nephews Matt + Tobin. I was like, “SAVE ME!!!!!”! After breakfast we did a bunch of Vancouver related errands + oh, guess what??? Went to Jeff’s storage unit!!!! Sigh. I was about to give up. But the great thing is, Jeff is ready to get rid of things because he’s seen how all of his possessions are weighing my spirit down. I’m really happy about that.

That night, Deb made dinner for us + our fellow interracial couple friends Steve, Liz + their cutie 1/4 Japanese girls Keiko + Hana. Deb is awesome like that. Deb is my savior. Here is Keiko + Hana. Hana makes the most adorable scrunchy smiles!!!!

At this point, we hadn’t even started packing for Hawaii!!! We completely took over Tom + Deb’s entire garage floor + spread out. It was like blind people packing because we were so out of our minds. I had to keep Jeff in check to not pack so much. Especially to leave behind his Blundstones. Hello!!!! We’re going to the tropics!!! GAAAAHHH!!!!

SUNDAY 8/28/11 – VANCOUVER TO LIHUE

I passed out once hitting the bed. I was woken by bright lights at 3am, a good morning kiss + a, “you’ve got 15min to shower before the cab gets here.” EXCUUUUUSE ME!!!!!???? Nevertheless, I managed to pull myself together in that amount of time to get to YVR.

The customs agent asked Jeff, “So, where’s Magnum headed to today?” and Jeff replied, “Ironically enough, Hawaii.” How hilarious is that????!!!

Check out #10 on our customs forms!!!! Can you believe it!!!!???

Jeff + I right before touchdown to Lihue, Kaua’i

When we got off the plane, Jeff was still in film set mode. For those of you who don’t know what that means, it’s: walking fast, talking fast, demanding things to be done fast…you get the picture. I kept telling him, “Hey, mon. We on island time, mon. You need to chiiiiill, mon.” Man, was he uptight. Luckily, my sister Ashley arrived 10 min after us from a flight from Los Angeles. We got our rental car + where did we head to first???? The thrift stores of course!!!!

After visiting multiple Lihue thrift stores, we headed to Costco. Another shocker there. I see a pattern…..

After Costco we drove north towards the east coast to Wailua + Kapa’a.

Me looking a little gnarly at Opaeka’a Falls

View of Wailua River

Dinner at Mermaids Cafe on Kuhio Hwy. Famous for their Nori Ahi wraps. Ono!!! For you haoles that’s pidgin for good!!! The guy in the kitchen that looked like a Kelly Slater brah (10 time ASP World Champ) asked if we were locals. Jeff was so psyched. He loves street cred.

Kelly Slater, bruddah.

Jeff + I are staying in an amazing vacation rental in a residential area of Wailua which is a guest house with it’s own private entry. Their garden is extensive + our room is fully stocked up with a flat screen, dvds, kitchen supplies, etc. Our host Carol Yasutake has been on the island since the ’70s.

MONDAY 8/30/11 – LIHUE DAY 2

Jeff posing in Carol’s beautiful garden. This is what we look at from our bed. Paradise!!!!

After my run + getting our wits together Jeff, Ashley + I headed out on our errands. First we stopped by the Kapa’a music shop.

Lunch at Papaya’s Natural Foods. Da bomb natural health food store with salad bar, juices, smoothies + some hot items. When the guy handed me Jeff’s fish taco, he said, “Have a blessed day.” Ok yeah, we’re in Kaua’i.

Hippie lunch!!!!

If you want cheap gifts, t-shirts + towels, don’t go to ABC store. Go to Waipouli Variety. Cheaper.

Super cute picture of Ashley. I’m so lucky my sister is here on the island early with us. She has been my secretary + research assistant. I think she is a little scared of Jeff + I because we are so neurotic + intense. She keeps saying to us, “Man, you guys have to relax!!!!”. Because she’s actually pretty neurotic herself. Not a good sign.

Ho’omana Thrift Store. Don’t judge!!! We like to thrift, ok?!

Unavoidably, we all walked into Wal Mart for the first time in our lives. What can I say, y’all!!!??? I needed to get some things for the wedding + there was nowhere else to go!!!!

Dinner was Duane’s Ono-Char Burger. It’s been around for 3 decades. You all know that burgers + onion rings are on the bride’s diet list, right?! Heck, yes!

After you pick up your order, drive south of Duane’s to eat at Anahola beach. Otherwise you’ll be eating at Duane’s sad picnic tables with tourists, surrounded by stalker chickens + roosters. Anahola beach is pretty local, but since Jeff was with two Japanese girls, we were cool.

After burger consuming, we headed to the North Shore to spy on our wedding rental home on Anini Beach!!!! It’s GORGEOUS!!!! I didn’t take a picture of the house because the current renters were hanging out on the porch + I didn’t want to be creepy. But here’s a tiny preview of the beach!!!! More to come!!!! Stay tuned!!! I miss everyone!!!