"Carving and Meeting More People"

Aloha! Wanted to follow up on my last blog of "Carving and Meeting People". There were so many amazing folks I had the honor of meeting.

While I was doing my carving demo two weeks ago I noticed an elderly gentleman sitting in his walker under the hot Hawaiiian Sun. I asked him if he would like to move into the shade under my tent and he was relieved to be out of the sun. This gentleman was interested in my carving and had questions. The stories that he shared with me about his life, work and travels were amazing. The following week he was there again. I invited him into the shade of my tent and enjoyed another day of talking with this great gentleman. Early the next morning at another demonstration, while I was unloading my woodcarving set-up, this gentleman's lovely wife approached me to plan a surprise for her beloved husband. She had quietly left their condo early that morning to find me and have me carve a special message for her husband on the sea turtle he had watch me carve the day before. What a thoughtful and caring lady. Later she and her husband returned to watch my carving and she presented him with the sea turtle he had "watched being born" as she said. I also presented her with a special 'Ti' leaf lei and a small piece of 'Tapa' as a keepsake of her Maui vacation. I also met their daughter, granddaughter and family friend. I am now keeping in touch with this beautiful family through E-mails and hope to visit with them again here or in their hometown of Tillamook, Oregon.

Mahalo to this lovely family.

I have other stories to share later, however I need to carve some 'Tiki'

Aloha for now,

Tau

"Carving and Meeting People"

Aloha and Wow! What a great weekend of carving and meeting wonderful people that are doing some remarkable work to help others. A group of students and staff from 'Converse College' in South Carolina visited my Tiki Carving Demonstration here on Maui. The Group is volunteering for 'Habitat for Humanity'. They are building much needed housing for our Island. Most People don't realize thet living and working on Maui can be anything but paradise. Our Prices are 25% higher than mainland U.S. and our wages are 30% lower. This means poorer living conditions for many local residents. So meeting these great kids and learning there knowledge of Maui and it's people was truly an uplifting experience. Mahalo Nui Loa! (Thank You Very Much) for your contribution of assistance to our less fortunate population.

What An amazing family visited my Tiki carving demo over the weekend. The two Children ages about 8 an 11 were vacationing here and searching for local artisans. They were determined to locate artisans and items locally made that are part of the Hawaiian culture. This is becoming harder to find as most of our cultural items are being copied and imported from other parts of the world. Their Mother had always instilled in them the importance of supporting local cultures and bringing home authentic items made in the places they visited. What an amazing Parent. Many visitors to the Islands do not understand the disappearance of artisans practicing our ancient arts. It isn't easy to compete with imported machine made products costing one quarter the price. However Tiki carving is my heritage and I will continue to practice the art my grandfather and father gave to me.

Mahalo for all the support and memories of the beautiful people I had the honor of meeting this weekend. There will be more stories of my experiences later in the week, there were so many I want to share.

Aloha Nui Loa,

Tau

Aloha! Welcome to Maui, Hawaii

Mahalo for joining me on my Tiki carving adventures. I began this amazing journey when I was a child. I was taught the ancient art of Tiki carving by my father and grandfather. I have been practicing this art all my life and sharing it with people from around the world since 1978. I have met so many special people and have made friends from all over the world. What a wonderful heritage I was given and what great opportunities to share this ancient art with so many people visiting me from all over the globe. Through this blog I hope to share my great adventures with you all.

Aloha and Mahalo for Joining me,

Tau