Sunday, April 11, 2010

True Vine Farm, Kealakekua

(You may remember the tune "the little grass shack in Kealakekua Hawaii)?


I was born in California but wound up in Hilo, Hawaii around the end of 1978 after my folks sold the house I was raised in. Having turned a magical twenty, I packed my manically depressed, co-dependent self, (in addition to some nifty vices) and parted to the dryer side of the Big Island. I picked up a job as a waitress at the Kona Surf, during a temporary stay at the famous Manago Hotel in Captain Cook.
My life began to unravel pretty fast by then and it just seemed to careen out of control while my car ran out of gas one night. It died at the top of a mountain with a long scenic driveway. Nestled below, was a place called "True Vine Farm", a young Christian couple happen to been running in Kona at the time. They were producing a wide variety of both vegetables and fruit with over half of this acreage. I found the whole Island scene such a stark conrast from the smoggy fast paced city I was from.
There were a number of interesting folks living in what were basically shacks. But along with a breathtaking backdrop overlooking the entire Kona Coast, memorable sunsets went down on my uncertain life.

I crossed paths with many young people my age who appeared genuinely happy. They were always arriving further down the hill at YWAM (Youth With A Mission). There was an older hotel situated still further down in the the town of Kailua which housed many other Christians - whom they were affiliated with (pictured above).. I’m blondie on the far left.

They also happen to be running a restaurant (Tradewinds) next-door at the time, as well as holding services together on Sunday.
I can honestly say, they really reached out.. giving me employment while trying to point me in the right direction.

Kona hadn’t been built up just yet but changes were coming. Anyway, many transients came through True Vine and I of course was no exception. I sailed in carrying all my blues albums, make up, and a ton of nail polish!
I attended the Bible studies (part of the deal) and briefly stayed making some friends during a break up with my then boyfriend- until he poured sugar down my gas tank and I wound up pregnant before moving back in with him. Of course, that wasn't the end of the story...

Life really can pop up out of dead wood though-

31 comments:

doro said...

Fancynating and beautifull story !!! And lovely picture ;D You must be proud and happy ';) greetings!

Kilauea Poetry said...

Oh wow, thank you for this read Doro and your thoughts- they mean a lot!

Anya said...

Nice to know more about you
beautiful and touching story :))
(@^.^@)

Kilauea Poetry said...

Hey Anya, I appreciate this..so glad you said so! (love your cat eye signiture)!!

Anya said...

Hi Regina
Cat eye signiture ?!?!
do you mean this:

http://anya-kareltje.blogspot.com/2009/12/friends-forever.html

Maybe you have mist this post it was in dec2009
(sorry for my bad english :(

Thanks for your nice compliments always :))
Have a nice day
Anya :-)

MadSnapper said...

thanks for sharing your story and I am so glad you moved to the other side of the island, God knew where you were, and now you know where He is. each time i come, i have to stop and admire all your pet photos. the one of the dog peeking at the cat is priceless.I want to learn how to do the ripple thing

Unknown said...

I enjoyed reading your story, Regina! Very cool photo to go with.

Kilauea Poetry said...

Anya..thanks, I can see I mispelled signature..sorry, I'm sure that doesn't help you any! I just left a comment for you..your terrific!!
Thank you JM for your thoughtful expressions!
Hi Sandra..so glad you stopped by too with your encouraging words! (I'll stop by for the link)
My best to all-

Ginny Hartzler said...

I see you've led an extremly interesting and adventuresome life! But you left us hanging with so many unanswered questions!! Your beautiful sidebar continues to be a visually stunning distraction. Did I miss the parrot last time, or is he new?

Kilauea Poetry said...

Hey Ginny..well I have been discriptive with poetry as far as my past goes and opted for this avenue only because I'm afraid to say too much.. I think I have a tendency to? Ya..that's my love bird (not new). Anyway, thank you for visit- it's most appreciated!

Ginny Hartzler said...

Thanks for your comment. Yes, "Paint It Black" is one of my favorite Stones songs!! I had the old single record as a teenager. I thought I'd just put it out there and see how many people would know it! You're the first to notice it!! Personally, I was a Beatles fan, but love some of the Stones ballads, like "Angie" and "Wild Horses". I guess I'm just a rockin' Mennonite! Hope your Monday is good and I look forward to your future posts.

Kilauea Poetry said...

lol..I have to admit they were one of my favorites..(I look forward to the same Ginny)!

Lisa (Mountain Photog) said...

I keep forgetting to wait for the "captcha" when I post comments here. I post then close the window and my comments don't get posted. I need to remember to complete that last step. :)

Anyway, I really enjoyed your story. Even though you had a rough start to your life on the Island, it sounds as though things worked out in the end. I love the first photo and the second photo ties everything up nicely. Lovely. :)

Kilauea Poetry said...

Hey there Lisa..I shutter to think of how many times I've done that- only because you noticed- then wonder there must be others? Thank you..my problems really began on the mainland- it just became a big fat climax here, ha ha!

Anonymous said...

A deep bow in respect of both, your writing and being.


barefoot navigation

Kilauea Poetry said...

Awesome..so glad you came by for this read ρομπερτ! Many thanks to you-

DeniseinVA said...

That's an amazing story, I'm glad they were there for you. The photo was lovely :)

Kilauea Poetry said...

Oh thank you Denise for reading this piece of my bumpy ride!! (Hugs)

Joyful said...

I don't know why but I've always been curious to now how people end up in Hawaii who weren't from there. It was great to see a little insight in to your life though I very much understand that you don't want to be too revealing. I think sometimes on the net people can have voyeuristic tendencies and very personal questions can come from complete strangers. So by all means, keep to yourself, those things you do not feel comfortable in sharing.

I love your group photo and I'm so grateful for the people who showed you love and gave you a way to make a living. That is just awesome :-)

Kilauea Poetry said...

Hi there Joyful..ya, I was just thinking about that (the blogsphere) last night. I could be a little more revealing but I didn't want to overwhelm anyone with too long a post either? I'm sure it was enough to chew on (lol).I'm totally amazed at folks who write long dang blogs- but even more so when they get tons of comments!! Any, at least there is an interest. I appreciate that-thanks.

EG CameraGirl said...

It's wonderful when someone reaches out to catch you when you are falling! Great story.

Kilauea Poetry said...

Hey.. greetings! Your right..and the climate (timing) was somehow just right for this to take place- just enough desparation on my part, ha. Thank you for this neat visit!

Maia said...

This was a lovely reading and you even made me laugh at the end. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. As I can judge from your blog, you've changed a lot since that time. I hope you will share more of your adventures, sometimes in the future.

Friko said...

whatever happened then, happened. this is now and you made it.
good luck.

Kilauea Poetry said...

Friko, if I remember to simply walk by the Spirit, it will then be no problem to then live up to what I've attained. Thanks for being here! Maia, I'm always happy if I can make someone smile! Thanks-

The Write Girl said...

This is a wonderful story about your life...I'm sure meeting these people left quite an impression not to mention the beauty of the island. That must have been an amazing experience. Thanks for sharing.

Kilauea Poetry said...

Katina, ya.. you could say it left quite an impression- and I'm grateful for it.
It's dinner time again (lol)- I'll be by shortly too- thank you!

JTG (Misalyn) said...

Allow me to bow silently. Thanks for sharing your story and for letting us know a bit part of you. God is really good.

By the way, I love your new header....so beautiful!

Have a nice weekend my dear.

Kilauea Poetry said...

I appreciate your thoughtful words Misalyn- honestly- so greatful for your visit!

Dom said...

Thanks a lot for your comment Regina! Hope you're doing great too!

Being born in California isn't that bad, but living in Hawaii is even better :-)

I love vintage photos...

Kilauea Poetry said...

Hey thanks for dropping by Dominic! My best to you-

Let's be perfectly clear- the war on free speech is spiritual!