FAITHFUL FULL MOON
I thought I was going to miss it. Was at Costco getting my usual 84 pounds of cat litter and came out of the warehouse to see beautiful sunset-kissed pink clouds over the Ko'olau range to the east. I turned my back to load the cat litter and when I looked again, the clouds had gone grey.

Driving home, I was probably a little inattentive, looking for signs of the moon through the clouds, but when I turned into my complex I caught my breath. There it was, directly in front of me, touchable almost. Not easily photographed with a phone camera.

I stopped at the gate and told the security guard, "Wait 'til you see that moon!"

"Huh? Is it full tonight?"

I thought everyone knew that stuff, and everyone I told in the elevator was equally indifferent. Most people have become so disconnected with the rhythms of nature, the magic show, and even more so when there is a big flourish like this equinox/full moon simultaneity. Lots of doors open in the apartments -- it is very hot and humid -- and lots of big flat screen TVs playing.

But I think the real action is outside on the really big screen of the sky. I keep pointing, but hardly anyone seems to care about my finger or the moon.

But, when I opened my own door, I dragged the Wizard outside to see it. "Wait, I have something for you, too," he said, presenting me with two tickets to next Tuesday's Chinese Moon Festival performance at the Hawaii Theatre. How cool is that? He says he may not be able to make it; a dentist appointment that day may interfere. And I have a dentist appointment on the next new moon, but probably auspicious; you can only fill something when it's empty.

But tonight, it's fuller than full!

VANDALS TOOK THE HANDLES

After watching the daily progress of the sprouts from the drastically pruned shrubs near my parking space, I was disturbed to see that someone snapped off half a dozen of the new shoots. I find it hard to believe that this was part of the ongoing horticultural maintenance. There are missing shoots from two out of three of these plants; I suspect kids, "youths," who have no respect for common property, to say nothing of nature. Perhaps the same ones who scratch at new paint in the elevators and leave their signs here and there with permanent markers and spray paint.

I will be watching the scarred spots closely to see if new shoots pop out. The plant is not harmed, but the peace of the garden is.

ONE FINGER POINTING AT THE MOON

Last night I was a grateful guest at a fundraiser for the nature education non-profit with which I have some history of affiliation. At the outset I must say it was a lovely event, catching up with folks I hadn't seen since last year, nice food, wine and margaritas under the stars, and it probably raised more money than was expected in these times.

I was seated as usual with a table of academics, a nice variation from my usual social life with defense contractors. A younger couple was demonstrating the bazillion clever apps on their iPhones: a finger painting program, an easy way to view real estate listings with pictures of bathrooms and kitchens, YouTube searching for a '70s era video of David Bowie and Bing Crosby, ambient sound programs to help you sleep, light sabres, a flashlight! And you can make phone calls! Like a digital Swiss army knife.

At one point I tapped the shoulder of my dinner conversation partner whose eyes had begun to glaze over. I pointed up to the trees where the 98.5 percent waxing gibbous moon had just made its appearance over Diamond Head. It seemed like a Zen moment, because we had been talking about my Wudang meditation retreats and her travel to Ireland and, perhaps, a walking tour in Japan.

I was struck that this event, designed to support nature awareness through education, was going on a little oblivious to the spectacle unfolding above and beyond. The noise of the live auction and the preoccupation with virtual technology seemed alienated from the purpose. And I believe our preoccupation with technology --which I am using right now of course --tends to increase this alienation from nature.

I paid my way at the event; I bid high for a piece of art at the silent auction. But I think more importantly, I pointed my finger at the moon. At least one person noticed.

WHO SPEAKS FOR THE TREES?
It's a real heartbreaker when trees become a hazard. The H-2, my parking area and lanai view, and now Waimanalo Beach. And to think that it is because of lack of respect and proper care for the trees. The Outdoor Circle can do a lot for the trees, but overall there has been a loss of the understanding of what trees, in their natural environments do for us to provide health and beauty. (Admittedly, I am speaking as someone who likes a real Christmas tree--that's why it is a kind of sacrifice.) Education is important. But even there, we focus more and more on science and high tech education, but environmental education, the kind that instills love and respect for nature, is a luxury no one wants to pay for anymore. A lot of us were indoctrinated into nature by our grandparents during quiet explorations in the woods and picnics at State Parks. If you can't give money to support organizations that promote these values, at least try to spend time with a young person in nature and pass on proper respect and your love for nature. Leave the handheld electronic devices at home, please. (Except for a cell phone for real emergencies!)