Those of you who are Facebook "Friends" may have seen pictures of my Maui labyrinth walk, #50 of 50, shortly after I completed it.
Other faithful blog friends will catch up with me now - a week later - back home, unpacked, somewhat incredulous (always wanted to use that word) that the trip actually happened.
When I began planning the trip in February, I still had twelve states to visit. Hawaii was always going to be the last one, but I had "miles to go" before that could happen.
Not to mention finding a woman,
who had built an outdoor labyrinth,
in Hawaii,
who would be available for a visit,
the first week in July!
Before plane reservations or condo searches, this woman…whoever she might be… had to be found, had to say "Yes." Hunched over my laptop like a fortune teller over her crystal ball, I consulted the World Wide Labyrinth Locator once again. In 48 of the past 49 searches, it had successfully conjured my destinations. And now, another possibility --
Eve Hogan
The Sacred Garden
460 Kaluanui Rd.
Makawao, Maui, Hawaii
A woman with two outdoor labyrinths. Less than twenty-four hours of my email request, Eve replied with a gracious and enthusiastic "Yes!" Maui in July!!
On July 3rd, I walked Eve's 11-circuit labyrinth, encircled by the lushness of Maui's rainforest, accompanied by husband and friends.
I carried a miniature copy of the USA map that hangs on my closet door, filled with pictures of the other women whose labyrinths I walked over the past two years.
Gratitude and relief spilled over me as I took the final step.
And yet, that was not the final step.
There were two other labyrinths on Maui that would touch me in the next five days.
"If you're in the Kapalua area, check out the Dragon's Teeth Labyrinth," Eve mentioned at the end of our conversation. "It's built on sacred Hawaiian ancestral grounds, amazing energy and winds."
"That's where we're staying!" I answered, at this point in my journey not at all surprised in the "coincidence."
The next morning at 5:45, I followed Eve's directions down the road from our condo, across the fairway of a golf course, out onto a rocky point. A majestic 11-circuit labyrinth - grass, lava rock and coral-lined - spiraled in the wind.
I was the only one there as the sun rose, and the only one there for the next four mornings as I walked to the center and sat.
In the distance Dragon's Teeth (Hawaiian name Makaluapuna Point),
formed by thousands of years of lava, wind and water,
protected me.
The third labyrinth was of my own making. In the smooth sand just beyond the reach of waves pulsing in and out, I took a stick and drew a classical labyrinth. Anne Hornstein, whose beach labyrinth in Destin, Florida was the first labyrinth I walked on this journey, taught me how to draw one… in the sand.
My journey had come full circle.
Other faithful blog friends will catch up with me now - a week later - back home, unpacked, somewhat incredulous (always wanted to use that word) that the trip actually happened.
When I began planning the trip in February, I still had twelve states to visit. Hawaii was always going to be the last one, but I had "miles to go" before that could happen.
Not to mention finding a woman,
who had built an outdoor labyrinth,
in Hawaii,
who would be available for a visit,
the first week in July!
Before plane reservations or condo searches, this woman…whoever she might be… had to be found, had to say "Yes." Hunched over my laptop like a fortune teller over her crystal ball, I consulted the World Wide Labyrinth Locator once again. In 48 of the past 49 searches, it had successfully conjured my destinations. And now, another possibility --
Eve Hogan
The Sacred Garden
460 Kaluanui Rd.
Makawao, Maui, Hawaii
A woman with two outdoor labyrinths. Less than twenty-four hours of my email request, Eve replied with a gracious and enthusiastic "Yes!" Maui in July!!
 |
| Eve completes the 50 states! |
On July 3rd, I walked Eve's 11-circuit labyrinth, encircled by the lushness of Maui's rainforest, accompanied by husband and friends.
 |
| Drew and friends, Marian and Jim Levine join me in the center |
I carried a miniature copy of the USA map that hangs on my closet door, filled with pictures of the other women whose labyrinths I walked over the past two years.
Gratitude and relief spilled over me as I took the final step.
And yet, that was not the final step.
There were two other labyrinths on Maui that would touch me in the next five days.
"If you're in the Kapalua area, check out the Dragon's Teeth Labyrinth," Eve mentioned at the end of our conversation. "It's built on sacred Hawaiian ancestral grounds, amazing energy and winds."
"That's where we're staying!" I answered, at this point in my journey not at all surprised in the "coincidence."
The next morning at 5:45, I followed Eve's directions down the road from our condo, across the fairway of a golf course, out onto a rocky point. A majestic 11-circuit labyrinth - grass, lava rock and coral-lined - spiraled in the wind.
I was the only one there as the sun rose, and the only one there for the next four mornings as I walked to the center and sat.In the distance Dragon's Teeth (Hawaiian name Makaluapuna Point),
formed by thousands of years of lava, wind and water,
protected me.
The third labyrinth was of my own making. In the smooth sand just beyond the reach of waves pulsing in and out, I took a stick and drew a classical labyrinth. Anne Hornstein, whose beach labyrinth in Destin, Florida was the first labyrinth I walked on this journey, taught me how to draw one… in the sand.
My journey had come full circle.
Oh, I HAVE to go walk that labyrinth at the Dragons Teeth. I love how your journey began and ended (only to begin once more, as circles are wont to do) with beach labyrinths. Twyla, you truly are an amazing person.
ReplyDeleteI'm confident that you will walk it, Ellie!! And others will be inspired by walking yours in Missouri, as well, with all its amazing rocks from all over the world. I certainly was. Thanks. :-)
DeleteYes full circle. Can't wait for the book as I hope to travel with it and make your visits, our pilgrimage. Who knows maybe we will do all 50 states a 4th time. You are an inspiration with your dream, your ability to convey the emotion of your dream and your serene presence. Hugs..and perhaps we will connect in August as we scoot through. Oh, love the sand labyrinth!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Vanda! Your journeys fascinate me, as well! Don't you love all the connections we're making?
ReplyDeleteGreat job, Mom! You'll have to teach me how to draw a labyrinth in the sand when you're here next month. Love the picture of Dragon's Teeth Labyrinth...magical.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Katherine!! I'll be glad to show you how to draw a labyrinth on the beach in Portland. :-)
ReplyDeleteMagical is the perfect word for Dragon's Teeth. It sounds like a name right out of Harry Potter!
Twylla, reading this gave me chills. Yes, there are no coincidences! Your story is fascinating and invigorating. Seeking your own truth and that of other beautiful women, the spiritual messages, the underlying journey, the powerful energies; it is all so amazing. I so look forward to joining you in your journey through your story. You might just need to make drawing a sand labyrinth a blog post. I want to know how too! May the writing begin!
ReplyDeleteHi Lenae, It's encouragers like you who have kept me going on this journey. Thanks! I'd be glad to teach you how to draw a classical labyrinth, but in the meantime check out this youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyEwgGuWzCI
ReplyDeleteIt's easier than it looks. :-)
Oh, Twylla, Thank you for the vivid description of the Dragon's Teeth Labyrinth. Although it's hard to imagine sitting on that hard volcanic rock, I can see you reaching out to dawn those magical, windy mornings. The circle will never be closed for you, even after the book is written, but it seemed like a perfect ending. Are all labyrinths circles?
ReplyDeleteSharon, I really like your words, "…the circle will never be closed for you, even after the book is written!" I know this is true.
DeleteMost labyrinths are circular, although there are some square ones. If you google "labyrinth shapes," you'll find several images of different kinds.