(email to C6, sent June 14, 2010)
Hello Dear Friends,
I went to the C7 Santa Barbara residency almost a month ago, and have been meaning to give you an update.
Can you believe its been already a year since we were there?
At the welcoming happy hour on the 3rd floor balcony I met the 2 new professors Drs. Laura Morgan Roberts and Stewart Burns.
Attended Stewart's lecture on constructing history, which was fascinating, and insightful.
Remember Tavia (the puppet lady)? She arrived with her husband and twin baby boys! Can you imagine? I commented, "How nice that you bring your husband and babies." But then I felt kind of naiive and foolish when I realized she really had no other choice...the babies have to eat, and how is she going to go to classes? What a trip... Golly, Can you imagine being on the journey pregnant and then delivering twins?
Speaking of which, April Bellafiore announced that she is four months pregnant with her first baby! The news made me think about Tayo and Zoe and how our class was so proud of them with the birth of Leo.
I attended the dissertation defense hearing of Kory Diehl (C7). It was fascinating. She did her research on Eutopiagraphy - a term she coined. You've heard of biography and autobiography; well Eutopiagraphy is the story of a preferred future self. Utilizing mixed methods, she interviewed 7 executives from the DC area and did analysis around themes of preferred future selves - what these people hoped for themselves in the future. Very interesting. All of C7 was there to cheer her on. They invited me to an after-dissertation celebration party in Summerland where several of the ladies were staying, and C7 has officially made me an honorary member of their tribe. Their cohort is very colorful; they seem to produce (ahem) more and faster than any other.
Well, I'm hoping you're smiling...here's wishing you all the best in your studies. I miss you all very much.
With aloha from the Islands of Santa Barbara, Cami
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
Weekly check-in with Uncle Peter for ILA-A
Aloha e Uncle Peter,
I hope this note finds you well. Thank you for your last email. I was particularly touched with when you said, "What our kupuna left for us, can certainly help all of us to treat each other with more kindness and respect. That is what Hawaii can do for the world." I couldn't agree more.
I just finished the last of my online Hawaiiana classes with A'o Makua. I enjoyed these classes very much...and in fact, when it comes to writing proposal for ILA-B, I may include another class.
I am running a little bit behind on my first paper, and need to extend probably about another 10 days... Here's why:
1. I found several more DVD resources that are just wonderful:
Keepers of the Flame "chronicles the historical importance of Hawaiian scholar and linguist Mary Kawena Pukui (1895-1986), hula master 'Iolani Luahine (1915-1978), and songwriter and educator Edith Kanaka'ole (1913-1979)". Co-Producer Myrna Kamae (wife of Eddie) is quoted in an article saying,
"It's interesting that these three women didn't have an easy time. There was a lot of opposition to what they were doing. They were still pretty underground. Not everyone wanted some of the stories to be told."
For example, Pukui — who spent a lifetime collecting entries, then another three years working on the Hawaiian Dictionary — upset people by exposing hidden meanings and hidden stories.
But for her, "it was important that all the knowledge be shared, so her grandchildren would know the authentic culture," Kamae said.
I got chills after reading the last part of her quote.
2. I discovered another DVD from Kamehameha schools - interviewing Aunty Pat! I have to order this and visit as soon as possible.
3. I found a website devoted to the teachngs of Tutu! I couldn't believe it...a scholar that was really into her work. I haven't had a chance to read it all but here http://www.drack.info/~olelo/cal-pukui.html and the other one http://hawaiianlanguage.com
4. OHA and Ka Wai 'Ola just began sending news alerts via email - what a great way to keep people informed!
Some contemporary issues that I have just become aware of absolutely must be touched on in my first essay.
There is so much to learn, and the more I search the more I find. It's amazing. You were right - the beginning of a wondrous journey.
Please take care... Hope you have a really nice week.
Aloha, Cami
I hope this note finds you well. Thank you for your last email. I was particularly touched with when you said, "What our kupuna left for us, can certainly help all of us to treat each other with more kindness and respect. That is what Hawaii can do for the world." I couldn't agree more.
I just finished the last of my online Hawaiiana classes with A'o Makua. I enjoyed these classes very much...and in fact, when it comes to writing proposal for ILA-B, I may include another class.
I am running a little bit behind on my first paper, and need to extend probably about another 10 days... Here's why:
1. I found several more DVD resources that are just wonderful:
Keepers of the Flame "chronicles the historical importance of Hawaiian scholar and linguist Mary Kawena Pukui (1895-1986), hula master 'Iolani Luahine (1915-1978), and songwriter and educator Edith Kanaka'ole (1913-1979)". Co-Producer Myrna Kamae (wife of Eddie) is quoted in an article saying,
"It's interesting that these three women didn't have an easy time. There was a lot of opposition to what they were doing. They were still pretty underground. Not everyone wanted some of the stories to be told."
For example, Pukui — who spent a lifetime collecting entries, then another three years working on the Hawaiian Dictionary — upset people by exposing hidden meanings and hidden stories.
But for her, "it was important that all the knowledge be shared, so her grandchildren would know the authentic culture," Kamae said.
I got chills after reading the last part of her quote.
2. I discovered another DVD from Kamehameha schools - interviewing Aunty Pat! I have to order this and visit as soon as possible.
3. I found a website devoted to the teachngs of Tutu! I couldn't believe it...a scholar that was really into her work. I haven't had a chance to read it all but here http://www.drack.info/~olelo/cal-pukui.html and the other one http://hawaiianlanguage.com
4. OHA and Ka Wai 'Ola just began sending news alerts via email - what a great way to keep people informed!
Some contemporary issues that I have just become aware of absolutely must be touched on in my first essay.
There is so much to learn, and the more I search the more I find. It's amazing. You were right - the beginning of a wondrous journey.
Please take care... Hope you have a really nice week.
Aloha, Cami
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Wed May 26 - Response from Uncle Peter...
Aloha Cami,
I had a wonderful trip to Denver reviewing Administration for Native
American grants. It was a great learning experience, and I learned a lot
about the federal grants process, and especially this program that is
targeted to assist American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian
communities. I reviewed requests for technology initiatives to strengthen
native governments' capacity to better serve their communities.
I'm glad to hear that you are learning so much from your classes and
reading. The crowning achievement of your tutu is not only the volumes of
literature that she left for all of us to learn and benefit from, but more
importantly, I believe that her true legacy is your `ohana. One of my
instructors was a wonderful man, Lionel Kinunwa, who was a Lakota healer
and academic, who shared the concept of cellular memory, which refers to
the belief that our ancestral knowledge and wisdom is imbedded in our
genes and is ever with us awaiting our self-discovery and access. So,
it's in your blood, and you are just beginning on your wondrous journey.
What our kupuna left for us, can certainly help all of us to treat each
other with more kindness and respect. That is what Hawaii can do for the
world. Aloha, Uncle Peter.
I had a wonderful trip to Denver reviewing Administration for Native
American grants. It was a great learning experience, and I learned a lot
about the federal grants process, and especially this program that is
targeted to assist American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian
communities. I reviewed requests for technology initiatives to strengthen
native governments' capacity to better serve their communities.
I'm glad to hear that you are learning so much from your classes and
reading. The crowning achievement of your tutu is not only the volumes of
literature that she left for all of us to learn and benefit from, but more
importantly, I believe that her true legacy is your `ohana. One of my
instructors was a wonderful man, Lionel Kinunwa, who was a Lakota healer
and academic, who shared the concept of cellular memory, which refers to
the belief that our ancestral knowledge and wisdom is imbedded in our
genes and is ever with us awaiting our self-discovery and access. So,
it's in your blood, and you are just beginning on your wondrous journey.
What our kupuna left for us, can certainly help all of us to treat each
other with more kindness and respect. That is what Hawaii can do for the
world. Aloha, Uncle Peter.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Weekly check-in with Mentor for ILA-A
This is my weekly Monday check in with Uncle Peter...
Aloha Uncle Peter!
I hope this note finds you well. How were your travels?
I am so enjoying my online Hawaiiana classes! There is so much to learn! This week I learned about the 30 phases of the moon and how they affect planting, harvesting and fishing.
It's incredible. The systems that the ancient Hawaiians used were truly advanced, logical and totally made sense. I am learning things I never learned about my culture, and my family.
I am reading about the Polynesian family system in Ka'u. It is fascinating, and the reading is thick. There are so many interesting secrets of old right under my nose as I was growing up in Honolulu!
I am only now just beginning to understand the importance of the work that Tutu Puku'i did. It makes me sad that I have had many of her books but only now, am reading and finding the treasures that lie within.
I enjoyed the YouTube video of Manu Meyer very much, and have ordered several of her manuscripts from the Interlibrary loan. Additionally, I watched the documentary "Men of Hula" about Robert Cazimero and his halau Na Kamalei - celebrating their 30th year of dancing. There was a mention of how some of the Hula moves come from Lua, and they showed Uncle Teeny Suganuma teaching his Lua class.
Thank you for your mentorship and support. I will check back in with an email to you next Monday. My journaling will help me write my papers.
Please take care and have a nice week.
Aloha, Cami
Aloha Uncle Peter!
I hope this note finds you well. How were your travels?
I am so enjoying my online Hawaiiana classes! There is so much to learn! This week I learned about the 30 phases of the moon and how they affect planting, harvesting and fishing.
It's incredible. The systems that the ancient Hawaiians used were truly advanced, logical and totally made sense. I am learning things I never learned about my culture, and my family.
I am reading about the Polynesian family system in Ka'u. It is fascinating, and the reading is thick. There are so many interesting secrets of old right under my nose as I was growing up in Honolulu!
I am only now just beginning to understand the importance of the work that Tutu Puku'i did. It makes me sad that I have had many of her books but only now, am reading and finding the treasures that lie within.
I enjoyed the YouTube video of Manu Meyer very much, and have ordered several of her manuscripts from the Interlibrary loan. Additionally, I watched the documentary "Men of Hula" about Robert Cazimero and his halau Na Kamalei - celebrating their 30th year of dancing. There was a mention of how some of the Hula moves come from Lua, and they showed Uncle Teeny Suganuma teaching his Lua class.
Thank you for your mentorship and support. I will check back in with an email to you next Monday. My journaling will help me write my papers.
Please take care and have a nice week.
Aloha, Cami
Monday, May 17, 2010
Mahina - how lovely!
Monday May 17, 2010
In our Aloha ‘Aina class, I learned so many things today, among which, Tutu Mary Kawena Puku’i wrote a chant about the moon to teach little children the phases of the moon. The phases of the moon are very important because the people had this lovely relationship with nature, and they were very intelligent when it came to taking care of the land so that it can sustain them. Here is my posting:
I found it fascinating to read about how the Hawaiians use the moon calendar! Who knew that the waxing moon (increasing light between new and full moon) dictated planting plants that produce the edible part above ground, and the waning moon (decreasing light - full moon to new moon) dictated planting plants that produce the edible parts below ground. Honestly, I had no idea.
I loved hearing that it was customary for children to learn the mahina 'oli before the age of six! I thought the proverb was most interesting: "Kamali'i 'ike 'ole i ka helu po, Muku nei, Mulu ka malama, Hilo nei, kau ke Hoaka." "Children who do not know the moon phases: Muku is here, Muku the moon; Hilo comes next then Hoaka." This is the first part of the chant for children to learn the phases of the moon; also said of one who does not know the answer to a question, or is ignorant. He is compared to a small child who has not learned the moon phases. Check out the video: http://www.bigislandweekly.com/articles/2009/09/23/read/news/news05.txt
I am filled with wonder about the Hawaiian culture. Although I am part-Hawaiian, I don't think I remember learning this chant ever in my youth. It is fun learning it now though.
In our Aloha ‘Aina class, I learned so many things today, among which, Tutu Mary Kawena Puku’i wrote a chant about the moon to teach little children the phases of the moon. The phases of the moon are very important because the people had this lovely relationship with nature, and they were very intelligent when it came to taking care of the land so that it can sustain them. Here is my posting:
I found it fascinating to read about how the Hawaiians use the moon calendar! Who knew that the waxing moon (increasing light between new and full moon) dictated planting plants that produce the edible part above ground, and the waning moon (decreasing light - full moon to new moon) dictated planting plants that produce the edible parts below ground. Honestly, I had no idea.
I loved hearing that it was customary for children to learn the mahina 'oli before the age of six! I thought the proverb was most interesting: "Kamali'i 'ike 'ole i ka helu po, Muku nei, Mulu ka malama, Hilo nei, kau ke Hoaka." "Children who do not know the moon phases: Muku is here, Muku the moon; Hilo comes next then Hoaka." This is the first part of the chant for children to learn the phases of the moon; also said of one who does not know the answer to a question, or is ignorant. He is compared to a small child who has not learned the moon phases. Check out the video: http://www.bigislandweekly.com/articles/2009/09/23/read/news/news05.txt
I am filled with wonder about the Hawaiian culture. Although I am part-Hawaiian, I don't think I remember learning this chant ever in my youth. It is fun learning it now though.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Aloha 'Aina course starts today
My Aloha Aina course starts today! I am so excited...It is a self-paced online class through the A'o Makua program offered by Kamehameha schools.
The course is structured into 3 topic areas - Mahina (moon), Mahi'ai (farming) and Lawai'a (fishing). Also, within each topic area they have resources called Ka Mole (foundation), Ke Kumu (teaching modern day practices) and Ka Hua (suggested activities that you can teach to your family or keiki). Our Kumu's name is Lori Aiwohi - she lives on Maui with her husband and four children. For Earth day they shut their electricity off at 9 pm! How amazing - the whole family got into it.
We have to do an assignment that involves telling a little about yourself, where you are from, and what you'd like to get out of the course. Here is my posting:
Aloha! I can tell this class is going to be a lot of fun. My name is Cami (Wengler) Vignoe. I grew up in Honolulu in the Aina Haina area, lived in Lahaina for several years after graduation, and then moved to the mainland. I live in Santa Barbara, CA with my husband Dave. Although we have no children of our own, we have 30 nieces and nephews - the majority of whom live on Oahu and Big Island in Hilo.
I am a grad student, hoping to learn the ancient ways of our people. I find it fascinating how they naturally, instinctively knew how to take care of the 'aina. My grandfather was a fisherman and an organic farmer. He had a beautiful, bountiful garden patch in Moilili back in the day. My parents recycled ever since I could remember. We were blessed with mango, guavas, limes, papaya, lychee and banana - I think back to how cool it was to grow your own breakfast, and pick from your own back yard. Additionally, we had plumeria, stephanotis, gardenia, pakalana, and ti leaves to make fresh leis whenever there was a special occasion.
We are truly keiki 'o ka 'aina. What awesome childhood memories our parents and grandparents gave us...and what a lovely culture to have grown up in. I especially appreciate our visits home even more, and look forward to learning in this class. My heart is full of aloha 'aina. Thank you for this opportunity.
Well, It is very late and I have to get up early and work a full day (8 am - 6 pm) - then off to Tahitian practice at 7pm. I cannot wait until after dance class so I can jump online and learn more about our culture, the moon, farming, and fishing!
Aloha to all. Aloha 'Aina!
The course is structured into 3 topic areas - Mahina (moon), Mahi'ai (farming) and Lawai'a (fishing). Also, within each topic area they have resources called Ka Mole (foundation), Ke Kumu (teaching modern day practices) and Ka Hua (suggested activities that you can teach to your family or keiki). Our Kumu's name is Lori Aiwohi - she lives on Maui with her husband and four children. For Earth day they shut their electricity off at 9 pm! How amazing - the whole family got into it.
We have to do an assignment that involves telling a little about yourself, where you are from, and what you'd like to get out of the course. Here is my posting:
Aloha! I can tell this class is going to be a lot of fun. My name is Cami (Wengler) Vignoe. I grew up in Honolulu in the Aina Haina area, lived in Lahaina for several years after graduation, and then moved to the mainland. I live in Santa Barbara, CA with my husband Dave. Although we have no children of our own, we have 30 nieces and nephews - the majority of whom live on Oahu and Big Island in Hilo.
I am a grad student, hoping to learn the ancient ways of our people. I find it fascinating how they naturally, instinctively knew how to take care of the 'aina. My grandfather was a fisherman and an organic farmer. He had a beautiful, bountiful garden patch in Moilili back in the day. My parents recycled ever since I could remember. We were blessed with mango, guavas, limes, papaya, lychee and banana - I think back to how cool it was to grow your own breakfast, and pick from your own back yard. Additionally, we had plumeria, stephanotis, gardenia, pakalana, and ti leaves to make fresh leis whenever there was a special occasion.
We are truly keiki 'o ka 'aina. What awesome childhood memories our parents and grandparents gave us...and what a lovely culture to have grown up in. I especially appreciate our visits home even more, and look forward to learning in this class. My heart is full of aloha 'aina. Thank you for this opportunity.
Well, It is very late and I have to get up early and work a full day (8 am - 6 pm) - then off to Tahitian practice at 7pm. I cannot wait until after dance class so I can jump online and learn more about our culture, the moon, farming, and fishing!
Aloha to all. Aloha 'Aina!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Monday May 3, 2010
I will be setting a new time line today for my school work. The time line will include all my projects until graduation in August 2011.
My mentor, the amazing Dr. Peter Hanohano, Educational Director at OHA (Office of Hawaiian Affairs) just approved my ILA-A proposal! Hooray!!! It is quite lengthy, and will include 3 online Hawaiiana courses, 3 papers, this daily blog, weekly dialogue with mentor and bi-weekly phone calls.
Today I started my first online class. Our kumu's name is Tiare Ahu. She was born in Kapuhulu, and now lives in Kaneohe with her husband and two sons. She taught 9th grade English at KSBE, and now works as an Academic Specialist that helps acclimate new 9th graders to KS. Including me, there are 15 students in our class. Most live in Hawaii, but there are several that live on the mainland - in Colorado, Washington, MD, CA. In this course there are 4 major lessons, one per week, and each lesson has several modules. I will be online quite a bit. Here is my 1st post:
Aloha classmates,
My name is Cami. I graduated from KSBE in 1983. It seems like a long time ago.
I am married to Dave; we live in Santa Barbara, CA. Although we have no children of our own, we actually have 28 nieces and nephews... they are a lot of fun. Most of them live in Hawaii, and we enjoy visiting them in the summer and during the Christmas holiday break.
I work as a career counselor at Santa Barbara City college. The campus is beautiful - it sits on a hill and overlooks the beach which is about 50 yards away. I also teach psychology at the University.
I am in graduate school and am taking this 'olelo class to reconnect with my native roots. It's exciting. I am grateful for this opportunity to learn Hawaiian language long-distance. In a way, it's amazing that we can live so far away and still be connected and learn online. It was nice to read everyone's bio. I look forward to our future discussions and posts.
Aloha, Cami
My mentor, the amazing Dr. Peter Hanohano, Educational Director at OHA (Office of Hawaiian Affairs) just approved my ILA-A proposal! Hooray!!! It is quite lengthy, and will include 3 online Hawaiiana courses, 3 papers, this daily blog, weekly dialogue with mentor and bi-weekly phone calls.
Today I started my first online class. Our kumu's name is Tiare Ahu. She was born in Kapuhulu, and now lives in Kaneohe with her husband and two sons. She taught 9th grade English at KSBE, and now works as an Academic Specialist that helps acclimate new 9th graders to KS. Including me, there are 15 students in our class. Most live in Hawaii, but there are several that live on the mainland - in Colorado, Washington, MD, CA. In this course there are 4 major lessons, one per week, and each lesson has several modules. I will be online quite a bit. Here is my 1st post:
Aloha classmates,
My name is Cami. I graduated from KSBE in 1983. It seems like a long time ago.
I am married to Dave; we live in Santa Barbara, CA. Although we have no children of our own, we actually have 28 nieces and nephews... they are a lot of fun. Most of them live in Hawaii, and we enjoy visiting them in the summer and during the Christmas holiday break.
I work as a career counselor at Santa Barbara City college. The campus is beautiful - it sits on a hill and overlooks the beach which is about 50 yards away. I also teach psychology at the University.
I am in graduate school and am taking this 'olelo class to reconnect with my native roots. It's exciting. I am grateful for this opportunity to learn Hawaiian language long-distance. In a way, it's amazing that we can live so far away and still be connected and learn online. It was nice to read everyone's bio. I look forward to our future discussions and posts.
Aloha, Cami
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