Phil Davis's Blog

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Eight of our twenty years in Hawaii were in the upcountry hamlet of Makawao, on the island of Maui. I was semi-retired and had a lot of time to get acquainted.

We spent a number of evenings at a local restaurant that overlooked the harbor, and was perfect for Pau Hana (end of work) on Friday, and perfect for enjoying a sunset.

Located in central Maui, Ma’alaea is best known for its harbor, a popular departure point for several ocean activities, as well as the Maui Ocean Center, Hawaii’s largest aquarium. While most visitors aren’t likely to spend an entire day here, its an opportunity to visit and learn more about Maui’s unique marine life, grab a bite to eat, depart for an exciting day on the ocean, and during winter months, even whale watch from shore!

The restaurant is the setting for Chapter 1 of “Just A Touch”. I introduce Tey and Taiani at the time of him formally breaking off the relationship. They both had secrets, Tey was interested in another young lady and Taiani had more sinister motives. But the gap between them had expanded beyond repair, which became evident in the following exchange:

“I remember when you came out here and said that you didn’t like Waianae. Too rural, those were the words. You said it wasn’t your choice.”

“It’s a long way from anywhere,” Taiani said.

“You like hanging out in Lanikai, and you love the smell of money,” Tey said.

“We used to go out clubbing and window shopping at Ala Moana. You liked it. What’s different?” Taiani asked.

“I did it because you liked it, Tai. I’ve always liked the rural life in Maui. Honolulu is just another big city with crime and corruption.”

“You only liked it because you were getting laid.” Taiani laughs as she pushes her chair back.

“I didn’t hear any complaints,” Tey smirked.

“They were there. You chose to ignore them,” Taiani said as she stood. “This has been messy enough. If we’re done here, I’ll disappear. Be careful with Kailani.”

Floral Friday – Instagram macro image

Painted wings and giant’s rings

Make way for other toys.

Puff The Magic Dragon

Peter, Paul and Mary

I’m between writing projects. “Just A Touch” is posted on Amazon, and I’m looking for other publishing options. For me, a break between novels is a small change in habits. I still get up early so I can ease into my day. I walk a few laps around the neighborhood and work on something – like this blog. But there’s marketing for JAT, and my wife’s hints regarding finishing the remodel (it’s been +/- three years) are getting louder and more frequent. I agreed it’s time to do the final project. We both just want to have all the major projects complete.

Link to “Just A Touch”

https://rb.gy/ap8ftf

But I am a creative creature, and I can’t stop that part of my brain from keeping me up at night.

I bill myself as an architect, Photographer, and Writer, and that’s how I will always see myself. I love architecture, and it will always be special. But it has been a 40+ year run and time for other things. Photography has been an on-and-off passion that came and went until the last ten years. The last few years I spent in Hawaii unleashed the passion. I created a blog called PADA Photo Journey in 2013, and I still have all my “expensive” gear in a Pelican case right here under my desk. So, while I’m rolling a new writing project around in my head, I thought I would occasionally throw in some pics on this blog. And yes, I will be taking more pics in the near future.

Link to PADA Photo Journey

https://padavis249.wordpress.com/

..These images were taken in Manoa Valley on the island of Oahu. Just minutes from downtown Honlulu, Manoa is know for the trail to Manoa Falls. Most of the flowers were taken at Lyon Arboretum, which is adjacent to the Manoa Falls Trail. I spent a lot of time in that valley.

“Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water…”

After I published on Amazon I did my usual thing – upload the Epub to my Kindle and experience it like I never saw it before. Ten pages in and OMG!!!

I don’t know how other writers work or organize their computer files. Folders, naming conventions, and dates are important to me – just to stay organized. I also try to be meticulous with the organization and houskeeping. My typical file tree has eleven (11) folders, and each has 3+ sub folders. One of the folders is named “OLD”, which means don’t use this for publication.

WELL – (egg on my face). I didn’t check the dates, and I didn’t do my house chores. PANIC ensues…

I went over the entire manuscript (again) and re-formatted. And, thank the maker, I found a few other issues that the proofer didn’t catch. So all in all, this was a good thing.

This has been a labor of love. The link to the Amazon sales page follows:

https://rb.gy/ap8ftf

Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

A snippet from chapter 4 of “Just A Touch”

“Are you by chance Kailani Soto?” Maya stood outside the shop and watched the woman interact with other customers before tapping her shoulder.

It was an innocent approach.

It was polite to ask.

But she already knew whose space she was invading. Maya knew her name, where she lived, where she shopped, and she assumed there was a relationship with Tey.

The woman was slow to respond. Her brows lowered when their eyes met. It was the morning rush in the coffee shop, and for a moment, they were the only silent spot in the store. Maya looks closely at the woman as she turns to face her. Her smile slowly lowered, and her eyes took a full accounting of Maya.

Kailani was a well-kept Hawaiian woman. Her clothes were casual but nicely tailored. She had sleepy eyes and long brown hair that framed her face, flowing over white tank-top straps and tawny bare shoulders.

“And you are?” Three words disguised as an innocent question erupted from her mouth like machine gun fire, and then she turned away to say ‘hello’ to another patron.

Maya saw this maneuver as a diversion, a chance to size up an unfamiliar woman.

She has a fear of the unknown, Maya makes a mental note. Good to know.

“I met Tey Gier yesterday,” Maya stepped closer and raised the volume. “He mentioned you and said you often come here for a morning cup.”

Kailani returns her attention. “And you are?” she says again.

“I’m sorry. My name is Maya Alvarez.”

Kailani crossed her arms, wrapping them tightly over her chest.

“You said that you met Tey, and he mentioned me.”

“Yes. He said you have many connections in the islands,” Maya said.

Kailani rolled her eyes and shook her head. She did another full scan, eyes running over Maya, from her thick bronze hair to a new pair of Asics running shoes.

“I haven’t seen you around. Are you sleeping with him?”

“Excuse me.” Maya steps closer. “No, what makes you think that?”

Kailani takes a step back. “You’re intense, wahine. You’re acting like he owes you something.”

“Nothing of the sort.” Maya laughs quietly. “May I buy your coffee? I’d like to speak with you.”

“Is it about Tey?” Kailani asked.

“No, not really.”

They order, and Kailani finds an open table while Maya pays. She remembers Tey said Kailani was a formidable force in the islands. She was confident and direct, although she had already unearthed a vulnerable spot.

“Tey’s a good-lookin’ guy, and he might be available. That’s if you want to sleep with him.”

“Not the type I’m looking for. If I was looking.” Maya began. “And he mentioned a girl named Kalana.”

“I’m aware of Kalana.” she laughs. “Their relationship is just starting. Ya know. I really don’t think you can pull them apart anyway,” she laughs again. “Give him a month or two.”

Pulling her hand to her mouth, Maya laughs. “No, no. You’ve got it all wrong, Miss Soto.”

“What?”

Both women laugh, but Maya’s had enough of deceptive word games. She leans across the table, eye to eye, and speaks slowly and softly.

“I’m not here looking to hook up with some guy I just met. He mentioned Kalana. Is she a real person, or was he just looking for an out?” Maya asked.

Kailani smiles and waves at a couple as they leave. “Of course I know Kalana. A lovely girl and they’re well matched.” She pulls back into her seat. “Now that you’ve met me, what is this about?”

“I’m an investigator and…”

Before Maya can finish, Kailani pushes back from the table and grabs her coffee and backpack. “I have to go.” 

“Please don’t, Miss Soto. I have more questions.”

Kailani stops. “Be quick. I do have a job.”

 “I’m working on a case that involves drugs in French Polynesia. There has been a flood of cocaine and methamphetamines passing through our islands.”

“Go on.” Kailani leaned closer.

“The narco super highway.” Maya began. “Have you heard of it?”

“No. Why are you talking to me? I know nothing of this, ya know.” She moves closer. “You’re not CIA or Interpol?”

“I work with the Marin Agency, an investigation firm from Barcelona. We know that drugs are being transported between Honolulu and Australia. I’ve narrowed it down to Cano Air Transport and TransPacific Air Carriers.”

Kailani smiles, her eyes staring into nothing, and Maya could see she was considering her next move. Another patron waved and said hello, and Kailani was slow to respond. She lifted her hand to wave but didn’t look.

Got her, Maya smiles to herself.

“It’s not us. Joāo Cano runs a clean operation.” Kailani said.

“They said the same thing over at TransPacific.” Maya looks at Kailani. “What about Joāo’s wife?”

“Calista?” Kailani’s laugh is blatantly counterfeit. “She can be difficult, but there are no drugs. She deals in historic Polynesian artifacts.”

“Do you know of a person or entity called Yang Tsutsui?” Maya asks.

Kailani stops again, frozen like a snapshot, and her eyes scour Maya’s eyes. “I’ve heard the name. Calista mentioned it recently.”

“There’s something odd about the name …”

“That’s because Yang is Chinese and Tsutsui is Japanese,” Kailani interrupted. “Ya know, yin and yang. In Eastern culture, it describes opposites. Black and white, sun and moon.”

“I never paid much attention to Asian cultures,” Maya laughs.

“You’re in the middle of it now. Best to pay attention.”

“Thank you, Miss Soto. I’ll be more attentive. What about this Yang Tsutsui?” Maya asked.

 “I knew it was a fake name when I heard it,” Kailani said.

“I figured the same. I know that Yang Tsutsui is an entity with a connection to a drug cartel. I also know there is a person in Hawaii who fronts for a Chinese drug cartel.”

Kailani stands, looking down at Maya. “I have to get to the airport.”

“What about Joāo and Calista’s daughter?” Maya asked.

“Susanna knows nothing,” Kailani says as she steps by her. 

Maya jumps, following her bouncing curls out of the shop. “What is your position in Cano Air Transport?”

“You’re asking a lot of questions, wahine. Who are you after?”

“I apologize for being abrupt with my questions. It’s just that families living on atolls in French Polynesia are suffering from the influx of drugs. Their communities and their culture are being torn apart. My friend, Fetia Picard, lost her husband and a son to the cartels. Now, she only has a teenage daughter.”

“Will this take long? I have a meeting at Kahului Airport.”

“Tey said that you know everything and everybody, and he said you have a good heart.”

Kailani stops and leans against her car. She tries to disguise a smile, and for a moment, she’s not running. “Tey said that about me?”

“Yes.”

“I’m sorry to hear about your friend. Where does this woman live?”

“Faaite. It’s a small atoll in the Tuamotu Islands. It’s about four hundred kilometers from Tahiti.”

“You’re in America, sweetheart. We measure in miles.”

Maya holds a laugh. “I think about two hundred and fifty miles.”

“I know a family that lives in the village of Rotoava on Fakarava atoll. Hirono and Lita Hirinaki. But I don’t know anything about this Faaite place.”

Just A Touch – A Snippet from Chapter 10

The eighteenth-floor elevator button illuminated when Tey’s finger touched the key. The upward travel seemed unusually slow this evening. His clenched fingers stung from an unconscious grip, and he thought about the last time he and Kalana came here. They used the seclusion of the elevator cab to kiss, fondle, and grope. It was a bold gamble that the doors wouldn’t open on the way up, and upon leaving, they giggled like adolescents as they dashed to his studio.

He pushed the door and envisioned her standing on the balcony, and then he imagined her sitting on the floor, a take-out box with katsu in one hand and chopsticks in the other. She’s smiling and waving at him to come over, to sit and have a bite. It’s a dream, a mirage, and her smile taunts him.

He found an envelope pushed under the door. His name was written on the front, but there was no stamp or return address, and he recognized the pen strokes as Kalana’s cursive.

I want to remind you that I’m thinking of you and how much you mean to me.

In these few weeks, you have become a part of me. I miss you already.

This is serious, Tey. I want us to be serious.

I dare you to fall in love with me.

There it was again. The last line. An invitation to walk through a portal and into her world. He felt like a caged beast, searching for a way out of a nightmare that taunted him. His breathing was quick, and his hands were cold. He imagined her opening the door, welcoming him home. They would embrace, and he would enjoy her fragrance. Her mood and her passion let him explore inside her soul. She was a woman who dazzled without effort.

He struggled to breathe as he opened the door – hoping she would be there, only to find himself alone. Tey sat on the stone tiles of the balcony and wrapped his fingers around the metal balusters. Looking between the metal pickets, his eyes fixed on the boundary between sea and sky, and he wished the hallucination would end.

I’ve become meticulous about the final product (more than in the past). After waiting for a “Proof” to be completed, I made some adjustments and then off to Amazon.

Well – I thought.

In the past, I would make a PDF copy for the paperback and an EPUB for my ebook. The difference is, (I learned from my daughter) that I could upload the EPUB to my Kindle. I got the normal “thumbs up” from Amazon on the ebook and went back to my chores around here that went undone for…

OK, ok – I should have checked, but there were some formatting issues in the EPUB that didn’t appear on the PDF. Easy peasy, huh?

What I’ve learned about my “in-house” editing is to never go back, unless you are ready to write and re-write. And I’m not saying the novel (Just A Touch) is worse off. It’s taken more time than I expected. Nonetheless, it’s better off. I picked up some loose ends and some detail errors that likely nobody would know but me.

So now you know where my craziness lies.

I’m reminded of a quote: “A book never finished – finally just abandoned.” (1971 – Esther Kellner).

“Just a Touch” is now live on Amazon. Paperback and Ebook.

Get a copy- or two. It makes a great Christmas or birthday gift.

http://fb32.2.vu/1

Maya knows Kailani this conversation will be a challenge. She has to find a way.

“Are you by chance Kailani Soto?” Maya stood outside the shop and watched the woman interact with other customers before tapping her shoulder.

It was an innocent approach.

It was polite to ask.

But she already knew whose space she was invading. Maya knew her name, where she lived, where she shopped, and she assumed there was a relationship with Tey.

The woman was slow to respond. Her brows lowered when their eyes met. It was the morning rush in the coffee shop, and for a moment, they were the only silent spot in the store. Maya looks closely at the woman as she turns to face her. Her smile slowly lowered, and her eyes took a full accounting of Maya.

Kailani was a well-kept Hawaiian woman. Her clothes were casual but nicely tailored. She had sleepy eyes and long brown hair framing her face, flowing over white tank-top straps and tawny bare shoulders.

“And you are?” Three words disguised as an innocent question erupted from her mouth like machine gun fire, and then she turned away to say ‘hello’ to another patron.

Maya saw this maneuver as a diversion, a chance to size up an unfamiliar woman.

She has a fear of the unknown, Maya makes a mental note. Good to know.

“I met Tey Gier yesterday,” Maya stepped closer and raised the volume. “He mentioned you and said you often come here for a morning cup.”

Kailani returns her attention. “And you are?” she says again.

“I’m sorry. My name is Maya Alvarez.”

Kailani crossed her arms, wrapping them tightly over her chest.

“You said that you met Tey, and he mentioned me.”

“Yes. He said you have many connections in the islands,” Maya said.

Kailani rolled her eyes and shook her head. She did another full scan, eyes running over Maya, from her thick bronze hair to a new pair of Asics running shoes.

“I haven’t seen you around. Are you sleeping with him?”

“Excuse me.” Maya steps closer. “No, what makes you think that?”

Kailani takes a step back. “You’re intense, wahine. You’re acting like he owes you something.”

“Nothing of the sort.” Maya laughs quietly. “May I buy your coffee? I’d like to speak with you.”

“Is it about Tey?” Kailani asked.

“No, not really.”

They order, and Kailani finds an open table while Maya pays. She remembers that Tey said Kailani was a formidable force in the islands. She could be confident and direct, although she had already unearthed a vulnerable spot.

“Tey’s a good-lookin’ guy, and he might be available. That’s if you want to sleep with him.”

“Not the type I’m looking for. If I was looking.” Maya began. “And he mentioned a girl named Kalana.”

“I’m aware of Kalana.” she laughs. “Their relationship is just starting. Ya know. I really don’t think you can pull them apart anyway,” she laughs again. “Give him a month or two.”

Pulling her hand to her mouth, Maya laughs. “No, no. You’ve got it all wrong, Miss Soto.”

“What?”

Both women laugh, but Maya’s had enough of deceptive word games. She leans across the table, eye to eye. She speaks slowly and softly.

“I’m not here looking to hook up with some guy I just met. He mentioned Kalana. Is she a real person, or was he just looking for an out?” Maya asked.

Kailani smiles and waves at a couple as they leave. “Of course I know Kalana. A lovely girl and they’re well matched.” She pulls back into her seat. “What is this about now that you’ve met me?”

“I’m an investigator and…”

Before Maya can finish, Kailani pushes back from the table and grabs her coffee and backpack. “I have to go.” 

“Please don’t, Miss Soto. I have more questions.”

Kailani stops. “Be quick. I do have a job.”

 “I’m working on a case that involves drugs in French Polynesia. There has been a flood of cocaine and methamphetamines passing through our islands.”

“Go on.” Kailani leaned closer.

“The narco super highway.” Maya began. “Have you heard of it?”

“No. Why are you talking to me? I know nothing of this, ya know.” She moves closer. “You’re not CIA or Interpol?”

“I work with the Marin Agency, an investigation firm from Barcelona. We know that drugs are being transported between Honolulu and Australia. I’ve narrowed it down to Cano Air Transport and TransPacific Air Carriers.”

Kailani smiles, her eyes staring into nothing, and Maya could see she was considering her next move. Another patron waved and said hello, and Kailani was slow to respond. She lifted her hand to wave but didn’t look.

Got her, Maya smiles to herself.

“It’s not us. Joāo Cano runs a clean operation.” Kailani said.

“They said the same thing over at TransPacific.” Maya looks at Kailani. “What about Joāo’s wife?”

“Calista?” Kailani’s laugh is blatantly counterfeit. “She can be difficult, but there are no drugs. She deals in historic Polynesian artifacts.”

“Do you know of a person or entity called Yang Tsutsui?” Maya asks.

Kailani stops again, frozen like a snapshot, and her eyes scour Maya’s eyes. “I’ve heard the name. Calista mentioned it recently.”

“There’s something odd about the name …”

“That’s because Yang is Chinese and Tsutsui is Japanese,” Kailani interrupted. “Ya know, yin and yang. In Eastern culture, it describes opposites. Black and white, sun and moon.”

“I never paid much attention to Asian cultures,” Maya laughs.

“You’re in the middle of it now. Best to pay attention.”

“Thank you, Miss Soto. I’ll be more attentive. What about this Yang Tsutsui?” Maya asked.

 “I knew it was a fake name when I heard it,” Kailani said.

“I figured the same. I know that Yang Tsutsui is an entity with a connection to a drug cartel. I also know there is a person in Hawaii who fronts for a Chinese drug cartel.”

Kailani stands, looking down at Maya. “I have to get to the airport.”

“What about Joāo and Calista’s daughter?” Maya asked.

“Susanna knows nothing,” Kailani says as she steps by her. 

Maya jumps, following her bouncing curls out of the shop. “What is your position in Cano Air Transport?”

“You’re asking a lot of questions, wahine. Who are you after?”

“I apologize for being abrupt with my questions. It’s just that families living on atolls in French Polynesia are suffering from the influx of drugs. Their communities and their culture are being torn apart. My friend, Fetia Picard, lost her husband and a son to the cartels. Now, she only has a teenage daughter.”

“Will this take long? I have a meeting at Kahului Airport.”

“Tey said that you know everything and everybody, and he said you have a good heart.”

Kailani stops and leans against her car. She tries to disguise a smile, and for a moment, she’s not running. “Tey said that about me?”

“Yes.”

“I’m sorry to hear about your friend. Where does this woman live?”

“Faaite. It’s a small atoll in the Tuamotu Islands. It’s about four hundred kilometers from Tahiti.”

“You’re in America, sweetheart. We measure in miles.”

Maya holds a laugh. “I think about two hundred and fifty miles.”

“I know a family that lives in the village of Rotoava on Fakarava atoll. Hirono and Lita Hirinaki. But I don’t know anything about this Faaite place.”

Progress on Just A Touch has slowed – work, family, and stuff are distracting me, in a good way. I keep remembering Steven King’s advice to let a chapter or chapters ferment before taking an editing pass. And when I do that, the work gets better (at least I think so).

In this excerpt from Chapter 23, we find Maya contemplating her image in a mirror. She’s thinking about her life, her age, and her new lover.

Maya looked at her image in the mirror, ran her fingers through her hair, and wondered if this was a part she wanted to play.

Girlfriend or one-night-stand? she thought.

Except for the application of face makeup, she rarely looked at her full image, and she couldn’t remember the last time she studied her reflection. Growing up in Barcelona, her girlfriends called her Machorra, the girl who would rather play soccer with the boys than gossip with the girls. She never saw herself as attractive or special.

They were two weeks into the relationship, and each morning she swore to stay in control and not let him get too far inside her head. Maya’s been here before, and she resists making plans or elevating expectations.

She turns to the mirror, and in her mind, her reflection had not changed much since her twenties. A face more oval than round, thin lips with a rounded cupid bow shape, and ears she kept hidden under her bronze hair. This morning, it was the same Maya, but a little different, a little older. She noticed the emergence of fine lines around her eyes, and the skin along her cheek and jaw was no longer as firm and taut. She turned her head from side to side, thinking it was the lighting.

She was feeling like her days as a coed, at the beginning of the road. A blink and suddenly, she was somewhere near the middle. It was time to confront the demons of age and get on with her life.