Henrietta Mahuna learned Hawaiian quilting from another Hawaiian quilter. The handicraft has been passed down for two centuries — since the Hawaiians learned the echo style of quilting from New England missionaries. First, appliques are stitched to a plain field. Quilting follows the shape of the applique, first on the outside edge. The next row of quilting runs parallel but a short distance away, like a ripple in a pond. Soon the whole blanket is quilted. A style fashionable in the early 1800s was preserved and became a treasured tradition in Hawai‘i.
“Mama” Mahuna sits on her shady deck and quilts every day. Neighbors, friends and mainland visitors who love to quilt come not only to learn, but also to “talk story.” In the old days, conversation was always accompanied by busy hands — sewing, preparing food or finishing a church project. Henrietta, who is Native Hawaiian, was raised in Hāna and moved to West Maui in 1942. She worked for Baldwin Packers as the only female field supervisor. Later she was promoted to work the Honolua Store at Kapalua Resort. She invented the “Honolua Burger.”
Now 95, Henrietta still loves quilting and spending time with the ladies as they create beautiful “blankets” and pillow covers. “I like designing the patterns and cutting them out. I’ve made many different ones, but the Hawaiian trees and flower patterns are what people seem to like best,” she says.
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Arlene’s mother’s last breath was soft and peaceful. Arlene welled up and sobbed — not entirely from sadness, but also from release. She had done all she could do. She had honored mom’s wishes and here they were, alone at Arlene’s home on O‘ahu; Mom’s pain and frustration were over.
Independence is a matter of choice and circumstances. And as we age, we naturally become more dependent on others. Living “independently” may mean that you own a home with a yard or a condo, you rent an apartment, or you rent a room in a senior living community. Most people who live a long life can expect to move from one level of independent living to another as yard work, driving and housekeeping become impossible tasks. The newest senior living communities now offer several options in one living complex: independent living, assisted living, short-term respite care for rehabilitation, a memory care neighborhood, and skilled nursing facility. This broad array of services allows clients to easily transition to a higher level of assistance and care within their new home.
Pets are great at any age. Do you remember your first pet and learning how to care for Spot or Fluffy? It doesn’t take much time and effort to keep a mature pet. The love, attention and companionship they give seems so much more than the protection, food and exercise we offer.
Need more encouragement? Just look at this cute dog who was up for adoption in January. We missed the chance to give him a home then — but the pet of your dreams may be waiting for you right now at your local Humane Society.