Tuesday, September 29, 2009

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY: HAWAIIAN FANTASY

In addition to being the birthplace of our 44th President Hawaii is known for many things. It's where surfing, luaus (a traditional type of bbq) and the hula dance originated, and where warm tropical breezes and fragrant orchids are abundant.

But did you know that Maui boasts a crater the size of Manhattan island?

Or that this Polynesian paradise is the only state made up entirely of islands? What could be a more perfect topic for Waterside Wednesday?

Ever since my globe trotting grandfather sent me a postcard from Hawaii when I was twelve years old, I have been fascinated by everything and anything from The Aloha State.

Sure many of the objects of my affection, such as Tiki tumblers and hula Barbie dolls are stereotypical tchotchkiss (junk). But I love them nonetheless.

Hawaiian keepsakes are the perfect fit in a retro style home. My friend Pam Coyle and her husband Shawn display vintage Polynesian travel posters in their living room.


Did you notice their groovy Lava Lamp? This 70s icon isn't actually from Hawaii. It was patented by a Singapore-born Englishman but rose to fame on the sets of Hawaii Five-O.I'm not sure if it's legal to scan stamps but I just had to show you these new ones. Rush right out to your post office and get some... before I buy them all up.

(photo from the movie Hula Girls/ Viz Pictures)

*** BLOG DU JOUR ***

This week's Waterside Wednesday is part of the designer Kelee Katillac's Pet Parade Party.

Kelee's Party is an online celebration of a remarkable group project to raise awareness and money for homeless pets who are suffering because of the recession.

In order to help beloved dogs and cats who are going hungry or being abandoned because of foreclosures and job loss, Kelee and her faithful Oliver Wendell created the "Play Strong" project. It pays to stock pet pantries so people can keep the animals they love.

My buddy Belgium is modeling the Hawaiian inspired scarf that I decorated as part of an effort to raise thousands of dollars to save the lives of helpless animals.

Surf on over to The Katillac Shack to view the World Premier of Kelee's Play Strong Video. It's not just that Belgie is in the video. Thanks to Kelee's generosity, everyone who leaves a comment earns extra money for needy pets.


How could you resist? Watch the video below or click here and watch it on Kelee's blog. Which way you watch, please leave a comment on Kelee's blog. Every comment earns $1 for The Northland Pet Pantry!

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After Playing Strong in order for me to snap his scarf, my pup decided it was time for Playing Tired. "Modeling is hard work," says Belgium.



22 comments:

Susie Q said...

I loved this Barbara! Kipper and I are participating as well! This is such an important project and it warms my heart to see so many taking part! Thank you to YOU and your sweet fur baby who, by the way, looks smashing in his tropical attire!
Love,
Sue

Blondie's Journal said...

Your little Belgium is precious. I suppose it is more tiring to model on 4 long legs than 2!! Milo was in the parade. The video is very uplifting, isn't it??

If I get some good shots at my lakehouse this weekend I will remember WW...

Jane

Kelee said...

Hi Barbara!

Thank-you for your kind and generous participation in this cause for needy pets. Belgie is SO precious--he just kills me in his Don-Ho Mai Tai Scarf! I LOVE that scarf. We appreciate you!

love, kelee & oliver

Jane said...

Hi Barbara
Glad you are feeling better...

This was such an uplifting blog today. What a wonderful way to raise funds for needy pets! Thanks for calling our attention to this worthy effort. Belgium looks so chic in his scarf.

Really enjoyed your Hawaiian post, too. It's so colorful...
Jane (Artfully Graced)

Queen B. said...

I love that post.
I used to live on Oahu ...loved it.

Alison Gibbs said...

Great post on Hawaii.

Justine said...

He's beautiful and the scarf is wonderful!

Justine :o )

Imagery by Kimberly said...

I don't know - I think Belgium is ready to be the first America's Top Dog Model!!!

LOVE his scarf Barbara!!!!

xo,
Kim

erin's art and gardens said...

hi barbara! it has always been a dream of mine to visit hawaii...someday. i love all the vintage tchotchkisss (maybe not the lava lamp so much though, i remember when they first came out with those!) kudoos to kelee for her efferts to help homeless pets...what a wonderful cause! i remember after katrina hit new orleans seeing footage of a man who was forced to leave his beloved dog behind. it broke my heart! quite frankly, i hadn't thought of homeless animals due to the recession. thanks for bringing this to my attention. all the best, kelee! belgium makes a wonderful model...he deserves a doggy treat and nap.

susan said...

Barbara The scarf is darling! Wasn't this a good idea?!! Ah yes, I remember lava lamps :)

Deb said...

Belgium is adorable & I love his Hawaiian themed scarf :-)

Beth said...

Belgium looks very handsome in his Scarf, so Tropical! Lady says "woof woof" to Belgium!

Maya@Completely Coastal said...

And high up in the Mountains you can even ski! It's a place I have yet to visit.

Julie Marie said...

Hi Barbara, what a wonderful post today! And I do so hope all of the animals get good homes! You mentioned my all time favorite show! Hawaii Five-O! I bought some of those beautiful stamps already too, not to use, to save! Bisous... Julie Marie

Brenda Pruitt said...

What a wonderful cause for pets! I've never been to Hawaii, but sounds like paradise to me.
Brenda

Claudia said...

Belgium looks wonderful in the scarf! I love the Hawaiian theme. My dogs get very tired after being forced to model, too. Happy Pet Parade.

Creations by Marie Antoinette and Edie Marie said...

Hello Barbara,
What a wonderful post. I would love to go to Hawaii one day.
This is a wonderful cause.These poor animals need help and this is just fab.The doggie scarfs are so cute.I hope they raise a ton of money.XXOO Marie Antionette

Ashley @ AshleysBusy said...

Look how cute that lei is on the scarf!! So happy to have participated in such an amazing event :)

NeereAnDear said...

Hey there!!

Glad to see that you are on the mend and feeling better! Welcome back from the land of tissues and cold medicine...

First off what a fabulous post.... I truly love what your friends did with the travel posters.... they are stunning ! The colors are vibrant and I think its a wonderful way to display them and add a bit of punch to the decor...

Hawaii ... I have never been but would love to go one day...

On to this wonderful cause ... Belgium is HOT STUFF!! Quite dapper I must say in his trendy scarf.... I am guessing the ladies swooned when they saw him coming...!!

This is a wonderful cause and kudos to Kalee and you for bringing this to our attention .... I hope these animals find loving homes or are somehow reunited with their families .... sad this economy is leaving such chaos in its wake...

SO we are going to think positive and know that this rescue mission will help some helpless animals be happy again!!

HUGS
JO

RobinfromCA said...

Hi Barbara,
I just watched the video while I was over visiting Alice and Renoir. Such a wonderful project and Belgium looks ready for a luau in his scarf! I love Hawaii! It's our favorite place to go if we want to just breathe. The air smells of plumeria and gardenias and ocean all rolled into one. Kauai is our favorite and boasts it's own version of the Grand Canyon and some of the highest sea cliffs in the world!

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

What a beautiful model that Belgium is (wonderful name!). Hawaiian suits that beautiful pooch well. Loved the video Kelee put together, it took my breath away and a few happy tears too.
~Tracie

kari and kijsa said...

What an adorable dog and a fantastic cause! Three cheers for Kalee.

Have a blessed day!

smiles, kari & kijsa