The whale encounter lasted maybe 30 seconds at most, and happened a little over a year ago here in Maui when I was just learning to paddleboard. It was a moment that I will never forget. Paddleboarding with whales? I was hooked.

I have berated myself for being scattered and silly and boring in those times. Even irresponsible, and that is just plain unhelpful selftalk.

This is a beautiful place to be anchored, to be sure. But I wonder every time I see them, why are they not out to sea, taking in all that sailboats have to offer?

Those beautiful white keys, shiny, soft, and smooth, were precious gems under my little fingers.