With the wealth of online resources available about Duke Kahanamoku, I find it more enriching to delve into the unique aspects of his life and legacy rather than solely focusing on his athletic achievements.
By exploring unconventional narratives, I am gradually uncovering new stories that resonate more authentically.
In light of this, I would like to share an experience I had yesterday that aligns with my approach.
Yesterday, I ventured out to go thrifting at Savers Thrift Store. There were originally two locations, but one has since closed, as the other became a gathering place for homeless individuals seeking assistance. During a previous encounter, when I offered food instead of money, I was met with the response, “I don’t want food; I want money.” This reaction, coupled with the smell of alcohol on the individual’s breath, served as a warning sign.
The remaining Savers store is a drive away, which I do not mind, especially since weekends afford me the luxury of avoiding rush hour traffic.
Upon entering the store, I was unsure of what to seek, but perusing the aisles sparked my curiosity. I am particularly drawn to the book section. I discovered a book about P.T. Barnum and felt compelled to investigate further. Upon opening it, I found that it was signed by P.T. Barnum himself, prompting me to purchase it, as I collect books with autographs. Recently, I sold a $150 book that I had acquired for just $1 due to its signed status.
Continuing my exploration, I stumbled upon a magazine titled “Aloha, The Magazine of Hawaii” from 1980. I picked it up and flipped through the pages in search of any surfing images, which I found sparingly, so I added it to my shopping cart. After spending two hours in the store, I reviewed the items in my cart as part of my final decision-making process.
Ultimately, I returned to the book section to reconsider my selections, deciding to remove several books, including the “Aloha” magazine, as I was uncertain about its value to me. However, as I flipped through the pages once more, I noticed that many had become unglued from the cover, prompting me to think, “Everything is falling apart,” which signified a lack of interest.
Suddenly, I turned to one page and was struck by an image of an older woman in a black dress with a warm smile. For some reason, I felt a strong resemblance to Nadine Kahanamoku. To confirm my intuition, I examined the caption and discovered that I was correct; the photograph depicted a reception following a ceremony, featuring Nadine Kahanamoku, the widow of Duke Kahanamoku. She appeared to be around 75 years old yet still exuded charm.
This unexpected encounter solidified my decision to purchase the magazine, despite its poor condition, as it felt like a connection to the ongoing narrative of Duke Kahanamoku.
When I approached the cashier, I requested a discount due to the magazine’s condition. Her response was simply, “Just take it.” I graciously accepted her kindness.
Later that evening, I decided to explore the magazine further. As I flipped through the pages, I noticed an events section for that month.
To my surprise, Duke Kahanamoku was mentioned for an event on August 24, and again on September 1, regarding the Waikiki Annual Rough Water Swim, which involved a two-mile swim from Sans Souci to Duke Kahanamoku Beach for participants of all ages and categories. This repetition of Duke’s name piqued my interest.
Upon reviewing the magazine cover, I realized that this particular issue was from August 1980.
This revelation allowed me to connect the dots: Nadine’s feature, Duke’s associated events, and the timing all coincided with Duke’s birth month.
Would I consider this a mere coincidence?
I would argue no, as I do not believe in coincidences.
Instead, I perceive this magazine as a destined find, allowing me to bridge the connection between Duke and Nadine, serving as a testament to the belief that, in the realm of spirit, there is no concept of space or time.
Once again, blogging about Duke is a fulfilling endeavor, deepening my appreciation for the people and experiences associated with him. Interestingly, my encounters often involve individuals with Hawaiian connections, including my friend Dustin, who was born and raised in Hawaii, the woman at Junkees who also grew up there, and a stranger from Hawaii, all of whom are well-versed in the history of Duke Kahanamoku.
The decision to blog about Duke earlier this year felt like a calling from the Universe.
It seems the Universe has been providing me with resources not just online, but through face-to-face encounters related to Duke.
What a gratifying feeling to express this sentiment!
With that, I will “surf away” for now until the next wave of inspiration for my blog arrives.