I have been reflecting on my blogging journey regarding Duke. Initially, I maintained a near-daily posting schedule for several months, but recently I have noticed a decline in my output. This has prompted several questions that I feel compelled to address:
a.) Have I lost interest in Duke?
b.) Have I become complacent about blogging in general?
c.) Have I exhausted my ideas for content?
d.) Or is it simply that my commitments to managing my online store and studying trading have increased?
Upon deep introspection, I realize that my busyness is not limited to my online store and trading studies; I also have to manage daily chores and errands, as well as prioritize my overall well-being, which ultimately starts with me.
Despite my decreased blogging frequency, my enthusiasm for sharing about Duke has remained steadfast. There is always something in my surroundings that evokes memories or associations related to him.
Let me share a recent experience that has inspired me to write today.
A few days ago, I encountered a brown mascot emblazoned with “Leonard’s Hawaii.” Upon researching, I discovered that the mascot represents a product from Leonard’s Bakery, established in 1952. The bakery’s origins trace back to June 1882 when Arsenio and Amelia DoRego arrived in Maui, Hawaii, from San Miguel Island, Portugal, to work in the sugar cane fields. Leonard, their grandson, founded Leonard’s Bakery in 1952 after moving to Honolulu with his family.
If you are curious about the full story, I encourage you to visit their website.
Finding this vintage mascot reminded me of Hawaii, a place that Duke always held dear throughout his life.
The following day, I watched a video featuring a dog who had a habit of carrying an item in his mouth to bed. After learning that the dog’s name is Papa Duke and that he developed this behavior due to his past abandonment, I was struck by a sense of connection. This was the second incident reinforcing my desire to blog about Duke.
Today, while preparing my listings, I turned on the radio, and the first song to play was “Surfin’ USA.” This was particularly striking because I had recently watched a documentary highlighting the global rise of surfing in 1962, which prominently featured Duke Kahanamoku as the “Father of Modern Surfing.” Duke had long dreamed of surfing becoming an Olympic sport, a dream that finally came true on August 13, 2016, when Carissa Moore of Hawaii became the first female Olympic gold medalist in surfing.
Hearing this song reignited my inspiration to dedicate even a few minutes to writing about Duke. I experienced a surge of pride, recognizing that even though Duke passed away in 1967, his legacy endures in countless ways. You may be curious about the source of my confidence, which I attribute to his foundation’s ongoing growth, the products licensed in his name, and the restaurants that honor him.
I firmly believe that Duke was a person who radiated light throughout his life, attracting attention wherever he went. Kimo Wilder McVay, a musician turned talent manager, once noted that adulation followed Duke wherever he went, recounting how crowds fell silent when he emerged from a vehicle or whenever they see him nearby.
It has taken me three days to compile my thoughts on this subject, as interruptions frequently arose. However, I have reached a point where I am determined to complete this post before attending to my bank reconciliation even I lost my rhythm and rhyme.
And, by the way, if you’re wondering what a malasada is, it is a deep-fried Portuguese-style yeast dough fritter, akin to a donut but with a lighter, chewier texture. Originally brought to Hawaii by Portuguese immigrants, malasadas are traditionally coated in granulated sugar, though modern variations often feature fillings such as coconut custard, passionfruit, or guava, making them a popular treat during holidays like Fat Tuesday.
I find myself curious whether Duke ever had the opportunity to hear about or taste malasadas.
This remains an unanswered question, as only Duke could provide confirmation, and he has long since passed.