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And I anxiously waited for the yabba dabba doo horn to blow (Flintstones anyone?) so that I can make my way to the Aloha Open Mic to be with our friends. The traffic is challenging at best, but it doesn’t make any difference to me this evening as I hum, don’t worry – bout a thing, cause every little thing’s gonna be alright….
And before I know it, it’s as if I’ve entered a time warp – one where Ronnie John’s isn’t open yet, and myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope could still be waiting for me to get home so that we can head out for the evening – as I approach that bright yellow oasis in the midst of a concrete jungle. The neon lights are dark, but the big sign ‘DUDE’ still hangs prominently on the eave facing the road.
myDarlin’, you told me about what a great feeling and vibe this location has, and I was so excited to finally be able to see it. As we walked inside, I could see that the bare walls begged for a fresh coat of paint, art for the walls and beach balls for that special touch. And we checked out the lighting as that is an item near and dear to my heart as a photographer, as well as the signage. And you were so excited that Ronnie and John allowed you to have a part in creating the ‘vibe’ that would continue long after you left us myDarlin’.
And so you helped to paint the walls inside and out, to install the lighting you researched and bought, to find the perfect chalk board to display upcoming entertainment for the week, and to create the marque to announce the same to those passing by. We had fun looking for art objects for the walls as we traveled to the beaches of Florida and to the local antique shoppes right here in Marietta.
And we set up the stage one day, before it was ever open, to take photos to use for the events. And I adjusted the camera to the lighting on the stage you so carefully lit with the led spot lights. And I shot photographs of you, alone on the stage with your bass, which you had so affectionately named Sheri. We left that evening, locking the doors behind us - you and me, so happy together.
The doors opened, and the people came, to eat the wonderful creations, to hear the sounds of music that filled the summer air and to be a part of the spirit of Aloha that will forever live on the patio of Ronnie John’s Sunset Grille – the Endless Summer. And the marque that you so carefully built would all too soon have the letters slid through the tracks to bid you Aloha myDarlin’.
I am filled with gratitude as I know that our love is the Endless Summer, and I whisper Aloha myDarlin’ as I pass the building that will forever be Ronnie John’s Sunset Grille in my memories. And as I arrive at the Aloha Open Mic, the realization comes to me that it is the spirit that lives on with our Ohana no matter where we may be.
The state of Aloha can be created in an instant. It is a decision to behave with kindness, generosity and wanting to give joy to one another.
#KeepLookingUp #Aloha
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