Hey. Rey here. Got a treat today—all three of us are posting. The Boss is in a bit of a funk this week. She’s missing “home” (H-a-w-a-i-i) and can’t find a way of getting here any time soon. But she’s keeping the faith.
To boost her spirits, we decided to do what she calls “an aside”—we’re sharing about our time on Oahu. We’ve already posted about our life as P.I.s and our likes and loves about this place, but we haven’t really talked about why it’s so near and dear, how it’s shaped and influenced us. So, here’s a sum-up from each of us, including what we consider the quintessential mele (that’s Hawaiian for song) from our favorite Hawaiian artist. . . . Have to laugh. Linda’s eyes bugged out when she saw me use “quintessential”. But as I often say: I’m not just a pretty face.
Reynalda Fonne-Werde
Life here has softened me a bit. Yeah, my colleagues think I’m melodramatic and sometimes reckless and self-centered. I am, I admit it. When I want something, I go for it. And I think this is perfectly all right when working a case—a private eye needs to go with her gut. On the human side, I’ve learned to like animals (a lot) and have taken to saving the monk seals (a cause dear to my heart). I tend to listen to people more and can be sympathetic and feeling. So yeah, I’ve definitely softened. Damn. I hope I don’t turn into a mush-ball or anything like that. My quintessential song is by the very talented, and greatly missed, Iz. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”.
JJ Fonne
I’m loving that Rey’s become proactive in different ways. Life here has changed her. It’s changed us all. We’re happily ensconced in burgeoning careers and personal crusades. My cousin and I have bonded. Sure, we have our tiffs and life’s not always rosy, but I can’t complain about anything. It may be a cliché saying, but it’s true: it’s all good. This is going to sound cheesy, but my quintessential song is “Tiny Bubbles” by Hawaiian pop icon Don Ho. (Even if I sound like sound like a frog that’s barely been missed being run over by pick-up truck, I have no prob singing his signature song in the shower—with absolute gusto.)
Linda Royale
Contrary to what JJ’s posted, I can’t say I’ve changed a lot since moving here, but I’m certainly grateful and count my blessings for having the opportunity to live and work here. I have to confess, when Rey suggested becoming professional private investigators, I didn’t take her seriously. In fact, I humored her—for weeks. When it became obvious she was totally serious, I attempted to talk her out of it. But she’s strong-minded, among other things, so P.I.s it was. I don’t regret it. At all. As for Hawaii, the aloha spirit does exist—it’s almost tangible—and it’s infectious. And on that note, my quintessential song is Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk/Formation”. Talk about infectious. It makes me want to dance every time. . . . And maybe, just maybe, it will “up” The Boss’ “funk”.
Aloha from Rey, JJ, and Linda!
The Writer's Grab-Bag 