Rainbows in Paradise

Chapter Four: Sunday

"I woke up this morning feeling just a bit homesick. There were many calls yesterday from friends and family checking up on our safety. I found out from Sully that Will has agreed to return to Sockland next week. He recently met Eva, a sock fairy, who has invited him to participate in a Sockathon next Thursday. Then Moxie got on the phone. I found out she and Roxy are planning a Hawaiian luau celebration for me when I return. But I really didn't have too much time to feel sad because today is my first real day of work.

Despite the day starting out with rain and very blustery trade winds something rather magical happened. As we were leaving mid-morning a rainbow appeared right before us. It was like it was stretched over the vast ocean. I was sure this was a sign of good things to come. And that it was! I am posting photos of all the day's events.

We were picked up by an associate from Davis & Sons. We drove north to a town called Lahaina, which means cruel sun. But I rather liked the town. It was still quite windy and I had to hold on to my hat for sure it would blow into the ocean which by now had huge whitecaps. At our first stop, Lahaina's Banyan Tree, they presented me with this shirt that fits me perfectly. I think it is so so much nicer than my red jacket. Now this tree is not just an ordinary tree, but about the best one I have ever climbed on. It is now the largest Banyan tree in the U.S. Can you believe the circumference of the tree measure 1/4 of a mile? And old... wow planted in 1873! I had some pictures of me taken in front of some well-known and popular restaurants. I really hoped we would have time to take the Sugar Cane train but the weather was not the best. I have had heard the 12 mile ride had great panoramic views of the ocean.

Several hours later on our drive back south to Kihei I suddenly screamed STOP! There right in front of us was the most unbelievable rainbow. It looked like it started over the mountain and the end seemed to drop right off in the water. Two rainbows in one day has got to mean double luck!

Back in Kihei we stopped for two more photos. One at the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge. I am sitting on some lava rocks hoping not to get blown into the water. Still very windy. Mt. Hamilton is in the background. Our last stop I really liked because I saw humpback whales blowing out spouts of water.

Before wrapping up for the day, that's how filming people talk, I got the schedule for the next few days. It looks pretty exciting and full. The best part sounds fun but scary seeing a real volcano up close.

Trouble in Paradise

Chapter Three: Tsunami Warnings

"How can one the most beautiful places in the world turn so quickly into not such a fun place? What a stressful day and its only 2:00 PM as I write. It all began at 6:00 AM with sirens blaring. Now that got my attention and I might add out of bed!!! Lights from all the buildings came on in a flash. People stood on their balconies looking out into the early morning light for...you got it by now the tsunami arrival. By 7:30 AM at least half of the buildings had been emptied as people fled for safety. And rightly so since the TV produced lots of evidence the worst was yet to come. Within three hours roads, public facilities, shopping areas, water system and beaches in low lying ares were evacuated. Truly a herculean effort by officials on all the islands to get people to safety. We had our bags packed ready to leave at moment's notice. But much to my distress my friend was glued to the TV for update coverage rather than heading for the hills. I knew my emotions were out of control when I put my little hands to my ears and screamed after six hours of TV coverage enough is enough!!! The coast has recently been declared clear and safe so I am out of here to enjoy what's left of the day. It was a huge relief nothing bad happened. As you can guess my first photo shoot was rescheduled for tomorrow.

P.S. Check out the newest sock monkey Kia Sorento ad in the current issue of bon appetit magazine. It shows me in the driver's seat of a 2011 model. Me and my friends are getting ready to make cupcake deliveries for a store called Sprinkles. What a sweet treat to have had that job.

A Few Bumps in the Road

Chapter Two

"The Maui Way of Life embraces one of Benjamin Franklin's famous sayings...Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise. Yikes... I have never seen such a place spring into action as early as 7:30 AM. By 9:30, a steady caravan of people head out for a day at the beach. They carried what I thought looked like enough supplies to last several days. I was still on my cereal routine as I watched all this action from the balcony. Even though I worried I might be missing out on some fun, the dreaded fear of being sunburned told me I should pace myself. I knew I had all morning to get out and enjoy the sunny skies before my afternoon appointment with Davis & Sons. I am suppose to sign several documents at their office.

My traveling companions seemed to be moving at a snail's pace. I was antsy to get a jump start on the day before my appointment. It was at that point some of my troubles began. I thought I could get to the beach faster by hitching a ride on top of this car. I have posted a picture. Judging by the surfboards attached, I knew this car was headed in the right direction. But my plan was foiled. Instead of a ride all I got was a stern lecture on how I should be more careful and how dangerous hitchhiking can be.

I finally got to a beach and enjoyed one of Maui's favorite past times whale watching. Several times I saw spouts off water in the distance and knew humpback whales were at play.

Later in the day my next challenge was waiting for the bus to go to my appointment. All they have are these crazy colored benches to wait on with no backs and are not comfortable. Obviously they never seen our great covered bus shelters at home. Well as I was waiting patiently and the bus seemed like it was taking forever, the heat of the midday sun got to me. I had to lay down on the bench to rest. My friends thought it so funny they took a few pictures. Perhaps I am not used to this heat.

After my meeting the best part of the day was watching the sun set on the beach.

I am ready for my first day of shooting on Saturday. I plan to set my alarm since I am not quite used to the 4 hour time difference. I do not want to oversleep. One thing that surprised me was that the agency wanted me dressed in my famous trademark red jacket. I was so hoping for a Hawaiian type shirt. Maybe another day...

Paradise Found

Chapter One: Maui Adventures of Rocky Socky written by Rocky Socky

Wednesday

"I did not think life could get any better for me than doing one commercial. But having the chance to do another commercial and be in Maui is almost beyond words. I was not prepared for how long the flight was just to get here. Of course a three hour layover for the second flight did not help. But what did help was having my own seat, snacks to keep me happy and even a great movie. I could barely rest I was so excited to see a place I have only seen in pictures. When we got off the plane there was a young woman holding a sign that said: Aloha Mr. Rocky Socky and friends. A representative from Davis & Sons introduced herself and gave us all leis. They had such a fragrant smell. She beckoned us to follow her and after retrieving our luggage, which believe it or not one of the first ones down the carousel, we were whisked away to our hotel. She left us with our itinerary that begins Friday.

Thursday

"Today I woke up to this picture of the courtyard with a side view of the ocean. I posted a picture. I couldn't get dressed fast enough to explore my new surroundings. I am posting a picture of me sitting on what looks like on black rocks. Actually it is black lava. Check out the ocean view with mountains in the back. This afternoon we will look at a few beaches and find where I need to be Friday morning. I am excited to see what wardrobe changes they have for in store for me and going to shoot at different tourist attractions. I see on my list there will be a place for whale watching. Can't wait!!!"

Copyright 2010 Ready All Rights Reserved

Maui...here I come

Part Twenty Three

"I am off on an adventure that sounds really fun. Filming a second commercial is like a dream come true for me. My bags are packed and I just had to get a few new outfits!!! I even got sunglasses and have lots of sunscreen. I promise to write all of you as much as possible. I have never been so far from home and sure there will be a lot to say. One thing I really want to try is surfing and hang gliding. Perhaps these might be part of the commercial and I will have some experienced help to guide me along.

Check out the photo I posted. I think I look rather cool with shades and a lei.

ALOHA-means hello, goodbye, welcome, farewell

FYI

Hawaiian alphabet has only 13 letters and 5 regular vowels. I want to learn to speak like a native so as I learn new words will share with you."

Big News

Part Twenty Two
Rocky Socky fished a piece of paper out of his pocket and began reading...

Dear Rocky Socky,

We enjoyed your performance for the Kia Sorrento commercial played on Super Bowl Sunday. Our agency has been commissioned by a hotel chain to make a commercial advertising Maui's tourist attractions to generate more business for them. We believe you would be great as a mascot for the commercial. It is evident from the Kia Sorrento commercial you are enthusiastic and have an adventurous spirit. We will be shooting on location in Maui for about two weeks. We will cover all your living expenses including travel. All wardrobe changes will be provided by our agency. Please contact us as soon as possible if you are interested. The job starts February 25th.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Bob Davis and Sons Communications Inc.

Marketing and Public Relations

Maui, HI 96790

808-573-2830

"Rocky Socky, this is quite an opportunity for you," said Dr. Michaels in an excited voice. "Did you call them back?"

"Well, I first had to call the bus company to get their okay. I was not scheduled to return to work till March 10 but hoped they would be fine with me doing extra work while on sick leave. Then I called Sully and Moxie with my exciting news. They seemed happy for me but a bit sad. I just got home and they were looking forward to doing things with me. I assured them I would call a few times, take lots of photos and find some fun gifts to bring back."

"I need to warn you Rocky Socky," said Dr. Michaels. "You must be careful with that new cast and not bump it. Did you tell Mr. Davis you had a cast on?"

"I did and they have some ideas on how to work around it so wouldn't be too noticeable."

Rocky Socky left Dr. Michaels's office with a long list of things to do. #1 on his list...

beach clothes.

A Visit to Dr. Michael's Office

Before you hear the tale of Rocky Socky's visit to the doctor's office please note that on yesterday's blog regarding brunch recipes there were some errors. Corrections have been made to the blog.

Part Twenty One:

"Rocky Socky, I have been following your travel adventures on your blog. While it does seem like you had a lot of fun you certainly did not do too much resting," said Dr. Michaels in rather a stern voice. "Let's look at these new x-rays and see how your arm is doing."

"But Dr. Michaels, I really did have some long car rides to rest up. I know I shouldn't have climbed so many trees and rocks, but I just wanted to see more. It's not easy being small. And about the Vegas part... it was sooooooo fun! Did you know that the day after the Super Bowl they rated the 10 best commercials and the one I was in got voted Best Road Trip?"

But all I could hear from Dr. Michaels was "hmmm-ohh-hmmm."

I was getting nervous waiting to see what he had to say.

"Well Rocky Socky this certainly is a surprise. Your arm is healing quite nicely. Looks like we can put on a new lighter weight cast. But you have to keep your arm elevated for a few days while the cast fully dries so be very careful not to bump anything. It will need to be on for at least two to three weeks."

Rocky Socky quickly calculated the dates and began to fidget in his seat. He blurted out, "I have exciting news. I got this letter from...."

And he began telling Dr. Michaels all about his new temporary job.