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"Nostalgia is the heart's way of reminding you of something you once loved. It travels in many forms; on a song, in a scent, or in photographs ... but no matter how it comes to you, it will always have the same bittersweet taste."
Sentimental fool that I am, my strolls down Memory Lane become more frequent at this time of year. I visit the Maui of my childhood so often, no amount of eggnog or sparkling cider can wash away the flavor of poignancy that poet Ranata Suzuki described in the quote above.
Judging from my Facebook feed, reminiscence is a holiday tradition observed by many and shared freely. A recent post in the "Blast to Maui's Past" group, depicting an old Kahului Shopping Center sign listing the mall's tenants, generated hundreds of "likes" and spurred dozens of comments from boomers and beyond. The photo is undated, but it must have been taken in the early 1950s, judging from the absence of Noda Market, which, according to The Maui News archives, moved into KSC in 1957.
Of the 25 establishments listed, at least half a dozen had closed or moved on by the time I began making memories "under the monkeypod trees." Watanabe Pet Shop, Maui Maid Gifts & Curios, and Okada Photo & Music were before my time, and I didn't know that Snow White Laundry was in the shopping center before its Wailuku location.
I do, however, remember Kahului Post Office at the back end of the center, and both supermarkets (Ah Fook and A&B) as well as both drug stores (Toda and Craft's). On the sign, Tasaka's was categorized as a candy store, with no mention of guri guri, let alone azuki beans. And Peggy & Johnny's, where Mom bought my school dresses and underwear, was listed under "fabrics."
My pre-teen allowance was given to me on Saturday mornings and spent almost immediately, at Sue's Stationery, Ben Franklin, or Harold's Inn. Sometimes, on Saturday afternoons or Friday nights, the center hosted musical entertainment or sporting events like biddy boxing and tumbling exhibitions.
Another Facebook post which triggered many fond memories -- and reminded me of my advancing age -- showed the sign in front of Cary and Eddie's Hideaway Restaurant and Lounge, by Kahului Harbor. This one also prompted many comments, most from folks who fondly remembered the Chart House in that location. Only one person chimed in with her memories of The Landing and the retired railroad car that was parked in front and used for additional seating. Reading the comments, I realized that I am officially an old-timer, because I still think of that place as the Maui Frontier, which opened in 1963 (thanks again, Maui News archives).
My parents and I would go there for special occasions; it was the first place I recall having dinner in courses. Daddy always ordered Roquefort dressing for his salad, "heavy on the dressing," and so I did, too. Once, after reading a new book -- "Manners to Grow On" -- I proudly showed off my newfound knowledge of fine dining etiquette.
"Daddy, you're supposed to use the small fork for your salad, not the big one!"
My father smiled, "I like the long fork better, it's easier to use."
"But that's wrong. Don't you want to have good manners?"
My mother cut me off with a stern look, "Good manners is making others feel comfortable. It's more important you learn that, rather than which fork to use."
It's a lesson I never forgot. When I replay that moment in my mind, I can still feel the sting of her admonition and the taste of embarrassment and contrition. I also recall the gentle reassurance from both my parents that followed.
Wishing you many memorable moments in the New Year, more sweet than bitter.
* Kathy Collins is a radio personality (The Buzz 107.5 FM and KEWE 97.9 FM/1240 AM), storyteller, actress, emcee and freelance writer whose "Sharing Mana'o" column appears every other Wednesday. Her e-mail address is kcmaui913@gmail.com.