Summer is so fleeting.

I’m one of those people that determines that summer begins with the first bon dance — and ends with the last (even though the last bon dance is called the “Autumn Matsuri”). By my calendar, summer ended last week Saturday.

The last bon dance of 2006 was held on September 16 at the Hawaii Okinawa Center. This particular bon dance is unique as it is held indoors. Although it lacks the charm of outdoor obon festivals that are marked by dancing around the yagura under the stars by the light of the chochin lanterns, it is nice to have the luxury of air conditioning and shelter from the elements. It rained this year, so I was especially thankful for the indoor venue.

Apparently, bon dancing has grown in popularity and this bon dance was very well attended in comparison to years passed. This year’s highlight (besides the dancing, of course) was the super sweet corn that the Young Okinawans were selling. Brushed in butter and delicately crunchy, it was so delightfult that I couldn’t eat just one. It always comes back to food, doesn’t it?

Here’s a little video clip of me (wearing the red hapi coat and the cheesy smile) and Mahealani (in yellow) dancing one of our favorites, “Tenyo Tenyo.” Unfortunately, we always seem to find ourselves without flags, but the hand motions are adequate enough for us.

Where did the summer go?