Many of you ordered the 2011 Okinawa Hai Calendar for yourself and friends and family.  But for those who were not so lucky, we wanted to give you the chance to see the photographs and stories that currently grace our kitchen walls!  

We'll feature these throughout this year, and as we get closer to the end of the summer, we'll begin asking you to contribute your favorite stories and photographs for NEXT year's calendar.  So keep your eyes peeled for experiences to capture!

Featured on the June 2011 page:

Photo by Melissia Forsblad

Summer.  Natsu.  The time for celebrations and festivals.  Dragon boat races.  Eisa.  Obon.  I hear drums pounding nearly every evening and ask my friends, "What are we celebrating tonight?"

Hot.  Atsui.  When I open the door each morning it hits me like a wave.  I gasp and consider hiding in the cool house.  But think of all I'd miss…

Sea.  Umi.  Some talk of island fever, but me?  I love that no matter which direction I drive, the sea is there.  And I love that in the summer, the sand manages to be everywhere.  In my car, in my pockets, in my kids' hair.

Fruit.  Kudamono.  Mango, passionfruit, guava, pineapple.  The corner market smells fabulous.  And when my hands are sticky with juice and my belly is full of their goodness, I know it's summer in Okinawa.               –Vignette by Joelle Yamada

Photo by Michelle Delaney

To see the features from January & February click HERE, for March & April click HERE, for May click HERE.