The author has woven a captivating narrative that seamlessly blends elements of science fiction, romance, and everyday life. The characters of Edward, Cindy, and Brent are well-developed and relatable, with distinct personalities that shine through in their interactions.It's true, and not an April Fool's joke.The story's pacing is well-balanced, with a mix of action, conversation, and introspection that keeps the reader engaged. The author's use of descriptive language effectively transports the reader to the futuristic world of flying cars, space travel, and advanced robotics.
One of the most striking aspects of the story is its exploration of the intersection of technology and humanity. The character of Brent, a robotic valet, is particularly intriguing, as he navigates the complexities of artificial intelligence, free will, and personhood.
The romantic undertones between Edward and Cindy add a sweet and tender dimension to the story, while the friendships and camaraderie among the characters create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
I highly recommend this story for publication by Auctus.
Andrea and I saw these red plumeria flowers at the empty house at the corner on our street on our morning walk on Wednesday, April second.
I went to Mission Houses to fill in as docent for Mike at 11:00 and noon. I did not have any tours and took this photo inside the gift shop.
The Menehune bridge is barely visible in this photo of our front yard.
Andrea spoke very well and received praise on her talk.
Pam Weyant of Malama Maunalua also spoke about the stream.
After lunch I photographed my bonsai pink trumpet flower tree, grown from seed. I repotted this tree last month at the Rainbow Bonsai Club workshop.
It was a pleasant afternoon at the beach. We swam and then I went for a walk to the Aquarium and across Kalakaua Avenue.
I did pullups and chinups on this arbor bar.
At the Aquarium.
View of Diamond Head (Leahi) from Kapiolani Park.
Photo by Andrea.
Photo by Andrea.
Photo by Andrea.
Dinner in the dining room at Mission Houses.
Dinner in the dining room at Mission Houses.
On our Sunday morning walk.
Chinese ficus triple trunk. Click the image for the full resolution version.
Meryl and Nicole at work.
Chinese elm. Click the image for the full resolution version.
Dwarf yew in training with free-form pot. Click the image for the full resolution version.
Meryl reflected the natural light from the windows.
Meryl, Nicole, and Andrea look at a maiapilo in the front yard.
Wednesday morning maiapilo blossom photographed by Andrea on our before-breakfast walk.
Wednesday, the 9th, I began writing my sixth book, another Brent and Edward novel set in the future.
Thursday morning I trained and repotted the lignum vitae that Gary gave me several months ago. Before.
After wiring and repotting in a plastic training pot. No branch or root pruning was required.
Screen capture at the beginning of the session.
Randy, Andrea, me, Bill, Libby, and Laurel.
A good time was had by all at Sean and Kimi's house.
On Saturday morning on our walk before breakfast, Andrea took pictures of the valley with clouds.
Dramatic cirrus clouds high in the sky.
The meeting was well attended.
People worked on bonsai and socialized after the business meeting.
Performers walking. Photo by Andrea at ʻIolani Palace.
I arrived at the Hawaii Okinawa Center at 20 to seven.
Lots of potluck food and more coming.
Bob Shiroma, the Chairman, said a little prayer and then we ate. This year is the 125th anniversary and 22 mayors from Okinawa are coming to the festival.
The plumeria orchard was blooming.
The crater rim is a hiking destination on the other side up the rail track.
Andrea photographed orange ʻōhiʻa blossoms.
The blossoms Andrea was photographing.
Wednesday I attended my Zoom Aina Haina Prepared board meeting while Andrea went to UH with Tana to see a talk on reclaiming democracy.
There were six of us at five minutes to four.
Eventually we had over two dozen with lots of good responses from people in cars.
Andrea perusing the menu at Arden.
Yummy lamb lolipops. Photo by Andrea.
I worked on this bonsai citrus formal upright earlier in the week, photographed on Saturday the 19th, before the HBA extended board meeting at our house.
Later on Saturday Andrea went to the No Kings Day protest at the capitol. Later she went to Mission Houses to volunteer as a tour guide.
Andrea is in the center of this photo from Beth, in a blue top and black pants. Click the image for the full resolution version.
Chatting in the kitchen.
Playing the dice game with dessert.
Monday morning I put two fukien teas into owl pots from Malia.
Interesting clouds on our Tuesday morning walk. Photo by Andrea.
Tuesday the 22nd I defoliated, pruned, wired, and repotted this citrus formal upright bonsai. Before.
After.
The food was excellent and plentiful. Andrea and I each had a plate and a beer.
There were speeches by the Western division president and the Hawaii president (shown).
The venue in the shopping center.
Wednesday morning Andrea photographed me as we returned from our morning walk. Click the image to see the full resolution version.
Another one in front of the bonsai bench in three-quarter view. Click the image to see the full resolution version.
Frontal view. Click the image to see the full resolution version.
Wednesday morning Andrea went to hula while I worked on this kamani, a Polynesian introduction.
The students were all nice and helpful. Aina is from Bali.
We all got bentos and drinks.
I was the guide for the yellow wrist-band group of mostly elders. Photo by Andrea.
Emma Nakuina was a scholar and museum curator. Photo by Andrea.
Cherilla Lowrey founded the Outdoor Circle which is the reason we have no billboards in Hawaiʻi. Photo by Andrea.
Edna Allyn founded Hawaiʻi's libraries.
Friday morning I photographed my bonsai Kamani. It took two days to defoliate, prune, wire, and repot the formal upright tree into an oversized
rectangular bonsai pot. It will go into a right-sized pot in a couple of years.
His writing is a charming and engaging romantic story that combines elements of science fiction, philosophy, and adventure. Here are my observations:
STRENGTH
- The novel "Love Beyond Orbit" is a sequel to "Brent and Edward Go to Mars" and is illustrated by Paul Forney. It features a wide array of activities in Hawaii, such as surfing, visiting historical sites like Pearl Harbor and ʻIolani Palace, and cultural experiences like Lūʻau and snorkeling with Honu.
- The story showcases a future world with advanced technology like flying cars, robots, and rockets. It presents a vision where it is possible to uplift everyone's standard of living without selfishness and eliminate war by repurposing technology for peaceful purposes, as expressed by Buckminster Fuller in the book's introduction.
- The narrative includes diverse chapters like "Sweet April," "Poetry," "Space Opera," and "Spiritual Tour," unfolding a story that combines elements of adventure, cultural exploration, and deep reflections on societal values.
- The book not only offers entertainment through its storyline but also incorporates educational elements with references to historical figures like Duke Kahanamoku, visits to landmarks like the Bishop Museum, and interactions with Uncle Lele, providing a rich tapestry of experiences for the characters and readers alike.
Overall, the writing is engaging, and the story has a lot of potential. Just some few missing punctuation marks but they do not affect the story.
- Unique blend of genres: The story seamlessly weaves together romance, science fiction, and philosophy, creating an intriguing narrative.
- Well-developed characters: Cindy, Edward, Brent, and Puakea are distinct and relatable, with their own interests and personalities.
- Humor and wit: The story has a lighthearted tone, with Brent's philosophical musings and Edward's romantic misadventures providing comedic relief.
- Beautiful settings: The descriptions of the Hawaiian landscapes, space travel, and futuristic technology add a sense of wonder and excitement.
The round building used to be a bank and office building. Now it's the Waiwai (wealth) Collective.
Inside the space that was the bank.
The musicians began playing just after 3:00 PM.
There was a moderately good turnout. More people arrived later.
Audience members came up to hula.
Hula.
Me, Veneeta, and Andrea. Photo by Kilohana via Facebook.
Ukulele and singing at the microphone on the right.
Andrea, Kilohana, and Veneeta came up to dance.
Halau Hula o Mānoa!
Some firefighters came in to join the fun.
Ready for hula.
He's very good.
Getting ready to start the meeting at Mānoa Regional Park.
Andrea had just come back from giving a tour at Mānoa Heritage Center.
Gail took this one.
Allyson Pang had contacted me earlier asking for the quote and photo for the Midweek news feature.
Pearl City Bonsai Club's show is coming up this Saturday.
Email Richard dot J dot Wagner at gmail dot com