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| Wednesday, 17-Sep-2003 00:00 |
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An Aloha Note to My Niece, Lanakila
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Lanakila
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Aloha e Lanakila!
Congratulations on your Air Force graduation! We are so very proud of you. I heard from your mom that it
was not to be missed -- and it was HOT in Mississippi!
I was relieved to hear that you followed the hydration rules and wasn't one of those that dropped like flies! I think it helps that you grew up in humid Hawai i, but as you have learned: Hawai'i's humidity is mild compared to the steam bath down south.
You were dearly missed at the family reunion. I am sending you a picture of your Mom, Dad and Kalika that I took that week. Definitely a puka without you in the picture.
Your mom also tells me that you are doing superbly well at school. Keep doing the BEST that YOU can be, Lanakila and that will be PLENTY and far more than most! As in every endeavor in life, those who do their best are amply rewarded in the end.
Did you know that Grandpa Andy was also stationed in MS when he served in the US Army's 442nd infantry? Ask for his help when the going gets rough. He'll be there for you as he is with me.
Love, Aunty D
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| Tuesday, 16-Sep-2003 00:00 |
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Maui `Ohana: Kalika, Dino & Lei
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Maui `Ohana: Kalika, Dino & Lei
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Aloha e Dino & Lei,
I just sent off this picture postcard to Lanakila in Mississippi so she will have an updated picture
of her family.
What are the odds that Lanakila and Grandpa Andy -- the only two in their respective generations to serve in the military -- end up stationed in Mississippi to train?!
Mahalo for keeping us updated as to Lanakila's activities.How heartwarmingly wonderful that you were actually there to see her graduate, Lei, and that day, survived the heat of Texas with her. Nothing like a Mom's full presence for those life passages, esp. one that is a grueling test of her mettle.
The way time flies, she'll be in Illinois in no time. We're proud with you that she is doing so well in school. Hers is a rougher path to trod compared to most, but it is the right path for her.
She's already a great girl, but this will make her an even stronger, more self-sufficient woman who will have a more profound appreciation of life's gifts and opportunities.
Enjoy Maui for us and love to ALL of you, including lovable Lani and precious Poppy,
D & T, 'Oli & Freddy
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| Monday, 15-Sep-2003 00:00 |
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Aloha Note to Beulah with Photos from Hank's Birthday
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H & His Babe, B, in his "WOW!" birthday surprise from his kids
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H's & B's Magnanimous Sons
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Hank checking the innards of his newest toy
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Aloha e Beulah,
You're in my thoughts and heart a lot, so I thought I'd "stop by" with this picture postcard (and fotopage). This pic of us won't be winning any photography contests, but I sure do love it.
Consider yourself hugged, just like in the picture. I just noticed, between the two of us, we have a full set of dimples.
We've been crazy busy since Maui. Two of our key staff are out on disability; our office manager, with hand surgery for a congenital problem and one of our key staff with back problems stemming from childhood. I am eternally grateful to T, who has been pinch-hitting for both. The rest of the staff rallied and I am so proud of them. What a team!
It was so good to see you and H at the club meeting. There was such a din that night -- as there always is at those meetings -- that I found myself yearning for some semi-quiet time with you.
In the meantime, I shall keep visualizing God keeping you -- like a wee bird -- safe and sound, in the palms of His hands.
Love you,
D
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| Tuesday, 2-Sep-2003 00:00 |
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E Hula Mau 2003
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| Monday, 1-Sep-2003 00:00 |
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Mahalo to Tak (Poto) & Helene
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Siblings from Maui, with lots of Aloha
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Aloha e Tak & A,
My belated MAHALO for your generous treating of ALL of us hula ladies after the LM hula performance to that very ample Chinese buffet lunch. Was 'ono!
My husband, T, and I, enjoyed meeting and 'talking story' with you two, as well as learning about how "Ah Chu pay da balan-say."
Tak, you and your sister, Helene, are two extra special Mauians. Besides being musically talented, you know how to make people happy, Hawai'i style.
You are making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Thanks to your efforts, I witnessed the transforming effect of Aloha. I saw the bland and the occasional grouchy looks on some of those LM folks' faces disappear before my very eyes.
Not only did you bring joy to those folks, but to us, hula dancers, who thanks to your sis, are so fortunate to be able to share the hula and the Aloha Spirit with others.
With Aloha,
D
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Aloha e Helene,
I am taking advantage of this "free day" and getting this sweet photo of you and your brother -- two born leaders with mucho talent -- taken at the LM performance.
Where do I begin to thank you? I'll start with thanking you for your sharing heart. With a huge spirit of Aloha, you have given me your precious time, your mana`o, and your mana with such abundance.
My Mahalo for all you do!
Talk about making full circles in life. After an almost 30 year respite, you reopened the door to hula for me. I was content to watch others hula. If it weren't for you, I don't think I would have pushed myself out of that comfort zone. Now, I am a hula participant and surprise! I enjoy it FAR more than I did as girl, who was stifled by hilahila.
Too, MAHALO for ALL the goodies, including the pu~ ili bags, breads, apples, soup, chips, i~lio pu~pu~, etc.
Me ke Aloha,
D
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| Sunday, 31-Aug-2003 00:00 |
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Labor Day Weekend: The Most Beautiful Family in the World
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Jonathan, father to be
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Jonathan, Samara & Alana -- will they still be "our kids"?
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Alana, Tutu Sue, G-ma
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[b]"Where can a person be better than in the bosom of their family?
~ Marmontel Gretry
Last night, in the bosom of our family, we celebrated our pregnancy -- no, not mine, not Sue's -- but Samara's and Jonathan's. Since we're 'ohana (family), it is OUR pregnancy. What a joyous time we had toasting and just being giddy at the prospect of being grandparents. We're ready!
Samara is glowing! Is it that radiance that comes with pregnancy? I've heard it said, "There is nothing more beautiful than a pregnant woman!" Tonight, I saw its truth for myself.
Alana is up for the weekend, trim from dancing classes and sporting a sassy and sophisticated new hairdo. I think, like us, she's still in a kind of daze that there's a baby coming.
Sue served up a lovely Merlot and a most delectable Byron chardonnay to accompany the EXCELLENT spaghetti. The sauce was made using Sue's former Danville next door neighbor's, Joe's, magnificent -- but VERY secret -- family recipe. Thank you, Joe, for sharing it. Your sauce is so richly delicious. Rest assured that Sue won't ever sell you out. Your secret is absolutely safe with her. Now did I get that right -- was it a full teaspoon of oregano? Just kidding.
This was the perfect evening for outdoor dining, which I took as a blessing on the unborn child. The patio table became the uniting place for our late summer's night family gathering. Awash in the candlelight, our faces glowed along with Samara's.
After we dutifully located Mars in the sky, with help from the compass in Sue's car, we settled into the serious business of coming up with baby names. Serious. Right. This group? With multiple glasses of wine. Heh...
We tossed out Della and Del immediately. Forget Cameron, as in Cameron Diaz. That name does not bode well; it means "crooked nose." How about Sienna? By the time it was time to break for dessert, if it's a boy, it is Austin Kai. If it's a girl, Kiera. I will be researching for a good Hawaiian name for a girl. Or do my best to remember the name given by the ancestors in a dream.
Over dessert, Alana and Jonathan have come up with a gender-neutral nickname: Nuggie. Short for Nugget. Or Nougie. Short for Nougat (French for Nugget).
Our family is growing! Literally. I put my hands on Samara's belly. I felt the baby. In February, when s/he takes that leap of faith back to Earth, I will be G-ma. Uncle T will be G-pa and Sue will be Tutu. And whaddya know, Alana will be Aunty Alana! Sue, Samara, Jonathan, Alana, us, and Baby makes 7.
We had a blast. Such a lovely evening of celebration. I pinch myself to make sure that I am not merely imagining my dream family gathered around me. I belong to the most beautiful family in the world. As in inner beauty. Good, good people. Treasures, each one. If I ever take these dearest to my heart for granted, there's something wrong with me. I love each of them so very much. (Jeremy, you, too. You were missed.)
This new soul will be arriving into a bosom of great beauty.
>> Christmas Newsletter: Our 'Ohana: http://www.geocities.com/sptmbrmrn/121701.htm[/b]
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| Saturday, 30-Aug-2003 00:00 |
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Lana Goes Off to College
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In every mother's heart is sadness when the time comes that her child spreads his or her wings and flies away from the nest. I know my tender hearted sister on Maui is missing her daughter like fury.
Just as Lana is not that same little infant that came into world that fateful January week in Kona when we both met her for the first time, my sister is not the same naïve, young mommy she once was. Raising a child has forged and refined her into a strong and flexible woman who endures. And now she has birthed a strong adult child who is determined to succeed and make the world her oyster.
As she views these pictures, I hope my sister will smile through her tears. It has been a bittersweet time of triumph and anguish. There is pride and joy -- her eaglet won an outstanding academic scholarship -- and there is sorrow -- she must leave her safe Maui nest to fulfill her destiny and follow her heart.
It takes great courage for a mother to "Let go and let God," and let her eaglet fly into that wild blue California yonder. As a parent, my sister has courageously provided Alana with the two things owed her: roots and wings.
I want my sister to know how proud I am of her. And how much I love her.
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| Friday, 29-Aug-2003 00:00 |
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E Hula Makou! (Let's Hula!)
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Martha, once a reporter for the Hilo Tribune Herald
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Gracious ladies
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More gracious ladies
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After months and months of diligent practice, Na Wahine `Olu`olu o Ka Hui Hawai'i - The Gracious Women of Da Hawai'i Club, under the instruction of former Mauian and retired elementary school teacher, Helene, performed at the annual lu`au at the LM Community Center.
>> Da Hawaii Club: http://www.geocities.com/dhc2020/
The women were beautiful in their colorful mu`umu`u (No pluralizing "s" for words in Hawaiian, as in "two flowah lei."). Some were brand-new, bought just for this event.
I was especially proud of Virginia, Dorothy, Dee and Violet. When Helene learned that my class attendance would be erratic at best, as Thursday is one of my busiest work days, she offered to come over to my home to teach me and if it was okay she would invite a few students who had no previous hula experience. And that is how I got to know Dorothy, Dee, Violet and most recently, Irene. Virginia, I've known for almost 20 years.
Once a week, we've been meeting in our garage for hula practice. Today, I watched these former rookies with such pride. They practiced with great determination and mastered the moves. Today, they performed for their first "real" audience and did so with such grace.
Helene's big brother, Tak, shared MC duties with his little sister. Martha served as the sound engineer.
Other than a couple of minor glitches that were easily handled: a malfunctioning CD player which was replaced with one that travels with Helene and the hula implements that Kay left at home was rushed down to the center by her husband, George. She was so busy concentrating on making the floral hair ornaments she made for each of us.
Was our performance flawless? Heck no! If we missed a step, an `uwehe, a turn, it was no big deal. We're kupuna (seniors)! No presh-sha!
Dancing to LAHAINALUNA, EO MAI, KAWAIPUNAHELE, E HULI MAKOU with 'ili'ili (stone "castanets"), TO YOU, SWEETHEART, PUA 'OLENA, and WAIKALOA with pu'ili (bamboo implements), the ladies replaced the blank looks and/or frowns on faces in the audience with smiles and heavy steps with lightness when they invited members of the audience to "Hukilau" with them. They succeeded in filling the once somber room with laughter, gaiety and the Aloha Spirit.
Helene treated the audience and us, her students, with a solo hula to THE HAWAIIAN WEDDING SONG. She promised to teach us that hula. It was beautiful.
With the help of the Brothers Cazimero's CD, the last song, ALOHA 'OE, was sung. Then the women fanned out into the audience with fresh, fragrant lei in hand. Each lei was handmade with Aloha, as the day before, after a two-hour, rigorous hula practice session, these women gathered plumeria blossoms from all over town. This was no small feat. This is after all not Hawai`i. Cerritos is however a mecca for Hawai`i folks, and many of these expatriates have managed to grow this frost-sensitive flowering tree in their back, side and front yards.
The ladies converged at the senior center in the late afternoon and together, sat and strung rows and rows of plumeria leis. Their hard work was rewarded by the happy, albeit surprised, looks on the faces of the recipients.
After the performance, we were grandly treated to a Chinese buffet lunch, compliments of Tak. Mahalo e Tak!
These ladies are so dear: Helen, Martha, Violet, Virgina, Miyoko, Emmie, Yoshi, Fanny, Bennie, Millie, Sue, Dee, Doris, Kay, Meling, Aiko, Fely, Bennie C, Dorothy. Living up to their name, they are truly gracious, and my, my, they sure know how to have fun!
>> A fond remembrance from last summer: http://www.geocities.com/dhc2020/summerluau2002-remembrance.htm
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| Tuesday, 26-Aug-2003 00:00 |
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TaroPatch post: Patrick Landeza's HAWAIIAN SLACK KEY GUITAR Made
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Patrick Landeza
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This was originally posted over at the TaroPatch. Wishing to gather and centralize my thoughts put to words in one spot, I repost them here:
I just experienced Patrick Landeza's HAWAIIAN SLACK KEY GUITAR Made Easy and I give it  !
What a deal! For only $30, this DVD provides you with hours (and hours, if you practice)of clear, easy to follow instructions on open G tuning (taro patch), basic chords, slack key scale, vamps and slides, and alternating bass and picking patterns. Patrick teaches with thoroughness, calmness, and lots of encouragement.
Besides the savings of thousands of dollars on weekly lessons, this DVD provides you with YEARS and YEARS of enjoyment of Patrick's musicianry. He plays two traditional songs (Moana Chimes and Salomila); three of Patrick's own compositions (Kahuku Slack Key, Monorail Slack Key, and Pilipuka); and Wai o ke Aniani.
Patrick is not only the consummate professional slack key artist, but the consummate professional educator. And that's no brag. He was a schoolteacher for eight or so years and was even a vice-principal before he devoted his full attention to his music. His formal educational training shines through. He articulates well with clear, well-paced explanations and palpable patience.
Not only is this DVD easy on the ears, it is `ono for the eyes. Beautifully produced with lush foliage and bright tropical flowers in the background, the DVD is a joy to watch. Patrick's good looks and the beauty of his koa guitar are bonuses. And that smile...
And no, I'm not Patrick's relative or his business manager!
I was first introduced to Patrick's talent and passion when he opened for Keali`i Reichel in San Francisco in 1996 and then again, later that year, at Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo`ole's last mainland concert in Marin County. It is so very easy to be Patrick's fan. He radiates a gentle warmth. This might embarrass him a bit :I, but for this fan, he seems to possess an angelic quality. There is a sweetness to him, one that is not cloying, but sincere and from the heart.
Earlier this year at The Shannon in Whittier, we saw Patrick once again, this time with George Kuo, Martin Pahinui and Aaron Mahi. We were blown away by his growth as an artist.
And once again, this past weekend, we were treated to yet another sterling performance by Patrick at the Next Generation concert, one he produced with David and Dennis Kamakahi and Keoki Kahumoku and Herb Ohta, Jr. as performers. What a superb concert that was -- if any of the concerts is in your area, this one is a delectable treat that is not to be missed:http://www.patricklandeza.com/landezaPresents.html
At intermission, we made a beeline to purchase Patrick's DVD and have been enjoying it ever since. Patrick's a new dad of a five month old baby boy, so make sure you support this new papa with kala ( -- that is, BUY his CDs and DVD. Perish the evil thought of cockaroaching his work by burning copies on your computer, 'kay!
He has a new mouth to feed. Share the Aloha.
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| Friday, 22-Aug-2003 00:00 |
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Hawaiian Music's Next Generation:A Concert at The Shannon, SoCal
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Study before play: Hawaiian language workshop, Aaron Imaoka
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On the way to the lû`au, Uncle T locates his hometown, Hilo
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E Komo Mai! (Welcome!) Aunty D finds the food...
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I so looked forward to this day.
Over a year ago, when Uncle T and I had ventured into downtown LA to attend a Daughters of Hawai`i lu`au and and concert featuring the legendary `ukulele maestro, Herb "Ohta-San" Ohta. See: http://geocities.com/ohtasan2020/ After the concert, at the autograph table, I briefly met two talented rising stars, Herb Ohta, Jr. and Keoki Kahumoku, who had earlier opened the concert.
Long story short, it turned out to be a fortuitous meeting, as later in the year I was asked by Roy and Kathy Sakuma, founding organizers of the Waikiki `Ukulele Festival, if I would collaborate in the writing of Herb Jr.'s and Keoki's CD liner notes. Writing the descriptions of their song selections to TREASURES OF ALOHA (see http://www.mele.com/v3/info/2350.htm ) was a joyful labor of Aloha for me. The bonus was that I got to know Herb, Jr. and Keoki and their abiding Aloha for and loyalty to Hawaiian music through their traditional Hawaiian song selections.
As soon as I learned that they were to perform in Southern California, this time with STAR billing, we made our plans to see them at Whittier College's Shannon Center. This was to be our first time together since our initial meeting in LA.
But first, there was a busy flurry of events before that meeting: I attended a Hawaiian language workshop taught by Aaron Imaoka, a wonderful person and excellent teacher. (See Sept 1, 2003 journal entry: http://www.geocities.com/sptmbrmrn/090103.htm ) Meanwhile, Uncle T attended a ki ho`alu (slack key) guitar workshop taught by Keoki Kahumoku, himself. "Slack-key" style has been aptly describes as "a fingerpicking technique where the guitar strings are loosened, producing a unique lingering, resonant sound."
Our workshop participation was followed by a festive lu`au at the faculty center, where we dined in the company of Internet personality "Aloha Joe" Seiter, who made certain that I was totally ma`ona (stuffed to the gills) with all that `ono (delicious) fare, and two lovely couples, Jack and Joanne and Bob and Lorraine, who share our passion for Hawaiian music.
That's when Herb Jr. unexpectedly sought me out in that huge crowd. With the warmest of smiles that lit up his face, he expressed his Mahalo with a big hug, delivered with a sincerity that totally charmed me.
The concert that followed, Hawaiian Music's Next Generation, treated us to the incredibly refreshing musical talents of Patrick Landeza, Herb Ohta Jr. and Keoki Kahumoku, David Kamakahi and the tour's "chaperone," the amazing Dennis Kamakahi.
Their youthful enthusiasm was infectious and the crowd loved every one of them! As for the music, it was a full confirmation that the future of Hawaiian music is assured and in the most able and talented hands. Their vibrant music is as wonderful as ever. There is ample reason for solid optimism that the Hawaiian music traditions of our ancestors will be perpetuated by the next generation.
- The multi-talented Patrick Landeza wooed us with his slack key prowess and at the break, Uncle T purchased his excellent slack key instructional DVD. His music is relaxingly nahenahe (sweet and melodious). I reviewed Patrick's DVD at http://www.taropatch.net/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=991. He generously shared with us his unabashed joy of a new addition to his family, a son, who may one day represent his generation under the tutelage of his talented father.
- It is obvious that Herb Jr. is Ohta-San's son, but with his own style and sound. He completely wowed the audience with his `ukulele wizardry. He is now singing and he does it well! Keoki Kahumoku is George Kahumoku's son. I am as impressed with Keoki as I am with his father: http://www.kahumoku.com/reviews.htm Keoki's old style, expressive Hawaiian singing and slack key mastery gave us plenty reason to applaud and smile with our heads nodding in approval. Together, their chemistry is great; Keoki is backyard earthy, while Herb Jr. is pleasingly sublime. We were particularly impressed with their increased ease with their audience. With their lively banter, theirs is an engaging stage presence, and their smiles melt hearts.
- David Kamakahi also showed a similar blossoming (loosening up) since the last time we saw him in performance at UCLA with the group, Hui Aloha, composed of his dad, Martin Pahinui, and George Kuo, and at the Hollywood Bowl in 1997. David's long, dextrous fingers flying up and down the 'ukulele's fretboard was absolutely mesmerizing! How DOES he do that? With a musical genealogy, a talent that runs deep and his strong and disciplined work ethic (he has a first degree black belt in karate), David is a musician to be reckoned with!
- Dennis Kamakahi was the cherry on top of this delicious kulolo (coconut-taro) pudding. What can one say beyond all the superlatives that have been heaped on this most gifted of musicians, except that they are all true? Singing his much beloved classics, he delivered BIG time. We were transported back to Hawai`i, especially to Moloka`i when he sang, Wahine 'Ilikea. Mission accomplished with finesse.
- And last but not least, 1997's Miss Universe, Brook Mahealani Lee, hard to believe, is even more beautiful now than ever. Ahh, to be so tall and svelte. <--That's me, turning green. And she dances hula beautifully and with feeling. Unfortunately, she was a moving target for my little Fuji FinePix camera and all I got were blurry images. So here's a great link, especially for you guys, of Brook dancing hula at the Hollywood Bowl in 1997: http://starbulletin.com/97/09/01/features/kealiid.gif
"Bravo" and "Hana Hou!" to all who made this concert the success it was! Mahalo for bringing the next generation, the latter day Hawaiian Renaissance men, to the mainland for us to enjoy with full and grateful hearts.
Next generation, pohaku 'oukou (you rock!), as does your chaperone!
****
Update: I am now celebrating that the Disney company tapped Dennis Kamakahi and his son David to be chief Hawaiian music contributors for LILO & STITCH 2. I was entranced by the movie, LILO & STITCH, as I wrote here: http://www.geocities.com/~olelo/hmd/liloandstitch-mahalo.htm . I look forward to writing yet another glowing review for its sequel. Way to go, Kamakahi 'Ohana! You GO.
Come to think of it. Dennis has a most decided resemblance to Cobra Bubbles... 
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