Thursday, March 25, 2010

My Favorite Artist of Hawaii



This is the work of Kim Taylor Reece, He is my Favorite Artist in the islands of Hawaii. He has a way of capturing the essence of the Beauty(Nani) of the Hawaiian and Polynesian Culture.
I would like to have a few of his pieces in my guest room someday when I am retired and I can share with my visitors, some the finer things of Hawaii, the classic ancient  Hula is something to preserve and enjoy, it is the true center of Aloha.
all my Aloha
Brandi

Friday, March 12, 2010

"LETS RIDE"

This is "THE BEST BIRTHDAY " I ever celebrated. My Sister Holly came from Arizona with her Husband  Jim and brought their Harley's, we rented ours since we did not own any at the time. We have owned Harley's on and off, but we  have always loved to ride...This was the first time I rode with Al on my own. He likes me to ride with him, but It was time for my own ride!

I was raised on motorcycles from the age of about 7. My Brother raced dessert bikes and so my parents belonged to a racing club. We spent many weekends in The high desserts of California and Nevada racing. For me, being on a motorcycle is home away from home. The Rumble of a Harley underneath me just screams "Cool". It's not about  the speed, just easy rider. There is a certain sense of confidence that comes over you when you are on the open road. It's free open spaces and the wind in your face, ahhhh...love it!
This was for my "40th". I was so thrilled to be with the people I love and cruise up the Coast of Southern California from Oceanside to Newport Beach on Highway 1 along the lovely West Coast.
We stopped at Olamende's  in Capistrano Beach for great Mexican food. It has been there since as long as  I can remember. We stopped in Laguna Beach for a cold drink at Las Brisas on the water. I worked there years ago as a cocktail waitress, oh yes, memories!

I truly loved this ride and the wonderful memories I will cherish forever. It has been six years since this ride and I haven't ridden since. It has been too long. Al and I are thinking we would love to ride here in Hawaii, but with 4 teenagers, our Harley dreams are still brewing.

Here is to the open road in Hawaii. This is a shot of the Highway out in front of my house ....
I'm thinking for my 47th this year in August....."LETS RIDE"
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Friday, March 5, 2010

7 Secrets


I love this motivational message...
I am including this in my memoirs..
for the "loving people" in my life and my Future Posterity
-1-

Aim high in all that you seek
only the Best within you
-2-
Be cool in keeping your temper bridled
a balance in all things

-3-
Every minute is so precious
The time we have is today
and only the promise of tomorrow
-4-
Reflect before you act
Wisdom is in the reflections of your journey
-5-
See the world
Live Life like you mean it
chose for yourself,
do not let society define you
-6-
Be up to date
be present
be punctual
No time for regrets, say your sorry
-7-
Push hard to achieve your goals
Integrity
a solid work ethic
By the sweat of your Brow
There in no substitute for
Accomplishment


I think I should hang out in my room more often!

Sending you all warm Hawaiian sunshine for a successful weekend..
Aloha
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Monday, March 1, 2010

Tsunami Evacuation in Hauula, Hawaii

WILLIAMS FAMILY -HAWAII TSUNAMI EVACUATION 2-27-2010


Does this look like an evacuation or Camping with friends?
Well I have to say it was more like camping last minute with great friends and lots of music. food , laughter and lots of visiting.

We had someone pounding on our door at 5am!! We were packed for evacuation in 45 minutes, we also packed for any chance of robbery while we were absent with the evacuation. It took a bit of coordinating, but each family member really pulled together. I am so proud of my Family!!!We gathered for a family prayer before departing our home that may or may not be there if the tsunami hits?
We gathered at our church building,built up on the hillside of our little town of Hauula. The Bishop of our church was stationed at the bottom of the driveway entrance, greeting the church members and community
as the procession of cars drove into the safe harbor of the parking lot around our Church building.People had smiles and were genuinely happy to see each other.
No arguments, just team work. It was surreal, were we really going to have a Tsunami?? we had to be prepared for at last three days, food,clothes and water, tents,sleeping bags etc...Travis my oldest hooked up his stereo to his converter and his car battery and speakers, Reggae music began to move through the air and people were dancing as they walked by to visit!!
Even our Boxer Duke, relaxed in the back of our old Cadillac with Nana,with no worries.
As I took calls from the mainland of worried family and friends, they were startled at our ease and peaceful spirits! My dear sister Holly cried when she heard my voice,I was taken back at her fear? Then it hit me , we were really in an emergency, but we were truly fine!!
We were at ease , we were safe, together and grateful for our blessings. We could of been worried and fretting over what could of happened, but that would of only brought uneasy emotions and unneeded stress.So we spent the next 8 hours fixing meals out of our coolers, sharing with nearby friends and snapping pictures off and on.
By 2pm, we were given the clear sign to return to our homes, our being 42 steps from the water, it was a miracle and we had just lived through it!

As we waived goodbye to our fellow neighbors and church members, we all had such a huge sense of relief and gratitude for the blessings of the day of safety and the love of our fellow friends and neighbors.

As we got home, the kids were exhausted!!! The emotional buildup of a possible trauma had found it's peak and they all headed for their beds. Not before we unpacked of course. They grumbled a little but not too much, it was so nice to come home to peace and safety. As I walked in the door, I knew that our home was not robbed or visited by any unwanted strangers. This brought tears to my eyes as my mind raced back to July when we were robbed on a Sunday while being at church.

All was well and we were home
We gathered for Prayer to give our thanks for being alive and safe and together....
All my Aloha
Brandi
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