Makinsee's May Day

May Day here in Hawaii is a wonderful opportunity for the Youth to Celebrate in Native Polynesian Dance and also other cultures as well.
My youngest daughter Makinsee participated with her class in representing the Island of Hawaii.

Their colors and flowers are all very traditional.

Her lei and head piece were hand done and the flowers and plants come from the Volcano on Big Island.

We have  truly loved being part of our heritage, I feel really honored and blessed for my children to have the opportunity to know their roots.The best way for me to Honor my Father,and his Mother,my Kapuna(Grandmother) and her Mother is to teach and share with my daughters.

Hawaii is my heart, no matter where I am...
All My Aloha
Brandi

BACK TO MY LITTLE GRASS SHACK IN HAUULA HAWAII....

It has been a whirlwind trip to drop off my son Travis and we are all home safe and sound. The weather is a cool 70 degrees and a lovely breeze greets me through the palm trees.
I missed the ocean being so far from it in Idaho and Utah.

I had to get right in the water, it was clear and warm, the water is very healing here. I think it has a lot to do with the Aloha Spirit in the Islands.

Did you know that when the Islanders use to greet people, they would put their forehead against yours and you would  breathe in at the same time. It was to breathe in part of your spirit and share theirs with you.

I love the Spirit of Aloha and all that it stands for, it is in the breeze, the crash of the waves. the quiet reverence of the emerald green mountains..the air is filled with Aloha.
The sound "Ahhh" is the appreciation for breath..,.Alo means the presence of God with us and "ha "means breath, Hence the forehead to forehead custom.

I have just shared with you one of the secrets of Aloha......
Aloha Nui Loa

LOVING THE MOMENT!

Having a great time in Salt Lake with family and friends,Travis is so happy and excited to enter the MTC in 2 days,
I have been traveling with my two oldest and we are really loving the moments together.

I'll check in soon
missing you all
Aloha

Wisdom?

 Today was the day for Travis to have all four of his Wisdom teeth pulled.He was very courageous and relieved that it is over and done.Now he is counting down the days to leave on April 22 for Utah and his new adventure as a Missionary.I thought this would be a good page in the Family journal to remember his final days at home...here are some facts about wisdom teeth,

They are generally thought to be called wisdom teeth because they appear so late—much later than the other teeth, at an age where people are presumably "wiser" than as a child, when the other teeth erupt. The English wisdom tooth is derived from Latin dens sapientiae.

I made meatloaf,macaroni and cheese and chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting,
hoping he remembers the comfort food and not the "WISDOM"

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

"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"

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