2011

I feel like I took a nap, woke up, and it was 2011. 

A new year, filled with new resolutions and a new outlook.  It has always urked me when people complain about the year before- , "I can't WAIT for 2010 to be over", "man 2010 was not my year", "I really hope 2011 is better." Whether or not these statements are true- the bottom line is- if you're alive at the end of the year.. it couldn't have been THAT bad. 

The end of the year is a time for reflection.  You look back on the past year, and what you see is dependent on your outlook and how you CHOOSE to view it.  Focus on the positive, and the year that just passed will be highlighted by the great things you accomplished.  Focus on the negative, then ya, your year probably seems a little tarnished plagued with problems. 

 I randomly came across an article this morning where I learned that January is named after the Roman God Janus. Janus is depicted as having two heads that face in opposite directions. 

One looking back into the past- reflecting on the year departed and one looking forward in anticipation of the new year and what it will bring.  

The God Saturn then bestowed upon Janus the ability to see into the past and the future. 

I bet the face looking forward has the better view. 

So all of a sudden it is January 2nd...  Time really does not stop for anyone. I used to right down at least 5 "resolutions" for my new year.  Things I promised myself I would do, and conversely, things I promised myself I wouldn't do, aka "give up sweets" psshh ya that worked. 

This year, I realized that resolutions are not just for the new year.  Why do you have to wait for the 1st day of the new year to resolve to do something! It's a mental attachment that we have to this date and time that we think we can "start over" on this date- everything in the past year is erased and we really will do what we say THIS year. Well- there is no use in waiting. Do. It. Now. If anything, I choose (I guess you can say "resolve")  to live with intention and integrity everyday. 

That being said- here are a few goals I DO have for 2011. 

1. Ride more party waves with my sisters in Mother Ocean. 

2. Detach from my iphone.. yes it's amazing in all of it's capabilities.. but nature is more beautiful than any picture I could set on my background. 

3. Nurture existing relationships while cultivating new ones. Take time out of the schedule to reconnect with my amazing circle. 

4. Minimalize material possessions. We all have too much Stuff.  My yoga instructors teacher got down to 100 items! That includes kitchen utensils, toothbrush, articles of clothing, yoga mat, etc. That's intense. 

5. Be SUPER smart and efficient with my budget so I can work and play equally. 

6. And as always... grow in my meditation and yoga practice to keep me grounded, humble, and thankful. 

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou & Happy 2011 my friends! 

Love, and Do what you Will

Once and for all, a short rule is laid down for you: Love, and do what you will. If you keep silence, do it out of love.  If you cry out, do it out of love. If you refrain from punishing, do it our of love. 

Let the root of love be within.  From such a root nothing but good can come.  

-St. Augustine 

Mele Kalikimaka

It definitely wasn't my traditional Christmas.

  For starters I was wearing a bathing suit and t-shirt. As humbug and anti-holidays as I felt this year (spending my first Christmas in 23 years away from home) , the day ended up surprising me.  I had a wonderful relaxed day with extended ohana and spent a few hours stand up paddling to get my appetite roaring for a big Christmas dinner. 

Christmas Eve run around Ala Moana Beach Park.

I took the hat off before we paddled out- which turned out to be the right idea because I took a few humbling falls while we were out there.  Twas a Merry Christmas indeed though- I came back with no reef injuries or wana in the toes ;) 

beautiful project

Over a year ago I read an article from my mom's magazine that inspired me.  The article had three different woman write about what made them feel truly beautiful- radiating form the inside out- kind of beautiful. 

I read the article in California and was reminded of my circle of friends I was building back in Hawaii who hold this type of beauty. 

I set an intention to start on a project of my own- dubbing it, "The Beautiful Project" - creative and original right? ;-) 

I realized the list of ladies I could pose this question too was endless, reminding me of the special people I have in my life. 

Unfortunately, this project was put on the back burner as other goals, priorities, and work took over...but while I was cleaning my room a few days ago, I found one of the first answers I received from my dear friend and sister Katherine. She was one of the first that I asked this question to, "What makes you feel truly beautiful?" and what I got, was nothing short of a beautiful answer. 

" I rarely feel lovelier than when I'm laughing or smiling or causing someone to do the same.   Maybe this is why humor, wit and the things ridiculous cause me to saunter after others and draw them near to myself.  As long as we can laugh together it is difficult to feel unsightly; the act of amusement casts the dullness off ourselves.  

I suppose, it we're being specific, what makes me smile inwardly as well as outwardly most are: taking in a sunset with a soulmate, a lonesome surf amongst the throng whilst feeling anything but lovely, a well-timed smile erupting a ripple of beatitude around you, hiking into a lost land in a rainstorm and meeting yourself in others, enkindling them by being yourself." 

♥ ♥ ♥ 

My heart is telling me to pick up this project where I left it and take it somewhere big! 

Meet the little man ♥

Most interviews and bios you find are on the celebrities and the rich & famous. But after spending time with my nephew, Drew,  I found him to be infinitely more interesting.

So with the help of his momma- here are the answers we got!  

Drew Brenden ♥ 

Favorite Food- Pizza

Favorite Place- Original answer was Round Table (haha that explains answer #1) then Alesa explained he could go anywhere that he's been and he answered with the zoo.

Favorite Word- apparently he has been obsessed with the word POOP lately. ;) 

Favorite Character- Buzz from Toy Story & spider Man.

Can't sleep without- his MiMi's (The two blankeys he's had since birth)

Favorite sport- Baseball & Golf 

Favorite Game - Memory card game 

Biggest Outburst - "About a month ago, we took him and my nieces to get thier pictures taken, which he was ALL about. He was on his best behavior and listened to EVERYTHING she photographer told him do.. however, as soon as his turn was done- he was heart broken- in tears, because he wanted to keep taking pictures! haha i didnt know what to do! lol"- Alesa 

Currently working on - "He can write "Drew Leon" in all CAPS. we are working on the difference between uppercase and lower case, and he attempted "Brenden" (his middle name) and gave up because it was too long... hahaha he can count to 20 and can write his numbers... word formation is what he's working on right now" - Alesa  

He is seriously gonna break some hearts! 

Miss you Drew & Leese ♥ 

SC Mountain Brewery

A grilled eggplant panini washed down with an organic Ginger beer made for the perfect lunch at Santa Cruz Mountain Brewery today. But what really made the day- was the company. 

♥

I love being with my sisters and brother! (No need to add the "in-law"- he's more special than that!)

Santa Cruz Mountain Brewery

 This was my first time to the Brewery but not Chris & Steph's.  It's a favorite spot of Chris's and even though they no longer live in Santa Cruz- a surfing trip to the coast usually means a stop for a well deserved cold one. They even allow dogs- which means Zepplin's been a visitor too!

We followed our lunch with a walk down West Cliff accompanied by thick fog and air heavy with the scent of seaweed and salt- things I really do miss about the northern California Coast.

 

A beautiful way to spend my last 24 hours. 

Tonight's agenda includes Erin's recipe for Bellinis (champagne, peach nectar, and pom juice), decorating the Christmas Tree, and a wonderful last supper before I jump on a plane in the AM. 

California, I'll see you soon!

After over a month of lusting over a necklace made by local jewelry designer, Noelani Love, I finally made the purchase! 

This huge & beautiful opalite stone connected to a 14k Gold fill chain is named "Luna" and is said to "make you feel magical!" 

Well, it makes me feel that + stylish since I have gotten  countless compliments on it so I wanted to share Noelani's website and info and spread the word and love about her. (If you don't already know!)  

I also picked up a pair of earrings named, "Erin", for my sister Erin :) Mother of Pearl with a turquoise teardrop. Gorgeous. 

Using the element of nature, Noelani's designs are unique, hand-crafted, and a true piece of Aloha from Hawaii!

Noelani Love - check out her website!