~ Overnight ~

"A mother holds her child's hand for a little while

but holds their hearts forever."

-Author Unknown

Recently my heart has been reminding me of when my children were young.  We watched a home video a couple of weeks ago when my - almost 18 year old son  and almost 15 year old daughter - were just born ... and growing thru their baby months.  
  I couldn't help but think ... "where did the time go?"  Seriously!  It happens overnight!  One day they are babe's - the next day turning 15 & 18!!  It truly pulls at the heartstrings.  And I wonder - "have I taught them enough?"  I guess that never stops - the teaching part - but "enough" to be out in the world, standing on their own two feet, with courage and kindness - integrity - honesty - confidence ... the list is endless.

I have thousands of pictures of my kids.  I am sooooooo truly grateful for that.  Their albums, home movies, scrapbooks, framed ... these memories are priceless - because the mind fades. 

I guess my message for this post today - really is one for me...but if you, the reader gets something out of it, then it's for you too!  : ) 
 

What has been pressing upon my soul, is hoping that I've spent enough quality time with them - and still try to do.  Am I sitting in front of the computer - doing dishes or laundry when they are trying to share something with me of great importance to them?  Do I look into their eyes and really listen, or just nod my head pretending to?  Do they really know how much I love and appreciate them being in our family for this moment on earth? 

The poem below sums up what I've been pondering.   So!  Here's to gathering your loved ones into your arms today, tell them you love them...take a ga-zillion pictures of them...spend TIME with them...laugh, play, learn, teach, listen.  Cherish every single moment - whether you think they are good or bad. 
Hold their hearts forever.  
Because tomorrow happens overnight.  

"I hope my child looks back on today

and remembers a mom who had time to play

There will be years for cleaning and cooking,

but children grow up when we are not looking.

Cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow

'cause babies grow fast, we learn to our sorrow.

So settle down cobwebs, dust go to sleep

I'm cuddling my baby, and babies don't keep"

♥

~ Pali Lookout ~

"To jump . . . or not to jump"

In celebration of "Aloha Friday" - I bring to you one of the very most interesting places on Oahu.

Not only is it popular for it's magnificiant view and extremely high winds, but the history of this very spot is so fascinating!

For those of you who have been to this location, you know how strong the winds can be.  You can completely lean right into the wind and not fall over because it will hold you right up!

Have an "ono" day on the Aloha Friday! : )

p.s ... King Kamehameha told those he captured, that they could either become one of his soliders, or jump off the edge of the cliff at Pali Lookout, and if the winds blew him back up - he would be set free.

p.s.s ... kinda cool!

~ Blossom ~

"And the day came
when the risk to remain tight in a bud
was more painful
than the risk it took
to blossom."
~ Anais Nin

As I've mentioned before - I was painfully shy when I was young.  My heart would beat a ga-zillion miles an hour, feeling like it was coming up through my throat choking off my air supply - just from the simple task of asking a question or making a comment in a public setting.  I did not like the feeling of eyes looking upon me, and my face would turn scarlet red if there was any sign of being put on the spot.

It wasn't until probably around my senior year in high school, that I somewhat felt as if I was coming out of my "shell."  I became more involved with school activities and had a great group of friends.  Though I was still completely terrified to speak in front of people - in any way shape or form.

And it wasn't until probably the last 5 years that I feel as if I've blossomed a little bit more, and am not so painfully shy anymore - in the sense I mentioned.  I am able to speak in public without feeling like I'm going to die at any second from a heart attack - (though sometimes it does creep in a little once in awhile), and my confidence level has surely progressed  This is because I either forced myself to blossom or was encouraged to with certain events in my life.

When the above quote found me last year ... I totally "got it." 
I related to the message completely.  Because I can honestly say from all these years of my life - that yes!! ... It IS more painful to "remain tight in a bud" than to blossom.  But I didn't discover it until I went through life's experiences of it.  Stepping out of our comfort zone is a little scary.  But once you do it and do it often ... the "pain" is replaced with a feeling of joyful freedom really.

I try to involve myself in things that compel me to continue practicing "blossoming" and I can assure you, the more you practice at blossoming, the easier and less painful it becomes - even speaking in public which I can pretty much do now without increase in heart rate - and THAT is definitely a step in progression for me!

I love the quote: "Our Deepest Fear" and a couple of the lines that touched me to the core when I first read it are:

"Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure ...

Your playing small does not serve the world."

Wow!  Look how poignant just a few words can be?! I strive daily to blossom  and not "play small" -because those in my life who blossom, truly bless me with their amazing spirit and my life is without a doubt, the richer for it.

I have discovered that if I - we - all remain "tight in a bud," how in the world are we to share our God-given talents and our extraordinary beings of creation with each other if we don't blossom?  I can't tell you how many countless times I have been blessed because of the many, many people in my life who have blossomed in so many ways.  I have also come to realize that by blossoming, I just might be able to give back a little to what I've been so abundantly given in my life.

Challenge yourself to blossom this week.  Start small.  Even baby steps can get you to the top of a grand staircase.  Take that first step.  There are people out there that only you can touch where no one else can.

Here's to a great Monday ... a new start and clean slate for the week ... a time to blossom! : )

p.s.... I am featured in the http://thebusymomblueprint.com/ site for my blog!!  Wow!!  Seriously it is an honor and a privilege.  Check out the site - it's a pretty amazing one and so informative! 

~ Rent You Pay ~

"Service to others
is the rent you pay

for your room here on earth."

My mom is the perfect example and definition of service.  As long as I can remember, she has constantly served others - including us her family.  There have been countless ways in which she has served and continues to - and by doing so has become such an amazing and loving woman.  She reaches out to anyone in need and is always there for everyone.  Her smile, touch, hands, hugs, laughter, wisdom, advice - has etched her footprints upon the earth, wherever she walks with whomever she is with.

Let us all give a little more service today.  Seek those opportunities out.  It doesn't have to be a grand event - a simple smile, hug, shoulder speaks louder than any words or money ever could.  It's amazing when we're in the act of serving how the heart expands within.  Not only for yourself - but for the one you're serving.

This quote by Albert Einstein sums it all up just perfectly:

"Only a life lived in the service to others is worth living."

And if you're not sure of how you can serve others ... here's 100 ideas that can get you going today!  Make it fun, enjoyable and memorable in your journey of life.  : )

p.s... A wonderful example of service!

One more amazing quote that I just read from a friend.  I've always loved this and forgot until she reminded me of it.  Ready?!! ....

"If you're not happy with your lot in life

build a Service Station on it."

: )

~ Diamonds ~

"Your diamonds are not in far distant mountains
or in younder seas;
they are in your own backyard,
if you but dig for them."

-Russell H. Conwell

There is a story Conwell told in his lecture which had enormous appeal. It recounted the life of a Persian farmer named Ali Hafed who sold his farm and left his family to travel the world in search of wealth. He looked everywhere but he could not find the diamonds he lusted after. Finally, alone and in despair as a homeless pauper, he ended his own life. His search for riches had consumed him.

In the meantime, the man who bought the land from Hafed was grateful for 'every blade of grass' that was now his and lavished love and hard work on his farm. At night, surrounded by his family and eating the fruits of his labor, he was a contented man. Finally one day he made a remarkable discovery. In the backyard that Ali Hafed had abandoned was a diamond mine - literally an acre of diamonds. The simple farmer became wealthy beyond his wildest dreams.

When I first read this story, it made me think about Gratitude first - his success second. 
Being grateful for what is right in front of us  everyday - our family, friends, the food we eat, the clothes on our back, the warm beds we sleep in, is truly the weathliest success we could ever have. 
"Being grateful doesn't cost anything - yet it brings the most wealth."  So many people are searching for their diamonds elsewhere ... always looking out - beyond their own "backyard" when in fact, our need for fulfillment has been right in our face all along. AND if we can't be grateful for what we have right now, this day - how are we ever going to be given more?

"We all have an acre of diamonds waiting to be discovered, cherished and mined. We all have a place from where to begin. Let your imagination soar, for it is your soul's blueprint for success. On this path, you will discover that your own opportunity for personal success, authentic happiness, and financial serenity is as close as your own backyard."  ~Simple Abundance

Really "look" at your diamonds today - all of those precious stones around you.  Give thanks for them - be grateful.  Something will awaken and light up inside when you do.  And when you do, you will find the need to "dig" elsewhere for happiness, no longer exists ... everything in your life is before you.

I'm going to leave you with one of my most favorite thoughts on gratitude:

"Gratitude is the axe for the frozen sea inside us."

Here's to discovering our own diamonds right before us today!  : )

p.s.... - haven't shared "dessert" in awhile!  This video is one of my most favorite EVER - on gratitude.  Watch it.  It will truly touch your heart and soul ... and might even change something within.  xoxo

~ Music Is Life ~

"Life should have background Music" ♫

-Michael McLean  - Songwriter

"When I was growing up my mother told me the only problem with life is that it doesn’t have any background music…like movies. Wouldn’t it be great, she imagined, if for every experience romantic or heartbreaking, triumph or tragedy, there was an orchestral score to musically define the moment and to propel us onward (or at the very least help us process what was really happening in our lives)."

-Michael McLean 

When I first read the above quote this morning - I totally loved the idea and the title!  YES!  Life should have background music!  Life IS music and Music is life.  Could you imagine the world without it?  It would be a completely empty shell, hollow of the every day melodies that make us who we are today.

If you had a soundtrack for your life - what would it sound like?  Music is one of the most powerful gifts we have here on earth during our daily existence.  It is the melody of the soul and can sometimes speak more powerful than any novel.

So!  Here's to music in your life today ... your background music.  Enjoy it's every note ... no matter what is going on.  You are the songwriter and conducter.  Lead your life music - note by note.

♫

~ Surfing ~

"Surfing expresses ...

a pure yearning for visceral, physical contact with the

natural world."

- Matt Warshaw, Maverick's: The Story of Big-Wave Surfing

In celebration of "Aloha Friday" ... I bring to you the history of surfing ... and how it began from the beginning.

But first - we need to discuss the lingo of surfing!  You might not be familiar with this language, so here are just a few:

"Epic" = Awesome, killer waves!  Perfect sets - perfect day - weather - temperature - surroundings everything!

"The green room" = The color of the wall of the wave, when you're riding inside it, getting "barrelled."

"Barrel" = A barrel is where the wave is hollow when it is breaking. For some surfers it's the be all and end all of surfing. Is sometimes called a "tube."

On a good day, a surf report might read like this:
6-8 foot SW groundswell has top breaks in some overhead sets on Friday and we will see more of this swell into Saturday morning. Another SW/SSW swell is on tap for the weekend and the longer range charts are showing some more "epic" surf. (happy surfers)!! : )

On a bad day it will read like this:
1 foot - Nothing lining up for Friday and the weekend, besides a modest size ENE tradeswell on the Windward Side. (not so happy surfers)!!  : (

So ... now ...imagine your surfboard defining your place in society.
In Ancient Hawaii, it did.

Under the kapu system of laws, the ali’i was above all others. The ruling class surfed on one type of board, and the commoners used another. Even the type of wood used determined social classification.

THE COMMONER

Commoner surfboards came in three lengths and were mostly constructed of wood from the koa tree. The introductory board to wave riding, or he'e nalu, was the paipo. 2’- 6’ in length, the finless paipos were much like today’s bellyboards and mostly ridden by children.

Once accustomed to the rhythm of riding waves, surfers would move on to the alaia. Suitable for standup, an alaia ranged 6’ to 12’ in length and was the forerunner of today’s surfboard.

After mastering the art of surfing, commoners would advance to the kiko’o, a board 12’ to 14’ in length, and, as you can imagine, much more difficult to ride. To master one of these definitely demonstrated one’s proper place at the top of society.

THE ALI’I

The ruling class had its own board made of its own wood, the olo. 14’ to 18’ in length, not only was the olo a bigger board, but it was constructed of the more buoyant wood of the wili wili tree and further defined the class separation of kapu.

The ali’i even has their own breaks, and under kapu, any attempt by a commoner to paddle out among the elite was punishable by, among other things, death.

Surfboards were sacred, their construction ritualistic. Kahuna would search for just the right tree, sacrifice fish as an offering to the gods and stand guard over the specimen overnight under prayer.

Only after successful completion of the ritual, could the tree be felled, and once it was cut down, more sacred behavior was practiced by the kahuna.

Finer shaping was done with blocks of coral and stone..

First the board was rough-shaped with an adz. Then, the wood was shaped and planed with blocks of coral or stone. Once shaped, it was applied with a finish, such as the root of the ti plant or the stain from banana buds. The board was then treated with kukui oil to give it a glossy finish.

When the surfboard had met the kahuna’s approval, it underwent a final ritual of dedication, and only then was it offered to the sea.

Well, there you have it!  A good overview of the history of surfing ... Hawaiian style!
And ... a little entertainment right on the surfboard into the "tube" Enjoyyyyyy!! : )

~ Peaks and Valleys ~

"The marvelous richness of human experience would lose something of rewarding joy
if there were no limitations to overcome.
The hilltop hour would not be half so wonderful
if there were no dark valleys to traverse."
Helen Keller

A discouraged young man meets a wise old man. The old man shares his wisdom about life’s peaks and valleys. The young man then sets out to put his newly learned lessons into practice. The key he soon realizes is to find a comfortable balance between the lowest valleys and highest peaks.

How you handle living on a peak or down in a valley is based on what you’re currently viewing as a positive or negative in your life. By changing your perspective or view of the situation, will change everything in your life.

Moral of the story: How well you handle the valleys in your life, will determine how much joy you’ll find on the mountaintop. The view from the peak is sweeter when you’re at peace with yourself and your life. By conquering the fear of living, you can truly appreciate the view from the highest peak.

- Sharon Michaels

I for myself, also believe that in the peaks and valleys of life - it is in the valleys where the teachers are. Sometimes when we are at our lowest, we are humbled - thus teachable. This is where we are taught to rise once more, and climb the peaks. Learn to appreciate both the peaks and the valleys, because in both of them - life's lessons are learned for the progression of your soul.

Here's turning our negatives into positives, and learning what we need to in the valleys so that we may reach the peaks. : )

p.s...

"Every season has its peaks and valleys.
What you have to try to do is eliminate the
Grand Canyon."
- Andy Van Slyke

~ Faith ~

"We Walk By Faith, Not By Sight"

-2 Corinthians 5:7

Faith is defined as "believing in something that you can't see."  So, my question is - where does this belief come from in the first place?  How can you have Faith in something you can't see?

My own personal answer is this: "Faith is believing in something that you can't see - BUT that you CAN feel."  Faith has been my own personal Lighthouse so many times throughout my life.  It has truly been a beacon of Divine Light.  At times shining my pathway - other times, as a  feeling of pure comfort and peace beyond explanation.  These experiences of Faith in my life, are powerful beyond measure, and have opened my understanding to:

 "Seeing isn't believing.  Believing is seeing."

Sometimes it is very difficult to have Faith in something beyond yourself.  I know this to be true.  But the moment I let go - and give everything up to Faith in God- is when my burdens are lightened and my pathway is illuminated.

Faith is a universal God - given gift.  It has been planted within our breast - each and every one of us - from before time.  But it is we who must open the gift and test it out.  Let go today.  And have Faith that: 

 "When you have come to the edge of
all the light you have
and step into the darkness of the unknown,
believe that one of the two will happen to you.

Either you'll find something solid to stand on or
you'll be taught how to fly!”

~ Richard Bach

Happy Sabbath ♥

p.s.... Interesting enlightenment and insight - enjoy! : )

"Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe.
It is not enough that a thing be possible for it to be believed."
-Voltaire

~ Direction ~

"Change. But start slowly,
because direction is

more important than speed."
- Paulo Coelho

This quote found me today.  I love quotes! And more often than not - they jump out at me, grabbing hold of my heart with an exclamation of: "ah-ha!!" 
Sometimes I wonder why certain one's do that?  What is it that I need to learn from them?  What is going on in my life at the time? 
For me, quotes are like a glimpse into my soul at times it seems ... like a sneek-peek ... a sub-conscience prelude to what may be up ahead - and sometimes a postlude of past experiences, blessing me with pearls of wisdom as if comforting and supporting me.

This world is all about speed these days.  So often I am guilty of the importance of getting things done as fast a possible, or wanting something "right now!"  But I've also learned that by not taking the time out to evaluate the direction of where I should be going rather than the racetrack I'm on - could actually take longer in the end, because of all the detours. 

"Direction."  Trust it.  Pray for it's guiding hand.  Look for the signs in your daily life.  Pay attention to the small details of it.  Sometimes it might not be the direction you really want - or are thinking is the right way - but if you let go of your will and just trust ... in the end you will see the grand picture!  And that your story turns out better than you could have ever written, or imagined.

So, here's to direction in life rather than speed. 
Take the time with patience to be directed. 
The reward will be priceless.

♥

~ Shave Ice ~

"If there is one thing in Hawaii
that tastes like pure paradise
and a slice of heavens cooling system...
it's gotta be shave ice bruddah!"

In celebration of Aloha Friday - I bring to you the sweet goodness of "Shave Ice!"

When we were in Hawaii last year for our family reunion - the beautiful plantation home we were staying in, just happened to be right across the street from the best "shave ice" store on the island!

We were hooked!  Every morning around 10:00 on our way to the beach, we stopped in to get our "fix" for the day ... loaded with our favorite flavors ... a vanilla scoop of ice-cream on the bottom ... 3 flavors poured over the softest/fluffiest ice ... and then topped with a drizzle of "snow cap" (a mixture of sweetened condensed milk/evaporated milk and cream) on top. 
Oh my goodness!  Pure heaven!!!! 
We went through 2 1/2 punch cards in only a week while we were there! haha

Today, here in our little corner of the beautiful world in Temecula ... it feels like 200 degrees already and it's not even 10:00 yet.  Boy am I craving a shave ice!  Great memories ... great times ... great treats!!

♥

p.s... A little peek into some shave ice!  Warning:  definitely habit forming!! haha

~ Impossible ~

"Impossible

is just a big word thrown around by

small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given

than to explore the power they have to change it.

Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion.

Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare.

Impossible is potential.

Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing."

~ Muhammad Ali

Dont' you just love that quote?!!  To me, it's so powerful and so true.  Sometimes I forget that indeed "Impossible is not a fact.  It's an opinion" ... and YES!  We have the power to change whatever we think is impossible in our own little corner of the world!  Do you think this flower believed it was impossible to grow up and thru concrete?  I don't think so.

And like I've told my piano students hundred's and hundred's of times that they can learn anything they want to play ... no matter the difficulty ... even if it's just one note - or one measure at a time - they CAN do it!  Nothing is impossible once we've set our mind and our burning spirit of passion to it!

So here's to impossible today.  And to remember that "Impossible is temporary.  Impossible is nothing!"  Don't ever let anyone tell you any different!!
♥

~ 5 Habits of Happy People ~ : )

:-)

"If you want to be happy ... be!"

 ~Leo Tolstoy

Short post for today .... this article says it much better than I could! 

Enjoy and be happy today!!

~ Habits ~

"If your habits aren't changing you -
you need to change your habits"

This post is for ME today - unfortunately! ... Sometimes I need a little reminder - and this quote is a nice little kick in the behind for me!  It "magically" appeared in my brain a few years ago, and pops up now and again out of the blue when I need it ... I guess.  Hmmmmm ... how would my brain know that I needed this today?!!!  Darn!

I have an awesome little book that is titled: "Don't Sweat The Small Stuff ... and it's all small stuff."  And in it is a chapter titled: "Remember You Become What You Practice Most."  I just skimmed thru - after having the before-mentioned quote rambling on in my brain as I was awoke this morning.

It mentions that whatever you practice most is what you will become.  If you are in the habit of being uptight whenever life isn't quite right, insisting on being right all the time, allowing your thinking to snowball in response to adversity, or acting like life is an emergency - then - unfortunately, your life will be a reflection of this type of practice because in a sense, you have practiced being frustrated.

Likewise, however, you can CHOOSE to bring forth in yourself qualities of compassion, patience, kindness, humility, and peace - again, through what you practice. 
"Practice doesn't make perfect, practice makes permanant" as is quoted in the movie "Forever Strong."

The book goes on to say that this isn't to suggest that you make your entire life into a great big overwhelming "can't do" project - only that it's immensely helpful to become conscious of your own habits, both internal and external.  Where is your attention?  How do you spend your time?

The reasons I believe this thought - uninvited - entered into my mind this morning, is because I have a terrible habit of procrastinating.  And justify it by having "too many options" available in my life that take my focus away and let too many things "get in the way" of what I really should be doing!

So - today ... I'm going to begin changing one habit.  And then tomorrow - another.  One blade at a time - step by step.  Another thought that just entered my mind is:  "If the grass looks greener on the other side - it's time to water YOUR OWN!" 
This is my purpose for today and if you - the reader - have related to any of this post today, I challenge you to do the same!  Sometimes a little kick in the pants is what we need - yes? : )

Happy changing!

~ Molokini ~

"The wonders and beauty of Hawaii will never cease to amaze me.

It's as if a slice of the most breathtaking corner of heaven

has been placed right here on earth."

In celebration of "Aloha Friday" I bring to you the awesome wonder of Molokini.

One of my very first scuba diving adventure's was right there in that picture in the crater of Molokini.  My dad took me to Hawaii for my high school graduation celebration and it was one of the best vacations I have ever been on!  We took a boat out to the crater, geared up, and jumped into the bluest warm water I've ever beheld.  Sea life was as colorful as the rainbow and soooo abundant.  We fed fish, an eel, saw sharks (the nice ones), an octopus, a turtle and just immersed ourselves within this realm of another existence of life.  I was never the same afterward.  Life changed - totally hooked.  Have been on hundred's of dives since and absolutely LOVE this completely different and extraordinary world!

Molokini is a partially sunken volcanic crater just 2.5 miles off the coast of Maui, Hawaii. Located between the islands of Maui and Kahoolawe, Molokini is now a beautiful underwater sanctuary for marine life. Molokini is truly one of Maui’s most breathtaking snorkel and dive locations. Part of Maui County, Molokini is a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling with many tourist boats coming each day from the south coast of Maui.


Have an "onolicious" Aloha Friday all!  And excuse me while I go find my scuba gear ...
: )

p.s.... The eel we fed that I was talking about is the one at :52 seconds and the sharks are at 1:36 on this awesome video!  Enjoy!

~ Time Out ~

"I was once told that being sick is the nature's way of

saying: stop ... slow down ... take a time out!

I say - I don't have TIME to be sick!!

Nature won!"

So I've been really sick for the past couple of days.  And boy this one is a whammy!  Without going into much detail and grossing you out - shall we just say that nothing is staying down ... and it's coming out of both ends every 15 minutes or so?!!  Not to mention body chills, major aches in every single joint (including fingers & toes) and headache.  Just take me out back and put me down!

I'm right in the middle of a huge project that must be completed by Friday as well ... and this - being down in a time out - really isn't helping at all.  However, I must say that it has been nice to relax & catch up on some of my favorite movies ... but then again, it gets a little boring after the 10th movie!

There must be a lesson in this that I can share with you - or figure out myself.  The one thing that does come to mind however,  is how much more GRATEFUL I am when I'm feeling better and healthy.  Sometimes moments like this just slap ya right in the face - and takes you for a whirlwind ride!!!  I've decided not to fight it much anymore today.  My body functions have taken over my mind power and there's nothing I can do ... but to take a time out for now! Hope you're feeling good today.  Be grateful for it ... Be grateful for your health!

~ America - The Beautiful ~

"America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea!"

May you have a wonderful 4th of July - and remember the gifts we have in this beautiful country of ours!!

Happy 4th!

~ What Are You Doing? ~

 "What are you doing to change the world today?"

- Jason Mraz

When I read this quote yesterday on Facebook ... it really jumped out at me and caught my attention.  Not only is it a really powerful thought, but it was posted by a very popular and professional artist.

There are so many ways we can change the world.  We were created to do such things.  We are limitless.  We are abundantly blessed.  We are guided by a divine hand.  We have power. 
But it takes one thing on our end ... ACTION!

Just thinking about such things doesn't bring change.  Thinking and then doing does.  If you feel "the" world is too much to contribute a change to - then start little in "your" world.  What can you do today to make a change?  What needs to be changed?  Ask yourself the question ... sit quietly for a moment and listen to the answers.  They will come. 

Think = Ask = Do = Amazing world!

: )

 And for a little entertainment today ... only appropriate since today's post idea/thought came from him ... enjoy!
A little different arrangement ... funny guy! : )

~ Lei ~

"The lei - with it's beautiful fragrant flowers,
uniquely handcradfted ...
... a slice of heaven on earth."

Once again, "Aloha Friday" is upon us!  And to celebrate, I'm bringing to you the history and beauty of the Hawaiian Lei!

Have an "ono" day my "Bruddah's and Sistah's!"

: )

☼ Light ☼

"Light is merely the shadow of God."

My parents have been visiting this week, which was truly enjoyable having them here with us!  And yesterday, while my dad was out taking my son to breakfast and then to play a bucket of balls at the golf course, I took my mom to a rose garden in town.  It was a welcoming retreat - as we went to each section of this beautiful sanctuary to stop and smell the roses.

As we were heading out back to the car, I stopped at the sun dial they had there, and read its inscription -  the quote above.  As I read it - it actually caught my breath.  You know those times when you see or read or experience something that catches your breath and lights up your soul?  Anyway - I vowed to memorize it, so that I could post it today and share it with you.

I love the thought of that quote.  It just gives me hope that there is no darkness - or shadows as we know - surrounding God.  He IS the Light.  I love the whole concept of Light in all areas of life.  And how it always parallels back to God. 

So, for today - the 1st day of July ... the month of Light - summer days - warmth - laughter - activity ... let's remember where the light - filling our joyful days - is coming from. 

Here's to Light being our shadow.

☼