Ephemeral Life...

What say you kupuna? What shall I do next...

Pounding the wauke bark, the mulberry tree, with traditional implements to produce fine bark cloth. Some of the old kapa was as soft as cotton linen. Simply beautiful. Used for clothing. Used for ceremony. Used to lovingly wrap the bones of our beloved kupuna. With each strike of the kapa beater, we put the imprint of our love and Aloha into the little sounds which transport our souls back 1000 years to blanket and drape our ancestors in loving memories...

We are so used to mass produced industrial revolution slave labor produced goods. There is something special about a traditionally woven gift filled with love built up over generations...

Weapons of war...

The boys were able to spin for prizes. A nifty nightlight and a shower timer were the eco-friendly prizes...

I picked a nice flower for Koa to smell. He smelled it and then promptly tucked it behind his ear. I am not sure where he learned that smooth move from...

I was hungry at the Hawaiian Cultural Festival. I let the boys eat the Hawaiian plate. I opted for the teri-chicken. When the rice is covered in chicken fat teriyaki sauce. It turns brownish. I know brown rice is good for me...

The boys and I had lots of fun in the blacklight Kumulipo tunnel at Bishop Museum. It was just plain cool. The Hawaiian creation story in glowing brilliance. Now I know how to paint the boy's room this Summer...

Koa has a lot of character. A little piece of glass brings out even more character...

Uncle Pat studied the kupuna's work and now reproduces wonderful wicker work in 'ie'ie vine...

The boys were able to see how stone implements were made. It is hard work. But so very worth it...

It was nice to see the ancestral techniques carried on into the future. The skilled hands of kupuna and makua perpetuating the righteousness of the culture...

I took the family to Bishop Museum to see the Hawaiian Cultural Festival. There were many hands-on demonstrations and free admission to the rest of the museum. It was a blast...

Me too buddy...

Genuine humility will take you further in life than you could ever imagine...

I believe to continue moving upward and bloom to your full life's beautiful potential. You need to open yourself up and shed your defensive layers...

You give meaning to my life... When tired and worn excuses had spread too thin... When doubts quietly slipped in And spread like the foamy surge on sand... Threatening to pull me out with the tide Into the black abyss of loneliness... For purpose in life Is truly everything... You are my purpose... You are truly my everything... And I...would you stop eating your drawstring and please pay attention...

There is physical strength in life. There is inner strength in life. Many people I know are Herculean without realizing it. I see it however. It is amazingly beautiful and inspiring...