Santa's Elf...me

Can't believe how fast another year goes by... I'm only now beginning to try to come up with new styles for Xmas ornaments to sell at the gallery. Here's the first.

Kalani art show

I unfortunately didn't take my camera to last night's Art Show at Kalani but I must say I was glad I went (and even participated in it). Sometimes I start to feel like a hermit not wanting to venture out, forgetting that Kalani has these wonderful events, really more often than not. And it's so close (out here in this remote part of Hawaii). More than the art there were the huge pool of talent among the volunteers who work at Kalani. I suppose it attracts a higher percentage of alternative lifestyle types that would even come to Kalani (even as yoga and meditation have become so mainstream). From aerial dance to lots of music, a fashion show and even a very well done short movie we were well entertained. I must make sure to be at the next one.

Sawada Kenji World

I'm still stuck in Sawada Kenji Youtube land. It's fun to listen while doing my other work... (making cute little cards at the moment). It's unbelievable how much material there is... Youtube has to the best internet site of the 2000s (so far)...

Puna Butter

Arthur originally had this project but handed it over to me to massage things on the computer. Much better for making quick changes (his computer was down and he was doing things by hand--not good use of his time...there was a lot of copy to deal with). I was happy to help.

The product is new, Safi had been making this and as things go her friends encouraged her to get it out on the market. Her website is www.newvisionsphere.com

feeling Om sick

Last night my yoga instructor called me. I hadn't been going for a number of excuses, most good, like I was out of town, I was painting last week at the paintout, though this week I missed it because I overslept. The Yoga class is at 7 AM. It felt like I was getting a call from the high school principal. And she wasn't even calling about my missed classes, just that a new class for tonight had been cancelled. I didn't even know about it. But I still felt guilty about my missed session... see the trap guilt puts you in.

At least the class couldn't be more convenient (my obsession), it's just down the street at Ramashala.

Dear Laurie

My roommate (see above, that's me on the left, Laurie, my roommate, and our good friend, Grace) from my days in Tokyo (one incredible year) has a great blog where she talks about her experience with a Japanese pop singer. The other day, Arthur just happened to ask me what music I listened to (back in the day). My palate seemed limited. Then I remembered I also listened to J-pop. The YouTube phenomena is tremendous. Not only am I able to see old footage from when I was there but stuff I missed before and since. Here's what I remember (and I can't believe my pop star turned 60 this year).



Of course upon falling into the youtube hole I also found a concert I attended that was actually a television show that was being taped. I didn't see myself in the 32 year old tape but how freaky if I had. I was thinking what great material for a short story in this.

Back to my idol, Sawada Kenji. He was originally in a band called the Tigers, formed in the 60s after the Beatles came to Japan. But he was more like the Mick Jagger of Japan. In the 70s and 80s he was probably Japan's number one male singer. He still has a huge following, even in Hong Kong and Taiwan. I thought this video of a concert he did last year was so touching. He's having a 60th birthday concert in Osaka and Tokyo later this month and next month (though his birthday was in June). Wish I could go.



And here's the song orchestrated...

Big Island Paintout

Edie at mile 17

Arthur painting a panoramic hilo view from leleiwi

Lynne Boyer painting her favorite lifeguard station

Dan Young with Papoh president Jan Bushart

The Plein Air Painters of Hawaii (PAPOH) had a paintout last week on our island. Painters from neighboring islands came to this event. I love the convenience of having the paintout here.