Gratitude Journal – Day 152 – November 30, 2014

Making a list….

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was always the first step, wait – it was the second step. The first step was making friends, because without them we wouldn’t have a need to make a list. I wrote of a time when we moved into our first apartment together and said that we would have a housewarming party and invite friends over…. If we had any. LOL!

And so all seven of our kids are here myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope, and I am amazed – but not really – at the sheer amount of work they roll up their sleeves to get everything on the list done. And you would be proud myDarlin’, just as I am, to hear the joy and laughter in our house as we prepare to give to others.

I’ve been keeping my eye (just the right one myDarlin’) on the weather and see that the sun will be shining on all of us. I am filled with gratitude as I know that the Spirit of Aloha will be multiplied as we share music, food, fellowship, joy and laughter with our Ohana.

‪#‎KeepLookingUp‬ ‪#‎SpiritofAloha‬

Gratitude Journal – Day 151 – November 29, 2014

Seven…..

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a lucky number for me growing up, is even more special today as we all gather to celebrate the holidays. myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope, I am ever so grateful that the gift we were both given when our lives came together is a wonderful blended family. And together we navigate the path of healing as we will always remember to keep looking up.

‪#‎KeepLookingUp‬ ‪#‎LuckySeven‬

Gratitude Journal – Day 150 – November 28, 2014

In Margaritaville….

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the Christmas lights still twinkle the same as they did last year, but there’s one more star in the night sky as I look out over the lake. Sitting at the table, or should I say two tables pushed together to make room for everyone with many different non-matching chairs, I drink coffee at midnight to the sound of a quiet house as our Ohana sleeps myDarlin’. Margaritaville is open air, but the memories of times gone by on this, our back porch, choose to linger rather than drift away in the breeze.

For a moment I can see you in your Leilani’s tie dye shirt in the kitchen, beach towels spread on the floor, cooking up a storm and asking everyone to stay out until you are done. And I would clean behind you, anticipating your moves as to not get in the way. And you would always say, ‘Thank you baby for cleaning up after me.’ But alas, it is a memory…. You would be so proud to see the teamwork of our family as they all coordinate kitchen times and tools to prepare a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner combining Hawaiian (fresh from Kona from your sister & family) and traditional foods.

And as we sat down to eat; we took turns saying what we are thankful for. For me, it is that eleven years ago I met you myDarlin’, my Soulmate, and it changed my life and those of all of our Ohana forever. Next, our grandson caused us to all pause to reflect a moment when he said he is thankful for life, and then followed with ‘and indoor plumbing’. Hmmmm….. not sure where that came from, LOL! Around the table, it is unanimous that we count family, friends, our homes, jobs and spending time together as blessings in our lives.

Naps and movies are on the agenda, as well as family games. And we play, we laugh, we reminisce to the iTunes sound track of Christmas music you put together last year. And amongst the laughter, I hear this song in the background…..

How'd ya like to spend Christmas on Christmas Island?
How'd ya like to spend the holiday away across the sea?
If you ever spend Christmas on Christmas Island
You will never stray for everyday
Your Christmas dreams come true
On Christmas Island your dreams come true

I am filled with gratitude as tomorrow when we put the Christmas tree of white up with the train around the bottom that you loved so much myDarlin' Robert Kenui Pope, I will know that we celebrated each Christmas on Christmas Island in our hearts as our dreams came true. And as we remember years past, the sun’s rays shine down on us now with hope, wrapping us in the warmth of Christ’s love and knowing that we will see you again.

‪#‎KeeplookingUp‬ ‪#‎ChristmasIsland‬

Gratitude Journal – Day 149 – November 27, 2014

Giving thanks…

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on this Thanksgiving day for the blessings in our lives, for our Lord bringing our beautiful Ohana together on this, our first since myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope left us. And we will walk/run the Gobble Jog along with our friends in his memory one year later. For last year, we celebrated the miracle of life as he had defied the odds, and this year we celebrate him having been a part of our lives.

And the jog represents so much more, it is the food that it provides to so many. Food – a major part of life for all, but very specifically myDarlin’ as he chose a challenging, yet rewarding career in the hospitality industry. He told me of how he believed in magic as a child, as there was no other explanation of how flour and milk could become gravy. And his parents would host Ohana parties based around food and music, yes this was a foundation for a great life. And his Mother told him, ‘Be anything but a Chef’.

Is it ironic that food and fellowship have their very own holiday named Thanksgiving? And is it a coincidence that myDarlin’ brought those two items together every day of his life? And as he climbed the ladder to the top, he never forgot either ingredient, the food and fellowship, as he made friends for life showing his gratitude to his team for their partnership and his customers for their patronage.

As he began his descent back down the ladder toward retirement, he stepped on those very same rungs with a heightened focus on fellowship and mentoring others in their careers. And he was happy, and he was thankful for each and every moment that our Lord gave him, gave to us, gave to our family, our Ohana.

Today, I am filled with gratitude for the blessings in my life. For a wonderful family, whose story was created by our Lord. For the food and fellowship we share on this Thanksgiving Day, and every day of our life. And my prayer is that others will not only enjoy the food that the Gobble Job provides, but that they open their eyes and hearts to experience God’s Love.

‪#‎KeepLookingUp‬ ‪#‎Thanksgiving‬

Gratitude Journal – Day 148 – November 26, 2014

Any time at all….
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all you gotta do is call and I’ll be there. He is there every step of the way with us as we navigate familiar waters for what seems like the first time. 

Timehop reports ‘Sheri’s day in history’ for last year and many years passed, and it causes me to think about the history that is being made today and will be reported next year. I wrote a voice memo to myself on Monday, ‘As I drive into work, on this the last day before vacation, I think about the excitement of last year and years past, knowing that myDarlin’ and I would be planning and prepping for the holidays. Going to the grocery, choosing food, making sure that we have sufficient supplies – you made it look so easy myDarlin’. And I was watching, so were all of our kids… and between all of us, we can do it! You are our inspiration.’

I pull up to the busy store, jockeying for a parking spot amongst all of the other shoppers, and find one fairly close. Grabbing the large cart, I reach into my pocket for my card and show it to the man at the door. This is yet another of the firsts that I will encounter this year, and think about so many other firsts that have come and those yet to be. You would always say to me, ‘Let’s get in and get out’, alluding to the fact that we should remain focused on the task at hand. The rows of electronics at the entrance were always a major distraction for you, as you roamed up and down the aisles looking at the latest technology to figure out which one we ‘needed’. So much for ‘get in and get out’ LOL!

I make it through the entire store, but it just doesn’t seem like the fun place I remember anymore. No photos or us’es in the aisles, no office chair races or checking out the toys. I place my items on the conveyor and leave the large items on the cart. The associates are friendly as usual, even asking if I would like a box for some of the items. And our membership is expired….. She adds the executive level on, which will not benefit me anymore as I won’t be doing all of the shopping we did before myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope. At customer service for a refund of the difference between executive and basic membership, Tom (the name of the associate that just so happened to look like Santa) said to me, you should consider keeping this level as you earned the extra cost back in cash last year. Tears welled up in my eyes, as I explained to Santa that this year is different….. yes myDarlin’, this year is different.

And today I am grateful that we’ve all got each other and our Lord to lean upon, as we navigate the familiar waters of the holiday season in a new way. And I reflect on myDarlin’s prayer asking the Lord to give me peace and understanding, and know that ‘Anytime at all, all you’ve got to do is call, and he’ll be there.’ As I look through my photos, I found this very appropriate one from a past visit – and it pretty well sums it up!

#KeepLookingUp #AnytimeAtAll #PeaceandUnderstanding

Gratitude Journal – Day 147 – November 25, 2014

The Limelight…

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slowly dims as she closes her door and chapter of her life. In every town across the country, and the world, there are small business owners putting it all on the line to create a better life for their families and offer us much needed services and products. As we approach the holiday season, I implore each person reading this post to think about how you can personally support local business as you do your holiday shopping and preparations.

A little over two weeks ago, I spent the evening at Limelight taking photos of regular customers, as well as those that had never stepped inside of this magical little shoppe. And I watched her provide the very best customer service this side of Marietta, greeting every customer, chatting with them to learn what their needs are and making recommendations. I took photos of the shelves of gifts of whimsy and practicality, as I remember shopping there with myDarlin’. Limelight was a must stop on First Friday Art Walk, and any day or night spent on the Square.

myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope would buy gifts for special occasions or no occasion at all for me there, and our entire family got to know the ever familiar lime green bag and tissue paper. On one of our last trips to Limelight, myDarlin’ bought his friend a book on ‘What I know about understanding women’. …. It was filled with blank pages. He was laughing so hard as he choose it, that it makes me smile just thinking about it. And we talked of her coming out to see Kona and spending time with us.

And she places reindeer antlers on an adorable little girl, the daughter of one of her friends and a small blue necklace around the neck of her granddaughter as she greets more customers coming through the door. Tonight will be a good night. She posts signs in her window last week – STORE CLOSING – EVERYTHING 40% OFF, and when I arrive the shelves are almost bare. And there she is, greeting every customer, chatting with them to learn what their needs are and making recommendations. She is the same today and yesterday. And I buy one last house warming gift for a friend from my dear friend.

After I leave there, I hurry down to the school where there is a large craft show going on this weekend to support other local business owners, to buy gifts for the holiday season.

Today I am filled with gratitude for small business owners, for those who roll up their sleeves and put in the hard work to chase their dreams, and to provide us with much needed services and products. Whether it be buying a gift, eating lunch or dinner, or having work done around our house, consider buying local whenever possible to help them keep their doors open for us.

‪#‎KeepLookingUp‬ ‪#‎KeeptheDoorsOpen‬ ‪#‎ShopLocal‬

Gratitude Journal – Day 146 – November 24, 2014

Grandpa’s house….

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fond memories some rushing back as I watch two of our four grandsons playing this afternoon.

Pulling up to the house with my Mother, my sister and I would walk up the wide wooden steps flanked by flower beds leading to the porch where a swing hung, but didn’t swing. I remember my Grandpa’s house keys, and thought it funny that they were called skeleton keys. Inside the house there were stacks of newspapers upon the coffee table that had plastic flowers under the glass shelf. And we would anxiously go to the kitchen window to find the Cracker Jack prizes he would save for us.

And while we don’t have a front porch, there is the back porch which we affectionately call Margaritaville. And even better, especially from a child’s perspective, is our garage. Stepping over the threshold onto the green astro turf and through the beaded curtain of a Grateful Dead bear, you may just be transported to an imaginary paradise called Leilani’s Aloha Lounge. I heard the drums and looked up to see my grandson with a pair of drum sticks, as his Tio (my son-his Uncle) instructed him on technique. And my other grandson picked up the ukulele and began to play. Four of our children, two grandchildren and two grand dogs laughing and playing as time stands still in Leilani’s.

Today, I am filled with gratitude as I pick up my Grandpa’s leather key holder, and find that the skeleton key opens not only the door to Grandpa’s front door, but also to Leilani’s. Leilani’s represents so much of myDarlin’Robert Kenui Pope and me, as we carefully and lovingly painted, built and gathered the pieces that make this place magical for our grandchildren, children and friends, Ohana.

‪#‎KeepLookingUp‬ ‪#‎TheBeatGoesOn‬

Gratitude Journal – Day 145 – November 23, 2014

TimeHop…

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time travel? Evenings would find us relaxing in the living room, settling in to watch a movie. ‘Baby’ I hear him whisper as he gently gives me three little kisses on my cheek, ‘are you coming to bed?’ Did I sleep through another movie, I ask myself as I slowly open my eyes and see his portrait hanging on the wall. It was all a dream…
Exhausted, I fell asleep on the couch last night – only to be awoken (is that really a word?) by the notification on TimeHop. I slept right through writing my gratitude journal for the next day, today. The whirling sound of grinding coffee fills the kitchen, soon to be replaced by the wonderful aroma as I pour myself a cup in a Waffle House mug.

And as I look through the photos and posts on TimeHop, I am once again reminded of the charmed life God blessed us with.
- 5 years ago I wrote, ‘it doesn’t get any better than this! First evening of vacation spent here at Bradley’s with myDarlin’ Robert and good friends!’ (frame of reference – music/jam)
- 4 years ago – a photo of myDarlin’ and me laughing at the Grateful Dead Jam at Bella’s Pizzeria
- 2 years ago I wrote – Remembering a special friend, Miss Ruby, this afternoon. Please join us if you are able to. (frame of reference – wonderful friend who used to get up to sing a couple of songs with our friend’s band)
- 1 year ago – myDarlin’ making paella and all of us working on tie dye at Leilani’s Tie Dye Factory.

I think back on the many conversations we had, and when I say many – he would have told you that I never stopped talking. ‘We have a good life’, he would say and I would agree saying, ‘I wish people realized how easy it can be.’
myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope was always intrigued by the movies of time travel, such as Time Machine, Back to the Future, Message in a Bottle, Somewhere in Time and many others, so when I chose the movie About Time last year he was good with the choice. (Although I don’t remember exactly which one, I’m sure that he was foregoing an action movie for me…) A young man is informed by his Father that the men in the family have the ability to go back in time to relive any moment they want. And the movie trailer began with the graphic, ‘What if you could relive every moment until it was perfect?’

As I ponder that exact question, I am tempted to say yes, that would be awesome….. but then, what would be the purpose? Is life about being perfect, or being the best that you can be? There is only one perfect being, and none of us will ever be him. God challenges us every day to make a conscious effort do our best and to be our best. It is not about going through life half-heartedly knowing that we could get a ‘do-over’ at any time. And as the main character in the movie realized, there are some things that can never be changed, he made a choice to never engage time travel to change the outcome of a moment. The last line of the movie rang out in the quiet theatre (and yes, hard to believe I stayed awake the entire time…) as we held hands. ‘I try to live everyday as if it were the final day of my extraordinary ordinary life.’

Today, I am filled with gratitude as I remember myDarlin’s and my shared approach to life. A life of total trust in God and one another, undying love for family and friends – creating Ohana, living by the motto work hard – play hard, living every day in the moment – no do-overs, and pursuing our dreams. And the only time travel that I wish for is not to go back in time, but that when my time comes I will be with myDarlin’ again, snapping photos of his smiling face as he plays in God’s House Band.

‪#‎KeepLookingUp‬ ‪#‎ExtraordinaryOrdinaryLife‬

Gratitude Journal – Day 144 – November 22, 2014

Dreams….
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do come true…. Have you ever arrived ‘on location’ (whatever that means to you) and discovered that you ‘forgot it’? The year was 2001, and he decided to audition for a corp that he admired all though his high school career. A young man at the top of his class, musically and academically, one who displayed leadership qualities early on andbecame the high school band drum major, anxiously checked the mail daily until the packet arrived. And the packet contained sheet music and details about the audition being held that winter in the windy city of Chicago. He checked his euphonium with his baggage making sure that the tag was securely attached. As he stepped off of the plane, he realized that a winter coat in northern Florida does not constitute the same in Chicago.

Arriving just in time for an early registration, I parked while he rushed inside to begin the process. He came back out to the car, visibly upset. In all of the haste to arrive on time, and to do well in those auditions far from Florida, he forgot his horn. Fortunately the he was able to borrow a horn from the school for the weekend. I joined the other parents to enjoy a quick demonstration by the young men of the skills they had learned in the short two day session. And before we left, the young men would all learn whether they had made the cut. It tore my heart out to see that my young man, didn’t make the final cut, but rather was chosen as an alternate.

And I prayed that something would ‘give’ so that he would move from alternate to corp member, then lo and behold, another young man’s college plans were not conducive to traveling with the corp and my young man was in! Traveling to Chicago once a month for practice, then ‘moving in’ in May and traveling/performing as a unit until the finals. As I attended the ceremony at the end of the season where he won the award for the first year rookie, I realized that dreams really do come true even if you do forget to bring your horn to the audition.

Fast forward 12 years, I pulled up to the baggage claim area for Delta and see him waving me down as he sees the truck. Throwing his bags in the back seat, he hopped in and we got on the road to set up for auditions. Tomorrow morning, nervous young men will register for the two day camp, as their parents watch on. Some will have forgotten their music, their forms, and yes, even their horn. And I will have the privilege of watching the Director and Assistant Director (my son) talk to the young men about the weekend they are about to embark upon, and will snap photographs of them during their sessions with the top music professionals in their arena.

Today, I am filled with gratitude that music helps to shape so many young people’s lives through Drum & Bugle Corp and that my son plays a role now and for generations to come. For this life of a musician takes more than just talent, it requires dedication on a daily, if not hourly and minute by minute basis. And this life of music teaches our young adults responsibility, leadership and community, as well as giving them the tools that will help them to build successful careers and relationships for the rest of their lives. Last year, as the camp finished, my son gave me one of the audition posters. And myDarlin’Robert Kenui Pope and I proudly hung it from the ceiling in Leilani’s alongside of a Kona poster. I look up and truly know that Music is Life.

#KeepLookingUp #MusicisLife #DontForgetYourHorn

Gratitude Journal – Day 143 – November 21, 2014

Pay it forward….

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She told me of her daughter’s desire to play guitar…and I thought back to myDarlin’ and my younger days getting started in music.

-    The investments; financial, emotional and physical, that our parents made in supporting our musical interests and dreams.

-     myDarlin’ exploring keys, string, brass, woodwind and voice, while across the country I did the same with French horn, guitar and voice.

-     The excitement of mastering a lesson, then applying it to a song.

-     The endless hours of practice behind a closed bedroom door, which in my case, did little more than muffle the sound of a sick elephant…. or was that…. Yes! a French horn

And the ironic thing is that his explorations led to a mastery of all that continued until the day he left us, while mine broadened my horizons, but didn’t become part of my daily life. Well, that is unless one considers singing in the shower, LOL!

And we looked at his gear, there was a guitar suited for a beginner which he had picked up as part of a package deal. It would be perfect for her. I loved watching the twinkle in his eyes as he prepped it for her, and found a case to place it in. The note that I wrote said…

-    This guitar is a gift of music to you with one string attached. When you no longer need this guitar, it cannot be sold. Please pay it forward by giving the gift of music to the next. Music is Life…

This young girl wrote a heart-felt thank you note to Miss Sheri & Mr. Rob, promising to work hard when practicing to be the best she could possibly be. And it made me think back to my parents giving me an acoustic Yamaha and myDarlin’s parents giving him a stand-up bass at the age of 14.

At the Open Mic last night, the first ‘Woodys Aloha Scholarship Award’ (in memory of Robert Kenui Pope) was presented to At the Open Mic last night, the first ‘Woodys Aloha Scholarship Award’ (in memory of Robert Kenui Pope) was presented to another young musician. The inscription on the award reads, ‘This scholarship award comes with an obligation to commit to inspiring and encouraging the development of other young musicians.’ And he beamed from ear to ear as he realized that this guitar, the gift of music was meant for him.

Tonight I am grateful for parents and mentors believing in their children and the children of others dreams of music. For some it will become a part of their everyday life and for others it will only have changed their life forever. In either case it fills our very being as Music is Life.

‪#‎KeepLookingUp‬ ‪#‎MusicisLife‬ #PayitForward

Gratitude Journal – Day 142 – November 20, 2014

Gifts …..

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come in many different packages, and if we are truly seeing the day as it presents itself, we can see the ribbons to untie the gifts.

Life – Each day as we open our eyes, whether weary eyed or exuberant, we should give thanks to Our Lord for the gift of another day. That early morning of March, as I woke up in the hospital room next to his bed, he was staring out of the window and as the sun rose, we thanked God for another morning, another day, another chance at life. And even with one eye, he saw life with a crystal clear lens of thankfulness.

Love – It’s been said that ‘Love is all you need’ and I believe it to be true. The day I met myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope eleven years ago, my heart said ‘ahhhhhh, you are exactly who I’ve been waiting for, the holder of the key to my heart.’

Memories – My mind is like a library, of floor to ceiling, row after row of well worn, first edition leather bound books of memories. And as I open the cover, with a puff of my breath I blow away the cobwebs to reveal photos that are worth a thousand words and like a pen to paper, take fingertips to keyboard to share those stories with you.

Signs – Real or imagined, the signs present themselves just when we need it most. And myDarlin’s favorite sign to me has been hearts. I wrote on his pillow after his heart surgery, ‘You are my heart Darlin’, and he continues to send hearts via anyone who is open to being a channel of love.

Music – Lyrics and melodies sooth my soul like comfort food on a cold and rainy day in Georgia, or a warm summer ocean breeze on the beaches of Hawaii. And whether it be an old song from our past that evokes memories, a song I’ve never heard dedicated to me by the singer saying Mr. Pope would sing these words to you, or a song written especially for me with words delivered to the writer from myDarlin’ himself, my heart leaps with joy as I know that music is life.

God’s Grace – The ultimate gift is our Lord’s sacrifice that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have ever lasting life. And I am thankful that when the last page in my life has turned, I will see myDarlin’ as we spend eternity with our Lord.

Today I am filled with gratitude as I untie the ribbons to reveal of the precious gifts I receive on a daily basis.

‪#‎KeepLookingUp‬ ‪#‎LoveisAllYouNeed‬

Gratitude Journal – Day 141 – November 19, 2014

What to write about….

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I asked myself. There’s so much to be said, so many thoughts dancing about in my mind. And she said to me one Sunday afternoon, you should download the ‘Timehop’ app, and I did. And each morning I receive that wonderful notification that my Timehop update is ready. Most days I am ready for it, anxious to see what I was doing one year ago, two years ago or even more, and others bring a tear to my eye. Today, the photo of myDarlin' Robert Kenui Pope and I dancing six years ago is simply a reflection of those same dancing thoughts in my mind and it brings a smile to my face.

She paused as she passed my open door today, and asked how I am doing. And when I reply that I am blessed beyond measure, she tells me that she knows this to be true as she reads my daily entries. I remember hearing the news of her Soulmate leaving us five years ago. And she searched for years to fill the hole in her heart, only to realize that she need look no more because Jesus was there all along if she just looked deeper.

We gathered today to create art on a blank slate of ceramic. I marveled as each of us chose a foundational piece representative of life; a bowl of abundance, a vase to hold a single, simple yet elegant flower, a cup for Grandma, a cup for her desk and a heart dish for me. And on that foundation, we would add layers of paint representing years of life experience. As I painted the bottom of my dish, I added polka dots for the fun that everyone should incorporate into their lives. There is no question in my mind what design should be added to the front, as I write the words “All You Need is Love” and paint a small red heart to represent myDarlin’ and my heart as one.

Lively conversation and laughter filled the space of the shoppe, as we spoke of everything from vacations and relationships, to hopes and dreams, to family and journaling. It is a romantic notion that even in these modern days, young women would rather take pen to paper rather than fingertips to the keyboard. And whether it is via pen or keyboard, the act of writing is from the heart. And this excerpt from a weekly inspirational email resonates with me tonight, and every day of my life….

Keep believing the burning in your heart.
Keep speaking from your soul.
Keep listening for the very quiet voice of truth.
Keep dreaming big dreams and doing brave things.

And on this evening, as the pen lies beside my laptop ready to capture my thoughts just in case my fingers slip from the keyboard, I am filled with gratitude for the Art of Life. For this art is spoken, painted, acted out, written, played, developed, seen and felt from our very own hearts. And we are all apprentices of the Master Artist himself.

‪#‎ArtofLife‬ ‪#‎KeepLookingUp‬ ‪#‎AllYouNeedisLove‬

Gratitude Journal – Day 140 – November 18, 2014

I went back….
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It’s Monday night, and I was late getting there for the Open Mic. But the lights were out and you weren’t there myDarlin’.  And so I went into the thrift store as I did so many Mondays gone by, walking mindlessly up and down the aisles searching for that elusive treasure. As I slid the hangers down the rack, the Aloha shirt that hung there brought tidal waves of memories flooding back. I look at the label, it’s your size Darlin’ and the design of the Woodys cars on the beach was perfect. And for a fleeting moment, I felt a twinge of excitement of a great find, but you weren’t there myDarlin’. And I chose six white ladies t-shirts for the project. 

And I pass the new Waffle House on my way home, and lament for what never was….. 

Squirrel!  My attention is caught by the sign on in the strip mall, so I pull into yet another thrift store. For a reason that I couldn’t put my finger on at the time, I was drawn to the book section. Rows and rows of books of all sorts line the walls. And on the top shelf, several books are grouped apart from the others with a sign ‘Old Books’ taped below. I pick each one of the books up and open them to see if the pages are stitched, making them good candidates for craft projects. One of the books, Fundamentals of Optics, has many line drawings and charts which will make for an interesting project. 

As I open the cover to the next book, The Egg and I, a handwritten letter falls to the floor. I pick it up as I run my finger over the table of contents in the book and think to myself that this could be a compilation of stories such as I am writing here, and I am intrigued about the author’s story. Chapter titles such as ‘And I’ll Be Happy, Mental Block, People and The Lure of the Tropics’  would make excellent subject matter for me to write about, even 70 years after they were originally written. 

And then, I open the letter, and know that it is yet another gift from myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope. It is written in cursive in a style very much like that of my Mother’s time. Ironically, while driving to the store this evening, the topic of cursive handwriting not being required in public school systems brought up the notion that the formal signature may indeed be changing. A sign of the times. I begin to read the letter, and think back to the movie ‘God’s Not Dead’ that myDarlin’ and I saw recently. 

And it read….. “two Sundays ago, we argued with our dear friend Otis that ‘God is not dead’ – May I ask you about your Faith? Is it a living tangible element? Or is it dead? Is Faith merely a word that we glibly say? Or is it the sustaining power it should be? What is Faith? It is many things – it is made up of obedience, trust, commitment, courage, spiritual growth, reliance on God as well as trust in him. Faith certainly brings us to God.”

And while I cannot be sure, I imagine the author of the letter to be a lady of years gone by, and think that she would be pleased to know her words of faith are shared with many. I also wonder about the author of the book, The Egg and I, Betty Macdonald, and find quite the fascinating history about her; an American author who specialized in humorous autobiographical tales. 

Today, as I tie the white t-shirts so carefully twisted in a spiral with rubber bands in preparation for the dye bath, I am filled with gratitude. Gratitude for time spent with myDarlin’ tonight on Memory Lane and the gift of Faith that certainly brings us to God. 

#KeepLookingUp #FaithistheKey

Gratitude Journal – Day 139 – November 17, 2014

Blessings…

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as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday and the flurry of activity begins, take time to smell the coffee, the pumpkin pie, the aroma of love that permeates the air in so many households across this great country of ours. And also pause to consider those less fortunate by participating in a food drive, donating a toy or money to those in need.

As we grow older and wiser, with life’s experiences being the greatest teacher of all, we realize that memories are not so much about materials things, but moments that bring families and friends together. As I tried to thank every person on my Facebook timeline, personal email, texts and in person visits for the birthday wishes, I realize just how many moments that I have been privileged to be a part of during my lifetime.

From relatives who have always been a part of my life, to childhood friends, to bandmates, fellow co-workers over the course of 35+ years, to friends I have met along the way, people I’ve taken a photograph of, myDarlin’s co-workers, family and childhood friends, to people I’ve met just in the past couple of months – each of you play such an important role in my life and the lives of my family – and for many, I reciprocate by playing an important role in yours. And the moments we shared live on as memories in my heart.

Our lives are intertwined, not by chance, but by God’s ultimate design. myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope and I would often talk about how easy it is to create a positive impact on and in the lives of others, simply through acts of kindness. And a promise that continues to be true in every situation, is that the love you send out into the world comes rushing back to you ten-fold. Guaranteed – one must simply look up and the blessings will make themselves known.

And as I drank coffee out of the newest of coffee mugs this morning in a chilly Margaritaville, I saw what appeared to be a slight imperfection – a smudge above the word ‘Love’ (All You Need is Love). I put my glasses on and as I looked closer, the steam from the coffee fogged up my lenses. And as the fog cleared, I saw that what I thought was a smudge or a smear, was actually a faint heart. Very small, unassuming, almost transparent as a light fog fills the atmosphere – yet there it is….. a reminder that love is not always perfect, but it is always a part of our lives if we will look to see it.

Today I am filled with gratitude for each one of you Ohana. I am grateful for the memories of our past, and those that we will continue to make tomorrow. Take time to look for the extraordinary in the ordinary moments, and if it is difficult to ‘see’, perhaps it is because it is up to you to initiate those moments.

‪#‎KeepLookingUp‬ ‪#‎LoveisAllYouNeed‬

Gratitude Journal – Day 138 – November 16, 201

Happy Birthday Baby….

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they said as they looked over the sleeping chubby, dark haired little girl who changed their lives forever. Never wanting to miss a thing, she stayed up as late as they did each evening, chatting and observing their every move, and slept in every morning just the same. And little did they realize at that moment, that she would stay the same through all of her years.

Happy Birthday Baby, he whispered in my ear last year as he left for work that Saturday morning, while I slept in. Kona had a gig at NY Pizza on my birthday, so myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope & I celebrated my birthday on Friday. And even though we both thrive via being with our friends and family, I cherished times with just the two of us. I rushed home that Friday before my birthday as he had a special surprise planned for me.

And we went to the Square, to my favorite shoppe to pass time until he received the text that our table was ready. I wasn’t sure exactly where that was as there are a few places on the Square that I like. The window seat at Kiosco? How I love this man! It was no small feat to score a reservation on a Friday night and he did it just for me. And we talked, we laughed, we ate, we loved our lives just as it was in that very moment. 

Eleven wonderful birthdays with myDarlin’, each one with a just ‘you and me’ time in addition celebrating with family and friends. And the time that we spent alone was our special gift to each other. And we would say to each other, ‘we have a good life.’

Over the years, family and friends have played such an important role in celebrating each year’s gifts of life. With each birthday card, each flower, each gift of kindness, each smile, each kiss, each hug given to me, I pause to focus on how important each of you are to me and how much I love this life; yesterday, today and tomorrow.

And as I wake to sunshine streaming through the branches of the trees outside of my window, I am filled with gratitude for another birthday, for the gift of Ohana, the gift of love and the gift of God’s promise of eternal life.

‪#‎KeepLookingUp‬

Gratitude Journal – Day 137 – November 15, 2014

Covered with…
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a blanket of love. ‘Can I ride on the cart?’ we would both ask my Mother as we walked through the double glass doors of the A&P grocery store all those years ago. And of the rarest of occasions, she would say yes. With her hand-written grocery list, we would walk up and down each aisle, asking like our children asked us, and our grandchildren ask our children, for the big box of cereal with the best toy in it and every other item marketed at eye level for a child. We help to put cans on the conveyor belt, price tag up and marvel at how quickly the cashier rings each individual item up. Then she reaches for the round dispenser, putting her finger in the slot matching the dollar amount my Mother spent, turned it much like an old rotary phone and S&H green stamps came streaming out.

And we so wanted to lick the back of the stamps before she would carefully place them in the book, She kept the catalog of items that could be purchased in the magazine rack alongside of the Sears, JC Penney and Wards catalogs, and checked regularly to see what she could buy. And one day, I can’t even remember when and so wish she was here with us to be able to ask her, she went to the store to redeem her books of carefully pasted stamps for two twin-sized white blankets with the daintiest of pink roses edged with white satin binding, and two matching lamps. And as we said our prayer, ‘Now I lay me down to sleep….’, we knew that we were covered in a blanket of love.

‘G’ crochet hook and variegated pastel yarn in hand, I created a chain of what at the time seemed like an appropriate length for a blanket for my unborn baby. At the age of 19, I’d already been making creations for what seemed like years (about four to be exact), therefore thought that I knew what I was doing, even though I had never taken this large of a project on. One skein in, and just a few inches wide, I realized it was tight, heavy and too long, but decided to continue nonetheless. And for what seemed like months, I crocheted single row, upon single row – as we anxiously awaited the birth of our baby. (and no, in those days we didn’t know the sex of our baby in advance) And the blanket was heavy and large (4’x5’) when I finished. The winter was cold that year, and I wrapped my little baby boy in a big blanket of love to protect him from the wind and the world.

Many years and many years later, I twisted the hook and the yarn to create a pineapple designed blanket which never was used until I met myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope. And it lie on the back of the couch most days, until he would stretch out and pull it over himself as he watched the history channel or on many occasions ‘Casa Blanca’. I look over to the couch now, and the blanket lies over the back of the couch longing to give warmth and comfort.

And as we gathered myDarlin’s Aloha shirts and tie-dye shirts together for her to make quilts, we know that we will each have a physical reminder that we are covered in the warmth of his love for the remainder of our years. And we will tell tales of memories of myDarlin’ and each of those shirts to our children and our children’s children as we pass on the love and Aloha.

As I look back over our lives, I am grateful for the ever present blanket of love that God has wraps around us and that truly, love is all you need.

#KeepLookingUp #LoveisAllYouNeed

Gratitude Journal – Day 136 – November 14, 2014

Aloha…..
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And I anxiously waited for the yabba dabba doo horn to blow (Flintstones anyone?) so that I can make my way to the Aloha Open Mic to be with our friends. The traffic is challenging at best, but it doesn’t make any difference to me this evening as I hum, don’t worry – bout a thing, cause every little thing’s gonna be alright….
And before I know it, it’s as if I’ve entered a time warp – one where Ronnie John’s isn’t open yet, and myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope could still be waiting for me to get home so that we can head out for the evening – as I approach that bright yellow oasis in the midst of a concrete jungle. The neon lights are dark, but the big sign ‘DUDE’ still hangs prominently on the eave facing the road.

myDarlin’, you told me about what a great feeling and vibe this location has, and I was so excited to finally be able to see it. As we walked inside, I could see that the bare walls begged for a fresh coat of paint, art for the walls and beach balls for that special touch. And we checked out the lighting as that is an item near and dear to my heart as a photographer, as well as the signage. And you were so excited that Ronnie and John allowed you to have a part in creating the ‘vibe’ that would continue long after you left us myDarlin’.

And so you helped to paint the walls inside and out, to install the lighting you researched and bought, to find the perfect chalk board to display upcoming entertainment for the week, and to create the marque to announce the same to those passing by. We had fun looking for art objects for the walls as we traveled to the beaches of Florida and to the local antique shoppes right here in Marietta.

And we set up the stage one day, before it was ever open, to take photos to use for the events. And I adjusted the camera to the lighting on the stage you so carefully lit with the led spot lights. And I shot photographs of you, alone on the stage with your bass, which you had so affectionately named Sheri. We left that evening, locking the doors behind us - you and me, so happy together.

The doors opened, and the people came, to eat the wonderful creations, to hear the sounds of music that filled the summer air and to be a part of the spirit of Aloha that will forever live on the patio of Ronnie John’s Sunset Grille – the Endless Summer. And the marque that you so carefully built would all too soon have the letters slid through the tracks to bid you Aloha myDarlin’.

I am filled with gratitude as I know that our love is the Endless Summer, and I whisper Aloha myDarlin’ as I pass the building that will forever be Ronnie John’s Sunset Grille in my memories. And as I arrive at the Aloha Open Mic, the realization comes to me that it is the spirit that lives on with our Ohana no matter where we may be.

The state of Aloha can be created in an instant. It is a decision to behave with kindness, generosity and wanting to give joy to one another.

#KeepLookingUp #Aloha