The ocean is pristine today, with hues of green and blue.  I watch as the gentle waves wash up on the shore and I am reminded of days when my children were younger.  They would run from the waves that would tickle their toes.  Now, they are surfing those waves, much larger ones, without fear.  Sitting here on the beach has put me in a reflective mood.  How lucky am!  Lucky to have been born on this beautiful island, Maui.  To wake up each morning and see the sunrise and end each day with gorgeous sunsets.  When I look around at my island Maui, it reaffirms my belief that there truly is a God, for only He could create such magnificence.  There have been times when we have thought and seriously considered moving away, to the continent.  On days like this I thank Heavenly Father that we chose to stay.  It isn't easy living on Maui - the economy is tough, living expenses are high, and yes, it would probably be easy financially living on the continent, but the sacrifices seem little when considering the blessings of living here in Hawaii - paradise!  I don't know what the future holds and if one day, we will have to move away, but for now, I will relish every moment with all of my senses and continue to say . . . How lucky am I, to live on Maui! 

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words . . .

As the new Miss Hula O Na Keiki, Kamalani had to be dressed and ready for a 6:00 am photo shoot with Randy Braun.  We spent 2 1/2 hours on Ka'anapali Beach while she danced for the camera.  As I look at these photos, each one truly is worth a thousand words . . . a thousand magical memories . . . a thousand sweet smiles . . . a thousand momentous moments . . . a thousand thanks for my beautiful Kamalani, child of heaven, chiefly child, highly favored and cherished.

'Ae, Aia I Ka'uiki Ko Lei Nani

Ha'a i ka hula.

Kuhi ka lima, hele ka maka.  Where the hands go, the eyes follow.

Ku i ka mana.  To be like the one from whom you have learned.

Ku mai ka hula.  The hula appears.

Ulu no ka lala i ke kumu.  She is here because of her ancestors.

Hula le'a i kai 'o Ka'anapali!  Dance joyfully at the sea of Ka'anapali.

Kau keha i ka lani.  Placed in the highest esteem of the heavens.

The ever-so-talented Randy Braun.

Ho'onaninani, making pretty!

Getting a few tips from Daddy.

Lucky to have Daddy to fix her pa'u hula.

Daddy's girl, always and forever.  Bursting at the seems with pride.

'Eha hanauna hula.  Four generations of hula.

Miss Hula O Na Keiki 2011

Kamalani & Kumu 'Iliahi at Hanaula.

November 4th and 5th of 2011 are dates that we will always cherish.  After two years of preparation, Kamalani graced the stage of the 20th annual Hula O Na Keiki competition in Ka'anapali.  Her journey began two years prior when she was selected to represent her halau, Halau Kekuaokala'au'ala'iliahi as the soloist.  Although an arduous one, the journey brought tremendous growth both physically and spiritually for Kamalani.  A week before competition, Kamalani joined her Kumu and hula brothers and sisters on a huaka'i (trip) to Kaheawa Wind Farm.  The area there is known as Hanaula - birth of the sun.  While giving service at this beautiful wahi pana (traditional place), she was able to do her competition oli overlooking Makamaka'ole Gulch.  She later expressed her feelings about that experience and said that she could feel her kupuna (ancestors) there with her.  With careful guidance from her Kumu and assistance from her Daddy, they gathered the beautiful liko and lehua that would adorn her the following week at competition.  In her interview at Hula O Na Keiki Kamalani said, "As I gathered each blossom, I looked at it as each of my kupuna, all interwoven in my lei.  I will carry them with me on stage as I dance."  The judges were quite impressed with the connection she made between her hula adornments and her ancestral heritage.

We left for Ka'anapali on Thursday.  In 5 hours and with help from our Choda-Kowalski 'ohana, we cleaned, prepared, stripped and made Kamalani's fresh, green, lauhala skirt.  It was a stunning addition to her kahiko costume.

Wearing a "Malia" dress for her interview.

Friday morning began with interviews.  Kamalani sat in front of a panel of prestigious judges and master Kumu Hula - Sonny Ching, Cy Bridges, Ed Collier, Hokulani Holt, Maka Herod, and Kekuhi Keali'ikanaka'ole.  She shared the things she learned along her journey.

Hula Kahiko

Chanting with her Kumu, Haunani & 'Iliahi

Friday evening Kamalani presented her hula kahiko through oli (chanting) and a mele honoring Queen Kapi'olani.  Her lauhala skirt was magnificient and her oli was breathtaking!

Hula 'Auana costume with Kumu B.

Saturday afternoon she was the last performer, sharing her beautiful hula 'auana, the classic Hapa Haole medley of "Lovely Hula Girl" and "Lovely Hula Hands".  Dressed in a one of a kind, Alfred Shaheen hand-painted dress patterned after an original worn by the famous dancer and model, Beverly Noa, Kamalani danced as the award winning Hoku Zuttermister sang and her brother, Kamaehu, played the bass.  It was simply lovely! 

So much time and energy was putinto her competition and so many hands came together with love to help her achieve her goals.  As the awards were announced, we were humbled by Kamalani's achievements - first place oli (chant), first place kahiko costume and adornments, first place 'auana costume and adornments, first place 'opio division, tied for the interview, and overall winner!  Mahalo ke Akua! 

Miss and Master Hula O Na Keiki 2011

We later found out that Kamalani received a total of 1395 out of a possible score of 1400, the highest score ever in the 20 year history of Hula O Na Keiki.  Her hard work dedication, and sacrifice truly paid off as she was named, Miss Hula O Na Keiki 2011.  That evening we gathered in prayer and thanked Heavenly Father for the many blessings he has bestowed upon Kamalani.

Kamalani and her adoring fan club!

Hearts of Gratitude

This is the second year that I am doing a Gratitude Challenge on Facebook.  Each day I will post something I am grateful for.  I thought it would be nice to make a list for my blog, too.

My heart is filled with gratitude for the many blessings I enjoy . . . 

God

Jesus Christ

The Gospel

The Holy Ghost and its promptings

My testimony

Family

My husband, Llewellyn

My children - Kamalani, Kamalei, Kamaehu, & Kamahiwa

My parents, Richard & Stephanie

My sister and brother-in-law, Malia & Brad

My father and mother-in-law, Kalei & Bobby

My church family - oh, too many to name!

Missionaries who serve diligently

The missionaries who taught me the Gospel

Richard Keao NeSmith for baptizing me

Lon Akiona for confirming me

Church leaders who inspire

 Happiness

Laughter, especially my children and husband

Food to share with family & friends

Sunday night dinners

Music that makes me smile

My kids singing to and for me

Sisters in Christ

Service

Kindness, random acts of kindness

Joyful surprises

Teaching, to teach, to touch the future

My students

Learning, to still be learning everyday

 Forgiveness

Love

Peace

Date nights with my sweetheart

Family gatherings

Good health

Good jobs

Good co-workers

Good neighbors

Good works

Faith

Hope

Unconditional love

A home, shelter

Safety

Sight

Vision

Smells

Mobility

Compassion

Understanding

Truth revealed

My cup surely runneth o'er with the many blessings God has given me!

Happy Thanksgiving