Blog

The Other Side of Paradise

Quote of the day: “Cockroaches really put my ‘all creatures great and small’ creed to the test.”  ~Terri Guillemets You haven’t experienced Hawaii until you understand the “other side of paradise.” When I tell people I’m spending the winter in Hawaii, I can imagine the pictures in their minds. I too, carried pictures of a tropical paradise, sunny days, palm trees, blue ocean, and lovely flowers all around. Hawaii is that. And it’s a whole lot more. Vacationers see only a small part of life on this island, especially when they stay at fancy resorts and visit only vacation spots. When Read more…

By Marilyn, ago

Just Breathe…

Quote of the day: “When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love. — Marcus Aurelius What a gorgeous day! I am sitting outside in the shade with a cool breeze blowing, the sun has shone all day so far, and there is beauty all around me. This morning I went into Hilo to do laundry and now I am sitting in the shade writing my blog post. What could be better? Clean, dry clothes and nothing else that needs doing. Yesterday I went up Read more…

By Marilyn, ago

Preparation For Mochi Pounding

Quote of the day: “ In many Japanese American households and communities, an annual custom is mochitsuki—the pounding of mochi or rice cakes, which is essential to the “Oshogatsu” or New Year’s celebration. Mochitsuki is an all-day event which requires many hands, long hours, and physical labor, but is also a time of fellowship and socializing with friends and family.” — Wikipedia This is the 15th year that Akiko is hosting a New Year’s Mochi Pounding event at her place. The event is planned for December 29 this year. And preparations for mochi pounding have already begun. Ten days before the event (Dec. Read more…

By Marilyn, ago

The Pottery of Clayton Amemiya

Quote of the day: In my pots I see various sights of this place;  moss covered a’a in the rainforest, the abundant rain of this windward coast, the dryness of the Ka’u district and the recurring patterns on flowing pahoehoe. In 1986, under the direction of Sensei Kuniyoshi, we built a smell anagama (cave kiln) on my 3 acre parcel in upland Hilo at the 1320’ elevation. I use this kiln to fire 3-4 times a year, usually with my crew of 4 (including myself) doing 6 hour shifts. Anagama fired pottery depends on chance kiln events -– in particular, Read more…

By Marilyn, ago

Become the Observer

Quote of the day:  Now Try This! During the next few weeks, observe yourself compassionately, like a professional chess player watching a three-year-old learn the moves. Notice when you become stressed, manic, demanding, anxious, or seized by any of the other emotions that fly around with such vigor during the holiday season. The moment you take the observer’s stance, you will already feel the beginning of peace. Remain in compassionate witness mode for as long as five minutes, and you will feel more peace than not-peace. Stay there for half an hour, and you can generate enough calm to carry you Read more…

By Marilyn, ago