Passing the Batton...

 

Children are our link to the future, for it is thru them that we live on forever.

 

Today is may 12, 2013. It has been a joyous day where my Malia love made me breakfast (no less than fresh blueberry pancakes.) She knows what Mom loves.  in turn, I love Malia with all my heart and soul from this day and forever ~n ever n~ever, Amen.
Of course Matthew arrived on Maui by way of Oahu, and there is nothing more special than the love passed on from Mother to son as he is my heart. Matthew Keale Latimer Brock is my first born child and he represents all the blessings that I was afraid to ask for.  My Father was always wanting as son. Matthew represents the strength of character and goodwill toward all people. Keale is my favorite color as it is exactly where the wave breaks, that beautiful neon green, the crest of the wave. He has vibrant green eyes; some might think of them as being magical.
Mother Theresa says we must never kill what God has put in our womb.


Mother Teresa quoted some beautiful language for us all. she said:

Spread love everywhere you go: first of all in your own house. Give love to your children, to your wife, to a next door neighbor... Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting.

 Mother Teresa quotes 
I am the fruition of the strength that came down the line from my mother from my mothers mother. I choose to pass on the torch of strength from my mother's mother to my mother, to me, and on to my daughter.

My Mom is 88 and doing great. She is so like her mother, my grandmother in that she thinks young. My grandmother used to talk about Sex with me. When I was in trouble with a rash and controlling man. My grandmother came to my rescue and let me know I was loved and honored, and that meant the world to me at that moment in time , for me in a way I shall never forget.

 













At this moment in time we are doing our Absolute Best.

Do not judge less we be judged. 

 

Everyone is essentially already doing their best. Although there are those who choose to walk a different path, but in that they are still trying to do their best within who they are. Clearly their best may not be thought of by others, but they think  it , for instance there are those who don't realize what they are doing, and the effect that it is having on people around them. At present we are doing our absolute best with all that we know. We need to understand where they are coming from.

I believe that people are already doing their best with all that they know at this point in time, Clearly we can make know our opinions of what they are doing. What really counts is what they feel that they are doing.
The bottom line:
We are continually doing our best with the sum total of our life experiences.
All the rest of it is a bunch of fluff.
People like to tell others how they should feel; if what they are doing is right or wrong. If we look at it in a positive light, that everybody is already doing their best, then we can honor People for what they are already achieving
 If people are being honored for who they are, and how they believe, then the world might be a kinder, more gentle place to be. Negative gossip undermines, causing one to feel less than they are. While healthy  gossip in and of itself is human nature. We are always seeking approval. Where it gets tangled up is when negativity seeks its self. Intentionally derogatory comments kill the human spirit. We just need to understand that everybody is already doing their best. Simplicity is bliss.

Be at peace with ourselves.

The ileffects that come from chewing tobacco and ilregular flossing.

For those who do not floss or know the meaning of flossing. I have something very important to your health and your future. For those of you who already know the importance of flossing your teeth perhaps maybe I could give you some additional pointers.
"If you were stuck on a desert island and a boat could bring only one thing, you’d want it to bring floss,” says Samuel B. Low, DDS, professor of periodontology at the University of Florida College of Dentistry in Gainesville, and president of the American Academy of Periodontology. “But I’m convinced that the only time some of my patients floss is an hour before showing up in my office.”
Dentists say they hear all sorts of excuses for not flossing. Yet they insist that simple workarounds exist for just about all:
Excuse #1: Food doesn’t get caught between my teeth, so I don’t need to floss.
Flossing isn’t so much about removing food debris as it is about removing dental plaque, the complex bacterial ecosystem that forms on tooth surfaces between cleanings. Plaque is what causes tooth decay, inflamed gums (gingivitis), periodontal disease, and eventually tooth loss. Flossing or using an interdental cleaner is the only effective way to remove plaque between teeth.
Excuse #2: I don’t know how to floss.
Flossing isn’t easy.  Low calls it “the most difficult personal grooming activity there is.” But practice makes perfect.
Here’s how the American Dental Association describes the process:

• Start with about 18 inches of floss. Wrap most of it around the middle finger of one hand, the rest around the other middle finger.
• Grasp the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers, and use a gentle shoeshine motion to guide it between teeth.
• When the floss reaches the gum line, form a C shape to follow the contours of the tooth.
• Hold the floss firmly against the tooth, and move the floss gently up and down.
• Repeat with the other tooth, and then repeat the entire process with the rest of your teeth, “unspooling” fresh sections of floss as you go along.

Don’t forget to floss the backs of your last molars. “By far, most gum disease and most decay occurs in the back teeth,” Low says.
Excuse #3: I’m not coordinated enough to floss.
Many tooth-cleaning options exist for people whose manual dexterity is compromised by poor coordination, hand pain, paralysis, and amputations -- or simply by fingers that are too big to fit inside the mouth.
One option is to use floss holders. These disposable plastic Y-shaped devices (some equipped with a spool of floss) hold a span of floss between two prongs to allow one-handed use


 Are you flossing correctly? Running the floss along the inside edges of all the teeth you plan.
Only floss the teeth that you plan to keep. The most important thing I can say is Only floss the teeth that you plan to keep.







1. Art of flossing

3. Not flossing causes major health problems at some point in your life. Rule of thumb: Only floss the teeth you want to keep. send this to everyone you love. This information is documented and verifiable. Heart problems on down the line including anyone who smokes, drinks alcohol, eats food. Kissing someone with poor oral hygiene can cause a myriad of problems starting with cancer on down. Smokers mouth is not only filled with a bad taste, but also toxic chemicals. Things to never try. Absolutely Do not smoke or especially if you chew. Chewing tobacco is very carcinogenic to your gums, mouth and tongue and should be avoided at all cost.  Damage to the mouth, teeth and gums are some chewing tobacco effects. Even before cancer is considered, regularly using tobacco can have some nasty effects on oral health. A few risks involved include wearing down teeth, receding of the gums, and tooth loss. Tobacco may accelerate various forms of gum disease, which can make tooth loss more likely. every on knows that cigs are bad for you. The reason that they are so bad is that they are cancer forming. in doing this blog I am seeing the tremendous that any kind of activity pertaining to smocking chewing tobacco, should be definitely be out of the question if you want to have a long life.
Because anything else drinking alcohol may be fine depending appon how your body uses the sugars etc. People who suffer from alcohalism. I am not a doctor no do I propose to be. I am merely speaking of the possible ill effects from the consumption of excessive alcohol combined with poor oral health. Flossing cleans the inside of the teeth eliminating the multiple bacteria causing fowl breath and after effects of any sugar intake. Oral hygiene

When do you floss? Is it daily, when you feel like it, once a week or daily?
making sure to be through.
what does it mean if you see blood on your floss.
If you find blood in mouth or on floss you can know you are in serious need of help.
Make sure you floss every day taking the time to care for every tooth.

coming soon pain and its all about pain

peripheral  neuropathy
peripheral poly neuropathy
ways to deal with the pain issues


all about pain

 

The Agnoy of "unsolveable pain."

Pain is something I never wanted to have as most people would say they don't want any level of pain.

Unfortunately my life has become all about pain, and how I can deal with. The pain I have in my body is absolutely terrible and I wonder why God has stricken me this way.

The pain for me set in at the same time that I had my first born child. I had no Idea what had happened to me, the pain that was ABSOLUTLY UNBELIEVABLE. PERHAPS THE LORD WAS ANGRY WITH ME FOR A FEW THINGS I HAD DONE WORNG IN MY LIFE?
Of COURSE THAT WAS SILLY, BUT I COULD NOT IMAGINE WHAT OR WHY THIS PAIN CAME ON TO ME. The NAME OF THIS PAIN IS A Peripheral Poly Neuropathy, idiopathic IN NATURE. THERE APPEARED TO BE NO REASON FOR THE PAIN. NO RELIEF AND NO STOPPING IT. My Word! My feet burned , and burned, and burned some more. Like being in two separate worlds at the same time, very complicated to understand. Cold to the touch yet hot and burning inside. My life became about the burning pain. IT FELT LIKE A LIVING HELL, OF SORTS. I felt I had been given a death sentence. Of course I did not dye.  I have what many others also have dealt with,  Peripheral Poly Neuropathy is the correct title for this specific diagnosis.

 I used to walk thru Fred Meyers barefoot because they had super cold floors. Having said this I came to realize that there was no way I could live the way I previously had been living. In fact I moved back to Maui from Bend OR. (The move was a great thing as Maui is in my blood forever.) I never took medication other than the occasional headache. So I was completely unprepared for the kind of pain that I now had to deal with. The only way I could describe it was in sobs. I sobbed and sobbed and sobbed , but at the end of all the sobbing there was only more impassioned sobbing. That had never been my mode of operandi. I have always laughed and found joy in so many arenas. My focus was now reserved for the execrating reality of my life.  Electric pain so radical as to have no other way  to describe it. Like having twelve thousand bolts of electricity driven into me. I don't know how many volts exactly, it was substantial beyond my wildest imaginings.
 Oh my word there is so much craziness happening... finally my feet became more tolerable. I met with a doctor who has worked with me for several years. I began with a combination of prescription medications along with alternative methods of safe herbal medications. Some relief was found. All be it the necessity of keeping a steady blood flow. Although I was in a state of not feeling my feet at all. It was the only choice I could reasonably make. Not feeling my feet put me in an oddball situation, you are supposed to fell your feet. What I felt was nothing, like blocks of unknown matter. My feet became a nonentity making mobility a little more dangerous. You don't know if you have something in your toe. Sadly the nerves in both feet dyed. What was left for me was after gaining the relief from the insidious pain was nearly no feeling at all in my feet.
When one has substantial pain, we need to know what part of the body it is in. Right now I have pain in my hands and fingers and the right hip.
 To say the least I needed to learn how to deal with this kind of negative existence . I had no preparation for a disease so incapacitating. I went to my doctor who had only met one other patient that had a struggle so profound as mine. Most people in life could not comprehend my predicerment, they would look at me stupefied with little to no understanding of the enormity of this disease. It was a complete clammily, and it still is. Unfortunately what the future will holds remains unknown, and the probabilities are extremely frightening to me. Now I realize there are many more of you out there in "pain land" who are dealing with all kinds of neuropathic pain. But I persavire... Mind control is part of the solution. In my effort to find  resolve to this situation I was in, had largely to do with as you think. As you think, so it will be. It is very important to not allow yourself to tire out or become exhausted, that will help to create more pain. As you tire you loose your perspective on the level of pain that you can deal with. Make sure that you explain to your doctor, when the scale of 1-10 is used,  where 10 is the most intense. Be careful not to use awful horrible, retched. 11 is out of this world. 15 is off the chats:) !
Using silly word like wows'za, zinger, another words stay as positive as you can because remember YOUR MIND IS LISTENING. so INSTEAD OF swear words replace that with positives like wowza or owwawawawa growing in sound etc. or make up your own personal pleasing sounds for you.  So be very careful at all times of the words you choose because it is important to remember your mind is: ALWAS LISTENING...
Try having a heating pad or breathing deeply and make sure you are in a quite environment. Massage to the temples, and overall gentle touch. Touch is incredibly powerful, the art of sharing positive energy. The human touch is probably the most over looked (element) in reference to pain reduction.   Touch can anything you put your mind to. And so never forget the power that is available to you AT every moment, via the element of touch.
There is another type of medicine that may surpass all others. While this may be to much reality for some, however if you have a friend who might share a bit of * ~ pakalolo. It may very well could be natures or Gods answer to this level of pain. Many people call it medicine because it helps so much.

Other things we can do for ourselves to release the pain  ~ is
1) stretching
2) focusing on something else
3) using aromatherapy
4) positive reinforcement using mantras.
5) prayer is powerful! The Lord is my Shepard, with him I shall not want.

The Lord's Prayer

King James Version (KJV)

These are the words from the Lord's prayer in Matthew 6:9-13, taken from the King James Bible

9 Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

 10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

 11 Give us this day our daily bread.

 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

 

 I often say that music is the gateway to the soul. It enables you to free your soul while your body gently revives itself. You need to try each different avenue to see which one works best for you. Think of whatever is positive in your life right now, and think of happy moments. Anything that aids us in the reduction of stress will keep the muscles from tensing. Where ever your stress is located we want to send positive messages of what it is to be pain free.

Easter

The incredible Beauty of sunrise on Maui reflects the Lords promise of eternal life.

  Easter Sunday is the day that we celebrate the Lord's promise that when he died he would rise again.

The rock was placed, they found that the boulder had moved. No man had the incredible strength to do that. It is the celebration of the rock moving.

Aloha and Thank you to my loyal readers.

 What I am attempting to do is bring forth what I feel might be the greatest or most powerful words to enhance our lives.

 I have been thinking of some words that are the most powerful words to live by, perhaps you have other words that you yourself like to use instead. In any case I will list off what I believe to be profound, my personal profound words to live by.

Try to be mindful of the importance of staying on task. In other words we must realize what it is to never quit. The only way to fail is to quit. One must persevere in order to obtain the goal in mind.

Firstly in order to stretch your boundaries one must do something that is out of your comfort zone. Next we need to review your goals in order to make sure of where you are heading.

Focus on what it is you do want, and be clear to ignore those things you do not want.. What you focus on multiplies and grows in your life.

It is imperative that we live only in the present moment otherwise we might feel scattered or disorganized. Taking life  one day at the time is really the most through way of archiving your goals.  Thoughts are things. Whatever a gal concentrates on most fervently is what she will become,  ”As a person thinks.” Take full responsibility for everything you have in your life. That will become who you are. Whatever you concentrate on  most fervently you will become. Only when you take full responsibility for everything that you have made of your life, can you possibly alter it to something more desirable.

Think about the starving children of the world, they two have a story to tell about how hardship can be either the ruination of self, or the celebration of conquering fears and loneliness. Always find something to be grateful for. Remember to have a heart of gratitude. Prayer works wonders for a heart saddened by life’s pitfalls.  The person who is sad or lonely, should instead try having a grateful and happy heart for all the wondrous things that are given to us just for the asking. Faith Hope love and laughter are the tonics for the sad of heart. Don’t think about making money, think instead of bringing value. Hope, love and laughter is something else to concentrate upon, Remember faith in God is a real blessing in the changing fortunes of time. God, Whomever you believe him to be is a real.

Take full responsibility for everything you have in your life. That will become who you are. Whatever you concentrate on that is what you will become. It is Only when you take full responsibility for everything that you have made of your life, can you possibly alter it to something more desirable.

Smile and the world smiles with you, cry and you cry alone. be grateful for those things that we have let go of. Procrastination is the death of original thought, a sad waste of time, it brings the original thought down to nothing. Find those thing that you are passionate about. Continue on a path of learning and know that you will never know it all. Steer clear of people who are Know it Alls, for they are truly vexations to the spirit. Try Focusing instead on what you feel you do want to accomplish.   

   

Honor, Humility, Hope and Love

Honor, Humility, Hope and Love

It's Valentine's Day - I think of the above. Honor has an ancient and a modern connotation. In historical times honor had everything to do with challenge and saving face and in modern times the word 'respect' is often used by young males also challenging one another. A more righteous definition of honor would be; the courage to do what is right no matter what. A belief that your actions represent more than just yourself. A person of honor will not lie, cheat, nor steal, or tolerate those who do. A person of honor has honesty, fairness and integrity, in belief and action. In other words a person who loves themself, secure in the knowledge of right action.

One can never call oneself humble. That is for other people to do so. Like honor, the word has historical and modern meanings. Historically,  humility was often described in religious terms and along the way it may have acquired the meaning of meekness, but I have learned humility through the extreme challenges that I have faced in my life. The opposite of humility is  disdain, an overbearing pride or feeling of superiority towards others. Studies have shown that people with good leadership qualities gain respect and a following by exhibiting humility, self-awareness without self obsession.

Once again these people show the ability to love themselves in a balanced way.

Hope looks forward to a positive outcome. Gratitude looks back and gives blessings for what we have. Gratitude is an element of love and allows us to feel hope for the future.

So here we are at love. The many faces of love. Romantic love and also lusts for another. Love for our family members and pets. Love for our passions, work and play but none of this is possible if we do not love ourselves first. A big part of self love is observing one's ups and downs and learning from those observations. After a recent bout of depression I had an epiphany when I realized that the thing that had released me from that depression was thinking about a Pastor, Pastor Kit whose teachings I love. Listening to his voice describing that one should never apologize for one's faith and always feel free to exercise it, liberated me from the dark hole I found myself in. I was able to see myself with all my shortcomings but accept the person I am and appreciate myself for the personal challenges I have met successfully, and how I strive to have honor, faith, humility, hope and above all love myself and others.

Happy Valentines Day to all

"To Everything turn, turn, ............

"To Everything turn, turn, turn. There is a season turn, turn

turn and a time to every purpose under heaven"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6jxxagVEO4

These beautiful words from the song by The Byrds started me thinking about the seasons and what they mean to us all. Although I now live in Hawaii (where we only have two seasons, wet and dry)  I grew up in The San Francisco Bay Area where I  had the opportunity to experience the essence of the four seasons.

My next thought was of the winter and my love for skiing. I skied mostly in Squaw Valley where I was a snow hostess (snow ho). I soon learned an entire snow vocabulary; corn snow, yellow snow(don't eat), soft pack, hard pack, crud. The wonderful world of skiing.

Of course, we had a pool in our backyard so summers were wonderful also but at a certain age - that of becoming a woman - I started to feel self conscious about my budding female body as I think many women do. These teenage years were the start of many challenges. My family moved to Australia when I was fifteen where I was definitely an outsider and returning to the U.S. at age 17 to attend university demanded another life adjustment. At 21 my parents divorced. I had finished university by then but floated jobless for a while still trying to understand who I was and what I wanted for my life.

By 25 I had a successful career,  selling advertising, selling real estate, traveling and making money and at that point I became interested in skiing. By 28 I was an excellent skier and life was great.................

The song and the seasons continue with biblical references.t"A time to plant a time to reap, a time to laugh a time to weep..." I married and gave birth to two wonderful children.  " A time to dance a time to mourn. A time to caste away stones, a time to gather stones together"

I built a beautiful house but in the middle of this season, the stroke I had gave me my ultimate challenge. The original thought of the seasons inspired me to think back on those days when I was flying down the mountain, optimistic and self fulfilled. I have come a long way since that stroke and my goal is to one day get back on the mountain and ski.

I honor you and thank you for reading and following my blogs and leave you with the last words of the song which I hope will engender some musings about the seasons of your life so far..........
"A time to gain a time to lose, a time to rend, a time to sew, a time to love a time to  hate, a time for peace I swear its not too late."

                 Resolutions, Solutions - New Year's Tune-up

Before we consider the enormity of the above, let's close our eyes, take a breath and acknowledge the individual blessings in our lives.

• Let's check ourselves at this time. Are you being true to yourself?

•  Would people consider you a 'happy camper' or 'Debbie   Downer'.
  Do you find yourself venting a little too much without considering the problems and the solutions.?

 Of course we all have issues but identifying them and finding solutions takes diligence.

 Information is power and the Information Highway is at our finger tips. It has never been easier to research any subject.

• What are your personal objectives? Share your positive thoughts.
  
• Better, health through diet and exercise.   In my case I have found eating a papaya once a day is a huge benefit to my health  See what you think..

• More love and meaningful relationships in your life. In which case if you give more love and  kindness it will probably come back.

Finally dont be too hard on yourself. Baby steps, the best way to accomplish any goal. We made it this far. So at this time of a new beginning.......... a fine personal tune-up is suggested.

 

             Happy, healthy, fruitful New Year 2013 to all 

        Wishing you  Mele Kalikimaka

         The Wonderful Whales of Maui

Yep its that time of year again. Time for the mighty Humpback Whales to return to Maui. Did you know that the whales migrate 3,000 miles from their feeding grounds in Alaska, in as few as 36 days?  Humpback whales are baleen whales. They expand their pleated throats, take in huge amounts of water and krill and then push the water out through their baleen. The krill remains.

In early whaling days the baleen was much prized in the making of ladies corsets. The blubber was used to make lipstick and candles. In the 1970's The International Whaling Commission voted for a moratorium on whaling. However as late as the 1980's NASA was still using Sperm Whale Oil for use in it's rockets, as it is the purest oil in the world.  Ambergris otherwise known as 'Sperm Whale Poop' is worth thousands in the perfume industry. Perhaps you might be lucky enough to stumble onto some on your next beach walk. Sperm whales also have the largest brain on the planet and the largest penis known to man:)

Well getting back to Humpback Whales...... while here they sing whalesongs. Each season all the male singers sing the same song. It is believed by some scientists that the end note of the song of each season is the beginning note for the song of the next season. Isn't that fantastic! A question could be asked whether any of the songs of previous seasons are repeated. We don't know, as we do not have enough recorded data.While in Maui the Humpback Whales also give birth and mate but do not feed. They only feed in their summer feeding grounds in Alaska. 

The whale's return to Maui, approximately December to April, coincides with the traditional Hawaiian period called Makahiki. Makahiki celebrates the return of the God Lono. Lono is the god of rain, thunder, harvest. During this period the native Hawaiians ceased, farming, fishing and making war. Instead they mended their

nets, played competitive games like outrigger canoeing and spear throwing. They also feasted, sang, danced and presumably stayed home and made love....... Just like the whales......

                    Hau'oli Makahiki Hou.

  

 

    

 

The Fascinating Flowers of Maui

While people may differ in their pronunciation, most would agree that the Protea are beautiful beyond belief. Perhaps upon naming the specie, Carl Linnaeus noticed their regal appearance, and chose their name after the Greek god, Proteus. Proteus was also known for changing form at will, thus likened to the vast range of shapes that the flower Protea takes.  

With their bold and large stems, and textures like none other, the protea is a flower that can truly intoxicate the imagination of the observer. They are multicolored and multidimensional. They can range from soft and furry, to waxy and prickly. They come in many forms, each more mystifying than the next. 

The King Protea and the Pink Mink are some of my favorites. If taken proper care of, these extraordinary flowers can serve as a dry flower arrangement which can possibly last up to a few years!

Proteas are native to South Africa and are principally found in regions of Africa, India, South America, Australia, New Zealand, and even Antarctica.  However, they even do well here in our tropical paradise of Maui, particularly in the upper Kula area. 

I hope you enjoyed this brief introduction to such a fabulous flower. 

A Hui Hou,

Tara 

Stress Be-Gone

     

 Everyone experiences stress in some fashion or other. Certainly humans experience stress in various forms. Yet, it has even been recorded that water can undergo changes at a molecular level in response to the stimuli of the environment. Dogs, horses, certainly humans, and even some plants respond to both positive, and negative, stimuli in the environment. Lions, and tigers, and bear, oh my!, they too have their own form of stress! Stress is a natural function of the body and can sometimes motivate us or  impede us. Yet, stress is very individual. What is stressful to one person might be considered laughable to another. The important thing to note is that stress is something that we all experience in one fashion or another. What kind of stress lights a fire under you - motivating you to do accomplish your greater goals? what kind of stress weighs heavily on you, and how do you respond to those times?
       The factors that can be a source of stress for most people can range from issues of health, relationships, careers, finances, the frustrations of unsatisfied desires and longings, social pressures, and many other various day-to-day  influences. Stress can cause terrible migraines, nausea, vomiting, upset stomachs, and unusually bad body cdor. Indeed, stress can come in a myriad of forms.    
Since we all know the impacts that stress can have on our mental, and physical, well-being, perhaps we should also note the various techniques for learning to de-stress in the very stressful world we live in today. A simple, yet very helpful, technique to begin with is having a personal mantra that encourages yourself to let go of stress. An example of a mantra for releasing stress is saying to yourself "I love you, I care for you,and I wish every happiness for you". Additionally, deep breathing, exercise, the right diet, emotional and physical outlets such as a therapist, lover or friend, herbal remedies such as teas and other muscle relaxants, and experiencing the  joie de vive such as playing and laughter, can all be used to relieve the tensions of stress. Simple activities such as listening to the sound of a baby's laughter can warm a cold heart and can help release stresses of the day.
Stress is a necessary part of life and it comes in many forms. The importance of finding our own remedies, little by little, help us confront the waves of stress that come upon us. Stress can be much harder to deal with when depression, or exhaustion, are present. There are also various types of stress. When rising in the morning, stress is placed on the feet. Yet, this isn't necessarily a negative stress. Some days you can wake up to various other stresses. Yet, some days you will feel comfortable and at ease, and happy to be alive. Stress can be a positive thing, but by the same token, stress can place you on the lower end of the happiness meter. So belt out a good hearty laugh every now and then. Breathing in and out deeply, maybe three times, can help to create a stress free moment.
I pray that you will be able to comfort yourself in times of need. 

A Hui Hou,
Tara

Laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry and you cry alone.

Have you ever felt like you were laughing so hard that you were going to "lose your grip" completely (i.e wet your pants, snort, chuckle too loudly?). The release of endorphins is one of the best ways that God has equipped us for happiness and joy. To go into unabashed laughter is one of the most important releases your body can experience. 

There's toots and snorts and the infamous "wetting of the pants". There's nervous laughs and belly aches, giggles, side splits and moments of gasping for air. Some times you laugh so hard it hurts, but it hurts so good. 

Yet, despite all the wondrous joys of laughing, to some it can be a wee bit embarrassing. One risk of laughter is doing things that are unsightly, silly, ridiculous or otherwise thought of as embarrassing to be seen by others to whom we do not know well. Perhaps that is why we feel more comfortable laughing heartily around those who know us well. Laughing is exposing yourself, letting go, losing inhibitions, and sometimes becoming vulnerable.  Especially, for some men, it can be considered a weakness. There are references such as "laughing like a schoolgirl", or "a giggling fool" that make it especially hard to let go. As a side note, did you know that for women the bladder is so near to the muscles you use when laughing that it is easier for us to wet our pants, especially with increasing age and child bearing?

Laughter is a really fun dance of life. It can almost be said that, universally, we love to laugh. Especially when you can laugh at yourself. Laugh at all your own mistakes  and slip-ups, the important meetings you forgot or the countless drinks you spill. I think it can be said that we gain humility by learning to laugh at ourselves. When you can laugh at yourself it feeds your soul handfuls of humility. 

Often times we feel we have a certain decorum. That decorum is often such a terrible waste of positive energy because it restricts our ability, our movements, around laughter. Laughter is good natured and positive and should be expressed freely. Proper decorum would say that it is not cool to snort when laughing. But I, along with the Beatles, say "Let it Be". It is natural and it is good for you. 

So, what does your own peculiar laugh sound like? How familiar are you with the sound of your own laughter? Do you get enjoyment out of your own laugh or is it a little bit embarrassing for you? Just a few questions to ponder on the road to discovery your own unique laugh. 

A Hui Hou

Tara 

THE TIME HAS COME FOR YOU TO FLY FREE

With the knowledge of our Malia's eventual departure to bigger and greater schools, i am beginning the process of letting go in order that she may fly free. This is a situation that most mothers must face at some point in their adolescent's life. There is a melancholy component attached to Malia's leaving. There is also a beauty present because I know that is exactly where she needs to be. Malia is going in the direction that she needs to be going for her greatest good. 

The difficulty is experiencing the reality of her growing up. In order for Malia to grow, I know she must take this essential step. Every mother wants her offspring to flourish. Thus, every mother must experience the process of letting go. Their leaving is essential for  their growth and fulfills the need for their independence.  While their departures can be quite difficult, ultimately it is what every good parents wants for their children- to fly free and succeed in all that they endeavor. You do not want them staying too close to the nest.  The original idea may have been to bear children and to teach them well the ways of the world so that they themselves can fly free. The difficulty the parents might experience is due to the fact that people often times are uncomfortable with change. Yet, we must face change straight in the eye lest we get ravaged by the storm. Change is, often times, very difficult for fear of the unknown. Therein lies the question "What will i do with my life now?".   Yet, you want them to fly free, hoping that what you taught them will be enough. 

Change is imminent. It is a part of life and their is nothing we can do to our alter it. Instead, we must embrace it and make it our own. 

I am in full expectation that she will fly free like an eagle- soaring through the great expanse. Of course, there may be more obstacles than you thought to mention. That is where faith announces itself. There is the anomaly of the little bird who does not learn how to fly. Their little wings don't open and they perish. Thus, we hope and have faith that our children have grown strong enough the face the hardships of the world. They may at points feel overwhelmed, but we have done our best to properly equip them. 

Often parents they try to overprotect their children. There is a fine line between loving and protecting them, and "over-protecting" them, It would be nice to put them in a plastic bubble of our making- shielding them from all harm. But last time I checked it is probably illegal in most states :). Additionally, it does nothing to prepare them for their future and the world they will be emerged in. 

In conclusion, it might be said that the love one carries for their children is the greatest gift from heaven. 

I love you, 
Mom

ATLANTIS? LEMURIA? ZEALANDIA? FANTASY or Reality? You Answer

Could there be an Atlantis? What do you think about the claims of Lemuria?

There are many speculations around the existence of sunken continents and sunken civilizations. Some speculations are more fanciful than others. Other claims have been grounded through the rigors of geology and science. And now more than any other time in history we have sophisticated enough equipment to explore these possibilities of past human life below the sea. 

While there are many forms of thought about the existence of past underwater civilizations, from archeologists to new age groups, the human fascination with lost continents continues to allude us. 

Some claim that Lemuria exists underneath the body of water expanding from the North American coast all the way to Australia. Others claim that due to the structure of the tectonic plates in that specific area, the existence of Lemuria is not likely. There have also been claims about the Hawaiian Islands being the surface, the last remnants, of the sunken continent of Mu. Some Hawaiian elders have eventuated that their genealogy lead back to the ancient people of Mu. Yet, everything is open for contention. 

Jacque Cousteau was a well-known, French researcher who explored the possibilities that may lie beneath the sea. His curiosity about the depths of the ocean brought about some "evidence" that under water continents could possibly have existed. In his submarine called the CALYPSO, Jacque Cousteau discovered the existence of stalagmites in under water caves off the shores of the Bahamas. The presence of stalagmites in these under water caves suggests that they were indeed exposed to air. Cousteau estimated that it had been nearly 12,000 years since those caves were above water. How many other land masses might there have been? Were there civilizations that were forced to migrate due to the rising sea levels?  

When looking upon the world of underwater continents, it seems an equal blend of fantasy and reality. The reality of the sunken continent of Zealandia is no stranger than the contested reality of Lemuria. Zealandia, or the New Zealand continent, is known to be 93% below the sea, leaving only 7% exposed. In Hawaii it is well known that much of the island actually rest below the sea level. In these times of noticeable climate change, global warming and increasingly rising sea levels, what could the future hold for us?  Will people of the future one day look at the place we inhabited and wonder who were the strange humans who lived below the sea? Will people look at the ruins of our homes and our shopping malls and wonder "what under water kingdom was this?".

Warmest Wishes from the depths of the sea
come to Atlantis and be with me :)
~Tara

While listening to the sounds of music…

I became nourished in a way that I did not expect. I came to the realization that music truly is food for the soul. Music can either lighten the spirit or dampen the darkest of days. There are various types of music from reggae to soft rock to classic, each one addresses a different aspect of our emotional needs. 

Melancholy music can be sad, yet beautiful in its own right. Melancholy music is poetic and has it's own creative license. The most melancholy music can also be the most majestic. It reminds me of the mantra my friend once told me: "There is beauty in the pain".  Sometimes the emotional pain we all have to go through produces in us the capacity for gentleness, serenity, sweetness, and tenderness.  We need only remember to look for the beauty within the pain. 

Music can be a spiritual nutrient.  Sometimes it feels like we undergo times of spiritual famine.  In these moments of famine it might be wise to know from where one's spiritual sustenance comes. Music can be the most wondrous food to nourish the mind, body and soul. Music lifts you up and carries you away into a distant land where rhythms are butterflies and songs are the voices of angels. Like veins bring in oxygen and take away the toxins, music brings in light and dispels the darkness. 

With the wings of an angel, we bid you adieu

Tara

Beauty in Pain

Oh happy day

i love it when things are going my way!

yet my fingers my toes have become my many woes

they do not thank but instead they challenge 

my very sense of well-being

this pain, this old nemesis of mine

it no longer arises as it remains a constant

it never leaves this friend of mine, this unholy friend

this terror never leaves 

if the absence of pain makes a good life 

i pray to God that the pain will end

we must take what life gives us 

turning its lemons into lemonade 

where does your paradise lay?

is it lost or is it merely hiding in the fray? 

alway return to the golden flower bed of HAPPINESS, 

just ask and she will gently whisper in return 

that there is always beauty within the pain 

there is always beauty in the pain 

listen for it,

it is there 

keep listening 

you will hear her sing a light tune

there is always beauty in the pain

there is always beauty in the pain 

there is always beauty in the pain 

With my warmest Aloha, 

Tara 

Beatlemania at its Finest !?

Truly something incredible about the Beatles is not only their lyrics, musics, or interesting ensemble of musicians. One inescapable fact about the Beatles is their phenemonial success as a band. They  are listed in Rolling Stones' magazine as the #1 greatest band of all time. This is no small feat.  An enigmatic question is Why? Why were the Beatles such a great success? They are forever written in the book of time and have been a sensation for decades. I do not envision that changing, either. Was it the marketing strategies that made the Beatles flourish? Perhaps it was the time that they arived to the scene?  During these pivotal times of social unrest due to the Vietnam War and the civil movements, The Beatles had a message about peace and opening one's mind to new ways of thinking. For example, in the song entitled "Revolution 1", it says " You say you'll change the constitution, well, you know, we all want to change your head, You tell me it's the institution, well, you know, you better free your mind instead".

People were just beginning to move past the horrors of the Vietnam. This was a time of great social revolution, and the Beatles arrived at the scene just in time to soothe the wounds of social heartache. The Beatles creative spark left a wave of impact throughout the western world, and western consciousness. They had a message of peace and love, and that was exactly what the world needed at the time. Today, the youth perhaps look towards the Beatles as a reassurance that there was once a time, a place, a moment in history, where peace, hope and love dwelled.

The Beatles appeared to be the Be all, end all, of music according to young listeners. I didn't really know anything about music other than the Beatles. I was not drawn to the Beatles for their music alone, but more so about the culture that their music brought forth. The Beatles were not solely music. But they were, in fact, a huge entity describing the times and events unfolding. The Beatles, in my young mind, would last forever. The Beatles were my Reality, both culturally and musically.

I remember growing up and witnessing the crazy hysteria that the television stations promoted surrounding the Beatles concert. We all bought into this hysteria. Girls were screaming and weeping at the knowledge that the Beatles were playing the Cow Palace nearby.  I would have down anything to be able to attend this concert. However, my mother nixed the idea as I was too young. My sister who was five years older than I was allowed to attend, which I found to be so grossly unfair. My parents did not allow me to see the Beatles concert and that was an offense larger than any. I stayed home that night and cried myself to sleep.

Another memory I have from my adolecense is regarding the controversy that John Lennon found himself entwined in. John Lennon made a remark that said "We're more popular than Jesus now; I don't know which will go first, rock 'n' roll or Christianity." I wasn't really offended by his comment at the time, thinking "it is no big deal".  I thought his comment was interesting, but I hadn't really thought of christianity and myself being attached at all. Not until many years later had i thought that perhaps his wording was incorrect. Now, as an adult, I realize that his comments were extremely outlandish. As a Christian, I understand now why it caused the controversy that it did.  In spite of the controversies, populations still adore the Beatles. Through good times and bad, the Beatles left a profound legacy that most appreciate to this day.

A Hui Hou and with my warmest Aloha,
Tara

If I Coulda Woulda Shoulda by Lou Rawls

Lou Rawls- If I Coulda Woulda Shoulda 

(http://youtu.be/uxSCsldCHhk )

I could have been a little more understanding 
and i'd still be loving you right now

I should have been smarter 
I could have used my head
and we would still be together some how

if i coulda woulda shoulda 
that's what folks always say

if i coulda woulda shoulda
but it's always too late
i'm saying it now

if i would have stopped it before 
it all got started out
i wouldn't be so sad and lonely without you

I wish there was a way 
to turn back the hands of time
I'd do it different if i had to do it all over again

if i woulda coulda shoulda
that's what folks always say

it's always too late
i'm saying it now

you know, i'm gonna profit from all my mistrakes
i'll never do the same thing, the same way, all over again

I could have been a little more understanding 

and i'd still be loving you right now

I should have been smarter 

I could have used my head

and we would still be together some how

if i coulda woulda shoulda 

that's what folks always say

if i coulda woulda shoulda

but it's always too late

i'm saying it now

Do you live a life filled with Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda's? Do you like living life on the edge, or flying by the seat of your pants? Do you like pushing the limits, flirting with danger, or the excitement of living life a little recklessly? When was the last time you threw all caution to the wind and lived life with full abandon?

People say this very often, If i would have done this...or If could have done that...then they would have a more positive, a more preferable, outcome. Yet, to say woulda coulda shoulda, has no meaning because you can not go back. You can not rewrite past decisions whether good or bad. To second guess past decisions you have made in your life can leave you riding a rough wave of discontent.

What can we do to make sure we do not fall into the trap of regret?  Do not be too hard and fast about the rules of the game. Let not the rules bind you from the satisfaction of fulfilling your dreams. Let not there be fear but instead let there be an open heart filled with joy and acceptance for all.  Follow your heart, speak your truth often, and be sure to follow your dreams not your fears. Regret is living in the shadows of the past. Don't woulda coulda shoulda your life away. Rather live life to the fullest by way of making definitive choices.

The song by Lou Rawls is saying that it is never too late to move forward in the direction of your dream. DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. It is folly to merely wait around and see what happens. There are many people who merely wait for life to make decisions for them rather than carving their own path. Wouldn't it be great to know that you did what you wanted to do no matter the outcome? Regardless of the outcome, these are choices that you made and are standing by them. The most important things is that you Chose. When you chose, there is no room for regret.

A Hui Hou Kakou (until we meet again) :)
Tara