The Cozy Cabin

Last week I had another artist reception - this time at The Cabin Coffeehouse and Cafe in Bemidji. I've had my photo cards on display at The Cabin since the summer, but now I am the featured artist for the month of December so my whole line of cards and prints will be available through the end of the year. It was a fun evening and the first of my art receptions where my parents, Tom & Yvonne, were able to attend. So cool! Even though they have "officially" flown south for the winter (and driving their motorhome out West), they fly in for the holidays so we can spend Christmas together each year. It works out great for everyone!


How ironic that the owner of The Cabin, Noemi Aylesworth, and I go waaaaaay back... in fact, we were on stage together in the Paul Bunyan Playhouse production of Oklahoma! back in 1993. It's still hard to believe that was 16 years ago... but what fun memories I have of that show and the other seasons at PBP. Lots of good friendships created those summers. Good times :o)


So now it's approaching the holidays and time, once again, to reconnect with family and friends. I made a quick trip out to Hawaii again this Thanksgiving to visit my Hawaii Ohana, and that was an amazing trip (as always). You can read more about some of my insights gained on that trip on my Balance Factor blog. Hawaii always grounds me in a way unlike any other place on earth... probably because it's so naturally beautiful and commands your attention and respect. Mother Nature is in full bloom on the lovely islands and she's not afraid to remind you of it every day. Ahhh, Hawaii - Aloha au iā 'oe.

Wishing you a safe happy holiday season and happy new year.

Namaste,

The Ambassador

Hawaiian Ohana

Being the avid traveler I decided to spend Thanksgiving with my extended family in Hawaii, or my Hawaiian "Ohana" (the Hawaiian word for family). Even though I just returned from India a few short weeks ago and visited my Mom, Dad, sister and nieces the first week I was back, I had decided that my November trip would be back to visit the tropical breezes, green mountains, and soft white sands of the islands I called home for over 10 years. It was time to reconnect with my Hawaiian roots--a timely and apropos activity after spinning from repatriation these past few weeks.

Just as I had imagined, it was (as always) paradise. It didn't take long for me to slip off my shoes and socks and replace them with my flip-flops; remove my jacket and sweatshirt and replace them with a cool light t-shirt; throw my jeans in the corner of my hotel room in lieu of cool and comfortable board shorts; I was back!

Even though I had gotten my own hotel room, I spent quite a bit of my time at Doug's Waikiki apartment with him, Jason, Micky, Brynn, Joe, and the rest of the crew... our crazy ohana. We had turkey dinner with all the fixin's for 11 of us on Thursday, and the rest of the time was spent kickin' back and enjoying what Hawaii has to offer--sun, beach, fresh air and the most beautiful sunsets on earth. Not only is Hawaii naturally beautiful, it is also the land of aloha--a word which means more than just "hello" and "goodbye", but love, welcome, spirit, friendship and connection. The spirit of aloha is a feeling that never leaves you--it travels with you wherever you go.

I enjoy visiting Hawaii and I still feel connected to her after these many years. I was reminded of this as I strolled down the Ala Wai Canal on my second day--my feet suddenly sprouted roots that shot out into the ground digging deep into the red volcanic soil; the tradewinds filled with the sweet smell of flowers and green earth became my breath; the sun beams shined warmly on my face and I could feel the water settling around me like a cool blanket; I had reconnected with the islands and I felt home again. I could feel a surge of new found inspiration for my writing, especially my balance factor project, and I felt the waves of motivation rising within me... I was "amused".

During my visit I also got to visit with Sheila, Grant, Steve & Kathy, and our newest Target leadership, Rob & Gina... did you know that we open our first Hawaiian Target stores in March of 2009? Only four short months away! An exciting event for all of us.

So talk about gratitude and thanks--this was such a fantastic and appropriate holiday to spend in one of my favorite places in the world. As I have dropped anchor in Minnesota, Finland, Hawaii, and now India this past year, I consider myself to be one of the most fortunate individuals on this earth. I have friends, family, and even people I've never met who I can connect with on a regular basis--such an international network of family and friends--such a global ohana. And the nicest part of it all? It just keeps getting better!

Mahalo Nui Loa (Thank You Very Much), Hawaii. You are, and will always be, a part of me.

Aloha