♥♥Kookie and I wish you Hau'oli makahiki hou!!! ♥♥

As 2009 comes to a close I find myself, as many might reflecting on this last decade. The most significant change during my personal past decade was after yearning to live in the islands most of my memories (since I was 8 years old). I finally gave away or sold most all possessions and moved to the island of Kauai to live the rest of my life! I had visited early 2000 and completed my move on Easter 2000.

These past ten years I found myself referring to this as my own personal resurrection. Living on this island during the past ten years have taught me the pure aloha nui loa(very much love) and malama pono(take good care) that Kaua'i offers.

This is truly a Paradise in the Heart of the Pacific Ocean! I endured many trials and tribulations regarding my health as well as others well being that are dear to my heart, but felt a community filled with aloha come to comfort and support in times of need and sorrow, comfort and much joy. Mahalo nui loa to all my ohana and friends who are a part of my life.

Kookie came into my life almost three years ago when I rescued him from the Human Society Shelter. He is my best buddy and a good companion. He has learned to walk on a halter and leash so he can go for adventures outside. This morning we went to the beach. He was so curious at that big water but didn't manage to leave the car. Maybe next trip. He also wants you all to know this is a non-alcohol year for him and celebrates only with non-alcoholic bubbly!

It is wonderful to enter into yet another decade. I am very grateful to my Creator! Twenty-Ten marks my SIXTH decade on this earth! January 9th I will celebrate my BIG 60 Birthday! I am very excited to see just where all the lessons will guide me for this next decade to come!

♥♥Kookie and I wish you all peace, good health and plenty aloha shared with much laughter and joy!!♥♥

♥Mele Kalikimaka♥

NTGB and WAK Winter Fine Art Festival

National Tropical Botanical Garden and Women Artists of Kauai Winter Fine Art Festival, Saturday, December 19, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Southshore Visitors Center Meadow

Visit the Gardens during December’s ‘Ohana Day and be treated to a unique display and sale of one of a kind, gallery quality art pieces, reproductions, gift items and ornaments created by some of Kauai’s most talented fine artists. A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit NTBG.

This fun, family event will also feature live music by guitarist, Dr. Matthew Miller, harpist, Anela, and blues musician, Blue Dux. Savage Shrimp and Pohaku Shave Ice will be selling their tasty treats, and NTBG’s volunteer craft group, Oshibana, will be offering their hand-crafted products for purchase.

A Toys for Tots drop off box, provided by the Women Artists of Kauai, will be available under the tents. Bring a brand new, unwrapped toy, and the first twenty donations will receive a special “Holiday Mahalo Gift” from the artists.

Participating artists include Helen Turner, Rocky Riedel, Dava Shepherd, Aweepano Vivian Satow, Robin McCoy, Marionette, Anna Skaradzinska, Schar Freeman, Emily Miller, Lilian de Mello, Patrice Pendarvis, Jana Viles, and Leslie Tribolet.

Admission to the event is free. Please park in the Visitors Center parking lot. The festival will be located on the front lawn immediately to the left (west) of the main entrance gate. NTBG’s Southshore Visitors Center is located across from Spouting Horn in Poipu, at 4425 Lawai Road .

For more information contact Marionette of the Women Artists of Kauai at (808)631-9173 the National Tropical Botanical Garden Shouthshore Visitors Center at (808)742-2433. Visit their websites www.womenartistsofkauai.org and www.ntbg.org .