The Word of the Day is "Ho`oilo"

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Aloha mai kākou,

Wow! Can you believe we’re already into the 2nd week of 2013? The winter solstice had made its presence known on the Big Island so far. The weather forecasters would never be out of job with all the rain we’ve been getting! Its often joked about how the weatherman/weatherwomen could easily say, “the chances of rain is about 50% today,” and would be CORRECT!!! Lol. I think Hilo is probably one of the few places that has a change of weather in a matter of minutes.

Between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m., it was drizzling. By the time I had breakfast and put a load of clothes into the washer, it was bright and sunny. Looking around the yard, it was covered in mud and rain puddles. So, I thought to myself that the sun should dry up the yard good. Soon as I got into the car to run an errand, the weather soured, downpours and a mini storm. Arriving to my destination (a few miles away), the sun came out and the rain stopped. Hey, I was in luck, so I quickly made my way into the hardware store. After selecting and paying for my purchases, I was optimistic to see the sun rays outside. And of course, in true `Hiloan’ style, the storm returned, while walking to the car. Of course it stopped, when I got into my vehicle!!!! Hahahaha. *Note: Always carry an umbrella in Hilo, just in case….

The Hawaiian word for winter/ winter solstice is….. “Ho`oilo” (ho oh wee low). Expect huge waves on the north shores, rough oceans, and frequent showers (especially in Hilo and the east side of Maui). Winter season brings snow to the Big Island, atop Mauna Kea (mao na kay ya…. Snow mountain) and Mauna Loa (mao na low wa…..long mountain), depending on the amount of rainfall and freezing temperatures. I am lucky to live on an island where you can experience sunny skies on one side and wintry weather on the other!

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Ianuali"

Credit: Depositphotos.com/Chih-Chung Johnny Chang

Hau`oli Makahiki Hou Kākou,

As 2013 commences, why not begin with the 1st month of the year….. “Ianuali” (ya noo wah lee….’the Ia is pronounced as ya’). I gave up making resolutions about 20 years ago, replacing them with “self goals” instead, in which I keep to myself, as I truly believe someone could wish against you and help you fail faster! Lol. 2012 was an intense but exciting year, and I’m still recovering from the holidays. We should have a holiday, after the holiday, so we can rest! Hahaha. Best wishes to all of you for a healthy, prosperous and happy new year ahead.

A hui hou,

Haunani

Hau`oli Makahiki Hou - Happy New Year!

Credit: Depositphotos.com/Marina Pissarova

Aloha mai kākou,

Hau`oli Makahiki Hou (Happy New Year….how oh lee ma kah hee kee hou) to everyone. Let 2013 ring in and start off with a bang. I hope you enjoyed the festivities last night and ate until your heart content. Good luck in following through with your resolutions. I’ve decided a while back, that I was over with making any, but I think its time to get serious! Have an awesome year ahead, and thank you for your support.

A hui hou,
Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Mele Kalikimaka"

Credit: Depositphotos.com/Robert Keenan

Aloha mai kākou

From 2Honu.com, to all of you and yours……Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas)!. Be safe, be merry and have a wonderful day with your loved ones!

Enjoy this video, wishing you Mele Kalikimaka from the Hawaiian islands. Click Here

A hui hou,

2Honu.com

The Word of the Day is "Kanakaloka"

Credit: Depositphotos.com/Pavel Chernobrivets

Aloha mai kākou,

We’re almost done with 2012, but not before the arrival of “Kanakaloka” (Santa Claus)! There’s a song called , “Here comes Santa, in a red canoe” that I grew up hearing. But I have to admit, that I never had the pleasure of actually witnessing Santa in a Canoe. He always arrived in a car, or by foot! Lol. The closest would have to be a Hawaiian Santa, complete with surf shorts, an aloha shirt, and a big red bag of gifts! The mall Santa, is who my kids grew up with. In our small town, there’s not too many other opportunities to see anyone else, so in their eyes…. He’s it! *smiles*. I’ll leave you with a link to my favorite Hawaiian Christmas song…

The 12 days of Christmas, Hawaiian style…..


A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "`Ānela"

Credit: Depositphotos.com/Ewa Mazur

Aloha mai kākou,

Atop our tree is an angel whose wings light up and cast a spherical light around the room. What does an angel symbolize to you? The `ānela (ahh nay lah) signifies peace to me, as it does to many. I have been graced with many different forms of angels this past year. In times of need, or when things seem a bit chaotic, friends and family have shown their generosity more than I could ever ask for.

Like the past 3 years, I took my children to the Mall and picked out 2 angel tags from a charity sponsored Christmas tree. My children shopped around for the items requested, purchased them, and returned them as an anonymous donation. This organization had helped a family member of mine years ago. I hope that my children will continue this tradition of the ‘angel tree’ to remember those who don’t have much. My daughter asked me, “mommy, what do you want for Christmas? I want to make sure I have enough to get the best gift for you”. Of course I replied, “ The three of you are my everlasting gifts from God, and I will be forever content”…..

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Lā`au Kalikimaka"

The Christmas tree, or “lā`au kalikimaka” (lahh ow kah lee kee ma kah) is finally up and decorated. We are fortunate to have fresh Christmas trees, cut and flown to Hawai`i. It’s the evergreen fragrance, that permeates throughout the house, letting everyone know, what time of year it is. Unfortunately, I have an artificial one, but the decorations of silver and turquoise, brightened up the whole place. Not sure why Hilo gets our Christmas trees, the week before Thanksgiving, but the scent….. is amazing!

A hui hou,

Haunani