Villarroel in his studio after 9/11 Rodrigo Villarroel was 13 years old on September 11, 1973. The Chilean born chef recalls sitting in class when the Principal announced his school would be cancelled for the remainder of the day. It was a day he will never forget. This was the day the “El Palacio de…
Kailua-Kona’s hometown hero and big wave surfer Shane Dorian has taken his success in surfing and utilized his fame to establish a surf competition for Hawai‘i Island’s youth. Now in its 23rd year, the Shane Dorian Banyan Keiki Classic reflects Shane’s commitment to the Kona community and local groms (young surfers), ensuring his status as…
I juggle too many things in my life. My motto was always, “Say yes and show up.” It’s been an excellent way to live my life since moving to Hawaii. However, I feel I may have reached a saturation point. Saying yes and showing up is a no-fail, awesome way to be successful, and I…
The other day a woman I respect and admire from afar (in other words, we know each other, but not real well), wrote to me and said my writing was fearless and helped her get through a difficult time. She also said she wanted to apologize to me for thinking my life was perfect. Holy…
The Eclipse Seeker’s Journey–How It All Happened August 21 2017 is a date that will eventually fade from the popular media. It is the date of the Great American Eclipse, so dubbed by the group that set out to popularize this display of nature. The media frenzy was predicted to draw swarms of gawkers, hoards…
The Tastes of my Childhood Summertime in Lido Beach. Fireflies forts and Ring a leave e ohhhhh! No clocks, no phones. Only the rhythm of long hot squalid days marked by heat and wet T-shirts in front of a fan long before wet T-shirt contests came into being. Blood sisters–well before shared blood was dangerous.…
Birth is a messy process. I’ve given birth a couple of times and, trust me, there is no dignity behind it. However, when that beautiful little soul is placed into your arms, dignity becomes a thing of the past. Nothing else matters, but the life you just helped to bring into the world. The only…
