Puppy love

21 02 2020


Who doesn’t love a dog? Massimo, at left, is no longer a puppy. He no longer chews out the stuffing of his bed, but he still plays with toys. He likes to press his warm body up to you as close as possible to cuddle.

He’s visiting here while his peeps are at school. Workers are at his house, so his dad brought him here so he wouldn’t get out of the gate. He’s a runner, as we found out from past experience. What a chase that was!

JJ, who lives here in his forever home, was acquired from the humane society. He has nice eyeliner. We don’t know his age, only that he is an old man now. He has no use for toys, but is very barky, especially when neighbor cats enter the yard and when the brown truck and refuse truck drive up the street. I guess we should be thankful that we have an excellent watch dog.

JJ likes going for a walk, although now he goes a few yards only to stop in his tracks to pause and simply look around. If lost, I don’t know if he would find his own way home. But, he likes to show off for people. If walking in a pack, he likes to be the pack leader.

We love our dogs.
~ Rebekah


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My choral (and) conducting gurus

28 01 2020

Mark Hayes with me and Rev. Danette Kong in the pink lei

This past weekend I attended a three-day choral music workshop by well-known pianist-composer Mark Hayes. Keawalaʻi Congregational Church at Mākena, Maui, founded in 1832, was the venue.

My takeaway, literally, was a folio of sacred and secular music and a series of published articles on how to improvise at the piano. I later found all of the “Improv Notes” on the www.markhayes.com website. One can download them for free.

I am reminded of other times in Honolulu and at Cannon Beach, OR, when I was fortunate as a chorister to sing under the baton of Rodney Eichenberger who is associated with Florida State University. He has coined the motto “what they see is what they get.” I found a Facebook page named “The Rodney Eichenberger Cult.” Indeed, he has a following!

I mined the internet and found “The Life and Philosophy of Choral Conductor Rodney Eichenberger, Including a Detailed Analysis and Application of His Conductor-Singer Gestures” by Adam Jonathan Con. The preview of the book at books.google.com is a fine description.

I’m now inspired to sing in a spring concert with my group, the Windward Choral Society, this February 9, at 4 pm, at St. John Vianney Parish in Kailua, Oahu. We will be singing African-American, spiritual, and gospel numbers. Susan McCreary Duprey directs.

The best part of the weekend on Maui was meeting up with my cousins Rev. Danette Kong, who is the music director at Keawalaʻi Congregational Church, and Steven Lum and Prince Steven who came from Oahu and joined us at this beautiful spot.

Looking toward East Maui from Mākena

Keawalaʻi Congregational Church

L to r: cousins Steven, Prince, Rebekah, and Danette

~ Rebekah


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Categories : About me, Friends & Family, Hawaiian, Music, Travel

Good-bye 2019, hello 2020

31 12 2019

WAIMĀNALO — We came to Joe and Girly’s on New Year’s Eve again this year. Ono grinds, kanikapila with friends in the garage, and fireworks display from the backyard. It’s perfect.

Their dog Izzie waited and ran back and forth with each of the loud booms from late afternoon and into the night.

Izzie

 

Happy New Year, everyone!

Aloha,
Rebekah


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Winter holiday fun

19 12 2019

Nohea Gallery at Kahala Mall called me again this year. It’s been a steady stream of customers and onlookers at this beautiful place of handmade things by local artists. Mostly I am a gift wrapper, but I can show you around, too. Owner Laurie Baron has asked me for some wreaths, a freshly made product I will bring to the store on Monday afternoon for buyers. I’ll be doing a demo between 4 and 6 p.m.

Everytime I’m on the floor, I see something new on display. Believe me, you’re bound to find the perfect gift for your family and friends, or for yourself. Come down to see us and say, “HI!”

Happy Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa!

~ Rebekah

 


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Artist, age 8

22 11 2019

The artist

Mr. Nowack’s Second Grade Class at Le Jardin Academy in Kailua, Oahu, held a special art show this morning. Our beautiful granddaughter Perrin was excited to show us her masterpiece. She has been talking about it for some time.

The work is entitled “Nine Puppies” and was inspired by Andy Worhol’s art, she said. She was the only student who made use of a computer app—Procreate App.

Inspiration and technique

“Nine Puppies” by Perrin

Other works of hers included a mask, a self portrait, “Hot,” and a miniature easel.

Mask by Perrin

Self portrait, Perrin, Nov. 2019

“Hot” by Perrin

Miniature painting on a miniature easel

 

We found Perrin’s explanation of cool colors amusing.

We are so grateful for the school’s emphasis on the arts. You can tell from the photo that the teachers love what they do. Perrin said all three teachers are in the classroom at the same time.

 

From l to r: Papa, Perrin, and Dad

I overheard Perrin’s mom say she would frame “Nine Puppies.”

Perrin, I am very proud to be your Popo. Good job!

~ Rebekah


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Acknowledging Indigenous Peoples Day

14 10 2019

My haʻawina hale (homework) for papa ʻŌlelo (Hawaiian language class) was to write down my moʻokūʻauhau (genealogy) starting with my maternal grandmother. I think it is fitting that I share it on Indigenous Peoples Day. Each of us is indigenous to somewhere. I believe my ancestors were indigenous to China and the Hawaiian Islands.


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A party with my cousins

18 08 2019

Waking up the morning after and recalling so many moments of yesterday, challenged to name the best of them, I settled on the cliché “A good time was had by all.” The occasion was a reunion of about 45 Chong cousins, including partners, from my mother’s side of the family. My mother was the youngest of 13 who lived to adulthood. We descend from Chong How Kong and Pan Siu Chin who met in an orphanage in China.

Aunty Rosa, widow of Kim Kiu was the sole representative of the 2nd generation (who came to Hawai‘i from China) and the only one still living because Kim Kiu married her when she was comparatively younger. And it was fun to see the youth of the 5th generation.

The photos I’m sharing here were made by Jerome Osurman. Thank you, Jerome! Thanks to everyone who participated!

Cousins gather for a lunch at the Kalihi Union Church Welcome Center in Honolulu.

On-screen interviews with small groups will be edited into a new video to come.

Hula maidens Meilin and Kiri. Hula dancer Verdine is on the screen. A video of past family reunions played throughout the day.

Unique table centerpieces composed of a ti-leaf-and-pink-ginger table wreath around a goodie bag of peanut sesame candy and colorful shrimp chips. Note individual favors.

Ashley, Kiri, and Larry peruse the table of door prizes.

Kiri draws the family tree of her grandparents’ clan.

Titus and Rebekah tell viewers it’s time for the younger generation to embrace the “torch.”

5G members Jayson and Aaron

Cousin Laurie, our chief planner extraordinaire

Rebekah (that’s me) offers grace.

A good time was had by all!


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