Mary Dominis, of New England, is credited with bringing the first Christmas to Hawaii in 1858. She was the wife of the first Governor. Last night on an evening tour of Washington Place, the official Governor’s mansion in Honolulu, I was charmed by her handmade ornaments.
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
Christmas music is getting me into the spirit, and I’d like to share the experiences with you.
• Come early for a seat to hear the 100-voice choir I sing in, the Windward Choral Society, at 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 15, at St. John Vianney Church at 920 Keola Drive in Kailua, Oahu.
“For a Breath of Ecstasy” composed by Michael John Trotta with lyrics by Sara Teasdale will be under the baton of Artistic Director Susan McCreary Duprey and accompanied by Pianist Thomas Yee, Organist Jieun Newland, and other talented instrumentalists from around the island.
Open to the public. Freewill donations accepted.
Other choral works include repertoire from Argentina, Canada, France, Japan, America (to include an early American Shaker tune and a piece in Hebrew), South Africa, and Hawaiʻi.
• This Friday, our granddaughters will perform in the Le Jardin Academy student Christmas programs on campus.
• On Saturday evening, the Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus at Kawaiahaʻo Church in Honolulu is offering up Christmas tunes starting 7 p.m. Admission free.
• Prior to the above evening event, I’ll be helping out the Windward Choral Society at Barnes & Nobel bookstore in a fundraiser for the choir. Just make a purchase and mention WCS to the cashier.
• In a members-and-guests only event, a music program will follow the Christmas Dinner at Kaneohe Yacht Club. We’re piggybacking on this occasion with another couple to celebrate Darling Husband’s birthday.
• Washington Place, the Governor’s official mansion, has our name on a guest list. So fancy.
• And into the new year is a three-day workshop on Maui led by well-known visiting composer Mark Hayes.
Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou! Happy New Year! Yahoo!
~ Rebekah
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
Aloha, studio fans!
Just a reminder that you can see what I’m doing In Europe this November. But, you ask, exactly where? I invite you to come with me at http://www.rebekahstravels.wordpress.com
~ Rebekah
Hawaiian moon—Kāne—in the morning
Ten years since 2009 and 83,000 visitors since opening day. Thank you so very much for supporting my blog Rebekah’s Studio. Old-fashioned letters, paintings, and healing. Welcoming you from Kaʻaʻawa, Oʻahu, Hawaiian Islands.
I have written about many topics. Enter the subject of your interest into the Search Box. ~ Rebekah
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