Rebekah’s Studio

Aloha, studio fans! Makahiki season is open in Hawai‘i and it’s the reason there’s been a gap in my posts.

As with some other cultures, Makahiki is the time—between now and January or February of next year, when Makali‘i (the Pleiades constellation) is overhead at 8 p.m.—to take a break from working and warring, the time to give thanks to a successful harvest/year, the time to enjoy the success, and the time to play!

Many folks don’t realize it’s perfectly all right to relax and do nothing, especially with today’s fast-paced-because-of-technology lifestyle. Since coming home from Italy I’ve felt a little out of sorts, not centered. I’ve decided to observe Makahiki and quit thinking too much about what project I’m doing tomorrow. Right now I’m feeling more comfortable arranging to spend good times with friends and relatives. As it should be.

2013 has been an incredible year of expansion and growth for me. I admit much of it was planned, that is, I intended to have new experiences and learn new skills. But the outcomes—after I’d planted the seeds and released them to the Universe to nurture—were so very surprising, so delightful, so supportive of my wish to create. It’s made me a believer of how to live a happy life.

Just a few more notes . . . I promise you, the hard part is over. The next few weeks will be fun.

• The final week of my “Hana Hou: Then & Now” fine art show with co-exhibitor Tamsen Fox at Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden. We just enjoy more visitors and sales through Nov. 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Then we uninstall. If you live on O‘ahu, I hope you will have time to see it.

• Several music gigs singing Christmas music to various audiences around town. Rehearsals with the choir are pau (finished). Now we just perform and enjoy.

• The kids and grandkids—Miss Marvelous and her younger sister who turns 2 this week—will be home from Italy for December and through the New Year! That will be fun. All grandparents can relate to that! This past weekend DH set up the toddler’s bed. We can hardly wait to greet them Hawaiian style with lei.

• Teaching: I’ve found a new classroom that can accommodate more students in my future art and Reiki classes. Excited to make the final arrangements soon. Meanwhile, a wreath-making workshop led by Yours Truly is already scheduled for Dec. 14 in Kāneʻohe. Let me know if you want to attend!

• Eleven, I just counted 11, celebrations and parties are logged on the remaining calendar for 2013 so far. How fortunate. I look forward to socializing with my relatives and friends, young and older, from near and far, from school days to my newest relationships.

You see, why work when we can play? Let’s take a little rest. We are so lucky and so blessed. I am very grateful.

Copyright 2013 Rebekah Luke