Big, beautiful, colorful holiday gift ideas from me to you

28 11 2012

Perhaps this is the year you want to give something big and long-lasting to your special someone. I have an idea! How about a piece of fine art?

An oil painting that you like, for example, can be more affordable than you think and retains its value over time. It can brighten a home or office interior and bring cheer to the environment.

Most local artists and even art galleries are willing to negotiate retail prices and work with customers to allow them to purchase on layaway — in installments. Don’t be afraid to talk to the artist, ask questions, and perhaps move that item from your wish list to the reality of your collection!

Considering it’s holiday time, and everyone is marketing their wares, here’s some shameless “hard sell” on my part. I invite you to view my virtual gallery of paintings once again at https://rebekahstudio.wordpress.com/paintings/ and hope you’ll consider making a purchase or tell a friend. There are also a few in my retrospective collection that I could be persuaded to part with.

“Clouds Lifting Over Lanihuli”

Hawaiian places — places you have been or places where you’d rather be — are my favorite subject. Each painting is a one-of-a-kind original (sorry, I haven’t made any reproductions) and comes with a frame ready to hang.

Welcome Spring – 2010

Thank you so very much for your consideration! Happy holidays!

“Kuilima Cove”

Looking Down Upon the Path – 2008


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Catching up with Popo

25 11 2012

Before heading off to Italy in October, I purposely held off making plans for after I came back. I thought I would take my time picking up where I left off or starting any new projects in Hawaii. I wanted to be available and present. As it turns out, being open and alert, there’s plenty to do!

I’ve gotten to catch up with my Painting II students and plant the seed of going to Italy, renting a villa, and painting in Tuscany next summer. They’re interested! I learned I need to tack on a make-up day to review the curriculum from the semester. It’s challenging now that holiday activities are filling up the calendar, but we’re doing our best together.

DH and I were unable to schedule the installation of the new wall-to-wall carpet we ordered before we went to Europe. But it went in yesterday to replace the 27-year-old stuff. It was a good reason to pass up shopping the day after Thanksgiving, as we were busy clearing the space for the installer (Kenneth of State Drapery who has been installing carpet for 40 years) who worked alone. It took six hours, and the new carpeting looks and feels great. I just need to clear the studio—to where we moved all the furniture to accommodate the carpet installation—before the next painting class. 😉

I’ve resumed my going to tai chi class and the alumni glee club rehearsals. I enjoy that.

Most importantly, I’m blessed to be able to spend time with my hanai mom, who is recuperating from surgery. This Thanksgiving all the adult kids (my hanai brothers and sisters), except Ruth, for various reasons remarkably weren’t here! Even DH and I stayed at our own home. Holidays have always been important to Mom. You can’t tell, but she’s 84 now, has failing eyesight, and a big house to maintain. She still works outside the home in the community. Her surgery was successful. Before long she will be up and about as usual.

I found out Mom is going to spend Christmas with eldest son David and Cherie and family this year. That’s good! Meanwhile, Ruth has accepted my proposal to give her some relief with the care giving, and I’m happy and privileged to keep Mom happy!

Copyright 2012 Rebekah Luke

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Meditation

21 11 2012

For the Hawaiian Makahiki and the American Thanksgiving season, Rebekah’s Studio offers a meditation from 2008.

“In This Place”

Here, in this place, I am thankful for
The feeling of peace
The sea the ocean the waves
The green mountains — that there are mountains
The peach and lavender sky — only here
The sunrises and the starlit skies
The Hawaiian people and how we love each other
The genuineness and the caring
How we all appreciate
That we can grow our food and touch the ʻāina
That we have fresh water and clean air
That we hold on to our values and cherish our relationships
That our keiki have a place to play
That it is easy to see our Source.
Just look around!
 
~ Rebekah Oe-Len Kehaulani Luke

Reprinted from ‘Umeke Writings: An Anthology, edited by Rebekah Luke and Meleanna Meyer, published by Na Kamalei—K.E.E.P., 2008  (ISBN: 978-1-935111-00-9).


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Faithful Pua

14 11 2012

Pua’s a sweet dog. She always greets us. She comes when called. She minds when we say, “Go to your place,” unlike Alice Brown, who is, shall we say, spoiled. Today’s entry is dedicated to Pua. Miss Marvelous always asks to see Pua over Skype, so I made these photos yesterday and sent the prints off to her in Italy so she can always see her canine friend. DH takes Pua for a walk at least once a day. At Kalaeokaoio park she loves to run and dig crabs out of the sand.

Pua at Kalaeokaoio

Waiting

Copyright 2012 Rebekah Luke

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I’m back from Italy

11 11 2012

Thanks for coming with me to Italy! I’m here at the studio now, getting back in the groove. If you missed my adventure, you can see it at “Popo Goes to Italy,” though it will be in reverse chronological order. I just posted the final entry at that site. I really saw and did a lot!

While in Italy, I found some time to paint in oil. I shipped some supplies ahead for convenience, unsure if I could get them at my destination. As it turned out, the frame shop at commissary at which I had privileges through our son-in-law was well stocked.

This is the view from the house, at the foot of Campiglione. Inside the crater is a large recreation area for US Armed Forces personnel and their families. DH and I went there several times with Miss Marvelous and her family.

My finished painting of Campiglione, a volcano in Campania, Italy

My set up. Painting is unfinished.

En plein air. My view from the balcony.

Copyright 2012 Rebekah Luke

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Gone to Italy!

9 10 2012

Tomorrow my Darling Husband and I leave for Napoli, Italy, and I plan to post my experiences of the next four weeks on my new travel blog.  “Popo Goes to Italy” is found at http://rebekahstravels.wordpress.com. Please head on over!

We’re eager to see our kids.

As we readied for the trip to visit 3-year-old Miss Marvelous and her family, what a pleasure and how wonderful it was to have two Italian friends visit the studio this past week to keep us enthused.

The first was young Sofia, who came to O‘ahu with her mother Lisa and her grandmother, my friend and author of The Hakka Cookbook: Chinese Soul Food from around the World, Linda Lau Anusasananan. Sofia’s father is Italian, and his relatives reside around Napoli. Lisa, who lived in Italy, coached us on some Italian phrases, and we practiced speaking with a correct accent. Sofia and Alice Brown made friends quickly. Almost age 3, Sofia reminded us what it’s like in the company of a toddler!

Me, Sofia, and Lisa

The second Italian is Joe, who’s here now. Joe’s relatives are from Napoli, too! Whenever DH and I have the itch to travel, we need to consider our animals. Having a trusted house- and pet-sitter gives us peace of mind. Joe arrived yesterday from Florida—this is a vacation for him, too—and the animals adore him.

Bossy Ula the cat, in the foreground of dappled light, seems to approve of Joe, in white shirt with Alice Brown. But she’s still wary of the larger dog Pua, at left with DH.

Copyright 2012 Rebekah Luke

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Two of everything. The twins turn 1.

7 10 2012

A milestone among our circle of friends was the Weiss twins turning one. Kingston and Eva were born prematurely a year ago Saturday to Greg and Kaui Weiss. So, the celebration of their important 1st birthday was a Baby Luau at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu!

Beautiful, happy family — Greg, Kingston, Kaui and Eva Weiss

With a big extended family and neighborhood helpers like me, the kuleana (jobs) were divided among many to take care of things like setting up, decorating, entertainment, guest book table, gifts, food and beverage.

The Hawaiian food buffet included kalua pig, chicken long rice, opihi, squid luau, lomi lomi salmon, sweet potato, haupia, and pineapple. While waiting for the buffet line to open, guests could feast on raw fish, edamame, crispy fried salmon, and pipikaula.

Aunty DeeDee and Aunty Nona provided the flowers to decorate. Uncle Peter was the emcee. Cousin Leiohu greeted guests at the reception table. Gigi sang Hawaiian songs, and Piʻi danced hula. Special vouchers could be swapped for admission to the museum attractions for the day; that interested the kids as well as the adults.

Among the many family and friends who came from near and far was this foursome: the babies’ grandaunt Bobbie (from left), John, and maternal grandparents Creighton and Cathy. The Museumʻs Hawaiian Hall is in the background.

Tutu Cathy with the pink tree she made for the guestbook table.

The gift bag was the cutest!


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