"Lets talk story" Nalani's Blog..................

LUIKA M. PELEKANE KAMAKA, 69, of Honolulu, died June 23, 2008. Born in Kailua, Kona, Hawai'i. A teacher of Hawaiian quilting, haku lei and wreath-making. Survived by sons, Edward,  Edgar, Edwin and Edison; six grandchildren; sisters, Jeannie "Mary" Lippincott and Brenda Daog. Visitation 4:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary; service 6 p.m. Burial 10 a.m. July 7 at Kona Memorial Park. No flowers. Aloha attire.

 Kupuna

Translation: Elder

Meaning: Grandmother or Grandfather

If not for our Kupuna's teachings I would probably lose my temper or get angry when people try to destroy our teachings, culture or even our reputations. Its funny that "This is the way it is". You set goals and once you reach them you set higher goals. You try to pass on "Good" good sayings, good teachings, good words to live by. You move forward and ignore the ignorant ones comment or the envious words that are meant to hurt. You move forward because you are strong and you deserve only the best. Its because I have learned many things from my Kupuna a long time ago. The teachings was to never let someone make you feel weak or let someone tell you you are weak. Have strength to stand strong and move away from people like this. So thats what I do......I stay away from people that intentional hurt others. Its not the Hawaiian way. If you cannot speak kindly of others then dont speak.

In my business most everything I know was taught to me by people who are long gone now.  My Kupuna's.

I try to be the very best in what I do by passing on the teachings of what my Kupuna's have taught me.  I remember clearly that Aunty Debbie (Tutu) always said "treat people the way that you would want to be treated yourself and only good will come to you". She told me to keep the art of Hawaiian quilting alive and pass on her teachings and thats what I do. Thats why I'm here. I'm here to teach. I'm not here to discredit others or pass judgement on others.

I'm a good friend, I listen support and respect everyone. I welcome you to join me and my ohana and learn the true meaning of Aloha & Ohana. My life has its challenges but "I am at peace with who I am and why I am here". I am here to continue the legacy of Hawaii'a best Master quilter "Aunty Debbi Kakalia" and I'm very proud of that.

I may not have much but what I have plenty of I am willing to share and that is "The Aloha spirit"

"Aloha Spirit" 

 "Aloha Spirit" is the coordination of mind and heart within each person. It brings each person to the self. Each person must think and emote good feelings to others. In the contemplation and presence of the life force, "Aloha", the following unuhi laula loa may be used:

"Akahai", meaning kindness, 
to be expressed with tenderness; 

"Lokahi", meaning unity, 
to be expressed with harmony;

"Oluolu", meaning agreeable, 
to be expressed with pleasantness;

"Haahaa", meaning humility, 
to be expressed with modesty;

"Ahonui", meaning patience, 
to be expressed with perseverance.

These are traits of character that express the charm, warmth and sincerity of Hawaii's people. It was the working philosophy of native Hawaiians and was presented as a gift to the people of Hawaii. "Aloha" is more than a word of greeting or farewell or a salutation. "Aloha" means mutual regard and affection and extends warmth in caring with no obligation in return. "Aloha" is the essence of relationships in which each person is important to every other person for collective existence. "Aloha" means to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen and to know the unknowable.

As most of you know I've had several misfortunes in our family within the last two years with the last being the death of my brother inlaw Ralph.  Its been very stressful and the only thing that I can say that helped me through all of this was my faith in our lord and of course all of your wonderful emails and prayers. I know we are blessed when we have so many people from all over the world who support us not only for the love of our culture and art but, as human beings who care, worry  and pray for us also. Its amazing.

While I was away attending my brother inlaws funeral several meetings, classes and workshops had to be postphoned and I couldnt meet with people who just wanted to see me. I have had a few emails or comments made that I was making myself unavailable? I really hate that I have to actually defend myself over silly people making up stories to make me look bad. Geeeeez, grow up. Shit happens whenever I have an emergency and a few disgrunted people take it personal and think I'm avoiding them!!!. Oh, now I'll probably get ridiculed for using the word shit!!!

I am commited to my work, culture and ohana and I give 100% or more each an everyday to not only satisfy everyone but to also satisfy myself and keep up with my never ending goal of being the best that I can be. So if I fail to meet you at your convinience or if I fail to complete your order or make a meeting please, please forgive me.. I am only one person doing the best that I can.

These last few days have been spent trying to get back to normal in our house. My husband is still in mourning and I am exhausted with a short trip that was rushed yet seemed so long and trying to get myself back into the groove of things. I think I answered most of the 400 something emails that was waiting for me (most was advertisements) once I got over the jetlag. Today I start with designing a new pattern for my NOA ohana in Japan, Cutting a long awaited wall hanging order, prepping for a workshop tomorrow (2 Kiyohara's students) and helping Kulani design his new webstore that we will launch soon.

Next week I hope to meet with NOA instructor Michie Kiyohara and take her to Waihiawa Botanical Gardens, finish orders, schedule more workshops with NOA and also more meetings regarding new classes in town. I will also help my husband James celebrate his 44th birthday on June 23rd... 

Mahalo nui loa to NOA for being so supportive while I was away and helping Kulani and I take care of business both in Japan and Hawaii. Mahalo nui loa also to my instructors and students who sent emails and prayers. Wow, you are all no ka oi "The best"......

Aloha,

E komo mai to our new NOA instructors. We welcome you with the spirit of aloha and thank you for joining the best Hawaiian quilt association in Japan. NOA is getting bigger and bigger by the day and we have so much planned for our future. Kulani and I will do a tour of Japan this fall and look forward to seeing all of you again.

You are now a part of the most elite group of quilters in Japan and we are very proud to have you and your students in our ohana. We have a very strong support system and know you will be happy to know that you are protected and will always be taken care of. That is what Ohana is all about. We stick together, protect eachother, support eachother and speak kindly with respect towards one another. I updated the Instructor page so please take a look.

Mahalo nui loa to all of our instructors, students, family and friends for all of your support.

We are back with full force.... NOA "No ka oi" (The best)

Aloha,

We finally arrived back to Honolulu yesterday afternoon after a very long 11 1/2 hour flight....

The last few days were spent either flying or driving from state to state.

Our trip was for the soul purpose of laying my husbands older brother Ronald "Ralph" Goard to rest. Ronald died on June 3, 2008 at the age of 47. He was the same age as me..

My husband had the chance to meet family that he hasn't seen since he was a very little boy or never met before. There were some very tense but yet healing moments during our trip to West Virginia. The country side of West Virginia is breathtaking. Its beautiful mountains, streams and landscapes are picture perfect. It took us 8 hours from Detroit Michigan to drive to Montgumery West, Virginia.

We would like to thank and send our love to cousin Mike Goard (West Virginia) who took us into his home without hesitation and helped to make funeral arrangements before we arrived. He also cooked us a very tasty southern meal. You have a very beautiful home and we really enjoyed our stay. We wished we could have stayed longer!!! Our home is always open to you when you come to Hawaii.

We would also like to thank Carla Williams of Cleveland, Ohio for accompanying my Husband along with his sister Stacy, nephew Terrell and niece Whitney to West Virginia to see their Brother/Uncle before he actually passed away. Thank you for being there for him before I could fly up myself...Also thank you Carla for opeing your house to James and Terrell "Man" Goard who opened his home to us also.

We travelled from Cleveland, Ohio to Detroit, Michigan to pick up Linda Goard (James's Oldest sister) and proceeded our drive to West Virginia.  Linda took us in for the two days we spent in Detroit. That was a another blessing for us and we thank you Linda. It was so much fun travelling all the way to Montgumery, Virginia with you and listening to your childhood stories. Mahalo to niece Tonya for all of your support through all of this.

In 5 days I travelled from Hawaii to Chicago to Cleveland, Ohio, to Detroit. Michigan, to Montgumery West Virginia back to Detroit, Michigan, back to Cleveland Ohio, to Chicago back to Honolulu. Lots of driving and flying!!!!

It was very nice to see all of our family in each of these states and it's just sad that it had to be for a funeral.

Lifes too short - We need to make more time to see eachother no matter how far away we are. Take the time to travel and see your love ones while they are alive and healthy. Do it now before you cant do it at all!!!!

It's now time to catch up with my sleep!!!! We thank all of you who sent us well wishes and prayers..

God bless us all.

Aloha,

This is just a reminder that if you are from Japan and would like to see me or have a workshop with me you will need to contact NOA. They will assist you and help to make arrangements to meet with me.

This will guarantee you a reservation to see me. NOA will give you directions, help with translations, assist with payments. Please contact those below for further information.

Takako Seino takako@toko-t.co.jp

Tel: 81-3-3833-3542   Fax: 81-3-3832-6930

Akira Higuchi - nalanis-ohana-info@xenda.co.jp