Focusing......

It's been awhile since we've updated our blog; partly because of the speed of life as well as discovering the joy of Facebook and more recently Twitter. One of the benefits that this blog site offers that others may not is the opportunity to create a simple, personal journal of sorts. All that being said, here's a quick entry about what's been going on with Makalani photography.

As you know, I belong to Women in Focus here in Atlanta, Ga which affords its' members the opportunity to participate in various photography exhibits. The most recent exhibit is titled, 'Dear World' and was held in conjunction with Sistagraphy (another Atlanta-based photography club) and more importantly highlighted 'Girls, Inc.' Members from both clubs accompanied girls from Girls, Inc. on two photography field trips; Chattahoochee Nature Center and Little Five Points. Unfortunately I wasn't able to participate in either due to previous commitments, but am going to make a point to mark my calendar well in advance for the upcoming field trips.



The pieces that I entered in the exhibit were very literal interpretations the theme Dear World and I actually look forward to continuing that theme in the future.


During the first reception on March 2nd, Robert, Chelle and I took a closer look at the girl's photography, as well as read the accompanying narratives. I was inspired and felt a new sense of hope for the future as I got a glimpse into their fresh, young, confident minds. The show runs from March 2nd to March 27th at the Central Library, and you'll have an opportunity to meet the girls in person at the second reception Saturday, March 14th from 2pm to 4pm.

I mentioned that I have begun to spend time on the virtual world of Twitter, where I met Hugh of ZaZa Gallery. They have, by far the BEST prices I've ever see for canvas prints. $25 for an 8x10, $49 for a 16x20 and $99 for a 20x30! I am ordering the 8x10 today and will make sure to report back to you on the final product once I receive it. I am still trying to figure out what photo I want to have done....

I'd also like to share a couple of other websites that you will find very interesting if you would like to continue to learn more about the art of photography.

• Weekly Photo Tips - Scott offers great product reviews, as well as highlighting many talented photographers in the industry.
  
• The Mindful Eye - Here Craig Tanner and his business partners offer Daily Critiques, Photoshop tutorials as well as general inspiration for pushing your personal limits in the arena of photography.
  

Where did 2008 go?

In a fleeting moment, 2008 was gone. As with it's predecessors, 2008 brought many happy moments as well as a wave of sadness.

• Kapena, dear brother, son, uncle and friend, left us this past April for the ultimate paradise. We will always cherish your memory Kapena.
  

Robert & I are proud to let you know that there are two graduates in the family during 2008:

• Becca graduated from high school in May and has gone on to the University of Wisconsin Eauclair to pursue her degree.
  
• Chelle graduated from the University of Wisconsin Eauclair this past December with a degree in Marketing. We are also excited to have her join us here in Atlanta during her job search.
  

We would also like to announce that there is a new member of the family that joined us early in the year.

• Her name is Leilani, perhaps you've already read about her. Robert & I rescued her from a local thrift shop and she has been quite the traveler/partier since then. Noe felt that she needed company and sent her a 'mail-order' boyfriend, Kimo. Well, don't you all know that they work really quick as many of you have already received one of their offspring this past Christmas. Don't worry - we'll keep an eye on them....

As most of you know, our motto is 'Work Hard, Play Hard' and this year was no different. If it seems as if we crammed alot in this past year, also know that we worked like crazy. Or maybe it was Robert who did...... We have both been with our employers for over 20 years (Thank you employers!), therefore have quite a bit of vacation time. So, here's a brief snapshot of our vacations - hope I didn't miss any.

• March brought Mary from South America through Atlanta on her way to back to Alaska. She has already done more than most of us will do in a lifetime. What a wonderful sense of adventure she has! Dad came down from Nashville to visit with her, as he does each fall and spring. This year, Uncle Ron and Aunt Judith also joined us on their way down to Florida (or was it back from???) It was fabulous to catch up with everyone.
• The end of May found us in Appleton/Neenah, Wisconsin for Becca's high school graduation. Where does the time go? Kawika met us there (he's a regular frequent flyer now) and was greeted by Brayden saying, 'Uncle Veeka'! We had a great time hanging out at Jessie & Sky's house, especially at their Driveway Party and their new Basement Bar. We visited and toured the Lienenkugel's Brewery with Jess, Michelle, Becca & Kawika. Who can forget Robert's famous line when the tour guide asked, "So where are you guys from?" to which Robert replied, "Hawaii". Oh really, the tour guide says, "What brought you here?" You can probably guess what Robert said, but I'll humor you anyway - "an airplane." Said tour guide indicated that he would tell the jokes! Ha! We also checked out the annual 'Cheese Fest' and had a combined birthday party for Brayden & Kawika, which was alot of fun! Becca's graduation was great and we made noise with bells, an air horn and hoot n' hollars even though we had been advised otherwise....... Her party was a blast too! Lots of food, friends, music and games. We had so much fun!
  
• July - Sara, Ken & Eyore came to visit for a weekend. We hung out at the house, went to dinner at the Bistro and listened to Premonition perform. Great relaxing weekend.
  
• End of August - so I'm at work and Robert calls me to say that he is off Saturday, Sunday and Monday and wants to drive to Kansas City to see Kawika play soccer on Sunday. Yahoo!!!! Roadtrip! Kawika scored the only goal of the game! We also visited the infamous 18th & Vine, and were fortunate enough to catch a performance by the McFadden Brothers. Their performance is the kind of stuff referenced in the song Kansas City. And to top the weekend off, we hung out with Chris and Kawika all day and ended with a authentic KC BBQ dinner. It doesn't get any better than that!
  
• I had the opportunity to visit Orlando twice this year! August with Angela & the boys, then December with Mike, Angela, Nathan & Elijah. August found us at Wet n' Wild, while both trips had exciting trips to Chuckie Cheese! It is so wonderful just to spend quality time with the kids. Christmas was especially memorable this year since Mike is home.
  
• Thanksgiving was a Family Reunion time for us here in Hotlanta. Kawika, Angela & the boys, Jess & Sky and Chris & Tommy, AND let's not forget Dexter - joined us for a week full of family fun. We had a big pre-holiday party for our friends at which Nathan welcomed everyone by saying, "Welcome to our Snowman party, we're glad you came." The snowman part was his personal touch! We had a great time at Bass Pro in their little Christmas Wonderland, and then at the rock climbing wall watching Chris, Tommy & Kawika give it a try. Nathan, Elijah, Kawika & the boys next door all watched in amazament as Dexter performed tricks under Chris's watchful eye. We had a fun afternoon at the Marietta Square eating pizza and playing tag in the park. Thanksgiving was wonderful as we all shared our thankfulness for family with each other. The week ended too soon, but we were already making plans for the next event.
  

Additional Newsworthy Items.....

• Robert & Sheri have the decorating BUG!!!!
• We were sitting in the basement after returning from Wisconsin this past June, and looked around at the bland wall color and furniture arrangement. We thought about how much we really liked the decor at HuHot, a restaurant we visited on our last day there and decided that we would paint the room. An hour later, we were at The Home Depot buying Behr paint, drop cloths, brushes, etc. One week later - we were done!
  
• I went to the fabric store with my friend Denice as she was planning to reupholster two of her grandmother's chairs. I found a fabric that I like, cut a sample and went back to buy it about a week later with my friend Cheryl in tow. My plan was to reupholster a chair in the small bedroom and use the remainder to make a couple of pillows. I was so inspired by the colors of the fabric that I bought paint in complementary colors and painted the room. The fabric wound up being a comforter and sham. Fun, fun, fun..... I think one of the best things I like about this room is the letters on the wall that spell, imagine.
  
• Fast forward to December, with Robert getting the bug to change the garage around a little. He was tired of the gold and silver lame' that we had hung to hide the storage area when we have parties, as well as the fifties record tablecloths that covered the bare stud walls..... Neither one of us know what exactly inspired us to completely redo the garage, but before you knew it - we were well on our way! An 'Endless Summer' poster was the color inspiration. Ceilings in light blue, walls in teal, light yellow and brown and the floor covered with outdoor grass carpeting. The windows are covered with curtains made from Robert's old Aloha shirts. The bar is the old pulpit (purchased from an antique store a couple of years ago), with the top removed and a new bar platform added. It is covered in Hawaiin honu (turtle) fabric that Jessie gave to us many years ago and enclosed in a clear resin coat. Add bamboo furniture secured from local antique and thrift shops and a custom sign and you've got 'Leilani's Aloha Lounge'! We've got a sound system, free WiFi and cable TV on the wall. If we don't answer the front door, just knock on the garage door as that's where we'll be!
  

• Mike comes home to be with his beautiful wife Angela and his sons, Nathan & Elijah!
  

• Larry Savage (of Totally Savage) and Kari Conolly (of The Barry Richmond Band) are wed on a perfect October 4th in a fabulous backyard ceremony!
  

• Premonition plays the Grandies (Hyatt Employee Appreciation Event), the Sun Valley Festival and Shopping with a Hero, in addition to many gigs at local establishments.
  

• Chris & Tommy move from the windy city and purchase their first home/loft in Pittburgh!
  

• A tornado hits downtown Atlanta in early March....

• Tony Stewart leaves Gibbs Racing to be a co-owner of his own team, and make one last stop at the corporate THD offices to show his appreciation. Joey Logano signs with Joe Gibbs Racing!
  

• Sheri displays a few photographs in local art shows....

• A few of our favorite local businesses closed due to tough economic times; Crystal's on the Square, Three Bears Cafe and The Bistro. Please remember to get out there and support your local businesses!
  

• The Strand opens and King's Row Antiques moves AND changes their name to LimeLights! Please make sure that you get out there to support them!
  

• Robert & Sheri host three parties this year for their fabulous friends!!! Our motto is 'Work Hard, Play Hard' and you help to make that possible!
  

Thanks to our family and friends for making this such a memorable year! We love you!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Happy Anniversary Darlin'

Kenui,
I always knew that I would find you! It's hard to believe that this is already our 2nd wedding anniversary and that we have been together for 5 and a half years. The best is yet to come Darlin'!
Forever Love,

Sheri

Gladiolas & Aloha Shirts

It's been awhile since we've updated our blog, so here goes! Just a few random snippits from the edges of our world....

• Gladiolas - As I ventured through Publix, one of our favorite groceries - with the exception of Harry's of course, gathering fixin's for that evening's meal of pasta, fresh mozarella, french bread and Ruffino Chianti, I spied them. There they were next to the prim and proper roses; tall-stemmed, free spirited gladiolas with the gentlest of peach hues that beckoned me. In a fleeting moment, the memories of the front yard with Mom planting her gladiolas came rushing back causing a smile as I placed them in the cart for the beginning of their journey home to our kitchen table.
  
• Aloha shirts - I am constantly on the lookout everywhere I go for the elusive silky aloha shirt for my dear Kenui; Robert as most of you know him by. It is always quite a catch to find those that are adorned with gorgeous hula girls, but alas they seem to be few and far between. Word of warning is to always steer clear of the cotton tourist print, you've seen them - red or blue flowers ..... sure sign that you've visited one of the major tourist attractions in Hawaii and bought the family matching shirts! I just took a look at some of his favorites; Carribean Blues, Banana Cabana, Paradise Found, Ocean Currents, Pineapple Connection, Ocean Pacific and Holo Holo are some of the great & imaginative labels these shirts are manufactured under.
  
• Peachtree Camera Repair Shop - is one of the best you will ever come across! For those of you who use digital SLR cameras, you know how important a 'clean' camera is. These are the folks that do warranty work for Wolfe Camera and other major retailers nationwide, and boy do they have a deal on cleanings! You can buy a card for $150 and get six cleanings per year! That is an amazing 50% off and I tell you that I just could not pass it up.
  
• Across the Universe - as seen on our new Blue Ray Disc player the other night was simply amazing! For those who may not be familiar with this movie, it is a must see for anyone growing up in the 60's. A Beatles inspired movie in which the writers and producers built a story around the Beatles songs and historical events of the 60's. Robert & I laughed, gasped many 'wows' and cried (or was that just me?) as we watched this incredible movie/musical on the crystal clear big screen. Note of interest: believe it or not, I stayed awake through the entire movie - proof positive it is phenomenal!
  
• Willie Rae's - it's been entirely too long since we ate there, so we decided to drop by the other evening. Mike greeted us with hugs and handshakes (you guess who;-0) and sat us at our favorite table at the window. We started off with Ahi Tuna Poke, a Corona and a top shelf Margarita (El Eduardo) while Robert pondered over the menu. It doesn't take me long at all to figure out what I want, as I always order the fish taco dinner. Robert chose the pork chop special which he couldn't quit talking about. (and you know that's something coming from the Chef himself...)
  
• Digital Arts Studio - is one of the venues hosting a show for the Women in Focus club I belong to. I dropped off two pieces that will be displayed amongst all of the other fabulous photographer's work from October 4th to 31st. By the way.... my good friend Denice actually has one of her photographs on the advertisement postcard for this event! Way to go girl!
  
• Forsythe Fabrics - This place is addicting...... If you have never been there, just remember that I told you so! I found some fabulous fabric that I will be using to cover two chairs in the small 'antique' bedroom of our house. Along with this, my favorite Behr paint will be applied to the walls to give the room an updated 'funky' look. Leapfrog on three walls and peacock on one. Can't wait for you to see it the next time you're here.
  

There's so much more going on, but I really need to get to The Home Depot to pick up the paint for the bedroom and get started on that project! Until the next time..... Aloha!

Reason #58 Why I Love The Marietta Square

If you live or drive anywhere near the Marietta Square, you may have had the opportunity to check out the 'Art in the Park' event this past weekend. If you aren't so fortunate - I'll share the highlights with you. (Or at least the ones that I think are highlights!)

Cheryl & I took a tour of this juried art show (I promise there is NO junk being sold here!) and had brunch at Shillings. I also checked out a few of my favorite Shops on the Square; Alchemy (fabulous proprietor Laura & great one of a kind jewelry), Go Fish, Doodlebugz, Kings Row Antiques (Susie & Greg will make you feel welcome!), L Michelle, Status and Cinnamon & Sage.

Here's a few of my favorite vendors from the excursion:
* George Howell Studios
* Bill Sargeant Photography
* Wild Wacky Women by Suzy Toronto
* Flower Town Beads
* Scott Henderson - Low Country Photographer
* Rocwood Studios


Cheryl & I had such a good time that I convinced Robert to go back on Monday to check out the above vendors and here's what we bought!

This is from Bill Sargeant's booth (you can also order on his website under the Salt Spray Zone collection.) You'll find this in our upstairs guest bathroom when you visit.

These turtles (honu) are from Rocwood Studios, whose home is right here in the ATL. We got the three small ones, and their home is on our back porch Margaritaville!

As if this wasn't enough fun, Robert & I ate at the Marietta Pizza Company, then went to visit our friends, Loose Change who were playing at Doc's in Smyrna.

Fast forward to tomorrow, and you'll find us at the Marietta Square once more for First Friday Art Walk taking in the smooth jazz sounds of the Greg Mauldin Trio at Kings Row Antiques, and visiting all of our favorite shops listed above.

Again, if you are fortunate enough to live or visit this area - Marietta Square is a must! From the great shops, eclectic events, the Strand Theatre rennovation, the eateries, Marietta Wine Market, Scaryetta Ghost Tour - there's something for everyone. Come on down, visit Robert & me and check out the locals at the Marietta Square!

This just in,,,,,,

from Kansas City...... 

Young Kawika Pope scores the only goal for Premier League KC Fusion as his Father & Mother proudly look on! The pressure was on as this U12 team played its' first game of the season on a new, larger field against the U 13 team, KC Rangers. He kept his cool, seized the moment  and scored at the first available opportunity as the crowd went wild! 

Congratulations to our very own MVP Kawika! 

Family!

They say you can choose your friends, but not your family....

If I had a choice, I would choose exactly the family we have!