Beachwalks 770 – Memorial Day in the Pacific, Revisited

This Memorial Day rerun is one of our favorites. It has a timeless message and Shane’s shooting and editing is evocative and powerful.

We originally filmed this episode for Memorial Day in 2006. But it clearly stands out as a timeless message, and represents the true essence of Beach Walks – even though it was not filmed on a beach! It was completely unscripted, no shot list, we just showed up and worked as fast as we could before the sun set. Sometimes, you know the universe is on your side. Today’s show was filmed at the Hawaii Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. 50,000 leis were donated, and over 100 young Scouts placed a lei and a flag on each gravestone. I was quite stirred to be in the presence of death while smelling the sweet scent of plumeria lei. Though most of those buried here are from modern wars, this “punchbowl” of an ancient volcano was the site of Hawaiian aliʻi burials and human sacrifice of those who violated the kapu or taboos. May all who died suffering, rest in peace today.

If this military topic resonates with you, may I suggest our 7-episode series filmed on the USS Nimitz, where Rox, a former anti-Vietnam war protester, spends the night with 4500 US Navy sailors and air force fighter pilots.

Hawaiian words:
Puowaina: hill of sacrifice
Kaua: war
Kapu: taboo
Maluhia: peace

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Beachwalk 769 – Get Off Your Case

I laid out my to do lists and got some crazy math! It helped me understand why I am behind on a few things. Note to self: I realized that the more I stay off my case the more I get done!

Have you noticed this explosion of opportunity and possibility? Well it brings along with it “a lot of stuff to do.” In fact the easier something is, the more likely I am to put it on a list somewhere. This is creating some fun challenges in the time-space continuum however. Translation: I sometimes get behind and my personal goals get shoved into tomorrow. Writing it all out and seeing the math on paper made a big impact on me! So much so, that I found time with my Secret Cameraman and Lexi to record this video note to self: get off your case about being “behind” and keep resetting priorities.

Why does that matter? Because for me life is all about the energy. I’ve learned that criticism only slows me down. If I am down in the dumps, I am not energized or creative – you know, those attributes that help me get things done. There is also this magical side benefit. When I am all lit up, I see many things that I don’t have to do anymore – they just get handled “in my absence.” #HowCoolIsThat?

OK, so what is your secret sauce for staying ahead of (or letting go of) those 21st century wish lists aka to do lists?

Hawaiian Word
Hoʻomāmā – to lighten up

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Beach Walk 762 – Whale Instead of Sail on Maui

Come swimming with us on Maui and listen to the sounds of whales underwater.

We were visiting Maui as guests of the Maui Visitors Bureau and were booked for a sailing canoe venture. This was going to be the highlight of my week as you all know how much I love the Hawaiian canoe! But, the wind was in town and the trip was canceled, much to my disappointment.

Maui is not called the “Magic Isle” for nothing though! Since we were already at the beach, we went in for a swim. The water is clear and beautiful so naturally I was underwater straight away. And then I heard something really familiar, but familiar only from my iPod not from “real life.”

Sure enough, it was the whales singing to me, “Don’t be disappointed Rox! We’re out here in the deep water reminding you all is well! Swim in this warm beautiful sea and you’ll find fun and pleasure all around you.” I cannot tell you how excited I was! In all my years of being underwater and seeing whales from boats, I have never once heard them singing while underwater. It was such a good reminder for all of us on vacation: don’t get too attached to any one thing! As Vene said, “there are treasures and mysteries awaiting us” – if we let it all flow.

Links:
Maui Sailing Canoe Adventures
Ulalena

Please go explore the VisitMauiBlog for more stories, photos, and videos of our week on Maui. It is the perfect way to spend a little time on Maui and to plan your next vacation or business retreat. Mahalo nui to the Maui Visitors Bureau for inviting us to be their guests.

Hawaiian word:
Hoʻokalakupua: magic

This episode was sponsored by the Maui Visitors Bureau.

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Beach Walk 761 – Kani Ka Pila at Ulupalakua Ranch

We’re on Maui! Meet musician George Kahumoku at the Ulupalakua Ranch.

I was hired by the Maui Visitors Bureau to assemble a team of new media bloggers and podcasters to participate in a week-long press trip to Maui. You are the lucky beneficiaries! In this second episode, filmed on-site at the Ulupalakua Ranch, I introduce you to George Kahumoku, a slack key guitarist and multi-talented person – like so many Hawaiians! You must watch this to learn about his many talents. I love the title of today’s episode as it has the rhythm of the Hawaiian language in these long yet simple words. Just say each one slowly as it is written; or do as my friend Shel Israel suggests, and say it 10 times fast!

Please go explore the VisitMauiBlog for more stories, photos, and videos of our week on Maui. It is the perfect way to spend a little time on Maui and to plan your next vacation or business retreat. Mahalo nui to the Maui Visitors Bureau for inviting us to be their guests.

Hawaiian word:
Kani ka pila: play music (an afternoon tradition in Hawaii)
Ulu: to grow, spread, protect
Palakua: to ripen to perfection

This episode was sponsored by the Maui Visitors Bureau.

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Beach Walk 757 – Waves Washing Over Us

This walk on the beach in Maui is a type of shadow play and a rare glimpse of seeing Secret Cameraman at work!

This is a little venture into avante garde film-making, as the camera perspective and what you see on screen is a bit unusual. No talking, just walking and some gorgeous waves here to wash away whatever shadows may be dogging any of us. On a side note, I had the most fun interview ever with Dave Moyer and Kym Huynh of Wordcast Conversations and they got me all energized to post a new episode! I’ll post the link to it when it goes live.

Please visit Kenneth Makuakane’s web site to learn more about his new CD, The Dash. I think his music works perfectly in this episode and he is so generous to share it with us.

Hawaiian word:
hoʻoaka: to cast a shadow

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