Inspired by Austin Kleon, I thought I would do my list too, but don't think I can get to 100. I am thankful to my iphone and the times that I remember to take photos, which act as memory cues. 1. It was in January 2018 that we experienced the false missile scare. That's a weird way to start this list, but it was impactful (oh ha ha). As I recall it, I think it requires a longer post, but in short, it put life in perspective.
5. I have always been interested in calligraphy, but in 2018, I added hand lettering to my list of ways in which to be creative. Along with that was drawing flowers and leaves because it adds to the lettering projects.
7. I sang with the Guam Symphony Chorale. That was fun! 8. Speaking of stuff I did, lots of life doesn't always get a photo, but they're important nonetheless: yoga, tango lessons, swimming at the beach on a regular basis with friends, walking, especially to Togcha with friends, volunteering at Island Girl Power and at the National Park (Pacific Historic Parks), writing group at IGP, hanging out with Madrid's kids, chats with friends. This was my life in Guam. And I loved it. 9. Organized a mini-reunion with high school classmates.
12. In Kona, went on a "jeep trip" (actually a nice tour van), to Kealapi'ali Hualalai with the Kona Historical Society. Saw Pualani Johnson perform a monologue of Isabella Bird. Very nice day. And I did this. 14. Had a mini family reunion for my mom's 88th birthday, though she's barely visible in this photo. Sister Shayne and her family came, as well as my brothers (all except 1). And of course, my Kona family. 15. Attended the Hawaii Songwriting Festival with Kenny Loggins as the featured artist. Speed-mentoring (12 minutes?) with Kenneth Makuakane and John Cruz.
17. And then there was Japan. First did the Nakasendo Trail with Oku Japan, then spent time in Kyoto. Had a wonderful time in the homeland. More in my travel journal, soon to be updated. 18. When I returned from Japan, I had to spend the month of October, leaving my apartment. I did not renew my lease, so had to get rid of stuff - by sale (for cheap!), by giving away, or by mailing. My car and a trunkful of things not dealt with are still in Guam. I do intend to return, but I really don't know when. But sometime soon. 19. Had such a nice birthday with friends at Kitchen Lingo. This was one of the hardest parts about leaving Guam. I have a wonderful group of women friends, so super strong and supportive. I miss them a lot! These 8 are only a few of the friends I am blessed to have in my life. 20. On the way back to Kona, I stopped in Hawaii and able to connect with family there. Brothers and their families at Nico's and cousin Jodi at a crepe place in Kailua. 21. Back in Kona, I have been substitute teaching a lot. I have good days and bad, but for the most part, I am glad to have the opportunity to help out and make money at the same time. 22. I had made a resolution in 2018 to write plays again. When I got back to Kona, my daughter Dance started a group, because she now sees herself as a facilitator or playwrights, although she is a playwright herself. So a small group of us met at Aloha Theatre to write and talk about writing for the theatre. It was what I needed and ended up being motivated to write my first new play in gosh a LONG time. 23. Made stuff: a wreath, Christmas cards, some hand-sewn little objects, some food. 24. Can't leave out that I am getting better on the ukulele, though that is something that I don't take pictures of. It is a process.
1 Comment
4/2/2019 04:21:22 am
A lot of things happened in your 2018. It was not perfect and many problems could have risen. But what’s good about this is the fact that there are memorable moments that happened on you. You meet different people while travelling, saw the beauty of Guam, learned the art of calligraphy and many more! That’s more than of an achievement that you did, and I couldn’t be happier for you. Just like yours, mine wasn’t perfect too. There were shortcomings and disappointments that happened, but I see it a point to see life positively. 2018 was a blast for me too!
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AuthorDiane Aoki is a writer who explores other modes of creativity as her intuition leads her. Archives
January 2022
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