Woof! Woof! Getting Out in Haleiwa

I met these Border Collies in front of a world-famous hamburger joint called "Kua Aina." They were keeping the back of the pickup warm as their owner, a fireman named Jack Lauer, was having lunch.
I like my little beachtown. I always run into someone I know when I'm out and about, and I'm out and about quite often!

Am I Looking Pretty Cool?

I'm on the steering wheel of an old T-bird. It was parked out in front of the Honolulu Academy of Arts-----a decoration for the Starlight Ball. Neato dashboard, don't you think? Google: Starlight Ball to learn more about this benefit (sponsored by Prada) that serves children in Hawaii and provides them with art classes after school.

Varrrrrooooom!! Varrroooom!

Wow, this event is going to be lots of fun! This is Kevin's car and he loaned it for the event. He and his wife fix up old cars and sell them for a hobby. Find out more about them at: www.h4hawaii.com

Barefeet in January!! Hooray!

Renate traveled from Germany to teach a class in Brain Gym.
That's her daughter, Lisa, with the purple orchid lei.
They were so happy under wonderfully warm, sunny Hawaiian skies. Want to learn more about Brain Gym, and get smarter?
Go to: BrainGym.org

Happy New Year from Paradise!!

I'm starting the New Year out just right.
See that "flower pot" next to me? Well, it's really a BUCKET GARDEN.
Auntie Pualani came by the school just before the holidays and taught me (and Mom's garden club) how to do it. She began with a discarded plastic bucket from the local dairy, drilled holes in the bottom, painted it with a base coat of acrylic paint, and let me design the finished product!
Pretty cool way to recycle, don't you think?

There's Always Something Goin' On

The North Shore of Oahu is an exciting and happening place. There is always action! And usually it's outdoors.
Kalani David was spotted at an "invitation only" family-oriented skating event at Steve's house. Steve owns Cholo's Mexican Restaurant.
He's an avid skater and has a couple of bowls and a big ramp on his property.
Lots of skaters were having lots of fun!

A Big Time Winner!! On Land AND Sea

I spent a long time talking to Lindsey Austin when I was at Steve's Skating Invitational. She was incredible-----the youngest winner of the Transpac (a 100 year-old boat race from L.A. to Honolulu) in any division and the second youngest captain ever.
Her mom was on her crew!!
Bravo, Lindsey!

All the Way Up from the Land Down Under

Janelle, who teaches English to Aboriginies, was here for the holidays visiting her brother who lives at Sunset Beach. She was escaping the summer heat of the coast of north central Australia.
Danielle, her niece, visited Mom's classroom with her because Janelle's nephew, Nathan, is one of mom's students. Did you get that?

...and Flying in from New York City

Matt James, the artist, lives in the Big Apple. He was born in Hawaii and returned with his wife, Claire, and their young daughter for the holidays. Matt rented a gallery in Chinatown for his art show. See the resin piece behind him? That's typical of his abstract style.

Happiness is a New Administration Building

Finally, after years of waiting, Sunset Beach Elementary School is opening the doors to its latest addition.
The new admin building is complete.
Here Jordyn and Makana (in the red hat) get ready to play their ukuleles for the dedication.

Looking Pretty Spiffy

I'm leaning against the gate that protects the front door of the new administration building.
This structure makes the school complete. Now there is plenty of room for the secretaries, the principal, the school nurse, the counselors, and all the files and supplies. Whoppeeeeeee!!

Getting Ready to Move In

Butch Helemano was there to give his blessing for the new building.
He's a very important person in this neighborhood who teaches Hawaiian, marries couples, looks after the Conservation District at Shark's Cove and Waimea Bay, and much more.

Happy to Be Part of the Celebration

Darcie, in the front, Lana, and Jade loved being at Sunset Beach Elementary when the administration building was dedicated.

Taking Care of Business with a Smile

Ruth, on the left, was the secretary of Sunset Beach Elementary for many, many years. Her daughter, George Ann, is the secretary now. Everyone is lucky George Ann is always friendly and helpful! She was thrilled with the new building.

Serenade Me, Santa

Miles was at the dedication with his ukulele. He'd been practicing for weeks and made everyone in the audience clap for joy.
Doesn't he look proud!

The Happiest of All

Ruth Holmberg, the principal of Sunset Beach Elementary, was overjoyed with the new admin building. Can you tell?

Our Heros----A Benefit for the Lifeguards

Every year about this time, during the big surf contest season, the North Shore Lifeguard Association, raises money for their Junior Lifeguard Summer Program. Google: Junior Lifeguard Movie for a preview/trailer.
This year's event was held at Haleiwa Joe's. The restaurant was closed to the public for this private shindig.

The Artist Behind the Mask

John Bain has always been a friend of the North Shore Lifeguards.
He's peeping through my ears and being silly.
Did you notice the dark green t-shirt in the above photograph? That's John's! Every year, as a gift he designs the t-shirt for the fundraiser. Bravo Bain!

Supporting the Association

A few men who attended the benefit for the North Shore Lifeguards.
From left to right:
Pat Rawson, a shaper who travels around the world plying his trade.
Drew Toonz, the animator and art behind "The Junior Lifeguard Movie."
Darrick Doerner, a tow in surfer. Jaws! Yikes----mountainous waves.
Ace Cool, the columnist, and paddler extraordinaire.
Beau, ocean sports announcer and MC for the Triple Crown .
Rick Williams, veteran North Shore Lifeguard and responsbile for bringing the Junior Lifeguard Program to my neighborhood.
Some of Rick's students have saved lives out here!