The Na Hoku Hanohano Awards show was a very momentous night. Although I didn't win anything, I was so honored to be there and to have the opportunity to perform. I was especially blessed to perform with Hookena. Congratulations to Kealii Reichel, Kainani Kahaunaele (another Kauai girl), Maunalua, Jake Shimabukuro, and many others on their wins.
The best thing about winning an award is having the opportunity to publicly thank those who make everything possible. Thanks to this website, I get to do that all the time! Thank you Takeo for my gown, Laura Aguon for doing my make-up, and Paul Tamaoka for doing my hair. Thank you Mom and John, Kanoe and Keola, Kelii Bandmann and ohana, Aunty Winona, and all my friends who were there with me at the show or in spirit as you watched it on tv.
More than anything, my prayer was that during my performance, people would see something different in me and wonder what it was. It was by God's grace that I was able to perform. That kind of publicity can't be bought. What I'm saying is, please no one feel sorry for me. I was very honored just to be there and genuinely happy for the winners. Like I said before, I can't believe I was even nominated.
I'll post pictures soon!
So sorry I haven't updated in a while. Life's been busy, but good busy. I'm so excited for the Hoku's tonight. Everyone's been so encouraging. I'm so blessed that I get to attend and perform more than anything else. I still can't believe I'm nominated!
If you're interested in watching, it will be live at 7:30 tonight on KFVE. Tune in! I'll write more tomorrow about my experience and try to upload pictures later on of the event. As always, thank you so much to those of you who have been so supportive. God Bless.
Hey Everyone!
I'm on Kauai right now, but wanted to check in. Last weekend was a whirlwind, but very successful. I'll post pictures of the Mother's Day show when I get home.
Saturday I joined the Spirit of Aloha with New Hope. I was a part of a beautification project at Farrington High School, where our church meets week after week. It felt so good to serve, but the ministry that happened in my heart was unexpected.
A team of about 10 of us landscaped in front of the Farrington sign outside of the auditorium. I've never planted anything before and any plants I've ever been given have died almost immediately. I have a new appreciation for landscapers. It was hard work. The hardest part was preparing the soil. We raked and hoed in the hot sun, pulling stubborn roots and weeds. It was a long, but necessary process to get the soil to the best condition possible in order to house and nourish the beautiful ferns we were planting. Quietly, God spoke spoke to me as I worked. His desire is for me to be in the best condition in order for him to use me. However, being a human, there are things in my heart that aren't condusive to the things he needs to plant in me. Jealousy, anger, and selfishness are like stubborn weeds that need to be pulled. It can be a painful and long process, but it's so worth it. I'm so glad God loves me the way I am now, but loves me too much to let me stay that way.
Anyway, I've been going through some tough changes in my life, so expect some new songs as I expect a better and stronger me! Speaking of new songs, I got the "go ahead" for another CD. We'll be working on it throughout the year and we're shooting for a Fall 2005 release at the latest. Thank you for constantly supporting me!