to a
Celebration of the 
Graduations 
of 
Two Sisters
from
Wahiawa,
Hawaii

And as we let our own light shine, 
we unconsciously give other people 
permission to do the same.  

As we're liberated from our own fear, 
our presence automatically liberates others. 

 ~Marianne Williamson, 
A Return to Love, 1992

You let your light shine, and basking in your beautiful, life-giving glow, I am blessed and liberated, as are others within your life's sphere.

I will ever be grateful to Stacey for introducing me to you when you two joined forces for a Hawaiian cultural program for your third graders.

Stacey

I remember my first meeting with you as if  it were yesterday. I have such fond teen memories of Wahiawa. Learning that's where you grew up, I knew right away you were down-to-earth and big-hearted.

I  immediately fell under The Gylene Spell, so taken was I by your uplifting ebullience, contagious enthusiasm, and unlimited energy.  As my dear husband (DH) says, you've got a lot in common with the Energizer Bunny.   

I say, you're MUCH cuter than the bunny!  

If I were Italian, I would have taken your hapa face between my two hands and exclaimed, "Che faccia!" (What a face!).  

Adorable!  Kiuke loa.

Last weekend was truly a Gylene Weekend for us.
And what a fantastic weekend it was!
You brought us much cheer.

Mahalo to you!

On Friday, after the Read-Aloud, we -- Stacey, her third graders and I -- traipsed over to your class of third graders next door for your Hawaiian cultural program.  

What a wonderful and enlightening program:  Delightfully lively Hawaiian songs; an educational talk on Hawaiian musical instruments and hula implements; the Hukilau hula by Principal Glenda and you; and our inaugural Hula Maidens' -- that would be yours, Hedy's and mine -- performance in public (and in private, truth be known!) of  E Huli Mâkou.  

The expressions on the children's raptly attentive faces were priceless.  They were thoroughly mesmerized by us -- triplets -- and their principal.  You did a great a job of teaching them to sing those songs.  Their lusty voices made up for my lip-synching.

Principal Glenda and The Hula Maidens

It was soooooooo much fun!  For four senior women, we did just great, didn't we?!

Mahalo for the flower hair ornament and shell lei so we all matched, which I will keep at the ready for the next Hula Maidens performance.  We are going to be in SUCH demand, and we are READY!  Better start practicing your fancy autograph.  

DH just heard me read this back to him, and he chuckled and said, "I know you're joking, but Gylene and Hedy may not."

Mahalo too for your gift bag of Hawaiian goodies, full of delights: mahalo notes, a heavenly scented spray and and the room-deodorizing hula dancer (with a `ukulele!).  My doggy house could use some deodorizing, that's for sure.

And yes, I promise to practice my hula with the video.  Cross my heart and hope to hula...

Mahalo too for the bouquet of alstromeria blooms. They are gracing our home with their delicate beauty.  

On Saturday, DH and I went to the best and most spirited graduation party ever: YOURS!   

And Gy, WOW!  You were a breathtaking vision in that shimmering black gown.  What glamour and glitz! Did you feel all those admiring eyes caressing you all night? 

Miss Hawai`i has NOTHING on you, you splendiferous, beautiful lady, you. 

Gylene!

Mahalo for the entertainment, elegant dinner, the company of fun-loving guests, and the DANCING. The childhood sweethearts next to us inspired us, giving us young and old marrieds on their table a number of romantic pointers.

You and your fun-loving family excel at partying, and we were swept into the joy of the night. We gave you and yours an A+ and highest honors in creating a memorable and fun night of unfettered celebration.  

Best of all was seeing the elation and pride on the faces of your loved ones, family, colleagues, and friends, alike.

Mahalo too for the beautiful rose centerpiece, party favors, and happy memories.  Flowers from Gylene surround me.  Do you know that the rose and alstromeria blooms are as beautiful today, a whole week later?  Incredible! 

Must be that Gylene Magic working...

On Sunday, we watched our buddies from the 'Da Hawaii Club perform at the Family Arts Festival and on the mainstage, yet!  The Golden Strummers, the hula dancers and musicians were absolutely outstanding.  

Did you know that they were on TV the next morning on KTLA News? Twice!

Gylene, Mom, Alison at the Family Arts Festival

Then, we joined you, your mom, and Alison out on the lawn to "talk story" and watch the talented students from your school perform.  

What a perfectly relaxing way to close out this eventful, whirlwind Gylene weekend.

I am so very proud of you, Gy. 

With perseverance, determination and commitment, you achieved your goal of earning your Master's degree. 

You had many, many balls to juggle at the same time. Wife. Mother. Daughter. Sister. Teacher. Student. Friend. Hula dancer.  `Ukulele player. Tap dancer. Club member.  And many more.  So many roles to fulfilll, so little time. 

Like the rest of us, you were granted only 24 hours in a day. Sometimes, it was overwhelming. So maybe a few balls were inevitably dropped, but eventually they got picked up.  You kept juggling and juggling, making things happen, kept smiling, and never gave up.  

You are not only a Master in your field, you are a kanaka makua in your family, school and community. You serve as a role model and inspiration to those whose lives you touch, including mine.

I will share your educational journey with those who seek my counsel.  Your story is an inspiring one, especially for those who feel they are impossibly pressed for time.  

You and your sister are proofs-positive that educational goals can be achieved.  And it's never too late.  

We've had time to think about what to get you to commemorate this achievement.  We decided you've had enough of the mind stuff and so we chose a few well-deserved treats for your soul.  

The book of wisdom, CONFIRMATION, is one of my favorites. When I find those occasional quiet moments, I sit and allow its wisdom to permeate my thoughts and fill my spirit.

TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE is one of my most treasured books.  Its spiritual  wisdom is profound, yet entirely palatable.  Not at all preachy.  Like Morrie, you are a dedicated teacher.  You will identify with him. What a gigantic and positive difference this book has made in my life.  I hope it will serve as an heirloom book for  you and your family, as its wisdom is universal and timeless.

As for the music selections:  Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo`ole and Keali`i Reichel have much in common with you.  Like you, besides being talented, they too have a deep appreciation for their Hawaiian cultural heritage.  Like you, their huge generosity of spirit allow it to be shared with countless others, enriching their lives.

Like you, Keali`i and Israel put their Hawaiian heart and soul into their work,  filling it with Aloha and Mahalo and bringing much joy to others. 

These two CDs are two of our all-time favorites and we play them often. Unfailingly, they put us into a very mellow and romantic mood in a Hawaiian space and time.  

And lastly, from my heart to yours,  this homemade gift -- this website -- for you and yours to enjoy whenever you want to revisit this glorious weekend. 

Some things are meant to be.  I brought my camera, mainly to get a few shots of you and our young lovers, Hedy and Larry. When you came to our table and told me that your camera was malfunctioning, I sprung into action.  I only wish I could have taken pictures of everyone, as I know I missed quite a few.  

Also, e kala mai (excuse me) for the shaky shots.  I'm still new at this photography thing.  Thank goodness for my dear husband, who took the best shot of the evening:

>> The one with you and your handsome husband, Rod

May you always keep shining that brilliant light of yours!

Me ke Aloha a me ka Mahalo, ku`u hoaaloha,
(With Aloha and Mahalo, your friend,)
AU