Family’s fireworks help spark excitement for new year
Ringing in the new year has a whole ‘nother meaning in Hawaii. In true local style, people have been popping firecrackers since the start of fall. Read more
She Speaks
Parents pass holiday spirit to next generation
Each Christmas my parents managed to transform our home into a wonderfully merry haven for me and my older brother and sister. In my eyes, it was far more beautiful than the snow-kissed cottages depicted in my Christmas storybooks. Read more
Daughter born just before Christmas is gift that keeps on giving
Thirty years ago on Christmas Day, I brought home a very special present: our firstborn child, a daughter. Read more
‘Influencers’ infiltrate media tour, annoy veteran reporter
It was a rude awakening. A young brunette in a tiny sundress traipsing around a field of sunflowers, a photographer following dutifully behind. She was one of half a dozen “reporters” on a media tour recently. Read more
Holiday tales take root in Christmas tree misfires
It doesn’t matter where you go, the tree lot is a precarious scene. Lopsided trees threaten to topple. Shoppers fling away unwanted trees as they try to clear a path for themselves. Successful customers navigate the crowded aisles back to the checkout stand with their field of vision obscured by massive noble fir. Read more
Moms need time for themselves to prevent breakdowns
As we head into the hectic holiday homestretch, remember to slow down and listen to your body. If you’re tired, rest. If you’re unwell, see your doctor. It’s easier said than done, but you should never be too busy to take care of yourself. Read more
Cruising down memory lane after an old pal conks out
Lexie had been with us 15 years, a devoted member of the family who carried us through some of the best and worst moments of our lives. Literally. Read more
Eager parents compete for kids’ event reservations
Living on an island, the parenting game is different. There are fewer events and programs and no neighboring townships to drive to seeking more opportunities. Read more
No time like now to get a head start on New Year’s resolution
I am my own worst enemy. Read more
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Parenting fraught with frightening occurrences year-round
The little voice coming from the baby monitor wasn’t our daughter’s, and my heart stopped. It woke me in the early morning darkness, the sound of a young girl singing a lullaby in the room where our infant firstborn slept. Ten years later we still don’t know the source of that sweet lullaby. Read more
Halloween prankster turns family home into house of horror
The Oct. 31 holiday was always a big deal in my family, but not so much for my husband, Jim, when he was a lad. I suspect he’s making up for lost time with a never-ending series of Halloween pranks. Read more
Early displays offer hope of surviving holiday crush
I used to gripe the same way that Christmas shouldn’t come before Halloween. But after years of fighting the trend of an earlier and earlier Christmas shopping season, I changed my tune. Read more
Glut of real, fake news necessitates discernment
Is someone’s breakfast or latest political epiphany really worth your attention? You have to weed through so much nonsense before finding that one valuable piece of information, if indeed there is one. Read more
October provides respite between summer, holiday events
Whenever October comes around, I always get that cozy, time-to-slow-it-way-down feeling. I can’t help but take a deep, calming breath as the flurry of summer activities and jam-packed travels abroad have passed. Read more
For parents of grown kids, keeping mouth shut key to sanity
Don’t even begin to tell your kids how to take care of their children, money, home, health, career and relationships. It’s the quickest way to end a conversation. But what I really want to say is: Save your money and take care of your teeth! Read more
Dream jobs provide glimpses into sons’ minds
Just as I charted my children’s first words, first foods and charming quotes over the years, I find myself tracking their ever-changing career ambitions. Their goals give me a window into their most beloved interests and their perceptions of the world. Read more
Mom worries as son enters middle school ‘danger zone’
My 11-year-old son recently reached that milestone of leaving elementary school behind to start sixth grade at the same middle school I attended. It could’ve waited another year. Read more
Baby girl doesn’t yet know she’s a fab dresser
My new niece has enthralled our entire family since we found out she was coming. With apologies to my nephews, she turned me into the ultra-doting auntie I swore I would never become. Read more
Right mindset, chocolate help ease daily commute
Traffic congestion is part of my life; it always has been and most likely always will be. I’m from Leeward Oahu. I was raised there, and now I’m raising my own family on the west side — where traffic backups to and from school, work and play are part of our norm. Read more
‘Cry songs’ playlist marks nostalgia for lost years
When you’re young, “cry songs” tend to be about lost loves. As we age, they speak of lost years. Read more
Little slugger moves from pint-size plays to full-size field
Every two years, youth baseball gets much harder as players progress through PONY or Little League. The field gets bigger, and with each up-sizing, the boys and girls are required to master new skills. Read more
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