http://www.hawaiipages.com/blog/category/education/ Blog categories... http://www.hawaiipages.com/geckofarms/blog/history-of-hawaiian-leis/ Old Hawaii
The leis of Old Hawaii were made of both semi-permanent materials - hair, bone, ivory, seeds, teeth, feathers, and shells; and the traditio...]]> Old Hawaii
The leis of Old Hawaii were made of both semi-permanent materials - hair, bone, ivory, seeds, teeth, feathers, and shells; and the traditional flower and leaf leis - twined vines, seaweed and leaf stems, woven and twisted leaves, strung and bound flowers of every description.

Leis were symbols of love, of a spiritual meaning or connection, of healing, and of respect. There are many references to leis, or as the circle of a lei, being symbolic of the circle of a family, embracing, or love itself:

"Like a living, first-born child is love,
A lei constantly desired and worn."

Many leis of Old Hawaii had religious and mythological associations. Leis made of the fragrant hala fruit are connected to both love and desire, as well as marking a transition, or passing. Many people will not wear hala-fruit leis, considering them too likely to bring about a change they don't want, while others will wear nothing else.

We're often asked about lei customs, especially for weddings, but the most traditional view of leis is to give and wear them for love, honor, respect, or simple enjoyment - chosen on the basis of what is symbolic to you. The traditional, and traditionally-derived leis that we carry are maile, ti-leaf, kukui nut leis, and the rare haku lei made with native flowers (although these are seldom available).

Maile was associated with Laka, the patron spirit of Hula (dance) and other spirits of Old Hawaii. Ti-leaf was (and still is) planted around dwellings to ward off malevolent spirits, stalks of ti were also used as flags of truce and peace. A lei la'i made of two ti-leaves tied at the base and worn open around the neck was worn by priests and physicians.

Modern Hawaii
Leis have remained a very visible part of island life, incorporating many plants, flowers, and techniques from the many cultures that make up present-day Hawaii. Modern lei-makers have embraced beautiful flowers from all over the world to create leis of lasting quality and beauty. Some of the most common introductions are the many varieties of orchid leis, scented flowers introduced from as far away as Mexico to India, new twining techniques from other areas of Polynesia, new seeds and nuts, and long-lasting flowers such as the Cigar (kika) flower. We now have Japanese-style money leis, Micronesian leaf leis, candy leis, and a vibrant community of people who simply enjoy the creative challenge of lei-making.

Lei-making competitions and demonstrations are common on May 1st (Lei Day in Hawaii), with the competitions often resulting in the dissemination of new techniques and ideas that find their way into the commercial market. The annual Merrie Monarch Hula Competition (April) is also an excellent event to view spectacular leis, and well as any of the the various parades, small-town to Honolulu, held at various times in the islands.]]> http://www.hawaiipages.com/geckofarms/blog/history-of-hawaiian-leis/ Mon, 09 May 2011 23:38:06 +0000 Gecko Farms http://www.hawaiipages.com/Big_Mike/blog/become-a-storyteller-people-want-to-listen-to/
Ever since we were young children we've had a hunger for stories and this hunger does not vanish with age. I read recently that we, as adults, listen to over 100,000 stories a year and I have no difficulty believing it. I think the number is actually higher when you consider that one phone call from a friend can contain over a dozen stories.

If I were asked to identify the secret to successful public speaking I would say, without hesitation, the ability to tell a great story.

Storytelling isn't just vital to public speakers, it is a very important skill to have in any social situation.

To learn more about how you can master the captivating art of storytelling in your personal and professional life visit my storytelling website.

http://motivationalplus.com/cgi/a/t.cgi?storytelling]]> http://www.hawaiipages.com/Big_Mike/blog/become-a-storyteller-people-want-to-listen-to/ Sun, 01 May 2011 18:12:10 +0000 Mike Moore http://www.hawaiipages.com/jessica/blog/8-commitments-to-help-you-achieve-a-positive-lifestyle-today/ 1. Take inventory of your happiness. As you list each item, evaluate what you do every day to ensure that joy remains solidly in your life. Also li...
2. Be accountable to yourself. Every time you say "just a minute while I finish these e-mails" and you end up missing dinner with your spouse, understand you chose to stay "plugged in" to the business. It doesn't control you...you control your choices.

3. Practice, zen moments. Get centered and put down that electronic device.

4. Laugh at the small stuff that gives you stress. A young lady in shorts, sitting next to me at the airport terminal, was the recent victim of a walk-by sneezing. Another passenger inadvertently spit on her leg in his convulsion. He ambled on oblivious. She, however, quietly dug in her purse and pulled out a tissue. She wiped her leg, careful to shield her actions from others... Except I caught her eye and we both howled with laughter. Bless her heart, she showed class in an awkward situation and exemplified the statement "Stuff happens...deal with it!"

5. Learn to tell people that you are business by saying "NO" with love and affection. Only you know what your priorities and life goals are. Evaluate what others ask you to do, and then determine your response in terms of how it interfaces with your plans.

6. Its time for self-reflection. Sometimes a mirror held up before us can tell us more than what our mind eye chooses to rationalize. It may not be pretty, but at least you will have an honest starting point on which to make your lifestyle decisions.

7. Measure twice, cut once and do it right the first time. Quite frequently I consult with clients who feel like the rats in the race are winning. They are overwhelmed by the volume of work they deal with so they do the same tasks over and over again. My advice is simple - slow down and check twice. Not a bad motto to live by.

8. Are you overconnected? Using email exclusively only broadens the distance between us and our clients. Find ways to make your contact personal. A warm voice over the phone or a quick face to face visit can go a long way to cement a relationship. I've learned that it's the eyes, body language, and tone of voice that speaks volumes – imparting information that e-mail could never provide.]]> http://www.hawaiipages.com/jessica/blog/8-commitments-to-help-you-achieve-a-positive-lifestyle-today/ Fri, 22 Apr 2011 10:22:09 +0000 Jessica