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Your Premium 2008 Hawaiian Jewelry Store! >>
"Let's Talk Story" A Message From Joey; July 2008
Aloha November 2007 Everyone!
We would like to send you the biggest CYBER-ALOHA of the day, as we greet you with the arrival of the Holiday Season! It's Joey, for those who need an introduction, I am Joseph Glory Jr, co-founder of the Hawaiian Jewelry Connection.com. As a member of our "Ohana", you should know that the Hawaiian Jewelry Connection appreciates your association with our special community online. With your help, we hope to grow our "Ohana" with your families and friends, so they too can enjoy, and share the unique gift of Hawaiian Jewelry. Every month, we can talk story here, and keep in touch with ideas and subjects important to us all! Here, let's talk some story about the meaning of "Ohana" and the "Aloha Spirit".
In Hawaiian ways, there are few things more important, than a close-knit family, or “Ohana”. Those who take pride in themselves, and the fulfillment of the respected lives they live today, usually enjoy the real meaning of Ohana. Yes, we know that Ohana means family, and one should always have his/her family's best interests in mind. We learn to help others families, and not take anyones act of kindness as a weakness. We take care of our "Kupuna" (cooh-pooh-na) or elderly, never forgetting the cornerstones of the family, and how they've set the example for the values we stand by today. Now that we’ve shared a little about Ohana, we should share a little about the Aloha Spirit.
The Aloha Spirit is a term people associated with the Hawaiian Islands use to describe a certain demeanor, attitude, belief structure and values, in the likes of kindness and good-heartedness. Different examples of showing the Aloha Spirit might be the way you treat your friends, or the way you drive on the highway. Sharing the Aloha Spirit means performing random acts of kindness, helping someone in a struggle, common courtesy, sharing, and simply caring about how carrying a positive attitude will spread contagious throughout the lives we come in contact with everyday. Just a smile, a simple hello, and a small "hang loose" wave to the car that just let you go........Random acts of the Aloha Spirit. Feel The Vibe!
Just as a reminder, we are now offering Free USPS Priority Shipping with every order, as a token of appreciation to all our valued customers. Take advantage today! Look for the next "Talk Story" entry from yours truly, until next time,
Aloha and Mahalo Nui Loa!
Joey Glory
Aloha December 2007 Everyone!
Glad to finally be back! Fortunately, this Holiday Season has been quite the hustle and bustle, we are truly blessed to have had the opportunity to create Hawaiian Jewelry for every one of YOU, our valued customers! Mahalo Nui Loa (Thank You Very Much)
As this year ends, many of us look for some measurment to critique in our lives, (i do, anyway...) you know the whole overrated resolution thing, trying to make good, ect..? Huh, sounds familiar...Just the other day I read my bible for a moment and came across this scripture;
"All the ways of man are pure in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the spirits. Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established." Proverbs 16: 2,3
I was going to carry on here and break down the scripture, but thought...no need! The message is clear, just the way it is. I guess it can be easy at times to lose perspective and not consider our intent. Makes me feel good inside, when I do pay attention.....despite the many trials that come our way. (note: please do not let this scripture offend anyone, that is not my intent)
One of our customers, Kathie, engraved the name "Immanuel" on the outside of a Sterling Silver Barrel Bracelet. I really liked the way she chose to custom-create her bracelet, with a beautiful scripture on the inside. Truly Special! I hope you too might consider INSPIRATIONAL HAWAIIAN JEWELRY, as an option for your next gift idea? Just a friendly thought!
Wanted to say have a safe Holiday Season and Happy New Years! Mele Kalikimaka (meh-leh kah-lee-key-mah-kah or Merry Christmas) and Hauoli Makahiki Hou (how-ooh-lee mah-kah-hee-key ho or Happy New Year) I hope you all got what you wanted for Christmas, if you didn't, don't worry, we will be here for you!
Song of the Month: "All I want for Christmas is a real good tan" Artist: Kenny Chesney
Talk Story Later,
Until January.....Aloha, Joey
www.hawaiianjewelryconnection.com
Aloha January 2008 Everyone!
A Huge "Hauoli La Hanau" (how-o-lee-la-ha-now) or Happy New Year to everyone! I hope we are well and back into full stride, toward making 2008 the best year ever!! Careful though, keep things in perspective, and don't forget to keep balance with the family, work, and of course, spirituality. There are many times we supercharge into one area of life, and we unintentionally miscue in other areas. Keep it real, keep it positive and keep your passion burning strong!
I came across a great set of quotes, compiled by Memory and Sales Training Expert Ron White. This comes courtesy of Ron White's ezine article, his issue # 59. I really enjoy motivational tools, and thought this would be a great way to "Talk Story" bringing in 2008. I remember a quote I put up on my home-office wall, I changed it around a little, but went something like this: "Many dream of success coming to them; Success comes to those who wake up early and go heavy" I love using motivational tools to help me move along, in making an effort to do the best job possible in whatever I do. That comes from the environment I grew up in, with my parents constantly driving us as children to do what is right. Doing a good job at task the first time, and taking pride in what you do.......comes directly from my early upbringing. Thanks Mom and Dad! Here's Ron's compilation of motivational quotes; I hope you might find these useful and motivational!
"With more success, comes greater problems along with greater ability to solve them." -- Mark Victor Hansen
"Challenge everything you do. Expand your thinking. Refocus your efforts. Rededicate yourself to your future." -- Patricia Fripp
"A professional is a person who can do his best at a time when he doesn't particularly feel like it." -- Alistair Cooke
"We have not wings we cannot soar; but, we have feet to scale and climb, by slow degrees, by more and more, the cloudy summits of our time." -- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
"Mastery is not something that strikes in an instant, like a thunderbolt, but a gathering power that moves steadily through time, like the weather." -- John Champlin Gardner, Jr.
"If I work on a certain move constantly, then finally, it doesn't seem risky to me. The idea is that the move stays dangerous and it looks dangerous to my foes, but it is not to me. Hard work has made it easy." -- Nadia Comaneci
"Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another as to remain cool and unruffled under all circumstances." -- Thomas Jefferson
"A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist." -- Louis Nizer
"I have studied the enemy all my life… I have studied in detail the account of every one of his battles. I know exactly how he will react under any given set of circumstances. And he hasn't the slightest idea of what I'm going to do. So when the time comes, I am going to whip him." -- George S. Patton
"The truly liberated human being is not always fighting against something, but more frequently is fighting for something or someone." -- Denis Waitley
"I have made a ceaseless effort not to ridicule, not to bewail, not to scorn human actions, but to understand." -- Baruch Spinoza
"The great thing and the hard thing is to stick to things when you have outlived the first interest, and not yet got the second, which comes with a sort of mastery." -- Janet Erskine Stuart
I hope you might find a space for a quote in your home, maybe your childrens room, or for the grandchildren, or just in the office or garage. Make a quote up for yourselves! I am sure you have much motivation right where you are, just take the time to find it, and use it to shine your light on others! Have a wonderful month of January, take care and God Bless you all.
Song of the Month: "Wildflower" Artist Skylark
Until the next time we "Talk Story"...
Aloha, Joey
www.hawaiianjewelryconnection.com
Aloha February 2008 Everyone!
Aloha, and welcome to a very WET month on the Big Island of Hawaii! Boy, did we have some rain, and rain, and more rain! With all the extra rain, brings one of the most beautiful snow scenes on the Big Island. There are five major volcanoes that form the Big Island of Hawaii, in no particular order they are: Mauna Kea(mao-na-cay-aah), Mauna Loa(mao-na-low-aah), Hualalai(hoo-aah-lah-lie), Kilauea(key-lau-aay-aah) and Kohala(ko-hah-lah) Mountain. These are some images taken from Hilo Bay on Coconut Island during February. I didn't get the full effect of snow, which crept much lower than shown, but still is a site to see on a clear day. Enjoy!
Pictured here is our majestic Mauna Kea. Translation simply means "White Mountain". Mauna Kea is the highest point in the State of Hawaii at 13,796 ft. It is also the tallest mountain in the world when measured from the base on the ocean floor to the summit, at about 33,000 ft. Mauna Kea is home to one of the worlds leading astronomical observatories, housing some of the most advanced telescopes in the world. It also is a very sacred native temple to the Hawaiian people who feel the construction and use of technology is a desecration to the ancient temple and religion.
Pictured above is Mauna Loa. Mauna Loa in hawaiian means "Long Mountain" in reference to it's long, smooth slopes. Mauna Loa's peak is approximately 120 feet lower than that of Mauna Kea, and it's most recent eruption occurred from March 24 1984, to April 15 1984. Mauna Loa is closely monitored by the Hawaii Volcanoes Observatory, due to the risk it poses to populated areas. Much of Hilo, and the East to Southeast part of the Big Island flanks Mauna Loa's slopes.
Check back for more images of both Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa side-by-side, along with Kilauea Volcano, Hualalai and the Kohala Mountain. Hope you enjoy these images, and I look foreward to "Talking Story" again!
Song of the Month: "Alika" Artist: Aunty Genoa Keawe
We love you Aunty, you are an inspiration to us all, who hold traditional Hawaiian Music close to our hearts. You will be greatly missed.
Until the next time we "Talk Story"...
Aloha, Joey
www.hawaiianjewelryconnection.com
Aloha March 2008 Everyone!
Aloha and thank you for "talkng story" with us in March! It has actually been a very trying month, and I would like to take this time to extend my sincerest apologies to our wonderful customers this month, for the extra time our orders took to reach you. There were a few different issues that have been RESOLVED IN IT'S ENTIRETY, and our customers will NOT have to worry about anything, as we will stand by, and live up to our customer service promises we set out to serve you with from the very begining. Again, I apologize to those whom our delay affected.
On a lighter note, we will be adding more for you to choose from, with our spring collection of Hawaiian Jewelry Bracelets, Rings and Pendants to offer. Our focus this spring is to offer you more of a selection, as well as assisting you in designing your own original ideas. Incorporating different Hawaiian Flowers, (or non-Hawaiian) is an excellent idea, as "Alex" has done recently. She chose to create a beautiful Sterling Silver Barrel Bracelet, with our lovely Maile Pattern, and included the beautiful "Hibiscus Flower" through her design. This is exactly the type of originality we want you to feel you have the freedom with, in creating a custom Hawaiian Jewelry piece every time. We know she will love the outcome, congratulations Alex!
Keep an eye out for our new design releases, and annual spring sale, happening soon. With the unforgiving rises in precious metal prices, we still offer you the most competitive prices you will find today. We will make our sale known to you in an announcement email, so if you want to be notified, simply sign into our guestbook, and leave us your email address! (Don't worry, we will not hound you and bombard you with rediculous emails, or share this information with anyone else) We are a family owned and operated business and have no desire to irritate our customers with rediculous email messages. So make sure you spread the word, that this is truly a unique Gift of Aloha, and sign our Guestbook today!
I would like to include into our "talk story" column to you, a Hawaiian Phrase of the Month. This month, the emphasis will be on looking ahead from the past, and enlightening yourself with positive energy and what you choose to do about the present, and future despite what may have happened recently, or even way back when. I would like to share with you this months Hawaiian Phrase. It is "Wahi Mahalo" (va-hee mah-hah-low) which translates "to give back". As you can see, along the different and unique paths of life we all have, the message is not to dwell on any negative, but transfer that energy into the most positive medium you can find, and a'oi'a! YES!(aah-oye-yah) wahi mahalo! You see, give back with that energy instead in any which way you choose.......it may even be to yourself in making that small change in attitude, or just smiling more often!
Thank you so much for your time, I hope this finds you all well, take care of yourselves and your families, and God Bless you all!
Song of the Month "Daniel" Artist: Sir Elton John
Until the next time we "Talk Story"...
Aloha, Joey
www.hawaiianjewelryconnection.com
Aloha April 2008 Everyone!
Well, what can we say, the VOG from Kilauea Volcano here on the Big Island has been more prevalent than ever, and has sure affected those especially sensitive. During the heaviest days of Vog with no wind, visibility is less than 200 ft! The newest activity from Halemaumau Crater, Pu'u O'o Vent, and the other hotspots pouring into the ocean sure have made it's mark. An active volcano, such a site to see with all it's amazing acts of nature happening right here, also has a downside. Extreme levels of sulfur dioxide are released into the air, along with hydrogen sulfide being released due to the lava's entry into the ocean. Plumes of these toxic chemicals are released into the atmosphere here, and without favorable wind conditions, can really set in and affect many residents and visitors. Visitors planning on a visit to the Hawaii Volcano National Park should stay in touch with the park directly, as high levels sometimes cause the park to close until conditions improve. Happy Exploring!
One of the benefits an island made of volcanoes has, is it's lava-rich soil. Because we do not experience extreme frost and freezing temperatures, this along with a thriving community of nursery's and horticulture births one of the best places to grow almost anything. There is high regard for the respect and rejuvination of Hawaii's natural rescources, such as native plants and animals in our native rainforest and the control of invasive species. Proactive precautions that we all must practice will ensure that native plants and animals may see to the survival of our watershed, and the domino effect it has on our community and future generations of keiki (children) in Hawaii. We are in desperate need for support, funding and action by the state and federal government in helping to eliminate some of the invasive species like the African Tulip and the Miconia plant. Intrusive plants like these just smother native growth, and wildlife leading to complete destruction of the native forest. Animal control is also an important concern, as an over abundance of wild pig and goats trample the forest floor. In the near future, I will be taking my keiki (kay-kee) into our native rainforest to explore some of the differences we might see, and capture some of our native growth, trees and the beauty our environmentalists work so hard to keep in the right direction, and share our experience here with you. Please check future talk story editions.
Recently, I made mention of one of our valued customers Alexandra, as she custom designed her barrel bracelet with the beautiful Hibiscus Flower. This inspired me to take some photograph images from our yard here in Hilo, Hawaii of different flowers in bloom. These images below were taken on 5/1/08, and really gave me a chance to show some of the ways you too can customize your hawaiian jewelry. Below are a variation of the Hibiscus Flower (Hibiscus brackenridgei), in yellow and pink. Most species found today are not native to Hawaii, and the very pretty bloom year round has earned the Hibiscus the title of "Hawaii's State Flower". It grows as a nice green brush, and if manicured well makes for an excellent boundary hedge of bountiful color. Different crossbreeding techniques offer the flower in more colors and combinations than ever before!
Below left, is the beautiful "Ohia Lehua" (Metrosideros polymorpha) flower. It is such a treat when our yellow Ohia tree blooms in the yard, as it is not commonly found. The much more common red Ohia is abundant on the Big Island, and thrives well throughout the Volcano area. These trees grow and definitely increase in beauty with age. Some of the older trees found on dormant volcanoes tell a powerful story of the area and the dominant wind direction, and are very very beautiful. Next, (below, right) is one of our orchid variations in bloom. This is the "Dancing Lady Orchid" (Yellow Oncidium Orchid) and earns it's name for obvious reasons! It is very pretty, and produces colums of these "dancing ladies" usually on 2 to 3, approximately 2 1/2' bristles at a time. These orchids are often given to a friend as a nice gift that produces a beautiful bloom time and time again. Enjoy!
This month, our "Hawaiian Phrase of the Month" is based on a common line in Hawaiian love songs, "Ku'u Pua Mae'ole" (cooh-ooh poo-aah my owe-ley) which translates "my never-fading flower" comparing the beloved in the song to an unfading flower. To all our poetic friends, who also might have a love for working outdoors and can appreciate a "pretty bloom" or a pleasant landscape, take your imagination for a ride, use the type of inner meaning that is so important to hawaiian poetry and maybe you too might find yourself with a new song or a beautiful "flower inspired" custom hawaiian bracelet, ring or pendant! Don't forget to write us or call, should you need some assistance with any custom ideas.
Thank you so much for your time, I hope this finds you all well, take care of yourselves and your families, and God Bless you all!
Song of the Month "Highway in the Sun" Artist: Cecilio & Kapono Appropriate lyric: "In the springtime when the flowers are in bloom"
Until the next time we "Talk Story"...
Aloha, Joey
www.hawaiianjewelryconnection.com
Aloha May 2008 Everyone!
Aloha to everyone again, it's Joey, finally back to talk some story with you all. I hope everyone is "Maika'i" (my-kah-eey, meaning good! well!) Hilo is fine, Kilauea Volcano is still going stronger than ever, as is the Hawaiian Jewelry Connection! We are in the process of creating an "Old-Hawaii" Fashioned Heirloom Collection", which will debut under Kiliana in Sonoma California. The collection will also be made available here on our website. It will be a wonderful opportunity to own Hawaiian Heirloom Jewelry in it's simplest and purest form. Check back soon for the premier of our new Kahili line, a sure favorite to be!
For those unfamiliar with the month of May in Hawaii, every May 1 is considered "May Day"! There is a HUGE, very special feeling of Aloha that comes with May Day; Concerts and community events are held, schools hold celebration programs for their families to come and enjoy hula, song and dance, and there is a slogan and theme song, "May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii, May Day is Happy Day out Here"! Everyone gives lei's (garland of flowers strung, with the ends tied together) made of beautiful hawaiian flowers, given to each other at work, with a kiss, smile and hug of Aloha. It is a very fun, happy time in Hawaii. In schools throughout the state, May Day programs are held, usually a very entertaining and well coreographed show for parents and grandparents to come and see the talents of their accomplished youth. Each class performs on a center stage floor, and a royal court made up of representatives from each grade level also have a chance to perform a "royal number". A May Day King and Queen is appointed by their peers, and the island prince and princess' represent each of the Hawaiian Islands official color, flower and theme. The appointed royalty is also protected by Kahili Bearers, conch shell blowers and a kahuna, all deserving students in the royal court. Everyone is dressed the part, from cloaks, to a tiare crown fit for a queen! Too Much Fun!
Just wanted to show you all an example of a 20mm Flat Bracelet, done for our customer on the Island of Maui. This bracelet is definitely something that will stay with Crystal and her family for a very long time! Engraved on the inside for her is the message: "I Luv your Smylez"
This month, our "Hawaiian Phrase of the Month" is "Sweet Lei Mokihana" (moe-key-hah-na) The Mokihana tree, only found on Kauai, is a symbol of that island. It bears a fragrant berry. A Mokihana Lei is prized for it's rarity and lasting fragrance. I think a Heirloom Bangle Bracelet and Matching Ring would be perfect if adorned with a Mokihana Lei wrap-a-round design! Just a thought......
Thank you so much for your time, I hope this finds you all well, take care of yourselves and your families, and God Bless you all!
Song of the Month "Sweet Lei Mokihana" Written by: George Huddy Appropriate lyric: "Sweet lei mokihana Pay attention My beautiful lei You are unforgettable The sea spray Of Haena The sweet lauae fern of Makana Of Namolokama"
Sweet Lei Mokihana By Ryan Kamakakehau Fernandez
Until the next time we "Talk Story"...
Aloha, Joey
www.hawaiianjewelryconnection.com
Aloha June 2008 Everyone!
Just wanted to add a few words of well-wishes to all friends of the Hawaiian Jewelry Connection.com around the world. Summer is here and I would love to wish everyone an exciting, fun filled vacation season! There will be many different activities families will engage in and take advantage of. Please make sure that safety measures are taken up, and leave nothing to chance. It is far too often that we take for granted the things that come with convenience: a fun ride in a boat; a spontaneous ride on a motorcycle; a stove left on; children allowed to perform adult tasks; The list could go on and on. You get the point. Take the extra, necessary steps needed to keep yourself and your family safe. Make sure there's a life vest available on that boat. Make sure there's a helmet for your ride. Make sure the drivers HAVE NOT been drinking. Vacations sometimes call for good times, and alchohol, which in turn causes some to drink and drive.
These spare-the-moment decisions you make may be the difference maker, and could change the outcome to yours or someone else's entire life. Try in every way to keep your hometown, or another you may be visiting as safe as possible. Just felt like sending a shout-out in the name of safety! Feel much better now! Check back with us here so we can talk story again soon.
Until the next time we "Talk Story"...
Aloha, Joey
www.hawaiianjewelryconnection.com
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