Confessions...

A couple weeks ago, I accidentally smashed the side of my car against the aluminum gutter on my house. It smooshed quite flat and probably useless for efficiently draining rain water from the eves.

The morning after, I got on the phone and started making calls to get it repaired. I needed about an 8 foot section and new elbow. I really needed an affordable repair and quick.

I am so grateful to Layne Akana, of L&A Sheetmetal and Air Conditioning, who offered me an amazing deal. If I could save him the time and expense of bringing his truck out to my side of the island, he would just charge me for parts. That was completely doable and awesome!

A few days later, I met him and his lovely wife and friendly employees at their Waipahu location. They had made me a perfect duplicate of the smashed section and pretty much talked me through the entire installation. It wasn't hard and I actually was able to get the piece off myself, and my brother came over and helped me get the new piece on. The whole process took about 15 minutes and my total cost was $35 plus gas and a little sweat equity.

I'm happy I was able to support a local business and hopefully will get to introduce you all to Layne and Amanda Akana, they have a great business and maybe I can get them to say a hello on Hawaii Legacy Builders.

Lesson learned, I need to slow down and not be in such a rush all the time. My life won't end if I'm a few minutes late to anything.

House is healed, now I just would like to make my car pretty again.

Aloha nui loa,
Maile

Check out this video on YouTube:
http://youtu.be/U5LXRq6ybro

@mailemmm
@hilegacybuilder
http://www.hawaiilegacybuilders.com/mailemitchellakita.html

It's the calm before the storm...

What does a moment of peace look like squeezed into my day...right now, it's fifteen minutes of alone time. Watering my plants, watching the sunset. Laughing at my dog being silly while my mind wanders and reflects upon my day and what to make for dinner.

Oh and typing this to...but I type fast ;) That was a lovely sunset. I am so grateful I got to watch it tonight.

In a few hours, dinner will be done, dishes, cleaned, and my house will quiet down for the night. I always sneak outside for a half hour, to gaze at the stars. I'm out here anyway, waiting for the dog to do her thing before bedtime.

Whatever you can do to reconnect with our beautiful planet and yourself, I know it heals our spirits, so we can face a new day.

Wishing you healing and many precious moments for your self.

Me ke aloha pumehana,
Maile

@mailemmm
@hilegacybuilder
http://www.hawaiilegacybuilders.com/mailemitchellakita.html

Moon magic for you <3

I heard something like this a long time ago, but am always reminded at a full moon. "As the moon shrinks, so does all your problems, release them and let go."

The moon truly is a very powerful force; it moves the oceans, it affects our mood and is so mesmerizing. Allow a little magic in your life and wish on the moon to shrink all your worries, and as the stars take center stage in the darkening sky, wish on them to make your dreams manifest into your reality.

Never stop wishing, dreaming, and hoping. It's that belief that has the power to change your world the way you want it to be. Make little changes and start living the life you wish for yourself today and tomorrow you will be even closer to your dreams.

Aloha nui loa,
Maile

@mailemmm
@hilegacybuilder
http://www.hawaiilegacybuilders.com/mailemitchellakita.html

It's Monday, ready or not!

Last night I asked my nephew, if I'm an Ice Ninja, what beats that? And he said the beautiful moon.

I couldn't argue with a wise four year old. He was right, the moon was beautiful.

I still like this-" Never forget the power of imagination and turning everyday outings into exciting adventures. Never leave home without your superpowers!" ~me ;)

Love always,
Maile

@mailemmm
@hilegacybuilder
http://www.hawaiilegacybuilders.com/mailemitchellakita.html

Remember when playing in the dirt was fun?

Weekend gardening project is underway...I'm so excited. Yesterday's trip to Hawaiian Earth Products for all the FREE compost we could shovel and put in the car was a big money saver. Last time I bought 10 bags and spent over $50. This time I had scrounged up 7 empty buckets and two big planters.

I was certain that I would have more than enough dirt to repot all my plants and have plenty to fill in some gaping holes in my yard.

Unfortunately no, seven buckets and two giant planters was not enough. Another trip to Hawaiian Earth Products is on the agenda. I would go today, but I broke my shovel and they are closed on Sunday.

During my gardening adventure, I discovered a colony of ants that swarmed my feet and were quickly heading up my legs before I smooshed them. Thank goodness they didn't bite. I met a few giant roaches who insisted on saying hello on my arm! Ewww, to my neighbors, that is what the screaming was about ;) sorry.

I'm more grateful that I didn't meet one centipede or big spider, just one daddy long legs that unwillingly left my ceramic pot I needed.

I do love plants and flowers so much, the bugs...oh I would rather not see them. Too bad my nephew wasn't here, he loves bugs. I have a great bug viewer for him and will tell him where I saw lurking creatures and he can go enjoy them for both of us.

A few more hours of glorious relaxing weekend is on my calander, right after I convince someone to kindly now the grass and take me shopping for a BBQ with my ohana tonight. Yeah! I'm going to work up an appetite ;)

May you take some time for you, smell the pretty flowers and enjoy the warm sunshine.

Love always,
Maile

@mailemmm
@hilegacybuilder
http://www.hawaiilegacybuilders.com/mailemitchellakita.html

Happy Weekend!

I love sleeping in late on weekends! I didn't set the alarm last night, but I almost felt like it, just so I could hit the snooze button.

A day of gardening awaits! So refreshed after a great nights sleep and ready for an amazing weekend!

Happy weekend wishes to you.

Aloha,
Maile

Sidetracked!

I probably have ADHD in some form or another and I admit to getting easily sidetracked and even more guilty of starting multiple projects simultaneously and maybe half finishing a few.

I eventually complete most projects but I usually stop only when it seems I was just going in the wrong direction.

I need to re-plan, edit, re-assess the entire situation and go back to it when I have a better solution or idea.
This happens a lot and I know it drives my family crazy. I honestly don't know how else to be.

When I do complete a project to my perfectionist satisfaction, I always get praise and a lot of appreciation.

It's the artist blood that runs through my veins and has so much energy and way too many ideas for me to be able to see the roadmap to the finish line easily.

I seem to create unnecessary challenges for myself, that I can't explain...but as I see things falling into place better, I really don't care how I got there, just that I'm here now and I like it!

Okay, those are my artsy rambling thoughts reflecting on my life today. Maybe you are like me, and your family and friends complain about your multi-tasking lifestyle, but who cares what they think, if it works for you, then that is truly all that matters.

So I easily get distracted and I fall in love with almost everything and everyone! I love love and love life and love my family and my messy crazy projects that are half complete, but as they all get organized, I'm already thinking up future projects and I'm desperately trying to focus on my current projectssss before I start a few more ;)

he he he...I am giggling with joy on the inside and if you could see the naughty grin curling at my lips and the twinkle of mischief in my eyes, a look that definitely worries my family, but I know they will love it all.

Life is the adventure! Let's make the days fun and avoid the ordinary ;)

Giggles, smiles, and the best dreams!
Sending lots of love and hugs always,
Maile

@mailemmm
@hilegacybuilder
http://www.hawaiilegacybuilders.com/mailemitchellakita.html

Your life is amazing!

A moment becomes a memory as quickly as time moves forward. A memory captured in a photo will last a little longer.

Living the energy of the precious moment, and inspiring your own life for even better moments, is a life filled with wonderful memories!

May your life be filled with amazing moments by deciding how precious your life is. It's your life and your perspective that makes it great!

Live the moments!

Love and aloha,
Maile

@mailemmm
@hilegacybuilder
http://www.hawaiilegacybuilders.com/mailemitchellakita.html

Be Fearless!

I have learned a valuable life lesson recently and it has shifted my perspective on my life.

Fearless is how I choose to live everyday! I have fallen in love with my life and fully embrace every part of it. I will live each moment bravely and with respect for my self worth first.

I shall be a positive role model for my children and others that each of us is entitled to a great life and to not let anyone else's judgements or opinions negatively impact our journeys!

I will fight for my own truth and live in that energy. I only want to be a bright light in this world and light the way for all those that I love.

I look forward to whatever my future holds and bravely leap forth in my own journey among the stars!

Wishing everyone a bright future! You are loved and you are blessed.

Aloha,
Maile

@mailemmm
@hilegacybuilder
http://www.hawaiilegacybuilders.com/mailemitchellakita.html

Sooo cute!

I love giraffe's! They have such big eyes, you can almost peer into their soul. Gentle giants that walk among us. I can't help but smile when I see this photo.

Sweet dreams friends.
Aloha,
Maile

Prosperity...pass it on;)

Sharing prosperity, abundance, happiness, joy, and so much aloha ;)

One more day to play! Woo hoo! I love holidays! Sleeping in and I just might set the alarm clock to wake up early, just so I can hit the snooze bar as many times as I want! Or maybe not.

Happy President's Day holiday.

Aloha,
Maile

Relax and enjoy this long weekend!

This day is going great so far...first it's Saturday, so I get to sleep in! Second, my parents are on their way to Costco, and have offered to get my few things I need-almond milk and bananas. Now I don't have to brave the drive, traffic, parking, long lines of shopping, and I save gas...bonus! I enjoyed a mini at home spa day and had a relaxing brunch, with my feet up by the pool and a private concert ;) I love listening to my talented neighbor play the piano, beautiful!

My family is in the best mood and even better, my son is cleaning his room, I didn't even ask. He cleaned his ceiling fan, washed his bedding, folded and hung and put away his laundry that he washed yesterday, and vacuumed. I wonder if I could get him to clean my room to ;) he he he.

Smiles for your weekend! Three Day Weekend!!!

Love and Aloha,
Maile

http://www.hawaiilegacybuilders.com/mailemitchellakita.html

Unexpected Party!

A very special Friday night dinner party occurred rather spontaneously tonight. I couldn't have even imagined how much I was going to laugh, and how much I was going to learn.

My small dinner party began at sunset sitting around the pool side table in the comfy chairs. My two boys and even the family dog enjoyed dinner and very intelligent conversation.

My boys are officially young men and I couldn't be prouder of the self thinking individuals they have become.

At what age did they grow up so much? I almost wonder if I missed some milestone event, but I've been here everyday. It took an unexpected
moment of being truly present and enjoy their company.

Our roles have evolved. I'm not an overprotective mom protecting her babies anymore. I truly am just their mentor and hoping to be a guiding force in their life.

They have their own journeys just like me, and I see how our interconnected lives make every life lesson important. We all learn from each other.

It really has been a perfect day, especially when I will look back on this moment and smile forever with the memory.

Wishing you joy and love always,
Maile

http://www.hawaiilegacybuilders.com/mailemitchellakita.html

Happy Valentine's Day <3

Love day...
Wishing you a lifetime of love!
Many blessings to you always.
Aloha,
Maile

Into dreamland...

May all your dreams inspire a great life!

Sweet dreams,
Maile

Sweet dreams to all the dreamers!

I have always loved the stars! I could spend my life watching them twinkle all night.

This is my favorite time...late at night when the neighborhood is quiet, and most lights are off, I can fall asleep gazing at the moon and stars.

Dreamy!
I will make a wish for me and you, that all our dreams come true!

Love and aloha,
Maile

Abundance and Prosperity 2013!

The Water Snake has settled into it's groove on the second day of the new year! 

I absolutely feel this shift in my own energy. A beautiful feeling of calm and understanding. 

I can see solutions with my vast collection of resources and amazing network of individuals who can help me and others to be more successful.

The past few days and even now, I feel like things are falling into place in my world. 

My children are even different and I see them becoming more independent. 

Much like the snake that easily slithers around obstacles, I see myself and others being able to glide through this year peacefully.

A good friend once told me, "You are a river, and you must flow with your's life's purpose."

I can see that even more clearly, or I just feel it. 

After a year of planning, dreaming, wishing, and working to see my dreams realized, this year feels like the fruits of all that labor are about to manifest. I just need to allow it. 

I am feeling very zen today and at peace with myself and the world. 

Wishing you a peaceful year of seeing all your dreams manifest.

Love Always,

Maile

http://www.hawaiilegacybuilders.com/mailemitchellakita.html

Kung Hei Fat Choy!

I woke up to rain and all I could think was, this is a perfect welcome to the Water Snake year!

Hawaiian showers are always blessings! The Dragon year definitely caused so much transformation in so many areas of my life. The shift in that energy sent me into so many new directions.

This first day of the Water Snake feels so much calmer and I feel I am ready to just allow this energy to help move me easily and almost effortlessly into abundance in every area of my life!

Wishing everyone great success and a prosperous new year!

KUNG HEI FAT CHOY! Happy Lunar New Year! May Your Happiness Be Without Limit!

Love and Aloha,
Maile

Traditions

In Hawaii and elsewhere, many traditions are celebrated in much the same way. With the upcoming festivities of my nephew's first birthday it reminds me of so many baby luau's I have attended and have hosted.

Children are our gift to this world, being the next caretakers of this planet and will be the leaders in our society. We celebrate their first year of life with a big celebration.

Speaking of celebrations, we are so lucky to live in Hawaii and our amazing melting pot of culture has made our luau's and other traditional celebrations very interesting and delicious.

Island favorites are always present and the mixing of favorite ethnic dishes add such tempting bites, it's hard to walk away from a buffet without a little sample of each.

On the menu for this occasion, I have no idea. Probably noodles to celebrate my nephews Chinese heritage, wishing him a long life. Undagi for his Okinawan heritage, because it's a family favorite. Traditional roast pork, maybe chicken, or fish are all great options. And the birthday cake! Yum!

Planning this event is a big undertaking, with invitations, decorations, entertainment, renting a large party space and all the food; it's very similar to planning a wedding. Months of preparation to celebrate this first major milestone and the chance for all the family and friends to meet the newest family member. I look forward to celebrating every special occasion with my family and friends and send my happiest wishes to everyone who is celebrating wonderful milestones in your life.

Enjoy each day! This life journey shouldn't always be about what lessons you are learning, but enjoying every step. I've been celebrating all day- It's Aloha Friday! And even better the first day of a great weekend!

Happy weekend wishes!
Love and Aloha,
Maile

http://www.hawaiilegacybuilders.com/mailemitchellakita.html

Lol...so funny what you can find on the Internet ...I didn't even have to photoshop his name on a birthday cake ;)

Insomnia why???

A night of tossing and turning...first I was to cold, then to hot, and then cold again, then I have to get up and go to the bathroom, even tho I wanted to just wait until morning, ugh!

My mind seemed to race with every conceivable thought as soon as my head hit the pillow. Of course, I had things I could have taken to fall asleep, but they all required more liquid in my system.

Alright, its morning and now I can't remember any of the amazing things I was trying to not think about as I was trying to sleep. Lol! This life is so weird sometimes! Thankful it's Wednesday. Even more grateful for every hour of precious rest I think I may have gotten ;)

Smiles for your day! I will need them ;)

Aloha nui loa,
Maile


http://www.hawaiilegacybuilders.com/mailemitchellakita.html

Courage!

I'm not always brave! But I know that to achieve my goals and dreams, I need to do something scary! I had to step out of my comfort zone.

Hoping for the best. I'm trusting my gut instincts, which has sent me in some crazy directions, but always always paid off.

To be successful, sometimes we have to take risks. At least that is what it feels like when I try something new. But really, when I look back, it was never anything I couldn't handle, and I grew from the experience, and that made it worth it.

I wish you courage and bravery in your own life.

All my love,
Maile

http://www.hawaiilegacybuilders.com/mailemitchellakita.html

Champions

Aloha friends,
It is turning out to be a lovely lazy Sunday! I'm looking forward to playing with my kids, laughing with my ohana and watching a little football.

I'm not a big NFL fan, but as my son plays football and we have been UH football season ticket holders for a while now, I definitely know this game well.

Both teams are already winners proving their skill all season got them to the Super Bowl. We can all take inspiration from these champions.

Just do your best Always! Everyday you will be better than the last. I will always cheer for you. Sending love always.

Aloha,
Maile

Live! Breathe! Enjoy!

I love this quote! I set it as my wallpaper on my iPhone to help remind myself to always live, breathe, taste, and enjoy every moment in my journey.

Hoping to just make each day better than yesterday. To improve myself and live to inspire others, to serve others, to always send love. I never judge, I can only send love. Wishing peace and harmony in our world by living it in my own life.

Blessings always <3

Love and aloha,
Maile

Best Friends Forever

I heard the most beautiful story from my Kumu Aunty Donna last night...

An old Hawaiian man who lived in her neighborhood, once told her father about the puakinikini growing in her yard, at the time it was only a tiny shrub. The man said to plant another puakinikini plant next to it, it needs a friend to talk to. So they did and it didn't take long for these tiny shrubs to grow into strong trees.

We all need friends to support us and encourage us in our lives. You can never have enough friends.

I'm am so grateful for all my amazing friends and family, I am always blessed to make new friends.

Love always,
Maile