Can’t see past the arc.
Go for something or nothing.
Find out or wonder.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #176, 10/7/2018 –
#haiku #haikus #haikupoem #haikupoems #haikupoetry #poem #poems #poetry #quote #writing #creativewriting #novels #fiction #risk #chance #plan #goal #determination #goforit #selfdevelopment #improvement #life #business #career #love #relationship
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
Fire up your hate.
You can’t crush what you can’t catch.
Speeding to the light.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #173, 10/2/2018 –
#haiku #haikus #haikupoem #haikupoems #haikupoetry #poem #poems #poetry #poet #poets #quote #quotes #writing #creativewriting #writer #writers #author #authors #novel #novels #fiction #nonfiction #artist #art #anger #hate #light #love #compassion #empathy #joy #mindset #positive #positivemindset #mentalhealth #positivity #positiveliving #mindfulness
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
Bullets in their mouths.
They backfire in their throats.
Angry explosions.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #172, 10/2/2018 –
#haiku #haikus #haikupoem #haikupoems #haikupoetry #poem #poems #poetry #poet #quote #quotes #writing #creativewriting #writer #writers #author #authors #novel #novels #fiction #nonfiction #artist #art #anger #peace #innerpeace #love #compassion #empathy
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
Is it from the lights?
I want to go inside them,
your cute twinkling eyes.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #170, 10/2/2018 –
#haiku #haikus #haikupoem #haikupoems #haikupoetry #poem #poems #poetry #poet #quote #quotes #writing #creativewriting #writer #writers #author #authors #novel #novels #fiction #nonfiction #artist #art
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
Love sprouts like flowers.
Bees and diseases want us.
Live. Reproduce? Die.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #169, 10/2/2018 –
#haiku #haikus #haikupoem #haikupoems #haikupoetry #poem #poems #poetry #poet #writing #creativewriting #writer #author #novel #novels #fiction #nonfiction #artist #art #love #romance
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
Each word blooms stories.
Writing to fill my blank spots.
A cure and my joy.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #168, 10/2/2018 –
#haiku #haikus #haikupoem #haikupoems #poem #poems #poetry #writing #creativewriting #art #novels #fiction #nonfiction #books
My wings are dying.
Secure me but don’t lock me.
Let’s fly together.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #167, 10/2/2018 –
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
Softly you whisper.
Let’s turn these feelings to gold.
Transcend young and old.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #166, 10/2/2018 –
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
Spirit therapy.
Feel my thoughts. I comfort yours.
Merge the two of us.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #165, 9/25/2018 –
#haiku #haikupoem #haikupoetry #poem #poems #poetry #art #creativewriting #writing #love #romance
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
You are so precious.
Don’t ever think otherwise.
Flowers bloom from dirt.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #157, 9/18/2018 –
I dedicate this poem to all of you. Keep your heads up!!! The flowers are from the farmers market in Hilo, Hawaii on 9/22/2018.
#haiku #haikupoem #haikupoetry #poem #poetry #quote #quotes #art #creativewriting #writing #books #novels #nonfiction #love #life #positivemindset #mentalhealth #positivelife #positiveliving #joy #happiness #mindfulness #gratitude #flowers #orchids #hilo #hawaii
Filed under Books, Creative Writing, Gratitude, Haiku, Happiness, Life, Life Coach, Love, Mindfulness, Poems, Positive Living, Quotes, Writing
White fluffy carpet.
It shot us up to the sky.
Screaming pain and joy.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #164, 9/25/2018 –
#haiku #haikupoem #haikupoetry #poem #poems #poetry #art #creativewriting #writing
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
Like an eighties song,
you can’t throw away my heart.
This story lives on.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #161, 9/23/2018 –
#haiku #haikupoem #haikupoetry #poem #poetry #art #creativewriting #writing
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
We talk in silence.
Closer than when we were real.
You said, “We were dead.”
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #160, 9/23/2018 –
#haiku #haikupoem #haikupoetry #poem #poetry #art #creativewriting #writing
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
At night they gain ground.
Meditate to my music.
I still hear footsteps.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #159, 9/23/2018 –
#haiku #haikupoem #haikupoetry #poem #poetry #art #creativewriting #writing
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
The blues feel so good.
I’m falling upwards from you.
Love reverses pain.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #158, 9/23/2018 –
#haiku #haikupoem #haikupoetry #poem #poetry #art #creativewriting #writing
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
Music plays a huge role in my life. I listen to songs with happy hooks and beats, especially electronic dance music to keep my myself happy and positive and when exercising. Classical and relaxing instrumental music is what I listen to when writing legal documents and researching laws. I like fun music when researching and writing business documents and nonfiction projects. When I write my novels and poems, I enjoy romantic and sad songs so I can bring out the emotions in the characters and dramatic scenes, then I switch to uplifting songs for the happy scenes. Here, I’m wearing my wireless Beats headset from my friend Ryan Sanada in my office with the plumeria flowers in the background. There’s also coconut trees behind the plumeria tree, all very relaxing to look at while I work!
#music #songs #edm #electronicdancemusic #beats #beatsheadphones #headset #headphones #work #law #business #writing #research #fiction #novels #poems #nonfiction #entrepreneurship #office #plumeria #flowers #coconuttrees #oahu #hawaii #mindfulness
Filed under Business, Creative Writing, Electronic Dance Music, Mindfulness, Music, Poems, Pop Music, Writing
You are so precious.
Don’t ever think otherwise.
Flowers bloom from dirt.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #157, 9/18/2018 –
#haiku #haikupoem #haikupoetry #poem #poetry #art #creativewriting #writing
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Peace, Poems, Writing
Condolence Speech for Bishop Yubun Narashiba
Bishop Yubun Narashiba had a huge presence at Jodo Mission of Hawaii. Huge presence. On March 3, 1985, he became a reverend here at the Betsuin. On September 1, 1987, he was assigned to Koloa Jodo Mission in Kauai. He returned back here at the Betsuin on November 1, 1997. Bishop Narashiba served as our temple’s religious leader and a member of our board of directors. He was also serving as Bishop of the Hawaii Council of Jodo Missions since September 16, 2017, the religious leader of our statewide organization. This last go around was Bishop Narshiba’s second stint as our Bishop since he was also Bishop from September 1999 to September 2003.
I’ve known of Bishop Narashiba since I was a boy coming here at Jodo Mission of Hawaii with my grandpa Maurice Karamatsu, grandma Bessie Karamatsu and my immediate family. I became closer with him as a young adult after I became a member of the Jodo Mission of Hawaii’s Board of Directors in 2006 as First Vice President, taking my grandma Bessie Karamatsu’s board seat after her passing that year. I got to work even closer with Bishop Narashiba after I became president of this organization in January of 2011.
What was really impressive about Bishop Narashiba was his ability to do so many things from religious services, welcoming members and guests, office and administrative work, handiwork to fix minor repairs on our premises, labor work by helpings us set up and breaking down our otoba for obon service and our yagura for bon dance, traveling to Japan to for training or to meet with leadership at Jodo Shu headquarters, representing our organization at the Hawaii Buddhist Council with leaders of other sects of Buddhism, and attending community events.
Like many of you, it’s hard to believe Bishop Yubun Narashiba passed away. He was still young, and it happened so suddenly. I feel like he’s going to step up to the podium right now and speak to us with his warm smile. In many ways, he’s still with us because he left such a wonderful impression on us. He lived with compassion, empathy, the Eightfold Path, and all the Buddhist teachings. He lived it. Besides being with us spiritually, his legacy is also all around us. When you see all the wonderful improvements of our temple, social hall, and apartment building, think of Bishop Narashiba. He played a large role in fixing and beautifying our facilities.
Bishop Narashiba lived by example through his love and compassion. We are so lucky to have experienced the time we had with him.
Bishop Narashiba, thank you so much for being a part of our lives. Aloha.
Squeezed out all my love.
Every poem I wrote to you.
Don’t let the words die.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #156, 8/31/2018 –
#haiku #haikupoem #haikupoetry #poem #poetry #art #creativewriting #writing
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Novels, Poems, Writing
Take the energy from your suffering to boost the power of your creativity.
#writing #thoughts #quote #quotes #mindset #positivemindset #positivity #positiveliving #mentalhealth #negativity #creativity #positiveenergy #motivation
Filed under Creativity, Mental Health, Motivation, Writing
Jane, what a feeling.
Mary, take my pain away.
I want to go home.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #155, 8/31/2018 –
#haiku #haikupoem #haikupoetry #poem #poetry #art #creativewriting #writing
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
Either here or there.
Maybe after we are dead.
I will find you – love.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #154, 8/31/2018 –
#haiku #haikupoem #haikupoetry #poem #poetry #art #creativewriting #writing #love
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
My dear, I’m still here.
Breathe. Feel the air. See the clouds.
Sun rays hugging you.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #153, 8/31/2018 –
#haiku #haikupoem #haikupoetry #poem #poetry #art #creativewriting #writing #love
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
Almost back to life.
A grin. Even a few laughs.
Yes, I’m almost back.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #152, 8/30/2018 –
#haiku #haikupoem #haikupoetry #poem #poetry #art #creativewriting #writing
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
Stumbling in the snow.
I follow the sounds of joy.
A place we found love.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #151, 8/30/2018 –
#haiku #haikupoem #haikupoetry #poem #poetry #art #creativewriting #writing
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
We were once children.
If it’s not a game, why play?
Shouldn’t life be fun?
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #150, 8/30/2018 –
#haiku #haikupoem #haikupoetry #poem #poetry #art #creativewriting #writing
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
Consistency is key to writing, exercise, and any goal that we have. On some days we rock it, while other times, we struggle. We progress by just doing it. My friend who I met at Starbucks is walking behind me. She looks like a ghost because of her movement.
#consistency #daily #habits #practice #productivity #goals #starbucks #waikele #hawaii
Filed under Books, Business, Consistency, Creative Writing, Entrepreneurship, Exercise, Goals, Life Coach, Productivity, Writing
Here’s a great article on what serious writers do to get their writing done.
1. Show up regularly.
2. Get started, no matter how inspired they’re feeling.
3. Think on paper.
4. Get bored, and understand it’s part of the process.
5. Meet their deadlines no matter the hardship or duress.
Filed under Books, Nonfiction, Novels, Poems, Productivity, Writing
Filed under Business, Career, Creative Writing, Entrepreneurship, Gratitude, Hawaii, Mindfulness, Motivation, Writing
Two dots and their line.
Circles connecting circles.
I just want your dot.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #149, 8/20/2018 –
#haiku #haikupoem #haikupoetry #poem #poetry #art #creativewriting #writing
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
Death is always here.
Keep working on the future.
Leaving gifts for you.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #148, 8/18/2018 –
#haiku #haikupoem #haikupoetry #poem #poetry #art #creativewriting #writing
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Mindfulness, Motivation, Poems, Writing
I’m re-reading all of my ghost books written by Glen Grant. I wish he was still alive. I miss his presence. Grant had an amazing life as a professor of American studies, history, and political science at the Univeristy of Hawaii at Manoa and Hawaii Tokai International College where he was a Vice Chancellor; author of I believe 14 books (nonfiction and fiction); radio show host; entrepreneur with his coffee shop and ghost tours; and board member of the Moiliili Community Center. I would’ve liked to have known him. He passed away from cancer on June 19, 2003 at the age of 56.
I’ve witnessed many unexplainable events and people with supernatural gifts. I also have friends, colleagues, and acquaintances who have shared with me their haunting experiences. Healers, masters, and spiritual leaders have come into my life along my journey. Some spiritual events were innocent, while others were very dark. Apparently, people who were angry and mean when they were alive continue to be the same when they’re dead. In contrast, those who lived with compassion and empathy, transitioned over with these qualities. Since leaving politics in 2015, I’ve had less unusual experiences, and I’ve only befriended a few more people with supernatural powers. Maybe it’s best this way. However, my curiosity for the unknown has picked up again as I read Glen Grant’s books. I can’t help but keep in mind what Grant’s dead father said to him in his dream, “There are things on this side that you must never know.”
#glengrant #books #obake #ghosts #spirits #supernatural #dead #powers #energy #uknown #unexplainable
Filed under Books, Life, Nonfiction, Writing
I picked a flower.
It’s all I have at this time.
The rest is bonus.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #147, 8/11/2018 –
#haiku #haikupoem #haikupoetry #poem #poetry #art #creativewriting #writing
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
I took the bus into Waikiki and got off a couple of blocks away from my destination, the Moana Surfrider Hotel. The only thing I had with me was a little black tote bag. Upon arriving at the hotel, I went through the main entrance and out onto the lanai in the back where I paused to absorb the red and orange sun setting into the ocean. I don’t know what was causing me to sweat more, the humidity or my anticipation. I proceeded to the outdoor restaurant covered by a huge tree. I sat at a table to side of the stage that had a large umbrella top covering. A blonde waitress with wavy hear tied in the back came to take my order.
“Hi, is Kanae performing tonight?” I inquired.
Her smile subsided. “Oh I’m sorry. Not tonight. Kainani is dancing.”
“Hmm, I guess I made a mistake. I’ll take a guava juice.”
In a few minutes the waitress returned with my beverage. I drank it down quickly and closed my bill. A part of me was relieved. I strolled out of the dining area and to the beach. I sat on the warm sand. The rhythmic waves of the ocean was soothing to listen to. The clouds hovering had turned pink, one of my favorite things to see.
“Ken,” said a female voice. I turned behind and saw Kanae standing just a few feet away with a grin. She was wearing a white dress with a black sash tied around her waist and white and beige sandals. She was definitely not performing hula tonight.
“Hey,” was the only sound that I could blurt back in response.
“Is it okay if I join you?”
“Sure.”
Kanae sat by me. We both faced the ocean. “It’s been awhile,” she said.
“Yes, about a year. How did you know I was here on the beach?” I asked.
“I had a meeting in the hotel lobby. I saw you walk by. Did you have something here?”
“No. I mean yes. Uh. Actually, I came here to see you dance.”
“Really?” She was now gleaming. “I’m off tonight.”
“I know. The waitress told me.” I reached into my tote bag and pulled out a cardboard item that had numbers on it and the colors red, green, yellow, and white. “Here’s the game piece that you forgot at my party a year ago.”
She laughed. “You came all the way out here to give me a game piece.”
I chuckled. “Well partly. Also, I want you to know that I think about you, and you still have a friend.”
Her eyes swelled up with tears. She moved in and hugged me tightly with her head on my shoulders.
“I’m so happy,” she whispered.
I felt a tear trickle down my cheek.
Two pink clouds descended and floated in front of us and above the blue ripples of the ocean.
#fiction #creativewriting #writing #friends #friendship
Filed under Creative Writing, Fiction, Writing
Reality died.
I re-wrote the way it ends.
That’s when she appeared.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #146, 8/10/2018 –
#haiku #haikupoem #haikupoetry #poem #poetry #art #creativewriting #writing
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
Pinkish white petals.
Please blow the last ones away.
It hurts to see them.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #145, 8/8/2018 –
#haiku #haikupoem #haikupoetry #poem #poetry #art #creativewriting #writing
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
Evil in the light.
Voices call me in the dark.
“Tell our story.”
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #144, 8/6/2018 –
#haiku #haikupoem #haikupoetry #poem #poetry #art #creativewriting #writing
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
I stood on the top of the ridge and admired the beautiful green trees swaying far below with the wind. The last of the blue skies were painted over with shades of gray. Ahead, dark clouds were sweeping in like an angry predator. They swallowed peak after peak and kept coming for me.
I calmly inserted my headphones in my ears and played my favorite song. The happy tune brought me a smile. My time here would be over soon, but I was content. All that came to my mind was my mom, dad, sisters, nieces, family, and my closest friends. It’s funny how we spend much of our lives building so much, pushing through all the problems and terrible people that seemed so important to do back then. Yet, in the last moments of our lives, all we think about are the ones who really mattered. Memories of joy with them came blasting in like a movie in fast forward. You see their faces and then you’re gone.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 7/25/2018 –
#creativewriting #writing #peace
Filed under Books, Creative Writing, Family, Friends, Gratitude, Life, Love, Mindfulness, Peace, Writing
Their rage won’t burn me.
Empathy spits fire back.
Change or die in pain.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #143, 7/25/2018 –
#haiku #haikupoem #haikupoetry #poem #poetry #art #creativewriting #writing
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
I’m saddened by the death of my friend from a heart attack. I visited him at the hospital before he passed. I dedicate this relaxing picture of tropical plants and trees to him. Going in and out of darkness.
#death #friend #saddened #waikelecountryclub #waikele
Flip the switch for light.
Sometimes it doesn’t turn on.
The sun will return.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #142, 7/6/2018 –
#poem #poems #poetry #haiku #haikupoem #haikupoetry #writing #creativewriting
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
Many days, it’s just my laptop and I, as we stare at one another, working together for a different tomorrow.
#work #hustle #sacrifice #dailygrind #grind #productivity #daybyday #stepbystep #mabookpro #friends #myfriend #apple
Filed under Business, Career, Computer, Entrepreneurship, Laptop, Law, Life Coach, Writing
Your smile, your look.
The way you dance to the beats.
Stranger, I want you.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #140, 7/4/2018 –
#poem #poems #poetry #haiku #haikupoem #haikupoetry #writing #creativewriting
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Inspiration, Motivation, Poems, Writing
I must let you go.
I hope you still have the stone.
It will protect you.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #139, 7/4/2018 –
#poem #poems #poetry #haiku #haikupoem #haikupoetry #writing #creativewriting
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
I have so much gratitude for my business partners, especially my FBO partners who have been working with me for almost three years, and all of us are pushing forward and taking on challenges without pay for all these years in addition to other projects we have for ourselves or with other groups. Trying to make personal ends meet while developing start-ups are tough and takes patience, but the process of learning, building new skills, and expanding relationships gives us a high. We’re seeing the destination of each goal getting closer and closer with our daily grind. My heart is with all of you as you strive for your goals. Fall down seven times and get back up eight (Japanese proverb). I’m cheering for you!!!
#startups #business #entrepreneurship #law #businesslaw #development #construction #aviation #fbo #books #novels #nonfiction #events #music #musicevents #energy #housing #dreams #goals #gratitude
Filed under Books, Business, Career, Consistency, Creative Writing, Entertainment, Entrepreneurship, Events, Festivals, Goals, Gratitude, Infrastructure, Law, Motivation, Music, Productivity, Promoter, Writing
Here’s a link to a great article by author Ryan Holiday on 23 helpful lessons learned from entrepreneur, author, podcast host, and investor Tim Ferris who has helped me virtually in my life and career.
#timferriss #entrepreneur #author #podcasthost #investor #selfdevelopment
Filed under Books, Business, Career, Entrepreneurship, Inspirational, Life, Life Coach, Motivational, Podcast, Productivity, Writing
Trapped.
Wanting everything, yet desiring simplicity.
The more you get, the more they want.
With nothing, there’s just authenticity.
But with nothing, you feel like nothing.
When you work hard you get known.
Attacks and Accolades.
Maybe do less and hide.
Lonely and peaceful days.
Wanting the new, yet missing the old.
Change is constant, an unbreakable code.
Love my love. Love.
Love the pain from love. Still love.
Between everything and nothing is something.
Maybe all we need is something.
#poem #poems #poetry #creativewriting #writing #art
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Writing
Something’s happening.
A feeling, a buzz-like high.
The light will push through.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #138, 6/27/2018 –
#poem #poems #poetry #haiku #haikupoem #haikupoetry #writing #creativewriting
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Novels, Poems, Writing
Orphaned by their war.
I rebel for my people.
Freedom, not terror.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #137, 6/19/2018 (This poem was inspired by the protagonist in my second novel who struggles with his sadness and anger over the death of his parents caused by the Iraq war. I’m editing the first draft.) –
#poem #poems #poetry #haiku #haikupoem #haikupoetry #writing #creativewriting #books #art #novel #novels #book #books #fiction #story #Iraq #war #peace
Filed under Books, Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
JON RIKI KARAMATSU 