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
At Night They Gain Ground
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
Love Reverses Pain
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!
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
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
Children of a Neverending Summer
The children of a neverending summer jumping off a stepladder into the ocean. As adults, life can come at us hard. Children remind us to live in the present moment. They clearly define mindfulness by the way they live. Beautiful Haleiwa, Hawaii with my friend Mike who added comments on the moment. We reminisced when we were children. We could relate on how these children felt, not wanting the moment to end, playing until the last drop of sunlight.
#children #beach #ocean #sunset #clouds #mindfulness #gratitude #haleiwa #hawaii
Filed under Happiness, Life Coach, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Motivation, Positive Living
Condolence Speech for Bishop Yubun Narashiba
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.
Don’t let the words die.
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.
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
I want to go home.
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
I will find you – love
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
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
Beautiful
My love, don’t leave.
My heart . . . will bleed.
It’s been too long since we said goodbye.
Your heart is buried deep inside
the walls of every dream of mine.
So drift off, I’ll keep you safe tonight.
You are beautiful.
“Beautiful” by Said The Sky ft. Diamond Eyes.
Racing Against Time Part VIII
I’ve always been racing against time. Sometimes, I just need to pause and taste it. Death will keep coming for us. Every now and then, we need to laugh at it.
#time #life #death #mindfulness #gratitude #grateful #thankful #goforbroke
Filed under Gratitude, Life, Mindfulness
Better With You
I was a wreck when you came along
When there was nothing left
You showed me the best
I’m still a mess but you hold on
Don’t know just why you do
But I know I’m better with you
“Better With You” by Jesse McCartney
Yes, I’m Almost Back.
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
A Place We Found Love
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
Shouldn’t Life Be Fun?
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
Starbucks Friends
Just got cake pops from my Starbucks sister who was just adopted by my Starbucks mother. Lol!
#cakepops #starbucks #afterhours
#friends #mindfulness #gratitude
Filed under Friends, Gratitude, Mindfulness
I Feel the Love
I feel the love, I wanna get to know you.
I feel the love, let the past burn into the sun.
I feel the love, I really wanna show you now.
I feel the love, I wanna get to know you.
I feel the love, let the past burn into the sun.
Can’t get enough, so much I wanna show you now.
Tritonal – I Feel The Love (feat Ross Lynch)
Filed under Dance Music, Entertainment, Lyrics, Music
Consistency is Key to Our Goals!
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
Serious 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
Love My Aquarium!
Didn’t sleep much. Replaced the lights and cleaned my 55-gallon tank in the early morning. Got several Neon Tetras in it.
#fishtank #aquarium #freshwateraquarium #55gallontank #tropicalfish #fish #neontetras #pets #therapy #peace #innerpeace #mindfulness #gratitude
Filed under Gratitude, Mindfulness, Pets
No Hurricane, Back in the Groove!
Filed under Business, Career, Creative Writing, Entrepreneurship, Gratitude, Hawaii, Mindfulness, Motivation, Writing
Hurricane Lane Reporting by Justin Cruz
News reporter Justin Cruz’s knowledge and reports on weather in Hawaii has been amazing! I’m super proud of him! Here he is reporting on Hurricane Lane with Dr. Alison Nugent of the Atmospheric Science Faculty at the Univeristy of Hawaii. Their analysis of the hurricane has been very educational.
#justincruz #newsreporter #weatherreporter #khon2 #news #hurricanelane #hurricane #storm #hawaii
Filed under Hawaii
Hurricane Lane
I helped my dad board up the windows of my parents’ house in preparation of Hurricane Lane in Hawaii.
#hurricanelane #hurricane #oahu #hawaii
I Just Want Your Dot
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
Leaving Gifts For You
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
Glen Grant, Ghosts, and Supernatural Powers
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
2018 Jodo Mission of Hawaii Bon Dance
Jodo Mission of Hawaii’s bon dance is today Friday August 17 and tomorrow Saturday August 18, 2018 from 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Food booths starts at 4:30 PM, Jizo bon prayer is at 5:45 PM, Taiko performance by Dragon Beat is at 6:00 PM, and bon dancing begins at 6:30 PM. Jodo Mission of Hawaii is located at 1429 Makiki Street, Honolulu, Hawaii.
#jodomissionofhawaii #jodoshuhawaii #jodomission #jodoshu #bondance #obon #buddhism #honolulu #hawaii #event #events #food #dance #japaneseculture #culture
2018 Jodo Mission of Hawaii’s Bon Dance
Jodo Mission of Hawaii’s bon dance is today Friday August 17 and tomorrow Saturday August 18, 2018 from 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Food booths starts at 4:30 PM, Jizo bon prayer is at 5:45 PM, Taiko performance by Dragon Beat is at 6:00 PM, and bon dancing begins at 6:30 PM. Jodo Mission of Hawaii is located at 1429 Makiki Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814.
Here, I’m with Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith M. Kaneshiro at Jodo Mission of Hawaii’s bon dance in 2012.
#jodomissionofhawaii #jodoshuhawaii #jodomission #jodoshu #bondance #obon #buddhism #honolulu #hawaii
Filed under Buddhism, Events, Gratitude, Mindfulness, Nonprofit
Running Outdoors
No pill can pack all the health benefits of exercise. It’s good for our mind and body. My favorite is running outdoors. I’ve enjoyed running since my days playing soccer.
#exercise #running #run #outdoors #health #mind #body #waikele #hawaii #mindfulness
Filed under Exercise, Health, Life Coach, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Motivation, Positive Living
The Rest Is Bonus
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
Friends
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
That’s When She Appeared
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
Chateau
I don’t mind if you wanna go anywhere
I’ll take you there
We can go if you wanna go anywhere
I’ll take you there
We can go to the Chateau Marmont
And dance in the hotel room
We can run with the headlights on
Till we got nothing to lose
We have, lifting from the ground
We go, never coming down
(Angus & Julia Stone – Chateau)
Gratitude + Anything Is Possible
I learned gratitude from my mom. She has also encouraged me to try new things since I was a child. Anything is possible is what my mom instilled in me. I share with her and my dad every plan I have.
Here’s my mom and my baby niece at Pearl Ridge Center, Aiea, Hawaii on 8/2/2018.
#mom #niece #baby #family #influencer #pearlridge #pearlridgemall #aiea #hawaii #mindfulness #gratitude #anythingispossible
Filed under Family, Gratitude, Happiness, Influencer, Mindfulness, Motivational
It Hurts to See Them
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
Voices Call Me in the Dark
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
What’s Up!
What’s up! One of my favorite pictures of my niece sitting on grandpa’s lap.
#niece #family #hawaii
Filed under Family, Gratitude, Happiness, Love, Mindfulness, Motivational
My Last Moments
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
Empathy Spits Fire Back
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
Kauai Style Smoked Pork
Smoked pork Kauai style out in Kaneohe, Hawaii.
#smokedpork #smokedmeat #kaneohe #hawaii
Filed under Uncategorized
How to Be Better at Stress – Well Guides – The New York Times
We all face stressful events and people. For me, practicing a positive mindset, reframing the stressful events as challenges, exercise, sleep, happy music, reading and listening about positive practices performed by others, creative writing, meditation, and positive relationships help me in maintaining my mental and physical resilience against stress. Here’s a great article on how we can better manage our stress.
Filed under Health, Life Coach, Meditation, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Sleep
Dinner with my Friend
Dinner with my friend Brandon Mitsuda on Saturday July 22, 2018 at Coco Ichibanya Curry House. We talked about our times in politics, current political elections, my business projects, positive living, friends who have passed away, and our dreams.
#dinner #friend #curry
#cocoichibanya #aiea
#hawaii #mindfulness #gratitude
Filed under Friends, Gratitude, Mindfulness
Saddened by the death of my friend from a heart attack.
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
Meeting & Working at Waikele Country Club
Working after a breakfast meeting at Waikele Country Club. Such a relaxing location!
#work #business #law #macbookpro #macbook #laptop #waikelecountryclub #waikele #hawaii #mindfulness #gratitude
Filed under Business, Career, Gratitude, Mindfulness
Our Intuition as Guidance
Our intuition will give us a feeling of expanding or contracting. That good feeling like I’m expanding is when I go with it. If I feel very uncomfortable like I’m contracting, I don’t go with it. There are times when I go against my intuition, and my gut feelings get revealed by future events. No matter what, we will figure things out.
#intuition #gutfeeling #prediction
Filed under Life, Life Coach
JON RIKI KARAMATSU 