You don’t know, you don’t know, know.
Your eyes glow in the dark, they glow.
You got friends all around, around.
It’s just you and me, you and me are going down.
Baby if you follow me home, I’ll follow you forever.
If you’re not going out in the cold, I’ll wait for better weather.
If you’re tired of walking alone, I’ll walk with you and watch the sky.
No matter where you are, no matter where you are, I wanna hear your footsteps in the night.
“Footsteps In The Night” by Lost Frequencies
With my friend and mentor Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith M. Kaneshiro at his fundraiser at Bishop Museum on the evening of October 19, 2016.
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Jodo Shu Hawaii Bazaar today, October 16, 2016 at 1429 Makiki Street, Honolulu, Hawaii from 8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Clothes, products, and food.
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It’s better to be loved than hated. A common saying, but a good reminder for our daily practice in our interactions with others.
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Will you feel
the sparks after the sunset
and stay close
to see the fire burn?
Will you stay
and wrap your arms around me?
Stay close
to see the fire burn.
“Sparks After The Sunset” by Cosmic Gate and Sarah Lynn, and remixed by Rafael Frost.
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Cute as a bunny.
You run circles around them.
Even a tiger.
-Haiku #30, Jon Riki Karamatsu, 10/10/2016-
Filed under Blog, Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Uncategorized, Writing
Anything to win.
In time, they will choke on words
that were painted white.
-Haiku #29, Jon Riki Karamatsu, 10/10/2016-
Filed under Blog, Books, Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Uncategorized, Writing
Burst through their fire.
Relentlessly pursuit it.
They can only watch.
-Haiku #28, Jon Riki Karamatsu, 10/9/2016-
Filed under Blog, Books, Creative Writing, Creativity, Haiku, Poems, Positive Living, Positivity, Uncategorized, Writing
I can be your light.
Escape the lower 6 realms.
Just hold onto me.
-Haiku #27, Jon Riki Karamatsu, 10/9/2016-
Filed under Blog, Creative Writing, Creativity, Fiction, Haiku, Love, Love Story, Peace, Poems, Uncategorized, Writing
Gratitude for my 2000 Nissan Frontier truck. We’ve been through a lot and I’m thankful he has taken care of me.
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Gratitude – My Favorites as of 10/6/2016
I’m so lucky to have you in my life. Here’s a song that reflects how I feel in my heart: “Thankful” by Feki.
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Stretch is such a kind and loyal member of our family. My dad got him as a little puppy in 2001. He was recently diagnosed with cancer, but fortunately, his walk and appetite has gotten better, and my mom said he even barked recently. When I dog-sat him just about month and a half ago, he ran out of the gate and down the street, which forced me to take him for a walk. I think he knew that that moment was the last time he would be able to run like that. I love him so much.
Curls under blankets.
Follows me from room to room.
Cute tilted head stares.
-Jon Riki Karamatsu, 10/1/2016-
Filed under Blog, Creativity, Dogs, Gratitude, Haiku, Happiness, Hawaii, Journal, Life, Life Coach, Mindfulness, Peace, Poems, Positive Living, Positivity, Writing
I will defeat time.
Sunset at eighty-seven.
Chase me to heaven.
-Jon Riki Karamatsu, 9/30/2016-
Filed under Blog, Business, Career, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, Haiku, Journal, Life, Life Coach, Mindfulness, Poems, Writing
Shadows will kill me.
I smile at their distortion
and inhale their pain.
-Jon Riki Karamatsu, 9/30/2016-
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Find the little spark
to lead you out of the dark.
Good is still in you.
-Jon Riki Karamatsu, 9/30/2016-
Filed under Books, Career, Creativity, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, Haiku, Inspiration, Journal, Life, Life Coach, Love, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Peace, Poems, Positive Living, Positivity, Uncategorized, Writing
We humans can learn a lot from dogs such as unconditional love, loyalty, and mindfulness. Dogs appreciate the present moment, one of the key teachings in Buddhism, in that we must have gratitude for our lives, loved ones, and opportunities. With gratitude, we can overcome the challenges of life, and achieve peace and happiness for a great majority of our precious life.
Below is a cute Shiba Inu puppy.
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Games are fun for us.
Treat life like a game and play.
Drive, create, and love.
-Jon Riki Karamatsu, 9/15/2016-
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Nine of Pentacles.
Our pleasing life is near.
Grab our Ten of Cups.
-Jon Riki Karamatsu, 9/14/2016-
Filed under Blog, Haiku, Poems, Uncategorized, Writing
We hop in the snow
and into the ice castle.
You tackle me and laugh.
-Jon Riki Karamatsu, 9/14/2016-
(This poem was inspired by my first novel that’s yet to be published.)
There’s only one you.
Love yourself and love others.
Live with gratitude.
-Jon Riki Karamatsu, 9/14/2016-
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James Altucher, an entrepreneur, author, and podcast show host has helped me in my life and career since my friend Ryan Sanada told me to listen to his podcast in April 2015 after my life took a slight downfall. Altucher’s advice: Generate 10 ideas a day if you can; Idea sex or mix various ideas together; Work with others who have skills and ideas that compliment yours; Take care of your health; and most importantly, “Choose Yourself” – pursue all areas of your passions and dreams.
What makes James Altucher so appealing is his openness to not just his success, but his failures. He has mentioned how he made millions of dollars and then lost it all; going through divorce; and feeling depressed to a point where he wanted to die. Yet through it all, he comes back and make millions of dollars again, evolves with new business ideas, and networks with other amazing people.
Here’s a link to James Altucher’s website: www.jamesaltucher.com
Also, download his podcast show “The James Altucher Show” and another podcast show that he co-hosts with entrepreneur Stephen J. Dubner called “Question of the Day” where they answer questions and give advice.
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Do you hear my heartbeat?
Follow it.
It will guide you out of the blackness and into my world.
I’m waiting for you in the green meadows.
I’ll take you to the highest hill.
We can lay on the grass and watch the white clouds float among the pink skies.
When the bright blue raindrops fall onto us, open your mouth and enjoy the sweet taste.
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When I sleep you’re always there for me.
Just a twinkle of your love lifts away all the gray.
Your smile sends rays of warmth throughout me.
Though it’s difficult for me to wake up,
your shield secures me for another day.
-Jon Riki Karamatsu, 9/8/2016-
(This poem was inspired by my first novel)
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Memories warm my chest.
I trace your faded image
and hug you once more.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 9/7/2016 –
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When I was a baby, my mom would talk and read to me.
As a toddler, she made me do math and English workbooks by rewarding me with a penny for every page I accomplished.
As a kid, my mom drove me to soccer, baseball, Aikido, cub scouts, and many other activities until my dad could meet us after he finished work.
My mom and dad attended all my soccer games and watched me progress from an average player to one of the State’s highest scorers.
While I struggled to find out who I was during my teenage years, my mom helped me through it.
On the day I graduated from high school, my mom and dad that was there.
When I broke up with my first girlfriend and saw my college grade point average drop, my mom comforted me.
When I made my college comeback by raising my GPA and graduated from the University of Hawaii with a B.A. in Political Science my mom and dad was there.
My mom and dad flew to Washington State to see me graduate from Gonzaga University School of Law, and later that year they saw me sworn in as a lawyer under the Hawaii State Bar Association in the Hawaii State Senate.
A year later, my mom and dad witnessed me get sworn into the Hawaii State House of Representatives.
When I was in jail for DUI, my mom and dad was there to be bail me out.
When I got attacked by the media, political opponents, and haters, my mom and dad stood by me.
Every time I was feeling down from angry people, power hungry politicians, tyrant and tantrum-filled judges, and selfish business persons, my mom was there to listen.
With every plan and goal I came up with for my business and political endeavors, my mom always told me to give it a try.
Even now, my mom is alway there to cheer me on. Through her I’ve learned that when we strive for what we want, anything is possible, and that having empathy and compassion is the best way to live.
I dedicate this song “Be As You Are” by Mike Posner and remixed by Jordan XL to my mom and to all of you mothers out there.
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We crawl to the edge and peek over.
The dark blue waves far below us,
crashing against the rocky walls of our cliff.
They move in sync to the thumping of our hearts.
This is how I felt when I first met you.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, August 10, 2016 –
This song matches my poem. It’s called “So Good To Me” by Chris Malinchak.
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Entrepreneur and Author James Altucher wrote a nice article, which is linked below my article. Mr. Altucher wrote, “The world doesn’t need more DO-ers.” He also stated, “Stillness ultimately creates, Doing often destroys.”
Sometimes “doing” does nothing such as having meetings that have no new information or purpose, just rehashed things that were already in motion. There are times when “doing” is destructive such as having a meeting where people are offended or where we cannot commit to an action because we didn’t complete the preceding tasks yet. At times, waiting on action such as actions by the government or investors can be a good thing because new investors and opportunities pop up that could never have happened had things progressed faster. Patience is a key to success when “doing” does nothing.
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Humans keep hurting one another physically and verbally. Anger, greed, and jealousy fuel their flames of destruction. Yet through it all, love and compassion maneuvers though the smoke and ashes and picks up our spirit so we can see above the gloomy gray and into the light blue skies where our dreams and ideas flourish.
Below is “Tenderness” by General Public.
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My sisters are princesses. My nieces are now princesses. They rule the world. Since I was young, I’ve wanted to save everyone from evil. I keep coming up with ideas and mix them with other ideas – some good and some bad. Then I pursue them until I live my imagination. But every now and then, my fantasy comes crashing down. Like a child, I create another dream and do it all over again.
With my nieces Sophie and Elyse on the early morning of March 7, 2016, just before flying from San Francisco, California to Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
My niece Elyse with Princess Belle of Beauty and the Beast at Disney World on March 8, 2016.
My sister Mia, Elyse, and Sophie with Princess Anna of Frozen at Disney World on March 10, 2016.
My niece Sophie in her Princess Snow White dress and younger sister Lara at the hotel in Disney World on March 10, 2016.
My sister Lara holding my niece Sophie at Disney World on March 10, 2016.
My niece Elyse and I in the dining hall of Princess Belle and the Beast at Disney World on March 11, 2016.
A fun song fitting for this journal entry called “Crushin’ My Fairytale” by Celeste Buckingham.
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Every child is born into this realm with innocence. As we progress through life, we try to make sense of everything. Good people keep tying to do good, while those with anger, greed, jealousy, and the like, move around them like demons thirsting for power – all validating their actions, all thinking they’re right. In the end, death chases all of us down. By then, the children of tomorrow have become the next wave of love and hate. We’re all just part of this crazy cycle.
So which side are you truly on?
This song projects my frustration with the darkness of this world – “Breathe” by Eric Prydz ft. Rob Swire.
Filed under Blog, Business, Career, Dance Music, Death, Electronic Dance Music, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, Events, Failure, Journal, Life, Peace, Positive Living, Positivity, Uncategorized
“500 Days of Summer” is one of my all-time favorite movies. I like it because it’s so real, filled with all of life’s strengths and weaknesses. As much as we want our heart to act, sometimes it won’t, no matter how hard we try. On the opposite side, sometimes we fall in love, but the other person just can’t feel the same no matter how much that person cares for you. In the end, it hurts so much between the two of you. This movie is based on an experience that the screenwriter went through. The song “Sweet Disposition” by The Temper Trap really hits you in the right emotional spot and matches the movie.
Multiple projects and issues are jumping around in my head while calls and messages keep coming in. So much so that I made an error the other day on one of my tasks. Studies have shown that multi-tasking reduces our performance. It’s much better to focus on one task at a time to maximize our output and results.
With all the different projects and goals that I have to accomplish, I think my mind is going as fast as this song “Alone” by Marshmello.
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On Sunday July 24, 2016 at 2:00 p.m., I served as the MC for my Great Aunty May Fumiko Akimoto who is my mom’s baby sister’s mother-in-law. The service was held at Hosoi in Honolulu, Hawaii. My cousins Chelsea and Jill gave a nice remembrance speech, and it was touching to see the little ones, Tatum, Zoe, and Parker say their “Thank you” to the guests and “I love you” to their late great grandma, May Fumiko Akimoto. I will miss her.
With the latest wave of passing of my family and friends, including my cousin Brad Tanaka, great aunt May Akimoto, and Congressman K. Mark Takai, at times, my heart floats into a realm of nothingness. While there, I gain clarity, and then return here to keep trying my best to live with all I’ve got.
To all my friends, my heart is with you. There will never be anyone like you. Keep striving for your dreams. Most importantly, I wish you happiness. I dedicate this song “Surprise Yourself” by Jack Garratt & remixed by Griffin & Manila Killa.
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I’m saddened of my cousin Brad Tanaka’s passing on June 29, 2016 from Type 1 Diabetes. He was only 46. The cause of Type 1 Diabetes is unknown. My cousin had it since he was about 9 years and from then on, he had to administer shots into himself every day in order to stay healthy. I really hope there will be a cure for Type 1 Diabetes in the near future. I pray to him in hope that he is happy and at peace. When I close my eyes, I can see him smiling.
This song “Ka Pilina” churns my heart. It’s a romantic Hawaiian song about a woman attended by native Hawaiian birds that are singing beautifully. The song is accentuated when danced by hula dancer(s).
When I hear this song, my imagination is as follows:
I move through the forest and hear the elepaio chirping. As midnight approaches, the ‘apapane sings with his beautiful voice. At dawn, I listen to the song of the ‘i’iwi polena. Now approaches the woman attended by the birds. Our eyes meet and we smile. Our love and intimacy.
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Ideas are like love. When we work on them daily, fruits of joy explode.
-Jon Riki Karamatsu, July 12, 2016-
Filed under Blog, Creativity, Journal, Writing
My heart is with you. At times, dark clouds follow us – the loss of our loved ones; shattered images of romance; and attacks by negativity. Yet through it all, we keep progressing forward with our efforts, hour by hour towards what we envision. I dedicate this song to you called “Higher” from one of my favorite bands, The Naked And Famous.
What is, is.
What will be, will be.
We can’t dwell on what has happened, and worry about what will happen.
If we do, it will depress us, slow us down, and even kill us.
Good things will happen and so will bad things.
We have to appreciate what we have and focus on what we can control.
By accepting what is and what will be, we can keep moving forward.
To help us overcome our hardships, I dedicate this song to you called “Light It Up” by Major Lazer ft. Nyla and Fuse Dog.
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This morning, Sunday July 3, 2016 from 8 AM, we put up the Otoba for Jodo Shu Hawaii’s 2016 Obon services to honor our ancestors in Honolulu, Hawaii.
From 10 AM to 11:15 AM, my business partners Lucy Liao, Zhang Xun and I will greet an immigration lawyer at a Chinese restaurant, who is based in New York City and was famous for helping the protesters of the 1989 Tiananmen Square incident to immigrate to the United States, even spending time in prison for such work.
After my meeting, I have to chair the Jodo Shu Hawaii board meeting as its President from 11:45 AM.
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This morning I found out one of my great aunties through marriage had passed away yesterday. I saw her at our many family gatherings on my mother’s side. I’m saddened and will miss her.
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My 2013 Macbook Pro is my best friend like R2D2 is to Luke Skywalker in Star Wars. I accomplish work through my Macbook Pro everyday and it comes with me everywhere so I can work anywhere. All my ideas, plans, analysis, documents, and agreements is in it and backed up in 2 or 3 locations. I do all my business and legal work on it. I also do my banking and investments online so I can play the world’s markets through my computer. Through my Macbook Pro, I can learn new things by researching writings and data on the Internet, watching educational videos, and listening to stimulating audio talk shows or music. I need to come up with a name for my Macbook Pro. I think I’ll name it JR5 – JR because it’s my first and middle initials, and 5 because it’s the fifth computer I’ve owned. Like Luke Skywalker and R2d2, we’re doing our best to play our part in making our universe more peaceful, loving, and compassionate.
I dedicate the remixed version of “Star Wars – The Force Theme” by DJ AG located on the bottom of this article to you and your computer companion in your efforts to better our universe. May the force be with you.
Remixed “Star Wars – The Force Theme” by DJ AG.
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When I listen to this song, I can picture us in the worlds where only my characters exist – Walking through a Japanese garden filled with white and pink cherry blossom trees and a trickling stream with a crystal clear waterfall; Dancing to a song on a cliff overlooking the dark blue ocean with two small islands placed in it; Swimming in the warm ocean as the shooting stars streak across the sky; Admiring the snow capped mountains from the white palace’s balcony; and Running and stumbling through the snow past the glowing ice sculptures and into the forest so we can lie on our winter coats to gaze at the stars beyond the evergreen trees.
“Oceans Where Feet May Fail” by Without Words: Synesthesia
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Ask me just how much I love you.
You are starlight, I’m Galileo.
“Galileo,” one of my favorite songs by Amy Grant.
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Death has always loved Life like a boy who knows he can never be with the girl he loves. Rather than being jealous of us for having Life, he wants us to appreciate her.
-Jon Riki Karamatsu, June 30, 2016-
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Death will always seek us. It wants us to acknowledge its presence, and even befriend it. Why? Because it wants us to be aware of our mortality to motivate us to appreciate what we have and what we can do now. So when the time comes, though hard as it may be to leave our loved ones, we can embrace death upon our last breath because we had embraced life.
-Jon Riki Karamatsu, June 30, 2016-
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“Let’s Go” by Tiesto ft. Icona Pop
I wanna scream at the top of my lungs.
I wanna do what has never been done.
I wanna light the spark.
The beats in a million hearts.
I wanna dance with my boys & my girls.
Dance like we’re gonna take over the world.
All in the name of love.
I wanna get me some.
One night is all it takes.
We’ve become wrong to make it right.
One night to save the day.
We’ll show them all.
Let’s Go!
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When the pages of my life ends, you will be in my most beautiful chapters.
-Jon Riki Karamatsu, June 26, 2016-
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JON RIKI KARAMATSU 