“Picture your eyes as I fall asleep.
Tell myself it’s all right, as the tears go by.
I wish I could feel your face.”
Nice song “Oceans Away” by Arizona.
Picture Your Eyes As I Fall Asleep.
Dreams and Visions
To my loved ones, friends, and all of you,
I wish you a wonderful journey, the good and bad, as you progress on your work towards your dreams and visions. Below is a song I dedicate to you, “Visions” by Jaytech ft. Judah, remixed by Sedi.
With Warmest Aloha,
Jon Riki Karamatsu
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My Thoughts – Born From You.
Music – I love you.
You draw out my emotions.
My thoughts – born from you.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 12/17/2016, Haiku #49 –
People Equals Law
Their false statements hurt.
The truth will sometimes prevail.
People equals law.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 12/17/2016, Haiku #48 –
How Can I Love You?
How can I love you?
You live only in my words.
Yet you are so real.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 12/17/2016, Haiku #47 –
Filed under Blog, Creative Writing, Haiku, Love, Writing
Wherever You Are
Wherever you are,
Do you think of the unknown?
Let’s talk when we meet.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 12/17/2016, Haiku #46 –
Red Roses Are Fake
Red roses are fake.
They don’t know the messenger.
Seek the gardener.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 12/6/2016, Haiku #45 –
Raindrops
You need me to help.
I walk with you in the storm.
Raindrops hide the tears.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 12/6/2016, Haiku #44 –
It Will Be Alright
A blue ball of light.
She grabbed my hand and kissed me.
“It will be alright.”
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 12/6/2016, Haiku #43 –
Filed under Blog, Creative Writing, Journal, Poems, Writing
You Will Always Be With Me
My breaths may be shorter,
but my dreams with you are longer.
You see, either way, you’re still with me.
Soon it’ll be my time to go,
but my memories of you will come with me,
so even though I’m not here, you will always be with me.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, December 6, 2016 –
[My friend Michael Oasay and his love for his wife Yvonne inspired me to write this poem. She told me how he was loving and supportive of her and her children for five years before they started dating. I thought that was so romantic, so I put it into writing in just a few minutes early this morning after I visited Mike at the hospital the night before. I knew Mike since I was in elementary school and Boy Scouts. His family and my family have been friends since our childhood. Mike is battling cancer, which is in a bad stage right now. Even though I know what’s before us, I’m hoping for a miracle. Mike’s such a wonderful person demonstrated by his unconditional love for others. I strive to be more like him. Please be kind to one another. I love you all. Love, Jon]
Filed under Blog, Creative Writing, Creativity, Journal, Life, Love, Love Story, Poems, Writing
And it hurts with every heartbeat
Just found this song, “With Every Heartbeat” by Son of 8 & Phats & Small.
Nice beat – though the meaning behind the song and its music video can make your heart ache:
So I don’t look back.
Still I’m dying with every step I take.
But I don’t look back.
And it hurts with every heartbeat.
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I Will Pick You Up
In my low black car.
Sped by painful memories.
I will pick you up.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 11/28/2016, Haiku #42 –
Filed under Blog, Creative Writing, Haiku, Journal, Uncategorized
Please Launch My Spaceship
Those magnetic eyes
pulled me into emptiness.
Please launch my spaceship.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 11/28/2016, Haiku #41 –
Below is one of my favorite songs “Spaceship” by Comet Blue to go with my Haiku poem:
Filed under Blog, Creative Writing, Haiku, Journal, Music, Poems, Uncategorized, Writing
That’s When It Enters My Head
Lying still at night.
That’s when it enters my head.
I stay up and work.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 11/28/2016, Haiku #40 –
Filed under Blog, Creative Writing, Creativity, Haiku, Journal, Poems, Uncategorized
Try
It’s better to try and know, than to never have tried and wonder.
(Just thoughts going through my head)
– Jon Riki Karamatsu –
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In Time, We Will Meet
I feel you in me.
Take the paths built by my words.
In time, we will meet.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #39, 11/25/2016 –
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving! I’m thankful for many things, here are some of them:
- Lucky to have an opportunity in life.
- My mom and dad for all their love and support.
- My family and friends.
- My ancestors for paving the way for me and others.
Like many of you, I’ve lost a number of loved ones, and I’m thinking of them today. Have a great day and keep living life to your fullest!
Love, Jon
Filed under Blog, Journal, Uncategorized
Love and Peace Between Christians and Muslims
Amazon (AMZN) has created a very heartwarming commercial that shows how multi-religions can live together harmoniously, especially between Christians and Muslims where there has been conflict between leaders and members of the two religions for hundreds of years. This positive message can be applied to unify all conflicting groups. We can all make a difference in making our world peaceful by spreading love and compassion to everyone we interact with.
The commercial features a priest and imam having a pleasant conversation over tea. As the the imam prepares to leave, both men remark at their sore knees, share a hug, and part ways. Afterward, they both take out their smartphones and buy the other knee braces through Amazon Prime.
The commercial ends with both the priest and the imam kneeling to pray while wearing the knee braces they received from the other via Amazon Prime.
I love this. So touching. Wonderful work Amazon!
Filed under Blog, Business, Happiness, Inspiration, Journal, Love, Peace, Positive Living, Positivity, Uncategorized, Writing
Plant Our Seeds Now
Spring will soon arrive.
Like seasons, we will evolve.
Plant our seeds now.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 11/19/2016, Haiku #38 –
Filed under Career, Creative Writing, Creativity, Haiku, Life, Love, Poems, Uncategorized, Writing
Flowers Bloom and Die
Flowers bloom and die.
This may be our last chance.
Absorb its beauty.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 11/19/2016, Haiku #37 –
Filed under Blog, Creative Writing, Creativity, Haiku, Journal, Life, Love, Poems, Uncategorized, Writing
I Can’t Stop Crying.
I can’t stop crying.
Tears are my fuel for my art.
I hope it heals you.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 11/19/2016, Haiku #36 –
[I hope my Haiku poems and my novels when they go public, can help you to heal the pain in your soul and inspire you.]
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I Sleep to Seek You.
You exist in dreams.
You seem so real – Is it so?
I sleep to seek you.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 11/19/2016, Haiku #35 –
[This Haiku poem was inspired by my first novel, which I’m still pitching to agencies.]
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It Hurts To Know You
It hurts to know you.
Everything has its reasons.
Learn from good and bad.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 11/19/2016, Haiku #34 –
Filed under Blog, Creative Writing, Creativity, Haiku, Poems, Positive Living, Positivity, Uncategorized, Writing
War Tore Me Apart
War tore me apart.
Anger took over my heart,
until I met you.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 11/19/2016, Haiku #33 –
[My 2nd novel that I’m working on inspired me to write this Haiku poem.]
Filed under Blog, Creative Writing, Creativity, Fiction, Haiku, Journal, Life, Love, Love Story, Poems, Politics, Positive Living, Positivity, Uncategorized, Writing
Running and Writing
Running and writing.
My medicine, my escape.
Visions come to me.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 11/19/2016, Haiku #32 –
Filed under Blog, Creative Writing, Creativity, Haiku, Journal, Life, Love, Poems, Uncategorized, Writing
Death and Broken Hearts
Death and broken hearts.
We all experience them.
Upside down feeling.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 11/19/2016, Haiku #31 –
Filed under Blog, Creative Writing, Creativity, Haiku, Journal, Life, Poems, Uncategorized, Writing
I dedicate this picture of pink clouds and song to my friend Representative Clift Tsuji.
I’m crying as I type this entry in dedication to my friend Clift Tsuji, Hawaii State Representative from Hilo, Hawaii. He passed away today, November 15, 2016. He had an amazing life as a politician, banker, and businessman. Below, you will see a picture of pink clouds among blues skies that I took yesterday, just after I found out Rep. Tsuji was taken to the hospital. I also dedicate the song below to Rep. Tsuji, “Shelter” by Porter Robinson & Madeon. The lyrics touches my heart: “It’s a long way forward, trust in me. I’ll give them shelter, like you’ve done for me. And I know I’m not alone, you’ll be watching over us until you’re gone.”
I will continue to seek your guidance as I carry on forward.
Rep. Clift. Tsuji & Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu during conferences.
I will miss my dear friend Clift Tsuji, Hawaii State Representative from Hilo, Hawaii. This is one of my favorite pictures of Representative Clift Tsuji and I – caught candidly as we were in the middle of conference hearings while I was serving as a Hawaii State Representative. I enjoyed my time with him, our travels to Japan, and collaborating with him in creating laws and programs. When I ran for Lt. Governor, he had me sleep at his house in Hilo, Hawaii. After I left politics, Rep. Tsuji supported my private sector projects and gave me valuable encouragement. We regularly hung out or had meals with friends. One of my funniest moments with him was when he tried to introduce me to a girl in a shopping mall in Japan, and I literally ran away. He would always tell everyone how I sprinted and leaped away in the busy mall. It’s hard to believe that I can’t talk with him anymore, but I know he will still be with me as I proceed forward.
Rep. Clift Tsuji, Speaker Calvin K.Y. Say and Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu
At Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin Bon Dance
Rep. Clift Tsuji, Kazue Uehara, Rep. Jerry L. Chang, and Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu
Filed under Blog, Business, Career, Friends, Hawaii, Journal, Life, Live Events, Politics, Uncategorized
I Would Do Anything For Love
Such a moving song and nice video. “I Would Do anything For Love” written by Jim Steinman and sang by Meatloaf with Lorraine Crosby. Michael Bay directed the music video.
Romantic lyrics:
Woman:
Will you make me some magic with your own two hands?
Can you build an emerald city with these grains of sand?
Can you give me something I can take home?
Man:
I can do that!
Election Day w/ Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith M Kaneshiro
With Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith M. Kaneshiro at his campaign headquarters on election day, Tuesday, November 8, 2016.
Filed under Uncategorized
Please Vote For My Friends
Please vote my friends Rep. Kyle Yamashita, Speaker Calvin K.Y. Say, Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith M. Kaneshiro, Rep. Ken Ito, and Rep. Clift Tsuji.
Please vote for my friends Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and Speaker Calvin K.Y. Say. In 2006-2007, Kirk was House Majority Leader and I was House Vice Speaker under Speaker Calvin K.Y. Say.
Filed under Blog, Hawaii, Politics, Uncategorized
If you’re tired of walking alone, I’ll walk with you and watch the sky.
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
Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith M. Kaneshiro
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
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.
Filed under Uncategorized
Better to be love than hated.
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?
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.
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.
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
They Can Only Watch.
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
Just Hold Onto Me
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 truck.
Gratitude for my 2000 Nissan Frontier truck. We’ve been through a lot and I’m thankful he has taken care of me.
Filed under Uncategorized
Gratitude – My Favorites
Gratitude – My Favorites as of 10/6/2016
- Spending time with my mom, dad, sister Mia and brother-in-law Mike, niece Elyse and Sophie, sister Lara and her fiancee Ross, family dog Stretch, and all my relatives.
- The time I spent with my late grandparents Tadao and Ellen Sakai and Maurice Toshio and Bessie Karamatsu.
- Loving love.
- Hanging out with my friends.
- Writing down my goals.
- Networking with positive and ambitious people.
- Drafting my plans and strategies for my goals.
- Writing fiction. I still need to get a novel published.
- Watching movies. I wish I could produce movies. Maybe someday.
- Building new companies by sharing ideas and skills with other entrepreneurs.
- Playing law and politics for creative business ventures.
- Listening to music and producing music events.
- Traveling to different places around the world.
- Tasting great food.
- Exercising, especially running outdoors while listening to EDM as I strategize on my goals.
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
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.
Haiku #26 – Cute Tilted Head Stares
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
Haiku #25 – Sunset at 87
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
Haiku #24 – Shadows Will Kill Me
Shadows will kill me.
I smile at their distortion
and inhale their pain.
-Jon Riki Karamatsu, 9/30/2016-
Filed under Blog, Books, Business, Career, Creativity, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, Journal, Love, Mindfulness, Peace, Poems, Positive Living, Positivity, Writing
Haiku #23 – Find the Little Spark
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
Dogs teach us about unconditional love and gratitude.
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.
Filed under Blog, Dogs, Gratitude, Happiness, Life, Life Coach, Love, Mindfulness, Peace, Positive Living, Positivity, Uncategorized
Haiku #22 – Treat Life Like a Game and Play
Games are fun for us.
Treat life like a game and play.
Drive, create, and love.
-Jon Riki Karamatsu, 9/15/2016-
Filed under Blog, Books, Business, Career, Creativity, Goals, Gratitude, Haiku, Happiness, Inspiration, Journal, Life Coach, Live Events, Love, Mindfulness, Peace, Poems, Positive Living, Positivity, Success, Uncategorized, Writing
JON RIKI KARAMATSU 