There are some simple everyday exchanges between people that are gentle reminders that aloha is alive and well.  True, there are some exchanges that are not as we would like them to be and unfortunately we remember them the most.  It's human nature to retell some negative things that happened to us while driving, shopping, on the phone or where ever. We often relish the horror stories rather than the pleasant ones.

Early one morning I walked into a grocery store near my house. As I walked toward the back of the store to get some breakfast goodies at the bakery area I passed several employees who were stocking the shelves for the day. Each looked up, smiled and said "good morning" as I passed. I found that unusual for a supermarket shopping experience.

After paying for my "goodies" I asked the clerk if I could speak to the manager. She winced and said: "Um, is there something wrong?"

"Absolutely not!" I smiled.

She pointed to a man sitting at a table nearby who was busily pouring over a clipboard while he drank his morning cup of coffee.  I walked over and said: "I am told you are the manager."

He looked up almost frightened. He had that "oh god, here it comes" look on his face. He kinda twitched and said: "Yes..yes, I am. Is there a problem?"

"Nooooo. This is not going to be THAT kind of conversation. This is going to be a good one."  I laughed.

He smiled, relieved and I could see his whole body language change.

"I just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed coming into your store this morning. Your employees greeted me and smiled.  I wanted you to know that I appreciated it. Would you let your staff know it's noticed and to please continue what they are doing".

His mouth opened and then closed. I know he was processing what I just said.  I am certain he hears more complaints than compliments.

We all complain often about what is going wrong rather than speak about what is going right. Maybe if we talked about what is going right in our lives more of that stuff will happen.  I believe if we focus on the good stuff in our lives, in our communities, in our country more of the good stuff will manifest itself. Conversely, when we don't, more of the negative stuff happens.

Maybe, just maybe if we recognize aloha when it happens more of it will happen in our lives. How you figgah? Can?  No Can? 

Eh how dis one foah aloha happens?

So I stay shopping at Long's at Ala Moana today...of course I am getting my supplies to take back to my home away from home...on da beeg island of America in California....

I see Hawaiian 2010 Calendars on sale 88 cents....hooo...and get Big Island, Maui, Kauai and so forth...full color...awesome..I buy about 25 of dem buggahs...people at the office love it...haole friends love it...I geeve 'em away as omiyagi wen I come back from the Islands....

...den I am looking for the obligatory mac nuts to take back. I find one box of 24 packages for $12 or so.... cool..

I get to the check out...da cashier starts to open da box and count the packages of mac nuts...I say..."wot..you tink I wen take the packages from the uddah box and put mo' insai my box?"

She laughs and sez: "No...I counting make shua you GET 24...da keeds rip off packages of mac nuts from da box and if I no count you may go home and only have 10 insai..."

I am now reminded a little bit of how there is still some Aloha left in da Islands if you look for it...dis cashier at Long's reminded me very gently that it's alive. She cared enough to open da box up and count so that I wouldn't get less than I paid for.

Just wen I think my lesson is about ova....she says: "Um how many calendars you get? I said "25 ..why? You like count 'em?"

She says: "No, I trust you...but wea your envelopes?"

ENVELOPES!!?? Dang it. I neva even see the envelopes..I was so excited about the cheap price!!

She says to the girl bagging the stuffs.."Go get 25 envelopes for him.."

..and off the girl runs to get me my envelopes....

Again...I am reminded of the simple things I miss about Hawaii that still exists in little pockets hea and dea...and I found some today at Long's at Ala Moana...

One last ting...There were chocolate mac mini packs on sale too at 2 for 99 cents. The sign said: Limit 5 ...

Hmmmm....Two for 99 cents. 5 limit.

So I get 5 packs of mac nuts. The cashier goes.."um...this one is two for 99..."

I say: "yeah, but limit 5 !!"

She starts laughing. I am expecting "did you go public school" next because I am about to learn another lesson in simplicity...

I walk out with the right amount of mac nuts, twenty four.

The right amount of envelopes to match the calendars, twenty five.

And 10 packs of chocolate mac mini pack...which are 2 for 99 cents.  5 limit.

Nice to be back home....good to know some things have NOT changed in Hawaii nei.

Aloha Happens!

Kamaka Brown's If Can Can. If No Can. No Can - new DVD now available!

Kamaka has been writing short stories in Hawaiian Pidgin English for 20 years. You can find a few of them on AlohaWorld's Hanabuddah Days website. Recently, he turned his stories into a performance piece called "If Can. Can. If No Can. No Can." with slack key guitar music.

He toured the Pacific Northwest and Southern California with his stories to rave reviews. Here's what one event booker had to say about Kamaka's performances:

KAMAKA BROWN and his show of music and stories is one of my all time favorite shows at The Coffee Gallery Backstage.  This is an offering from a sharp, professional comedian and talented musician replete with a full cadre of supporting wits and players.
 
This is a genuine musical presentation with a generous serving of funny stagecraft. What a delight they are.  He and his musician friends weave a tuneful spell between stories of childhood thrills, vivid memories and unique adventures. All from the perspective of soothing country life in sleepy Hawaii. Music is played.  Philosophy is exchanged and native wisdom shared. And the music!  If anyone in the audience does not like the multi-instrumental extravaganza they are "soul deprived" and seriously humor impaired.  The stories are clever and funny.
 
I have offered Kamaka Brown my ultimate compliment and booking opportunity:  "You can play for me anytime we mutually have an opening.  Your show will always be a hit."
 
A live recording of one of Kamaka's storytelling show is now available in DVD.

Pidgin English Humor on CD: "Touching Brains - Comedy for the Lolo Impaired"

We are going to recommend a slice of humor that has been created for your enjoyment. Island comic and AlohaWorld's own Kamaka Brown produced "Touching Brains -Comedy for the Lolo Impaired" along with Kailua's Andy Trask.

"Touching Brains" is 18 tracks of sketch comedy, stories and song all in the style of the late Rap Replinger. Kamaka and Andy poke gentle fun at travel agents, Pacific Rim Cuisine, telephone physics, telemarketers, television commercials and more. There's a song that may very well be the solution to world hunger! Who knew??

If you enjoy the "feel good" style of local humor along with a heavy dose of pidgin english thrown in then "Touching Brains...Comedy for the Lolo Impaired" if for you!

Kamaka's  "ALOHA HAPPENS! Stickers and T-shirts along with CD and DVD

Aloha Pumehana and God bless !!

Kamaka