Refinishing, Refurbishing, & Relearning...all in a days work.

sanded, painted, sanded, painted....andwaxed

I know it's been quite awhile huh? Again, my world of creativity is changing...and I'm very comfortable with it! I am thinking of new ways to create income while staying creative...because if I'm not painting on something, I am not a happy camper...

Speaking of happy camper, summer is finally here!!! yay!!! After a year of diving into my art, I've also been able to create another business! Refinishing-refurbishing wood furniture...I love working with tools and building things from recycled materials...now I'm adding art and design to make unique one of a kind pieces! The most popular are the distressed & antique finishes..and the most fun to create!          

It's a fairly new biz so still lots to do with getting myself out there more...just like with my artworks, takes time and that's ok...I have other goals I'm working on too...can't just sit and wait for my life to change...I'm making the effort to change it.  

I've also began teaching at a medical facility to massage apprentices again, so time management is essential more than ever now! Between teaching, paperwork, furniture design, and studying...I am one busy woman. I am glad to be out of the spa industry for now because it gives me a chance to practice more medical massage. This type of massage seems to be much more rewarding than the spa bells and whistles. I have more opportunity to record clients progress with their optimal health goals. And getting to know each clients injury is helping to practice response to various health conditions & injuries. I feel good about knowing I have taken part in someones recovery too! 

Massage Licensing Programs have definitely been the most enjoyable part of my career and I am looking forward to another program at this new facility! Already the word is getting out about what we are now offering. I can proudly announce; my programs have added new lectures & instruction on; tens units, ultrasound therapy, and much more. It's important programs are not only up to date with the modalities out there, but also one step ahead of whats being offered at any school or other apprenticeship on island. I want the best education for the best apprentices we can find. It's no easy interview with me either. I expect people to know that a Massage Licensing Program at a medical facility is a far better education than anything out there too. Having a well rounded education while working alongside professionals; Physical Therapists, Chiropractors, Physicians, etc. can improve an education to a whole new level of learning. And because I've been involved with spa industry for all these years, I know my apprentices can walk into any type of massage facility and feel confident they are an asset to any business. 

I am finally at a place that has taken me years to reach. I can teach people how to create a better living, better lifestyle, better career...while enjoying my creativity with my artworks. During this next program I have decided to implement my artistic skills by teaching my apprentices how to build their own skeletons! What better way to learn every detail of the human anatomy than to actually build it from scratch! And of course I will use all recycled materials! I will be posting vids and pics of the classes for you to see very soon. I've convinced some of the mothers taking my courses to work on these anatomical studies with their children as well. We will build and discuss all systems using art and imagination...and have fun at the same time. I am also excited to offer clinics to the community that can add to someones recovery through affordable treatment(s).  

Yep, pretty busy indeed. And if that's not enough for ones plate, I am also studying for my real estate license!! This is a goal I've had for years but never enough time...until now. Believe it or not, I actually have much more time to add this goal to my agenda. Not managing a spa has opened many doors of opportunity for me these days; travel, leisure, relationships, and now...real estate ((:  

I've gotten both negative and positive feedback from people about getting involved with this industry...but I am open and accepting of whats ahead. I have been in a quiet spa room for many years with the understanding talking and networking is a no no. But now I can talk and be as social as I'd like, in fact, it's encouraged! Networking is essential and meeting new people is beneficial...I am loving this part. In the short amount of time I've been involved with real estate, I've met a few amazing people already! I am studying at a realty office among other professionals working on similar goals to improve their life and enjoy it at the same time. And everyone in office is an "independent contractor" so there's no "boss" to answer to, just an understanding of professionalism and general respect for each other. For now, I am studying on my off hours from medical office and hope to pass the certification course by end of July...then it's the big state exam!! And that's when the fun begins!! Wish me luck and send those prayers!! lol!! I want this license so badly, because financial freedom will mean; visits with my son, traveling with my children, and creating more artwork with business.  And would also be awesome to purchase my own land here on island too someday...I'd really love that too!! 

Because I grew up with a father who had his own construction business, built my own home when I was 24, and can build & design just about anything...I'm a great candidate for selling properties...and I've lived on Maui for over 20 years with 12 years of owning and running a business...so I know this island and the outer islands very well. I can find the best undeveloped land or solid structures on lots...and have close relationships with the top builders on Maui. Hawaii is in my blood. And because I pride myself with being honest and sincere in wanting to help someones life improve, I know I can guarantee my hardest work in finding what people want or only dream of. Want land, home, or business on island? I'm ready to kokua! And guess what? I can even design your furniture & home decor creating the most relaxing and beautiful space you can only imagine! Add all that to being earth conscious, and now we can talk about the use of recycled &/or environmentally friendly building & design (upon request). I've traveled far to see what's out there too. Even had a realtor show us homes in Bali to influence my creative design even more! Nothing is impossible, or unreachable....sky is not even the limit with me...how about an entire ceiling that opens up to a beautiful star filled galaxy? aquarium style walls? baby sharks swimming under your feet as you walk into your conversion kitchen? ...why not put your creativity into your home design? Guaranteed, I can see what you see and make sure it's built to last a lifetime...hopefully using recycled materials. I've recently been invited to work on an existing home on a 2 acre property on Molokai...can't wait to post before & after pics of how beneficial it is to use already abundant materials on island, recycling & refurbishing items without adding to landfills....so excited to create art decor from someones vision and ideas they've had for years...what an honor to be a part of someones memories and new life, new home design...I can't wait!!! Yay for meeee!!!! heehee...last time I was on Molokai my memory was not one I wish to have...my heart was crushed in pieces and my soul was drenched with regrets. I had so many great times there before that trip, I wanted to go back when I could to wipe away those negative memories and replace once again with the aloha and love I felt before. This will be that trip, and this time I will be prepared to bring supplies to a few hardworking families there and stay long enough to give back the aloha Molokai has for me everytime I step off the plane or boat...I truly love that island...in time I'm hoping my work will bring me there more and more. 
   

My girly has been helping with eco business creating signs for clients homes...so proud of her willingness to create beautiful work for people and our planet!! She is an incredible artist, proud proud mama here (((:

Before I sign off, wanted to share this with you;

While driving here to realty office (yes, I'm using computer at work because my "boss" is that cool!) I was thinking about something I wanted to share here on my art blog...about giving & sharing. A very dear and elderly friend I recently ran into to upcountry last week, told me something after helping me. He said, "it's not important that people share, it's not important that people give...it's matters when you share or give your very last bit....that's truly what our world is lacking. Waiting to give waiting to share. I would and will always give anyone who needs it; my last dollar, my last bit of food, my last bit of water....because that's what's needed and that's whats important."  Talk about judging a book by it's cover, many people judge my great friends ability to do amazing things for people. If you saw him, most people would think "old homeless hippie" well, it's true...but not by accident...he chooses to live among his friends here on island. I used to feel bad for him, but not when I got to know who he is as a person, a humanitarian. He genuinely wants to help people, educate them on the importance of healing our planet and reserving resources, and taking care of our health. He offers his master carpenter skills to people in trade for a safe dry place to rest his head. And in return people, some millionaires, trust him enough to let him stay or give him thousands to purchase his tools & equipment...but only in trade for what they need...it's never enough or even close to what my friend leaves them with. I wish I could tell the world who this person is that I am proud to call my friend, but he chooses not to be in the public eye...he likes his stealth presence on island. He is the most intelligent person I've ever met too, his IQ is unheard of and rare, has never had salt in almost 40 years, total raw vegan, sings so loud he loses his voice, and at any given moment could buy you a car or even a small home with the amount of cash he makes from his building designs and structures, not sure what he spends his money on, but I'm sure it's for the good of mankind and our planet, no doubt...he is about love and pure aloha.  He has no business cards, no high end office, just uses "coconut wireless" to find work...or I should say the work finds him! Any home owner or land developer is lucky to get in touch with my friend...his skills are simply unbelievable...he is a self educated architect & builder...and make no mistake, he truly is the best anyone will find on island...that is, if you can actually find him! lol! He could be singing at Little Beach or climbing a mountain in Keanae...but his close friends know where to find him...and only give that info if they trust you won't take advantage of his sincere heart. 

My point in posting this? Never underestimate anyone....and look for the people behind the scenes, people that are always overlooked, taken for granted, bullied, cheated out of opportunity, physically & mentally abused, homeless, jobless, widowed, without family or friendships, alone....because these people are earth angels...these people often have more than you can imagine too, waiting for someone like you who takes a moment to offer a peaceful sincere heart...and in return they make your world a better place and you become and feel like a better person having them in your life. My friend is "weird" he's the dude who climbs trees and watches people, he's the dude who sings out loud at the beach, he's the dude who you see hitching to work in no shirt...but he's also the dude who would literally give your child his last bit of food, clean your toilet, do your laundry so you're not late for that new job, let you borrow his truck in storage for a month so youre not walking your kids to school in the rain...he's the one who has been spit on, beat up, and kicked out for being an advocate of peace and sustainable living...gosh, I just can't say enough...wish he'd let me write a book about him and his adventures...but I can only hang out with him inbetween his helping others so it's rare to have moments where I can enjoy his long talks and listen to his wealth of knowledge and lifes experiences. He is definitely a mystical creature with incredible presence and light...I am glad he permits me to walk on his path with him from time to time...it's a privelage to be his friend, I am truly honored and grateful...and because of my amigo, I would give my last dollar my last bit of food and help whenever possible. 

See you on the other side? I hope for humanity and our planet I do (;

~M.