Book Report: Letters to a Spiritual Seeker by Thoreau

I've just finished reading Letters to a Spiritual Seeker, a collection of letters from Henry Thoreau to his friend and admirer Harrison Gray Otis Blake. Mr. Blake initiated the letters, and though his part of the conversation was destroyed, one can imagine the other half of the conversation by listening to Thoreau's replies, just as you can get the gist listening to only one side of a phone call.

I have to confess that I haven't read Thoreau's masterpiece, Walden, but have plans to, especially after reading Annie Dillard who is so obviously inspired by him. He was also a favorite of my hero E.B. White.

What struck me as I read this book was how much his approach has in common with other spiritual teachers I've studied. He believed in living simply and directly, but above all, he believed in the responsibility we have to the gift of life. We must honor that tremendous gift with the way we carry out our day to day lives.

I just put another stick into my stove, -a pretty large mass of white oak. How many men will do enough this cold winter to pay for the fuel that will be required to warm them? I suppose I have burned up a pretty good tree tonight,- and for what? I settled with Mr. Tarbell for it the other day; but that wasn't the final settlement. I got off cheaply from him. At last, one will say, "Let us see, how much wood did you burn sir?" And I shall shudder to think that the next question will be, "What did you do while you were warm?" Do we think the ashes will pay for it? That God is an ash man? It is a fact that we have got to render an account for the deeds done in the body.

Who knows but we shall be better the next year than we have been in the past. At any rate, I wish you a really new year,-commencing from the instant you read this,-and happy or unhappy, according to your deserts.

pg 114-115

This idea appeals to me enormously because it is about accountability- to yourself. You have yourself to own up to about whether or not you are honoring your potential with the way you go about your life. So often I don't make the cut- I arrive home from work tired and spent and I cop out on the sofa with a little HGTV and some junk food. That doesn't revive my spirit. In fact, it diminishes it.

Thoreau thought that there was too much distraction and madness in his day, can you imagine what he would think of the modern world? Of decorating shows? (ha!) It has only become easier to tune out in modern life. Our culture is designed to encourage it at every turn. I've come to believe that the only way to stay "in it" every moment is to train our minds and spirits to create habits that are nourishing and expanding. I am trying to do this in my own life, little by little, but it is an arduous, painful task. Here is Thoreau's advice to those of us trying to follow the path of simple, direct living in the present moment:

"Why will not I, having common sense, write in plain English always; teach men in detail how to live a simpler life, etc.; not go off into---? But I say that I have no scheme about it,- no designs on men at all; and, if I had, my mode would be to tempt them with the fruit, and not with the manure. To what end do I lead a simple life at all, pray? That I may teach others to simplify their lives? -and so all lives be simplified merely, like an algebraic formula? Or not, rather, that I may make use of the ground I have cleared, to live more worthily and profitably?"

pg 125

This I love too. We are not simplifying ourselves just to simplify. We are simplifying ourselves so that we may lead a richer life of the interior. And why not tempt ourselves with that thought, the thought of the beautiful, unfettered joy we will feel in reaching our potential, instead of the difficulties we will inevitably meet along the way? I also prefer to be inspired by the fruit instead of the manure. This book was filled with the luscious, ripe fruits of a cultivated life.

What are you reading lately? What advice do you have for someone seeking a rich life of the spirit?

LAST CALL for Summer Brides!

Hello Baby Bride & Groom Vintage Wedding Cake Topper

Last day to place orders from the shop before I close up and head to Vienna for the summer! (Never fear, I'll reopen in August.) Happy Wedding Season darlings!

P.S I've packed up almost every room in the house, save my studio and bedroom. It's looking quite bare in here!

Eat Like a Local on the Big Island: The Coffee Shack

The Coffee Shack is one of those places that no visit to the Big Island is complete without. Every guest we've had ends up having at least one meal here. The Coffee Shack is a bit outside of Kona, but it's right on the way to Honaunau and Kealakekua, gorgeous places you'll want to visit and snorkel anyway. They do all their own baking on premesis, including several varieties of incredible breads, a selection of decadent pies and cheesecakes and muffins.

It's directly off the highway and parking can be an issue. Make sure you don't park in front of the neighbors' gate- it's a sure way to get towed. My four criteria for Big Island Restaurants are food quality, ambiance, service and value. This place gets four stars no question.

The food quality here is wonderful. Everything is made with care and attention to detail and you can taste it. They use local sources whenever possible. Eric and I love to split their Eggs Benedict- it's plenty for two small folks like us! The holindaise is sublime- light, airy and with a lemony twang all poured over the most lovingly poached eggs you've ever tasted. They often do a version with a fresh catch of the day and you can't beat the flavor and texture of fish straight from the ocean and on to your plate.

When my Mom visited, I took her down to Honaunau for a bit of snorkeling and dolphin watching and we stopped off for lunch afterwards. I had a delightful Ham and Turkey sandwich (halfway gone before I remembered to snap a pic for y'all!) That freshly baked bread MADE the thing.

Mum had the Papaya Special. I used to think I didn't care for papaya, and then I moved to Hawaii. I had just never had one properly ripened. This one is topped with lime, yogurt and toasted coconut. Heaven.

This place also gets a star for ambiance. Though humble from the outside, (it's not called "Shack" for nothing!) the view is spectacular- every seat comes with a sparkling blue view of Kealakekua bay and acres of world famous Kona Coffee plantations. There is also a breathtakingly tall Haas Avacado tree- Eric and I always speculate on how they manage to harvest it's perfect dark green fruits from so far below. We can't really imagine it but it's too awful to think all those perfect avocados go to waste.

The staff also leave little tins of jam out for the ubiquitous Day Geckos to feast on. It certainly makes a good photo op, even though these fellows are non-native species. You'll have plenty of opportunities to make insurance salesman jokes.

The Coffee Shack earns another star for service. There are no world wearied waitresses here. Each member of the staff brings kindness and enthusiasm to her work- something you don't see much in downtown Kona. I always enjoy their attentive and genuine service.

And of course, all of those stars add up to another star for value. This is one place I never hesitate to send my guests to visit, and the only one I'll beg for a chance to tag along!

What is your favorite restaurant in your neck of the woods?

Chocolate Oblivion Cake for the End of the World

My lovely friend Lisa recently celebrated her birthday and her sweet boyfriend threw her a surprise party! He entrusted me with the cake, requesting something chocolate and raspberry. I combed the internet to find a suitably decadent recipe. This Chocolate Oblivion Cake seemed like the perfect way to celebrate- especially since The End of the World As We Know It was scheduled for the next day! (Better indulge before THE END, right?)

With only three ingredients (four if you add a bit of sugar to the eggs) you know this recipe is all about the process. I was a bit nervous about attempting this, especially with $20 worth of gorgeous Scharffen Berger chocolate at stake. But in the end, my careful attention triumphed. It was a plate of the richest, creamiest, densest, chocolatiest mousse you've ever tasted. And it looked quite pretty too. Mine wasn't as mirror smooth as Heidi's (I blame the Hawaiian humidity) so I let it come to room temperature and smoothed the chocolate with a knife to give a little pattern to the surface. I know Cake Boss' thing is all the rage, but I rather prefer a cake that looks like a cake. No inhumanly perfect fondant surfaces for this girl.

Raspberries, mint from my garden and a little Birthday pick completed the big moment. I used tall skinny candles, but these are really extraordinary. They have a two hour burn time! I think I'll try 'em at my next soiree.

What is your favorite birthday cake recipe? Did you see this cake story in the last Real Simple? I thought it was a great primer. Cakes aren't as hard as they look. 

On Moving and Manifesting

Blythe Chair from Anthropologie

I've begun packing up our house and yesterday morning we began another househunt. Just ten days left and I'm feeling shockingly relaxed about this move, mostly because it doesn't involve getting our things across an ocean. I don't have to get rid of anything I don't want to, I can just calmly pack it up and take it to the next place.

What is interesting is that after all these years of living together, I still marvel at my husband every time we do this. My mind is constantly altering things to make it into the thing I really want. (Could I paint that wall? Bring in different knobs for the cupboards?)But his mind is able to wait calmly for the thing that is perfect just as it is. He has this ability to center himself and have faith that the picture in his mind will become real. It is a marvelous thing to watch and I notice it most of all when we are looking for houses.

Yesterday, we drove out into coffee country and down the winding mountain to an idyllic spot where all you could hear were the rustling of palm leaves. There was a tennis court on the property and an old restored Model T with a pack of wild chickens pecking about on the gravel drive. The house itself was a charming little jewel box of a place, tiny, but adorable.

I began mentally moving in immediately. It wasn't perfect. The kitchen was dark and cramped and the living room was a tiny slash next to it. I ignored this and began putting dishes away and stocking the pantry in my head.

But Eric turned to me and quietly said, "It's not quite right. I can't picture us here." And he was right. I could move in, but not imagine a life there. I aspire to learn to manifest my imagination the way that he does, and another move seems like a good way to practice.

What are you like during a househunt? Is it fun for you, stressful or both? It's sort of like trying on a life, isn't it?

Etsy Stories: Breakfast in Bed

Some Sundays call for lying in bed very late,wearing something soft and flowy with the newspaper, a little tray of nibbles and tea or coffee and your hair a muss. Here are my Etsy picks for making those days extra decadent. (See the whole collection live on Etsy here.)

First, you need a bit of sunshine streaming in on those rumpled sheets, as in this photograph.

Then some pretty china and a handprinted Trellis Napkin underneath the silver.

Scones, of course.
All arranged on this Japanese Breakfast Tray.

Oh, and don't forget the Grapefruit Marmalade!
Or A spot of tea,

Served in a beautiful porcelain tea cup.

Then lie there happily wiggling your toes and enjoying a very lazy Sunday Morning.

When was the last time you had breakfast in bed?

Summer Bags from Mar Y Sol

Have you already heard about Mar Y Sol? These adorable raffia bags are handmade in Madagascar and help talented weavers there earn a living without harming the local environment. This rainbow clutch would be perfect for my Hawaiian wardrobe.

Though fringe is always hard to pass up, and despite my longing to be a clutch only kindof girl,

The reality is that I always find myself toting big berthas like this one. (And sale prices seem to trump all else.)

What kind of bag do you carry in the summer? (Or do you carry one bag all year long?)

So and So Said: Marilyn's Philosophy

“I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they’re right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” -Marilyn Monroe

Quote via The Writer's Almanac, image by Sam Shaw via My Art Prints

What is it about her that is still so captivating after all this time? I've read several biographies about her, but none were able to explain the way she has remained fixed in our collective imagination for the last fifty years. I love the idea of learning to trust no one but yourself. That's a lesson I am still working on.

Celebrating Every Day with Becky Kazana

These are the cheerful freebies I'm adding to all my Becky Kazana orders lately. (I've been busy adding lots one of a kinds to the shop this week!) I like how they are cheerful, fun and Hawaiian too. A cocktail (or cupcake!) embellishment seems like the perfect tiny surprise, and the banners just happen to show off my blossoming calligraphy skills.

Mahalo to my neighbor Margaret, who traded me her calligraphy expertise for a bit of my basic computer know how. We've had lot of fun spending our Wednesday afternoons together.

Have you learned anything new lately? I'd love to hear all about it!

Imaginary Wedding Planning: Black & White Ball

I love the idea of a black and white wedding- done right it can be chic, edgy and surprising (just like Mr. Capote's famous shin dig.) A nice breath of fresh air. See the treasury live on etsy here!

Chalkboard inspired invites set the tone. This party is going to be modern, clean, unfussy and totally cool.

These glacial votives are perfectly mod centerpieces that can go right from the reception to the happy couple's new dining table.
A wildly enthusiastic twist on those tired old "I do's".

A black veil is a perfectly unexpected touch- don't you love how sexy black tulle can be?

Why not enjoy a no bake black and white oreo cake and toast the happy couple with ice cold milk?

A ruffly dress for the bride to dance the night away in- with black piping, of course.

A customized bus scroll serves as decor on the big day and then as art for their new home ever after.

Don't forget the getaway car!

Eat Like a Local on the Big Island: The Strawberry Patch

I get so many nice emails from all of you asking where we locals go on the Big Island of Hawaii, so I thought I'd start sharing my favorite restaurants. I want to make sure none of you come visiting and end up paying $15 for a mediocre hamburger. (That's the opposite of Aloha!) Added bonus? I get an excuse to try every place in town.

So, in that spirit, I present my new series "Eat Like a Local on the Big Island of Hawaii!" My four criteria are food quality, ambiance, service and value. I thought I'd kick things off with a charming new bistro called The Strawberry Patch.

This sister owned restaurant is outside of Kona on the way to Kealakekua Bay (perfect since you'll want to go snorkeling with dolphins there!) It's located in a charming little building surrounded by coffee farms with a patio that (unfortunately) faces a busy road. (My tap dance class meets at The Dancing Tree right next door too!) They have done a great job cheering it up with a plethora of potted plants, succulents, urns and beautiful cloches. There are also lots of herbs and while we were there, the cook came out to snip some fresh basil for our lunch orders!

Eric had the Margareta pizza which he deemed light, crisp and delicious.

I had the Picasso Panini. It was fresh and clean tasting and the red peppers were the perfect accompaniment to the pesto and turkey. (And I'm always a sucker for potato chips and a nice pickle spear!)

I also loved the country touch of iced tea served in jelly jar glasses and wildflower arrangements in a collection of vintage milk glass containers. All told, I think the Strawberry Patch deserves 3.5 stars. It has wonderful food, thoughtful, friendly service, great value and aside from the busy highway zooming past the outdoor seating, charming ambiance as well. I definitely recommend it when you visit the Big Island!

Have you tried any great new restaurants lately?

The Winner of Martha Stewart's Special Occasions is...

The winner of "Martha Stewart's Special Occasions" is Katy of the Country Blossom who said:

"One of my most memorable special occasions (as there have been many, thank the Lord from whom *all* blessings flow!)...would be my daughter's *tea party* birthday party a couple years ago. The weather was just lovely and we set up a table and chairs. Her friends all came, dressed in their most fancy attire, and they ate dainty snacks and lovely tea (juice). My sister and I were able to set the table and oh my, was that fun! Flowers and many fun, simple decorations made it just sparkle and I think everyone had a nice time!"

Sounds like it was a wonderful party Katy! Thanks so much for telling us about it. Your new book is in the mail and I hope it inspires even more special occasions for you and your family and friends!

If you missed out this time, don't fret, more giddy giveaways are on the horizon- I hope you'll join us for the next one!

Aloha- Becky

Becky Kazana is having One Fab Day!

I was delighted to see my Flapper Love Birds featured on the beautiful wedding blog One Fab Day and even more delighted when the editor bought a pair for her big day! And isn't the color palette a lovely one? I especially love the ombre flower arrangements from Martha.

What about you? Is your week off to a good start?

What I know for Sure: I'm Going to Miss Oprah Winfrey

Image via m.oprah.com

There are only 13 Oprah shows left. 12 by the time many of you read this. I had to write to her, just once. Here's what I wanted her to know:

Dear Oprah (& the wonderful Harpo staff member who will read this note),

I wonder how many letters have begun that way in the last 25 years? I am adding mine to that enormous pile even though I know you may never read this, because I want to put my thoughts down so I can understand them better. I have been getting positively weepy all through The Farewell Season, but especially during clips that look back on your extraordinary life in television. Watching you high five viewers, welcome guests, tear up, and wave your arms in the classic "Aha moment" brings tears to my eyes every time. I love seeing your evolving hair styles and wardrobe choices over 25 years, not to mention those of your guests!

But when I try to think more deeply about why your show means so much to me and my life I find myself choked with emotion. It's hard to describe. I remember an episode of 30 Rock where Liz Lemon answers "What is your religious affiliation?" with "I basically do whatever Oprah tells me to." It may have been tongue in cheek, but it wouldn't be funny if it weren't also true. Your show holds a unique place in my spiritual development and my understanding of the world as a place full of wonder, mystery, humanity and bounty.

I think the dailiness of The Oprah Show has contributed to my feeling of you as someone I know, trust, and love. You appear in my living room five days a week (and my mailbox once a month!) to share something with me- a story, an idea, a cool new gizmo. But if it were only that, I would have stopped watching long ago.

What you offer me is the tremendous gift of your authentic self. This is no small thing in our phony, schmaltzy, celebrity-obsessed culture. I know you couldn't have given me that and accomplished all you have without also being "full of yourself" in the most beautiful sense.

Watching you become more and more completely yourself over the years has made me believe the same thing is possible for me and my life. I am still learning how to live better day by day. Watching you get better with each year shows me that life is a journey that keeps unfolding until the last breath. I will never pout about a birthday because I know each year comes with the blessing of wisdom, more than a fair trade for wrinkles and grey hair.

Congratulations on 25 years. Thank you so much for the lessons you will continue to teach me.

Devotedly,

Becky

I'll be hosting a Last Oprah Episode viewing party on May 25th. If you're in the Kailua Kona area, and would like to join, please send me a message.

Happy Mother's Day

William Wegman image via Evan Sklar

Etsy Stories: Tropic Isle

It looks as though Eric and I will be moving house once again and true to form, I've already begun imagining what our new space will look like. I'd like it to feel soft, clean, sophisticated, tropical and inviting. See my complete collection live on Etsy here.

Bone white limestone Tealight holders feel beachy but streamlined.

I'm crazy about this Parrot Pillow- especially the softness of the color story. Sometimes "tropical" gets translated as "garish".

This pretty Tassel Pendant would put a little "swish" in my step!

I love ornate details and these Glass Beaded Sandals have it in spades!

I like the cheerful mix of colors and pattern on these Chevron Dinner Plates -just the thing for a light summer dinner on the lanai.

What are you daydreaming about lately? Have you done any re-decorating of late?

Arranging Tropical Flowers with the Donkey Mill Art Center

Though my Dilly Lily days are but a distant memory, I still adore fresh flowers. The problem here in Hawaii has been figuring out how to arrange with the wild and exotic plants in my backyard. They are NOTHING like the dense, lush, gardeny flowers I worked with in Chicago.

They are all bold color, spikes, and drama!

So while my Mum was here I signed us up for a crash course in Floral Decadence with Scott Seymour over at the Donkey Mill Art Center. It was lots of fun and we learned a great deal about arranging with asymmetry.

One of the secrets was shaving the oasis into curving shapes that extended well beyond the container itself.

I created this trio of madness in matching silver pots to celebrate Easter.

Another secret was a "cocktail" for the cut flowers. He mixes 1 capful of vodka (as cheap a brand as you like!) with 1 gallon of cool water. Put it in a spray bottle and mist them gently as you are arranging and every day afterwards. It helps to preserve the flowers and gives them a little "lift" so to speak. (Wonderful stuff, vodka!)

Do you ever splurge on fresh flowers? What's blooming now in your neck of the woods?