I am writing to you after hiking to Hanakapiai Falls with my friend Alicia, daughter Magic, and her boyfriend, Cougar. It was my birthday wish, although we ended up going on Magic's birthday. We hike barefoot, mainly because it's the best grip for early morning, slippery, steep, wet, and tree-shaded trail conditions. It was 27,000+ steps, primarily through mud, and involved climbing a total of 76 floors (at least, that's what my Health App told me). I checked my middle toe after slipping on a rock during a river crossing and noticed it had turned purple, but I kept going. Luckily, I had my shoes and Magic's for backup because I wouldn't have made it back from the falls without them (yes, I used both pairs). The toe is BROKEN. The last couple of miles were pretty grueling, but the feeling of accomplishment was worth it.

Despite this minor injury, it's a perfect end to my 50th year, with a theme of deep healing, self-reflection, remembering, and hermiting. I am certainly ready for the next circle around the Sun to begin on June 4. From my studies of astrology, numerology, and tarot symbolism, I am coming upon a Destiny Year ~ The Wheel of Fortune. Always alert to the messages of nature, to the cycles of creation, and the endearing force of Love that breaks through everything that tries to limit it, my mindset is ready for miracles. Joy Harjo's iconic poem, Remember, sums it up:

Remember the sky that you were born under,

know each of the star’s stories.

Remember the moon, know who she is.

Remember the sun’s birth at dawn, that is the strongest point of time.

Remember sundown and the giving away tonight.

Remember your birth, how your mother struggled to give you form and breath.

You are evidence of her life, and her mother’s, and hers.

Remember your father. He is your life, also.

Remember the earth whose skin you are:

red earth, black earth, yellow earth, white earth, brown earth, we are earth.

Remember the plants, trees, animal life who all have their

tribes, their families, their histories, too. 

Talk to them, listen to them. They are alive poems.

Remember the wind. Remember her voice. 

She knows the origin of this universe.

Remember you are all people and all people are you.

Remember you are this universe and this

universe is you.

Remember all is in motion, is growing, is you.

Remember language comes from this.

Remember the dance language is, that life is.

Remember.”

Happy 17th Birthday to Magic, always my baby girl, and early high school graduate (!). She received Summa Cum Laude honors from Kapaa High School, as well as scholarships from the Kauai Real Estate Association and the Waiale'ale Project Award. Mahalo Nui Loa to all the support from friends, family, and our Yoga community, which has warmed our hearts to the core. Her wish upon being accepted to our local Kauai Community College's Culinary Arts Program this fall was to have a camera she could use to create a photo diary of her experiences. Not only did your contributions help us purchase her Canon EOS, but also all her essential chef gear! Thank you for being there for her in this pivotal stage in her life.

Congratulations to all the 2025 graduates!

Please accompany me as I share my Birthday prayer: