Puunene Reunion 2007 Documentary

Monday, January 2, 2012

A New Year's Tribute to My Family and Friends on Facebook

'Aloha and Mahalo 2011' (Kalama Park in Kihei) - Photo courtesy of Lucas Woodford

New Year's Eve around our house was ... well, shall we say ... nothing to shout about? ... me on the floor soothing a groggy doggy who in the past couple of years has needed a tranquilizer to make it through all the evil-spirit-begone celebrating (which turned out to be relatively sedate in our upcountry Maui neighborhood this year)... Beau Joe snoring as a New Year's text on his phone beeps periodically ... me checking to see if Scrabble Buddy has made a move (yes, she has, and did you know 'hao' is an acceptable Scrabble word?) .... reading a (real) book a friend recommended ... you get the idea. Low-key.

Oh, yes, and checking Facebook to see how my FB family and friends are doing.

Yes, I am totally unembarrassed to say that I check Facebook often and I don't think it's a waste of time. In fact (full disclosure), I find all of it Rich.

I see those skeptics rolling their eyes and I hear them muttering under their breath a dismissing "Meh -- worthless time-sucker". Time-sucker? Well maybe, sometimes. Worthless? Not for me.

I love all the stories.
I admire the keiki-action photos ...

'Determined to paddle by herself ... might need to buy a baby SUP?'

I laugh at the silly jokes ...


I learn from the helpful posts ...


I commiserate with the disappointed, the angry, the tired, the confused.

... I appreciate the uniqueness of each individual.

New Year's mochi with a Chinese Year of the Dragon twist, courtesy of Rieko Goo.

The baby announcements are the best.
This post from Ohio came complete with sonogram.
"Hey, guess what -- I'm going to be a Daddy on June 27!"
and this photo from Reno made me cry.

'Mikaela' (named after her uncle)

And of course there's The Food.
Isn't this sashimi-making photo wonderful?

'Cutting ahi for poke' - courtesy of Steven Higgins

New Year's Eve brought mention of many yummy concoctions, notably: homemade nishime, champagne cupcakes, rum cake,  chocolate chip brownie cheesecake, and of course, the traditional Japanese luck-bringing Mochi.


Southern traditions came up more than once. Black-eyed peas for New Year's, with growing-up stories from Lynette and a recipe from Sherri, who even sent me The History of the Black-Eyed Pea Tradition. And Sarah remembered grits, shrimp, and sausage, another Southern dish.

(Yes, there were more than a few mentions about beer, too)

New Year's greetings from family and friends were full of hope.
This greeting from my cousin is one of my favorites:


She later apologized for the spelling error (hau'oli instead of haoli), but no matter, her message came through loud and clear. I can always count on my cousin to brighten my day.

And I like this philosophical post:


In short, I treasure all of my Facebook connections.
Listening to all of the voices on Facebook is a heart-filling pleasure I indulge in often.

But yes, I do step away from Facebook just as easily as I step in. After the day's chores are done, I'll be back reading that book, with my doggy at my feet ... and, maybe, just maybe, I'll beat Scrabble Buddy this time.

Mike Neal shares his breathtaking sunset photos on FB almost daily. Thanks, Mike!

Linda
(◕‿◕)
@Celebrate_Maui

How about you? Do you have any interesting stories about Facebook?

11 comments:

  1. I don't think FB is a waste of time either...if it wasn't for FB, I'd be so much less connected to very close friends and families. It is much more efficient than trying to keep in touch by phone. I also feel I get to know things about people that I wouldn't if we just spoke when we were out to dinner which also enhances our relationships.

    Looking at pretty pics, cute kids and inspirational quotes is also good for a daily pick me up.

    Happy New Year Linda!

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    1. Thanks for commenting, Tania! Blogger just enabled threaded comments, so you're my very first official reply.

      Happy New Year to you too ... :)

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  2. I La-la-la-LA-love this blog....mostly because you have such a good eye for the exceptional....especially when it comes to humor....xo
    Steve

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  3. I absolutely love this post. Every now and them I meet skeptics who think FB is the biggest waste of time. I am not good at answering them, I just ignore them and walk away. But this post inspire me to be bold next time and tell them reasons why I enjoy Facebook and that I don't think it's a waste of time. The reasons you mentioned are so true to me.

    I too treasure my Facebook connection, and you're one of them. Happy New Year to you Linda and to your ohana!

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  4. Wow - a perfect and *personal* explanation of the power of social media. #LoveIt!

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  5. I love how you use the FB pics and quotes interspersed throughout.

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  6. You said it so perfectly! I'm able to be a part of so many peoples' lives that I otherwise wouldn't be a part of because of Facebook. I think playing facebook games is a waste of time, but the value i take away from reading about and connecting with friends and family is priceless.

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  7. Great post! Love it! Lucas, who took the 1st pic, is the MAN! A good friend. ALOHA and happy 2012!

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  8. Love your post and all the pics! I do "waste time" on FB, but also believe FB holds much opportunity for business, for reconnecting with people, for making new friends and learning about great new blogs...like yours! Happy New Year! :)

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  9. Linda,
    I love the way you put this together, It shows the beauty, humor and fun shared here with family and friends. I love the baby and your memorable New Year's Eve.

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Thanks for commenting!