I havenʻt checked in for a while.  Lifeʻs been crazy busy although thatʻs not the best of excuses. I thought Iʻd take some time to play catch up….

I spent much of my December in Japan and had the opportunity to visit Okinawa as well, but Christmas wouldnʻt be Christmas without Halau Hula Olanaʻs annual Christmas concert.  Entitled “All That Jazz”…it certainly was and then some!

The New Year found us back in studio with producer Dave Tucciarone recording not just my #3 CD “`Ā”, but also adding vocals on my dadʻs second album as well.  His is pau, mine isnʻt.  Iʻm hoping to release in September, marking Iolani and my 20th wedding anniversary.  Iʻd be nothing without him for sure.

Since the beginning of the year, Iʻve been to Japan three times and am supposed to return in two weeks.  Iʻm hoping by then that the problems with the nuclear power plants will be resolved, otherwise itʻll be a difficult decision to return.

In May, we begin recording CD #4 in Japan with an orchestra.  Iʻm thrilled, scared, excited….kinda reminds me of how I felt when I was recording “`Ē“….weird, strange, different.  Iʻm hoping as always that I come away from this experience being a better and stronger person, performer and friend.

Last week, after my performance on ʻPakele Live: Kokua Japanʻ, I was approached by the owners of Koaloha `Ukulele.  They offered to make me my “dream `ukulele”… what a thrill.  Iʻll meet with them next week to talk story.  Can you say bling?

I also became the mommy of a new puppy…number two for us.  Sheʻs a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel.  We didnʻt realize when we bought her that she was sick, but weʻve nursed her back to health and she is thriving.  We were told by her veterinarian that we probably saved her life.  “Chestnut” has brought us much joy in the two months that we have had her.

With all that has happened in Japan and with our connection to the people there, I look forward to giving of my time to help.  Tomorrow night at Pearl is a benefit Iʻll be singing for, “Hope for Japan”.  Let us remember how blessed we are and give what we can to those who are in need.  I always find that when I give, I am always blessed in return.

May you always have good, hard work, the health and strength to do it and someone to do it for…..Natalie