The Holidaze are Upon Us!

Hi everyone!

Don't know how we arrived at the end of the year so quickly . . . did this year seem like a blur to anyone else but me?  Seems like 2009 just began not too long ago . . . 

By the way, just for your information, the lovely young lady to your left is one of our granddaughters!  Since the holidays are upon us, we'd like to share our family with all of you!  This is Kiana Frederick, and she lives in Mesa, Arizona!  Isn't she just the cat's meow?  She 8 going on 21 and is as sweet as can be!

Last weekend, we visited with my Dad on the island of Maui and had a few days to relax with him.  He's now doing pencil drawings and is so good at it.  We watched him paint a scene of a church on Molokai.  He is quite the artist, and of course, I forgot my camera.  It's incredible how this passion just gushed out of him

 like refreshing breaths of fresh air once he moved to Maui from Los Angeles.  I'm always in awe of his artistic achievements.  Here's a sample above.  It's one of my favorites, the ulu (breadfruit) tree.

Steve and I got to relax after a hectic week, and it felt great! We were sitting gazing at the coconut trees that were just about everywhere, and we noticed how mightly strong they are, even though the trunks are so thin . . . they just bend with the breeze, no matter how gusty!  Looks are deceiving, I guess, but it was great to gaze upon the trees as they just go wherever the wind takes them.

We love Maui and had a great time . . . now back to reality:  the holidays are here.  Are you ready?

Here's hoping you all didn't get crushed in the "Black Friday" shopping spree.  We avoided any shopping on Black Friday because, frankly, it drives me crazy!  Great deals and all, but is it really worth it if you have to get up at midnight and stand in line for hours?  We'll have to focus on gifts from our hearts this year.

Be back soon with more news!  In the meantime, take a look at our website for some great affordable gifts!

Look forward to  hearing from you!  Tell us your shopping stories or whatever!

Aloha,

JoAnn & Steve
The Soap Box (Hawaii)