Author: Manny Kagan

Friday’s with Manny

  

Aloha from Kauai

In Hawaii, one is greeted with “Aloha”, which means “with love”. It is the only language I am aware of that greets someone with love. We just returned from a ten day vacation to Kauai. Though I have been in Hawaii many times, this was the first time I learned the true meaning of the word Aloha.

A stands for AKAHAI, meaning kindness, to be expressed with tenderness.

L stands for LOKAHI, meaning unit, to be expressed with harmony.

O stands for ‘OLU’OLU, meaning agreeable, to be expressed with pleasantness.

H stands for HA’AHA’A, meaning humility, to be expressed with modesty.

A stands for AHONUI, meaning patience, to be expressed with perseverance.

I learned it from Pilahi Paki, a Hawaiian poet, philosopher, linguist, educator, spiritual guide, songwriter, and author.

The national flower of Hawaii is a hibiscus. At one time they were considered endangered; however, today there are over thirty new species. I am sharing with you three samples of the flowers.

Love is one of my favorite words, this is why I just published my new poetry-photo book “42 Encounters with Love”, which is going to be available in January. Available for pre-order on Monday!

Share it with a Friend!

Aloha!

www.encounterspublishing.com

Friday’s with Manny

  

Aloha from Kauai

In Hawaii, one is greeted with “Aloha”, which means “with love”. It is the only language I am aware of that greets someone with love. We just returned from a ten day vacation to Kauai. Though I have been in Hawaii many times, this was the first time I learned the true meaning of the word Aloha.

A stands for AKAHAI, meaning kindness, to be expressed with tenderness.

L stands for LOKAHI, meaning unit, to be expressed with harmony.

O stands for ‘OLU’OLU, meaning agreeable, to be expressed with pleasantness.

H stands for HA’AHA’A, meaning humility, to be expressed with modesty.

A stands for AHONUI, meaning patience, to be expressed with perseverance.

I learned it from Pilahi Paki, a Hawaiian poet, philosopher, linguist, educator, spiritual guide, songwriter, and author.

The national flower of Hawaii is a hibiscus. At one time they were considered endangered; however, today there are over thirty new species. I am sharing with you three samples of the flowers.

Love is one of my favorite words, this is why I just published my new poetry-photo book “42 Encounters with Love”, which is going to be available in January. Available for pre-order on Monday!

Share it with a Friend!

Aloha!

www.encounterspublishing.com

Friday’s with Manny

  

Traveling Companion

Many people love to travel. The question is, what do you do if you have a dog as part of your family? Well, there are number of options. One of them is to take your dog along and to stay in a dog friendly hotel, like “La Quinta Inn & Suites”. I received an e-mail with their friendly invitation:

“Dogs are welcome in this Hotel. We never had a dog that smoked in bed and set fire to the blankets. We never had a dog that stole our towels and played TV too loud, or had a noisy fight with his travelling companion. We never had a dog that got drunk or broke up the furniture… So, if your dog can vouch for you, you’re welcome too. -The Management”

As you are reading this essay, we are resting in Kawaii. During our journey, I often encounter people who travel with their companions. You can see more images of people and their dogs in “42 Encounters with Dog Lovers”.

Enjoy and Share!

www.encounterspublishing.com

Fridays with Manny

  

The Festival of Lights

From Sunday, November 28th until Monday, December 6th, Jews from all over the world are going to be lighting a special light holder called a Hanukkiah, to honor miraculous events which happened in Judea around 200 BC, also known as the Land of Israel.

In that time, the area was under the control of Syria. They outlawed the Jewish religion and ordered the Jews to worship Greek gods. In 168 BC, a group of a Jewish priest Mattathias, and his five sons started a rebellion, which led to the liberation of Jerusalem and a rededication of the temple, which required lighting the menorah. Unfortunately, there was only one container of the oil left; but it miraculously lasted for eight days. Thus, the legend behind the holiday Hanukkah, which means “dedication” in Hebrew, was born. The holiday is also called the “Festival of Lights”. 

I hope that you will enjoy my interpretation of light, which sometimes can be seen in a different light.

Enjoy and Share!

www.encounterspublishing.com

Fridays with Manny

  

How to Say Thank You

Years ago when I was in my mid-40s, we adopted a gorgeous cat without realizing it would affect my asthma. Fortunately, I was introduced to the miracle worker – Dr. Angela Wu. Utilizing her Chinese medical practice, she helped my body strengthen its immunity system. Today, thirty years later, I rarely get colds, and can even be in the same room with a cat without an allergic reaction. I continue to visit Dr. Wu’s Healing Center once a month for the upkeep. For me, this is the best insurance to keep enjoying my life until I am one hundred and twenty. Thank you, Dr. Wu and your wonderful staff!

I wrote this thank you note for Thanksgiving Day. We all still have time to thank the people in our lives. Please call me if you want to benefit from Dr. Wu’s talent. Meanwhile, please enjoy these beautiful flowers.