Tonight our friend Kawika (Chuck's former roommate) threw a very typical Kawika-type party, which are always amazing. Kawika is from Hawaii, loves surfing, being barefoot, is always super laid-back and relaxed, and enjoys nothing as much as he loves conversation with friends. He is extremely reflective and thoughtful, and asks incredibly thought-provoking questions. Kawika is someone I have been inspired by in many ways (and I know Chuck has been too, living with Kawika was a great thing for him I think). He has thrown several gatherings where he invites people to come to a community room in his apartment complex and bring something to share--a story, a poem, a song, a dance, a joke, absolutely anything goes. He loves creativity (his motto is "kill perfectionism so creativity can live!") and loves sharing this aspect of life with his friends. His gatherings are always amazing, they vary in size but everyone leaves having experienced a little bit of life in a deeper way. This evening his theme was "reclaiming storytelling," and people were encouraged to bring a story--one they made up, a family story of something ridiculous happening, a story they wanted to read etc and share it with the group. We heard some wonderful tales--some hysterical (a family motorcycle/camping trip gone bad!), some kind of scary (a guy who lived in a haunted house), and some profound (a traditional Masi story from a Masi village--with a great moral). Chuck and two of the guys even made up a story to tell in pieces, each of them picking up where the other went off (about poor Nathan, a teenager with a big toe that is always numb and can't feel the temperature of the water). Sitting around on a Saturday night drinking hot chocolate telling stories. Yes, I would say this is a lost art, one I am glad Kawika is willing to help reclaim.
So on that note, tonight I am thankful for:
- Kawika's hospitality, creativity and spirit he shares so infectiously with others.
- Laughing hysterically as Chuck, Kawika and Kyle act out Dave's story on the spot.
- The new Jadon Lavik CD I just bought--Vicky mentioned he had a CD of acoustic hymns that was good, and I've never heard of him but I love hymns, so I checked him out on itunes and LOVE it! Thanks for the recommendation Vicky!
- The great small group conversation I had with Christina and Alethia this morning--getting to start my day spending 2 hours at a local coffee shop just chatting (the rest of our group was busy).
- The warm air and blue sky we experienced today.
- Ending the day by laughing with my fiance watching an episode of The Office.
You're welcome :)
ReplyDeleteI love that CD too. My friend Amberlyn just posted about loving hymns as well. There is just so much spiritual depth in them. I do, however, wish I knew the harmonies better... I am NOT a soprano and sometimes those hymns get pretty high. :)