Nature's Colors and Textures

Aloha,

Today I decided it was time to get off my okole and get hiking again. I was sitting at my computer and my little dog Annie jumped up and started batting at my hand with her skinny little legs and cute paws. She would not let up..I got the message, grabbed my shoes and we headed up to the forest.

I chose the watershed forest hike and it was spectacular. Blue sky and bright green colors still moist from the morning rain. The  soft red earth filled with puddles were just starting to dry from the mid-day sun. It was quiet and I was drinking in all the colors and textures of the forest. Annie was following her nose as usual, keeping an eye on me, but really enjoying sniffing here and there, up and down each trail we chose. Sometimes I like to cross country it and cruise off the paths into the deeper forest.
One of the sights that  captivates me is the bark of the multi colored Euculyptis trees. My heart sings when I see these miracles of Nature.
Ahh, the end of a very sweet day...Mahalo ke Akua.
May the rest of the weekend be just as wonderful for one and all.

With Aloha,
Cherie

Upcoming May Events!

Aloha,,,Check it out, see what's coming up soon..

Wailuku First FridaysMay 4, 6 ‐ 9 pm
Market Street, Wailuku
Enjoy live entertainment, great food, arts & crafts, shop specials, a beer garden, and fun all around town.
Info: (808) 878‐1888 or www.facebook.com/WailukuFirstFriday

Maui Classical Music FestivalMay 4, Makawao
May 7 & 11, Makena
May 9, Hana
The Amernet String Quartet joins other guest musicians at this year’s festival,
in four performances that feature works by Beethoven, Schumann, Brahms,
Gershwin and Dvorak at three historic churches on Maui.
Info & tickets: (808)878‐2312 or http://www.mauiclassicalmusicfestival.org/,

Maui MatsuriMay 11, Family Movie Night, 6:30 pm
May 12, Festival 2 ‐ 9 pm
UH Maui College, Kahului
The annual Japanese cultural celebration offers entertainment, food,
Obon dances, Hanafuda Tournament, exhibits, arts & crafts, along with
Cosplay and keiki activities. Maui Matsuri kicks off May 4, 6:30 pm with a
kimono fashion show, taiko drums and karaoke at Kaahumanu Center stage.
Info: (808) 283‐9999 or http://www.mauimatsuri.com/

Rights of NatureMay 15, 7 pm
McCoy Studio, MACC
Ala Kukui presents the first in a series of conversations on environmental concerns, with Thomas Linzey,
director of the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund and Kapua Sproat, a Kauai native and Asst.
Professor of Law at UH, addressing the rights of the natural world.
Info: (808)248‐7841 or http://www.alakukui.org/

Fringe FestivalMay 25 – 27
Iao Theater, Wailuku
Maui OnStage presents a weekend lineup of original drama works and
performances pieces in its second Fringe Festival at the historic Iao.
Info & tickets: (808) 244‐8680 or http://www.mauionstage.com/

Classical ConcertMay 26, 5:30 pm
Baldwin Home Museum, Lahaina
Harpist Tatyana Shapiro, the Maui Brass Ensemble, and others will play
favorites from great composers at this free concert.
Info: (808)283‐3576 or http://www.aecg.org/

Hawaiian Music SeriesMay 31, 6 pm
Baldwin Home Museum, Lahaina
Kory Kukahiko performs a free Hawaiian music concert at sunset out on the lawn.
Info: (808) 661‐3262 or http://www.lahainarestoration.org/

Recalling Hawai`iJune 2, 6:30 pm at MACC
This multimedia hula production

Art of Trash and Earth Day

Aloha:

Today was

Earth Day

. Everyday should be

Earth Day.

Community Work Day Program

"Facilitating programs that educate, inspire, and empower individuals and communities to beautify and maintain Maui Nui's environement which supports our economy, quality of life and unique Hawaiian culture."

http://www.cwdhawaii.org/

Nuff said.

I cruised by one of my favorite art shows yesterday at the Maui Mall. I could not make it to the opening the night before. The

Art of Trash

is a sweet show where artists use cast off, throw away, re-cycled materials to create unique works of art. It is so creative, so inspiring, even if you don't want a wierd creature sculpture or an amazing huge wooden drum gracing your home. You still have to admire and appreicate the creativity and humour that goes into these pieces. I liked "Our Lady of the Rake" a bit of a spoof on religious art, but thoughtful all the same. The drum was built by Bill Stroud of Haiku, Maui.

We all can do our part in standing for the Earth, if we don't, who will?

With Aloha,

Cherie

Great Weekend




Aloha All,



It's been a relaxing weekend, now moving into the golden glow hours of the afternoon..I feel rejuvinated after a perfect swim and some productive art hours with my friend in her beautiful studio.


Wonderful repeat guests, Cyn and Peter, and their whole family are staying for a week. Love this kind of action. Everybody gets cozy and shares their meals and enjoys the good vibes of this ol house. Hale Ho'okipa is perfect for family renunions.


We had a fun morning, that got our hearts pumping a bit. They helped me herd the ducks, keeping the mom and auntie duck from dive bombing me as I was trying to catch babies to give away. We were a three ringed circus running around the yard..I'm sure it's part of their vacation they won't soon forget.



All in all, it was a nice mix of folks this week, it usually is. An old friend from the Big Island was here doing a demo with his first class honey from over there. The Volcano Island Honey Company produces a pure white honey that is organic, raw and melts in your mouth. These folks have been at this for years, and from start to finish, their social awareness is to be commended. You can find them at http://www.volcanoislandhoney.com/ Some of the most ono honey in the whole world! We learned alot about the plight of the honey bees, I can only hope that humankind wakes up to what we are doing with all the chemicals and pesticides.


I also had guests from Switzerland and spent the week showing property to then. Very sweet folks who are ready for a big change, Maui bound. Will be a great fun to work with them in

their new adventure.I love sharing Aloha, and helping folks with their real estate needs is great way to do so.


Yesterday I made it up to the forest for a great walk in the woods..The light was perfect and the air fresh and clean. It was quiet and my little Annie dog had a blast smelling every possible trail on our walk.


Feel the soft trade winds, smell the fresh air, and use your imagination for the dreamy quality of light right now.




Sending Aloha far and wide,


Cherie








Art Maui 2012









Aloha,




It's Spring and that means Art Maui (among many other wonderful things).



About 500 entries were submitted this year. I don't remember the exact number of selected works, but, less than 1/4 of those were selected.
Mine was not (boo-hoo) Alot of folks were sure it would be, but, alas, it is not hanging on the wall at the Schaffer Gallery. There were really only two pulled prints in the show, so, printmakers did not have good representation. Alot of outstanding photography was chosen this year. I also noticed alot of acrylic work as well. Juried shows are very subjective, and who knows what someone will like..


My good friend, Katherine Ayers, had a small beautiful watercolor chosen.. The show hangs until the end of April, and I think it can be viewed on line as well...check out ArtMaui.com


It's Easter and beautiful, baby ducks are getting bigger and cruisin all around the yard now..the tradewinds are blowing, and the sky is really clear. I had a chance to stop in at the orchid show for Easter and as always, was very impressed by what I saw..




Hope it's a sweet time of year for you, where ever you may be.




Much Aloha,


Cherie






Maui Real Estate

NEWS FLASH!!Early evidence of Maui’s Real Estate Market Turning.
This is the moment everyone has been looking for.
Maui inventory is at an all-time low. Buyers are actively looking. Maui visitor count is up, and so are the inquiries about real estate.
Maui usually has about 1,200 homes and 1,500 condos available for sale at any given time. We currently have about 750 homes and 1,100 condos on the market. This lack of inventory is creating competition among buyers. We are seeing multiple offers in the lower end of the market. Units in the $100,000 to $300,000 range have fierce competition and as a result they are in contract within days, if in reasonable condition and priced right. In numerous instances we are now seeing multiple offers and units close above asking price.
This is a new development. As an example, 4 months ago there were 5 Southpointe condos on the market, now there are none available. 4 months ago a 2 bedroom 1.5 bath Southpointe unit was selling for $125,000 and now they’re going for $135,000. That’s an 11% increase!

In the higher end of the market, things are changing slowly, but they are changing. Sales of homes of a million dollars or more in the first quarter of 2012 are up 20% over the same 3-months last year. However, condo sales in this price range are down. But we can’t expect the change to be apparent in all sectors simultaneously. Inventories have declined nearly 22% over 12 months. The US economy seems to be in a continuing recovery; the National Association of Realtors is predicting existing-home sales will jump 7 to 10 percent nationwide in 2012 to the highest level in five years, based on an "uneven but higher sales pattern" so far this year.

With interest rates still at an all-time low, buyers are ready and excited to purchase on Maui. Maui’s real estate prices are at the level they were in early 2003. With the coming months expect to see further shifts in the market as competition increases and prices will start the upward climb in a new real estate cycle.

Mahalo to Windermere Valley Isle Properties for this newsletter.

If you have thought about a home purchase on Maui, this is a good time to start your search. It may be challenging to find what you want, but, prices are still good and we hope to see an increase in inentory. I am available and ready to assist in finding your Maui home.

With Aloha,
Cherie Attix R(S)
Windermere Valley Isle Properties

Spring is in the air!
















Aloha !Happy Spring...Yesterday I worked in the garden for hours on end. The weather was so perfect, brilliant blue skies were inspiring me to plant my greens for the summer, to trim and shape and work on the koi pond.


The koi photo was shot by my guest, Linda Brooks from Richmond, Canada. Linda has captured some wonderful images, and the koi with the towering Norfolk pine branches reflected in the pond is no exception.


Linda also caught a whimsical angle of my large Chinese bananas being propped up by a lawn chair. It's an honest shot and represents the ease in my garden. I've heard my garden compared to a lazy English garden.




My Moscovy ducks gave me a huge surprise as well in the last couple of days. I thought the three females were setting on nests that held eggs that weren't fertile. Surprise, surprise...I guess there was a get together that I was not aware of. I have 10 new baby ducks who are so darn cute.. I'm holding my breath on the other two nests...hoping I don't end up with 20 more baby ducks!


Well..let's see what tomorrow brings..lots of promise and feelings of things anew this spring! Breathe deep and know "good's gonna happen" as my posted reminder tells me.
Much Aloha,
Cherie


Ono Giant Mangos!

How do your like these mangos!!?? Holy Cow, some of the biggest and sweetest ever!
I want to find out the name of this variety and plant a tree here. I have Golden Globe and Keete mangos, and they are close to this size, but, wow..I am dazzled..
Come eat!!
Aloha,
Cherie

Maui Real Estate













Aloha,




I just spent a lovely day showing property in Upcountry Maui. The sun was shining, light trade winds, and everything was sparkling clear. Wow, great day to be a Realtor. This was really a great line up as I was able to show some spectacular properties

One of my favorites was Casa Blanca Upcountry, in Kula. This is an elegant home reminiscent of Old Hawaii. It's an old property that was built on in the 1920's and the house was replaced in the 1990's. It has high ceilings, fireplaces for the chilly upcountry evenings, and an incredible bi-coastal view. It also had such a sweet courtyard area with a spectacular view of Haleakala and old trees.

We also visited a lovely home built in 1939 up on Olinda Rd with a saline swimming pool, a lovely lanai and all the character of time gone by. This home was remodeled and features a bright and open kitchen. It's just a short drive up the hill from Makawao town.

I could go on and on because I was in my element, the lovely older homes that make you just want to stay home and enjoy.


If you have any interest in purchasing a home on Maui, your timing could not be better. Inventory is moving now, and we are back to 2003 prices. Please contact me for any further information. You can cruise some listings from my website @ http://cherieattix.withwre.com/
My page at http://www.homesalesmaui.com/ will also give you a bit of information about Maui Real Estate.http://www.homesalesmaui.com/


Aloha for now, off for an afternoon swim!


Cherie


















Kona Snow = Coffee Blossoms




Aloha,


I just returned from a sweet little vacation on the Big Island for my birthday. It was wonderful in every way. The weather was mostly sunny while the rest of the state was being flooded by a large storm. We had a couple of days of beach time, I got to see old friends, watch my granddaughter's water polo game and plain ol relax.


While in KonaI was rewarded with the site of "Kona Snow" The white blossoms covered the small coffee trees. These flowers will develope into the coffee cherries which will be hand picked between August and January.


Eighteen pounds of cherries will be dried and processed into 2 pounds of Kona Coffee. The slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa are cultivated in small coffee farms. There are an estimated 800 coffee farms in the Kona area. It's a labor intensive product, hence the high price it commands at market.

In 1828, coffee cuttings were brought in from Brazil and later in the 1800's an English merchant named Henry Greenwell established the coffee trade.


Maui coffee has been up and coming in these last years with with small boutique farms. Sometimes I wish I was a coffee drinker with all the lovely smells in the early morning as I am preparing breakfast.. My last batch of guests were serious about their love for my Maui coffee, we went through 3 pots by 8 am.


So, come on over to Maui, so you can really "wake up ,smell and drink our coffee!!"

With Aloha,


Cherie








Ono Fresh Food Maui Style

Aloha~

Spring is here and the delicious, fresh, juicy, organic food that is harvested on Maui these days is something to write home about..(seriously..post cards leave Hale Ho'okipa raving about breakfast) People take photos of my breakfast all the time..I guess it's astounding to some the size of the avocados, the taste of the mangos, the color of the papayas, the amount of juice in the tangelos..I could go on and on..



There is something special about going out and picking fruit early in the morning before serving it for breakfast..Sometimes the eggs are still warm when I bring them into the house..



I've also been getting into my salads big time again..Always feels so good to eat fresh daily.

The little Farmers Market in Makawao is a delight on Wed. My friend, Barbara, went early last week and brought me back a bouquet! Wow..everyone loved it, and I just had to snap a pic before I ate it..Look how beautiful!..it was yummy as well.


Maui is one of the best places in the world to eat well..Hawaii has really grown into the fresh and organic food priority in the last decade or so..Such a pleasure to get past macaroni salad smothered in mayo ( old school fare)..


Hope to see you soon..we are getting some Spring rain..yippee
With Aloha,
Cherie
















Volunteer on Vacation in a Special Place

Aloha,

Today I had a reminder from the oh, so special, Flemming Arboretum about their volunteer program. I wanted to post their information for anybody considering a fun volunteer experience. Truely, a once in a lifetime experience , to get to see some rare species of native plants of Hawaii and to help to keep them thriving!!

D.T. FLEMING ARBORETUM AT PU‘U MAHOE
Events 2012-2013

Pu’u Mahoe Cinder Cone, Ulupalakua, Maui
FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS AND INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS.
Sponsored by Friends of D.T. Fleming Arboretum [FOFA]

VOLUNTEER WORKDAYS: The first Saturday of each month.8:00 AM to noon followed by a picnic lunch.Light work under professional instruction.Lunch & Refreshments provided. ARBORETUM TOURS: The last Saturday of each month.10:00 AM to noon followed by a BYO picnic lunch.Refreshments provided.

The Fleming Arboretum hosts special scheduled events on request throughout the month available to youth, school, church and community groups (8 years old to seniors).

For more information visit http://www.flemingarboretum.orgfor/ reservations call #808-572-1097 or email info@flemingarboretum.org

Check them out, hope I can get out there again soon..it's been too long. It's an experience and memory to cherish..

With Aloha,
Cherie

Maui Real Estate Overview

Aloha,

I have been quite busy with Maui Real Estate lately, working in the Upcountry Maui area as well as the other parts of the island.
Our Broker recently sent an eblast with stats for the agents to use. Click on the map for a larger version.

"At the end of 2011, the real estate market on Maui was fully poised to shift and it’s doing just that. When comparing last year statistics to
the prior year, sales are up, home prices are still declining (though going up in some pocket areas), and inventory is down significantly. These are all the signs of a market in transition. Buyers are realizing that Maui prices are at 2003 levels, and they won’t remain there for long.


Here is an overview of how sales and prices for SFR's (single family residence), condos and land have changed:

2011 vs 2010
SFR’s Condo Land
Total Sales +10% +1% +5%
Prices -6% -18% -23%


The number of homes sold that were bank-owned increased by over
50% last year to a whopping 25% of total sales, dramatically impacting
prices. The inventory of properties in all categories available for sale or
pending declined by 17%.

But of course, the median aggregate of a market tells only one story.
There is a more complex story as we look at the various areas and neighborhoods.

Sales volume declined only in three areas, but prices declined in 9. You can see in the illustration that some key pockets of Maui have already turned and are on the increase.

The past few months show an even stronger indication of a changing market. Inventory has continued to decline and when there aren’t enough properties to choose from, prices start going up. REO or Bank-owned inventory appears to be declining, probably due to recent Hawaii foreclosure law changes, and that will slow the trend of declining prices. We are now experiencing multiple offers on lower-end homes and well-priced properties and many of these are going into escrow very quickly and above asking price. These are strong indicators that Maui’s real estate will increase both in price and in total sales in 2012."

Please feel free to let me know if you would like more information.

Here's to hoping that things are looking up for all, and retired folks will continue to enjoy their retirement years.
Come to Maui to visit, and if you fall in love, (our island is one of the most wonderful places in the world to live) I'd be more than happy to help you in the search for your new home.

Aloha, a hui hou,
Cherie Attix R(S)
Windermere Valley Isle Properties

Kutoa Community Impact Award 2012




Aloha...cool, the word is out about http://www.volunteer-on-vacatioion-hawaii.com/



Nice to see people interested in Travel with Awareness..(like my new catchy phrase:)


Kutoa is a world wide organization that recognizes tour companies and properites that are socially green. Hale Ho'okipa was chosen as "Best in Inspiring Guests to Volunteer" Sweet.



Mahalo to them, and mahalo to all my wonderful guests who want to share their time and Aloha...!!



Maui is beyond beautiful right now...and I have to say that we are very busy. High season is back in full swing...if we are an indication of how the economy is recovering, right on! If you don't have reservations for Feb, hmm..not sure what to say, other than. best not to arrive without lodging already in place..it's packed.......


March is also busy, but a bit quieter than Feb......


Spring is already in full bloom here...the sky is brilliantly blue, and the honey bees are at work with all our flowers in early spring blossoms.



"Life is good, so share the Aloha!" That's my motto.


A hui hou..


Cherie








Green Magazine Hawaii
























Aloha,

Green Magazine Hawaii just featured Hale Ho'okipa Inn for restoration efforts and green living practices..print is a nice way to share with folks who can't be here..


Hmm, pretty cool to have some kudos lately..


Maui County Council also recently acknowledged my preservation work on my 1926 heritage home. Now, that was a milestone!


Another recent edition in print is the "Hawaii "magazine. The latest issue features Upcountry Maui, focusing on our ono food..My breakfast's were mentioned in their photo journey and enduring essay about Upcountry community.. I was leafing through the magazine with a nice smile recognizing all the hard working folks, and then I saw a familiar kitchen..hmm, took a second before I recognized the country kitchen of Hale Ho'okipa Inn. I am only in here 7 days a week (!) cutting and preparing fruit that I've have just picked from the garden, or purchased from our local market, and other growers. The posted pic today features fresh lilikoi, (passion fruit),apple bananas, papayas, limes, avocados, star fruit and cheremoya all from my garden. Rambuton, local strawberries, and local organic citrus added to the bountiful feast this morning....



I am dreaming up an art project that shows how to eat our local fruit so I can display it at breakfast! That could be fun..


OK, hope you work up an appetite, and find your way upcountry Maui, you'll be really happy that you did.


Look forward to seeing you soon!, and come hungry.......


Aloha,


Cherie

A Zen Celebration















Aloha,







Today I was invited to attend a Japanese Tea Ceremony, the first of the New Year. The day was spectacular, calm and clear..with a North Shore swell lighting up the coast.


My friend from Japan, Reiku invited me to the Zen Temple in Paia to celebrate the first tea ceremony of the year.


The Japanese Tea Ceremony is a ritual of preparing tea for guests. It is very specific, quiet and traditional.


They served tasty little sweets made from bean paste. The tea is Matcha, a thick green tea that is prepared with a bamboo whisk. I like the taste of green tea, in fact, I drnk green tea most every day. This drink was frothy, almost like green soup instead of tea, but quite ono. (delicious)


It was a sweet stop, a time to reflect on the beauty of simple pleasures, in my rather busy, and very full days .

Here's to taking time out to be good to ourselves.



Sustainable Contentment :)

Aloha,

Today I'm posting a little snippet of an on-line article by renowed author C.J. Good.

"Some local innkeepers on the island are so compassionate and effective at nurturing their guests, they become essentially servants of the collective highest good. They exude a kind of integrity that is almost three-dimensional.
What is contentment? According to Cherie Attix, Innkeeper of the Hale Ho'Okipa Inn Makawao, a bed and breakfast property in Maui, Hawaii, it is: "Knowing that I am living my life to the best of my ability I have a very strong spiritual foundation. I need to feel connected. I do art, I meditate, and I eat well."
Cherie continues, "I've been an innkeeper for 16 years, and have dealt with a lot of people. Inn keeping has taught me how to be open to see what someone has to offer. I don't label people. I am very open. I stay present with them."
Some people may not be aware that travel can transform their life, for it is in discovering new places that we perceive ideas and imagery that aids us in comprehending and interpreting our environment. When we cross the waters to a tropical land, we can temporarily leave behind our identities and relationships of the past, and can ponder on a future we might want to imagine for ourselves. It is irrefutable that in taking a getaway to Maui we will become much richer for it - for the adventure will breathe creative and intelligent new concepts into the conversation of our lives."...........



C.J. Good - About the Author:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: C.J. Good is a freelance writer, keynote guest speaker, and author of two books about finding and cultivating contentment. "Little Gifts of Sustainable Contentment" (Reviews 4.5 Stars, Look Inside) is available on Amazon. C.J. Good speaks and gives keynotes on travel topics, health issues, the generation x/y marketplace, sales and marketing. Her purpose is to write quality books that will make a difference in reader's lives. C.J. Good is a successful sales and marketing executive and worked in the travel industry for 17 years. ~ http://www.sustainablecontentment.com/

Stary, stary Night

Aloha,

If it was possible to convey this post in a whisper, that's what I'd be doing...

The stars are a brilliant blanket accross the early morning sky. I was just outside breathing in the night air...it's super quiet, and very sweet. The little sliver of a moon has already set...

It's been wild ,windy and wet quite a bit this winter, and to see the promise of yet another crisp, clear and beautiful day coming makes me quite happy. I'll be taking my little Annie down to the north shore today...I have not been to the beach in awhile, and we are both due.

As we roll towards the New Year, my thoughts are filled with gratitude. My dear Kansas brothers who spend their Chritmas with me, are back. Last night we went to dinner at the fab Hailemaile General Store and then took in a fun film at the Maui Film Festival . What's not to smile about?

All is well as we prepare to slip into 2012....maybe I am up savoring the quiet...because...that will change into the normal festive free- for- all with fireworks to boot in a couple of days. .........

For now........ahh......back to star gazing and drinking in the quiet..

May these special days and nights bring peace and joy, and lots to smile about...

Aloha for now,
Cherie