In Defense of The Great Gatsby…

There have been so many differing opinions on Baz Lurhmann’s big screen adaptation of The Great Gatsby, which has garnered as much buzz about its creative liberties for the director’s theatrical style as it has for the overall success of the film.

For those who may not agree with his choices to style the film in such a way, this article in defense of Luhrmann’s film poses some great food for thought. Rather than sticking to our literary guns as we honor Fitzgerald’s novel for the classic place it has in American history, choosing to see Luhrmann’s adaptation as an opportunity to show our modern day audience what the jazz age could have felt like for those who experienced it firsthand; the dramatic costumes, wild celebrations and lavish lifestyles.

Everything we know to be true about this time in our country’s history was vibrant and excessive, which the film portrays quite accurately. This well written piece by Suneal Bedi is an excellent defense of Luhrmann’s film and one am in complete agreement with as a true fan of the film.

In order to truly understand how Jazz must have felt to Gatsby, Carraway, and the Buchanans, Luhrmann had to use modern hip-hop to capture the provocative sensation that characterized 1920s Jazz. The emotion and imagery that the movie evoked would have been vastly different had Luhrmann used actual period music. By combining his choice of music and visuals, Luhrmann attempted (and succeeded) to portray to us (the 21st century audience) what made the roaring twenties truly “roaring.” ~Suneal Bedi

To read the full article, visit the Huffington Post here.

Kerry Washington GWU Speech…

This woman continues to inspire and astound me…so much poise, grace, compassion and benevolence to live a life of purpose. What a lucky class who got to be inspired by her on their graduation day-and the rest of us who get to share in their light by watching it online. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did and continue to answer the call, push past our comfort zones and reach our full potential. Congratulations to all graduates of 2013!

Foodie Inspirations…

Maui Brewer’s Festival 2013 Recap…

Saturday I had the pleasure of enjoying my second Maui Brewers Festival at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, and for anyone who hasn’t had an opportunity to do so, I highly recommend it. Living on an island, we have to take advantage of every social opportunity to enjoy the community we so love and get to enjoy the amazing weather and local products that are available to us. The Maui Brewers Festival is one of those rare opportunities to celebrate craft beers, gourmet food, music and perfect summer weather with friends…and I certainly did! Can’t say I am nearly a beer connoisseur (I’m more partial to wine), but when you have the chance to taste unique samplings of any artisanal product, its usually a must. My friends and I had so much fun and definitely will be returning next year!

Music Monday: Black & Gold

The song that has been on repeat for the last week….can’t get enough! Happy Monday!

Sunday Reflections…

The past 2 weeks have been my head spinning, trying to tap into my business brain and focus myself on my professional goals and career trajectory (hence why my blog has been a bit lacking). I have certainly not had a shortage of fun, fabulous food and amazing people to fill my days and remind me when I sit down to write these reflective posts that I am blessed beyond measure. Lots of exciting things to come in the next few weeks so I will keep it updated as much as possible…gotta love the summer vibes that make each work day that much harder when the beach weather is so alluring, but makes the weekends that much more incredible! Maui life is too good to be true most days, and oh how thankful I am for it! Here are some pics from my iphone from the past 2 weeks…

Some of the members of Halau Na Lei Kaumaka O Uka at our 5th Annual Halau Golf Tournament Fundraiser

 

My gorgeous mom and baby brother with the stunning Mother’s Day flowers we got her from the Seabury Craft Fair

 

Baby bro serenading us and giving little Lo something to dance to!

 

A happy bowl of floral sunshine

 

Perfect writing view from the studio…jungle rain

 

The writer’s life for me: getting down to deadlines

 

A basketful of Maui goods from the Upcountry Farmer’s Market

 

An amazing meal of kalua pork tacos with pineapple salsa

 

Unbelievable chocolate goodness thanks to mama Snow

 

Since we are a family of Shock Top lovers, we had to try the new summer ale…and we love!

 

Conner Snow & Ryan Glavor serenading Makawao Town at Third Friday

 

Carey Mulligan for US Vogue May 2013…