Peg's Legs

Blog Break

2010-05-28T23:27:00.000-07:00

Aloha All...we will be taking a break from this blog as we get ready for the launch of our new www.peggychun.com site. The new site will have a current blog that I will maintain...stay tuned!

Indiana's Art Show!

2010-03-12T16:18:00.001-08:00

Aloha All,

Please join us on March 19 (Slow Art Friday) and April 2 (First Friday).

Indiana and her Hanahauoli classmates (52 students, K thru 1) are having an art show here at the Peggy Chun gallery! We have a soft opening on March 19th (Slow Art Friday) from 5 to 9pm and the official artist reception on April 2 (First Friday) from 5 to 9pm.

Hope you all can come down for at least one of these nights and check it out - Indy and her classmates are very excited!

Indiana has truly inherited her Puna's passion for art. We know Peggy is very proud.

Hope you can join us :)

Kimi and Eric

The Wayward Blogger Returns

2010-02-11T10:41:00.000-08:00

Aloha Peg's Legs. Just wanted to send a post out there in case anyone is still checking in with this blog...we are actually in the process of redoing the Peggy Chun website and am planning to have a new blog on the site, so that one will probably eventually take the place of this one, but I will keep you all posted on that.

Hope you are all having a good start to your year...things have been a bit slow for the arts, but we are hopeful for this coming Year of the Tiger...the economic challenges have forced us to really take a good look at our business model and the systems we have in place. The challenges have also given us a great opportunity to grow and think creatively. We've had to cut back our staffing costs, so Karen is on "furlough" right now and Kelly is part-time. Karen's still busy as ever though, working at Zippy's and now at the Zoo gift shop part-time (not to mention spending lots of time with the grandkids). Pepper (and Kelly) are cute as ever!

And while the gallery has presented us with some challenges this past year, 2010 is looking quite promising and exciting. I have been working with a committee to promote "Slow Art Fridays" in the Honolulu Arts District. This slower paced alternative to First Friday is every third Friday of the month. We've gotten a lot of great press and I was even on the news for a couple of morning shows. The momentum continues to grow and I'm confident that it will prove to be another successful monthly event for the area. Some of the restaurants are even beginning to do "Slow Art" menu specials and drinks! You all should come down for a Peg's Legs Slow Art Adventure...it is much more relaxed than First Friday and a really enjoyable night out.

I am also excited to share that I have just been elected as President of the Arts District Merchants Association! I am serving with 2 vice presidents - Dave Stewart (Du Vin, Bar 35, Bambu 2.0) and Sandy Pohl (Louis Pohl Gallery), treasurer is Phuong Tran of Art Treasures Gallery, and secretary is Jackie Walden from Chinatown Boardroom. ADMA is basically an organization comprised of all the merchants in the area...the job comes with some work and challenges, but I am excited for the opportunity to support and positively impact the arts district!

Eric and the kids are doing great. Indy is our little artist - she is absolutely PASSIONATE about creating. She loves art class and her art teacher...we enrolled her in an extracurricular art class at her school and she couldn't be happier. In fact, Indy's class in going to have an art show at our gallery in March. It kicks off March Slow Art Friday, so save the date!

Elroy just got back from DC doing more advocacy work for the ALS Association. He also did his usual stopover in SF to visit family. He brought back a t-shirt for Sawyer from DC that said, "Future Member of U.S.Congress"!

Maka and Cola are doing great. Cola has turned out to be the coolest cat I've ever met. She is so smart! If I don't get up early enough to feed her, she comes in and turns on my clock radio with her paw! How crazy is that?! She did get into quite a bit of trouble the other day, though...Indy had a little chrysalis in a bug jar and was waiting patiently for it to transform...she even named it "Franklin" and took it to show and tell.

So the other day, Franklin turned into a butterfly. Eric was about to put it in bigger container but when he came back Cola was attacking it on the ground. She completely shredded its bright orange little butterfly wings. Poor thing. It was like, "Hello World!" and then SWAT!!!

Needless to say, Indy was quite upset. We had a good cry and then gave Cola a time-out. Though, as Eric reminded us, it is her "nature". I found 2 more chrysalis that same night by our mailbox, so Indy named them "Bob" and "Frankin 2"...and the circle of life continues...

Love to you all and hope you have a fabulous day...come down and visit us! Slow Art Friday is February 19th...oh and Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

Happy New Year!!!

2010-01-05T11:20:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Peg's Legs! I will be sending out our Peggy Chun Gallery newsletter soon, but wanted you all to get the inside scoop first...we have 2 major things going on at the gallery this month - our first ever "Slow Art Friday" on January 15th, which is also the opening of our show featuring Arna Johnson and Geralyn Camarillo!

Second, we are having a HUGE Peggy Chun artwork sale. It is no secret that 2009 was a rough one for businesses and the arts are really suffering. We are struggling and need to recover, we have big plans for 2010 and have faith that we can succeed and thrive in the Arts District, but we need your kokua! Please help us spread the word that we are having a huge sale - up to 50% off of Peggy Chun originals! The Peg's Legs have always been the best network! Help the Peggy Chun Gallery survive and thrive by spreading the word to support the arts! The whole Arts District thanks you!

Here's more info on our upcoming events:

Introducing Slow Art Friday! Friday, January 15, 2010 marks the first Slow Art Friday, which will be held on the third Friday of every month in the Downtown–Chinatown area from 5 to 9pm.
Slow Art Friday provides an evening for art lovers to view, discuss, and enjoy the Arts District at a slower pace, allowing time and space for thoughtful interaction and meaningful connection. Slow Art Friday seeks to encourage a shift towards slowing down, taking time to enjoy the moment, and fostering deeper connections to art, to people, and to life. It is inspired by the “Slow Movement”, a force that is sweeping the nation in response to the increase of stress, disconnect, and “time poverty” permeating our culture.

Slow Art Friday celebrates the Opening Nights for art exhibits, and provides special local, organic, and traditional food and drink recipes at neighborhood bars and restaurants throughout the Arts District.

Slow Art Friday is a new monthly event celebrating Honolulu culture in our pedestrian friendly urban core. It is a new, slower paced alternative to First Friday, with artist receptions and opportunities to foster a deep and fulfilling appreciation of the arts. Slow Art Friday is also designed to support one-of-a-kind businesses, and to keep dollars in the local economy.

Arna Johnson & Geralyn Camarillo

Our inaugural Slow Art Friday, Jan 15th, will be featuring the artistic and creative imagery of our dear friends Arna and Geralyn, collectively known as "Ulu Art" (www.uluart.com). Their artistic mission truly captures the essence of Slow Art. As they so eloquently put it, "We believe that by bringing colorful elements of nature indoors helps to promote an inner sense of calm and peace, allowing ourselves an opportunity for stillness, self-awareness, and a connection between mind, body, & spirit. It is through this process where we can become inspired by the divine, be open for self-reflection, and be able to make positive changes to ones environment and existence."

Opening reception will be on Slow Art Friday, 5 to 9pm.

Big Peggy Chun Art Sale

In honor of the New Year and the start of Slow Art Friday, we are having a HUGE art sale - up to 50% off of all Peggy Chun originals and giclees. Come for Slow Art Friday and you'll find unbelievable steals! Don't miss this incredible opportunity to invest in a Peggy Chun original! If you would like to make an appointment to get a SNEAK PEEK of our big sale, please call us at 808-545-4810 or email Kimi!

Happy Holidays!!!

2009-12-19T15:02:00.001-08:00

Aloha Legs! Hope you are all having a relaxing holiday experience! Ha! We've been busy with the gallery and craft shows, not to mention school Christmas programs and family stuff. But still, this Christmas feels much more scaled back and mellow than what we're used to! Good to have a more laid back Christmas experience...we miss Peggy terribly, but we sure don't miss all the crap she made us do! Ha! You Peg's Legs elves know what I'm talking about! :)

I'm working the gallery today while the girls are working the Holiday Gift Fair (10am to 9pm) at the Blaisdell...then tomorrow Karen and I will be working the Gift Fair, 10am to 5pm. We'll be open at the gallery Tuesday/Wednesday, then we'll be taking a break until we open again after Christmas...

Wishing you a happy holiday season. Thinking of you all...here are a few fun photos for you to enjoy! Merry Christmas!

Bah Humbug.

Indy enjoying fake snow in Chinatown.

Pepper REALLY enjoying fake snow in Chinatown.

Indy, Jade, and Cian on Halloween!

Spiderman Chun

Hey Legs!!!

2009-11-24T18:27:00.001-08:00

Wooooo hoooo! What an AMAZING reunion!!!! So great to see all of you...for those of you who missed it, check out our photos Peg's Legs on Shutterfly

One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the beautiful quilt you see here. It was created by Peg's Leg Maile Ostrem with help from friend Rebecca Eldredge and fellow Leg Connie Carr...of course it couldn't have been possible without Marita Salassa stealing all of Peggy's favorite dresses and t-shirts!

I know that all of you looking at this quilt will know how many memories are sewn into this creation! Each square brings up warm and fuzzy memories of our time with Peg...we spent so much time picking out her outfits for her and her clothes always expressed her whimsical sense of humor and her love of color! This is a gift we will truly treasure forever! Thank you thank you Thank you!

Hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving...if you're up for walking off some of that turkey over the weekend, we'll be at the Blaisdell for the Islandwide Craft and Food Expo and the gallery will be open too! Black Friday weekend!

I think most of you got the email from Suzanne, but just in case - here's what it said:

We would like to extend a discount of 20% off any purchase at Peggy Chun Gallery to the Peg's Legs Ohana...and a FREE Peggy Chun Gallery reusable tote with purchase, now through December 25. The code word is "Peg's Legs"! :)

So make it a Peggy Chun Christmas!!! We definitely appreciate all your support as we try to survive and thrive in this economy.

Love to all of you and hope to see you soon...once a year is too little! Any ideas for events to get us all together before the next annual Peg's Legs reunion? Eric suggested movie nights at the gallery - we can project movies on the big white walls! Sounds fun! XOXO

Magda and the Damien Portrait on You Tube!

2009-11-18T16:13:00.000-08:00

Here is a link to a cool video on youtube posted by an Argentian reporter in Rome who interviewed Peggy's artist assistant, Magdalena Hawajska, on the day of the presentation of the Damien portrait to the pope. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9_ARnXFCL8

Update on Hospice Fundraiser Honoring Peggy

2009-10-26T11:52:00.001-07:00

Hi all, FYI, I spoke to Cyndi Sheehan at Hopsice and she told me that if you order tickets thru her, Peg's Legs can still sit together at the $100 ticket price (you don't need to get the $250 table tickets).

She says to let her know you are with Peg's Legs and she will be sure to sit you all together or as close to together as possible...you can call her to order tickets at 791-8011 or via email at csheehan@hospicehawaii.org. Hope to see you there!

Boo!

2009-10-24T09:46:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I talked to Lolo a couple days ago and she totally scolded me for not blogging, especially about the Father Damien portrait going to Rome...so I am finally sitting down to catch you all up on EVERYTHING! Here goes:

First of all, the big news is that yes, the Father Damien portrait made it to Rome! To best tell the story, here are a few links of some of the press we received:

catholicnews.com

kgmb9.com

freerepublic.com

starbulletin.com

The painting is also going to be used by Bess Press as the cover art for a translated comic book about Father Damien. Check that out here:

www.besspress.com

Exciting stuff! Also exciting news about two of our favorite mamas - Rhea Olsen gave birth on August 20th to Logan Kenneth Olsen and Ania Hawajska gave birth on October 16 to Luke Kai Waters. Both moms (and dads) are doing great! Congratulations all!

The year has been racing by and here we are already almost at Halloween! We've had a lot of fun showing Russell and Fabienne's work here at the gallery and now we are gearing up for a big Halloween Day sale and at night we are a part of the Art District's Hallowbaloo Arts & Music Festival.

The kids plan on trick-or-treating in Nuuanu with the Seglers of course. This year Sawyer has decided to be Spiderman and Indy has chosen to be a Fairy Princess. The kids are doing great, enjoying school, getting funnier and smarter everyday. Our furry kids are doing great too - Maka doesn't know what he's going to be for Halloween yet and Cola says she's going as "Boo", which is totally cheating - that's like wearing one of those t-shirts that says, "This is my Halloween Costume".

Since Halloween is just around the corner, that means November is just around the corner too! And that means our reunion is coming up! As you know, we had to move it to Thursday, November 19th. I think it was meant to be this way, since that is the exact anniversary of Peggy's death. I think it will be a beautiful opportunity to get together, reconnect, reflect, and remember.

I will be sending out an evite very soon. I think I have everyone's email, but please let me know if you don't get the evite. And please let people know that everyone is welcome, just RSVP to me via email.

Let's see...Elroy is doing great. He's been attending a lot of the HIFF films - pointing out this son and daughter-in-law in the trailer to the people sitting next to him, no doubt - ha ha!! Wonder if people believe him!

The gallery girls, Karen, Kelly, and Pepper are all doing great as well...we could use more customers, so please keep sending people our way! And come visit us when you're in the area - we miss you all!!!

That's it for now! Be on the lookout for that evite coming soon!! XOXO

DATE CHANGE!!!!

2009-10-06T12:35:00.000-07:00

Aloha Peg's Legs! Important announcement: We have to move the Peg's Legs Reunion Cocktail Party to Thursday, November 19th instead of November 20th. So sorry for the change, but we have our November Guest Artist's reception at the gallery on the 20th (which you are all welcome to as well!)

So, please make note of the change: Peg's Legs Reunion Party - Thursday, November 19th at 5:30pm.

More info to follow!!!

XOXO

Save the Dates!

2009-09-09T12:59:00.001-07:00

Hey Peg's Legs! Hope you are all doing well. We talk to some of you here and there, but we sure do miss you all...We can't believe that it is already September...imagine that almost a year has passed since Peggy's death. I feel like this has been a time of transition...a time of regrouping and re-grounding, adjusting to life as it is now. I think I'm still getting used to it, still adjusting.

In many ways, I don't feel like Peggy has left us. Perhaps it is because we are surrounded by her art everyday and we get to share her story again and again with customers that come through our gallery. Opening the Peggy Chun Gallery in April was just the best way to honor her and carry on her legacy. I take comfort in seeing her name and photo everyday, seeing her art, sharing it with the world...I love and treasure the fact that she is still a party of my everyday.

We're doing great at the gallery, especially on First Fridays. We could use more customers and more sales to grow the business, but at the end of the day, it is just business and that is a lot less stressful than what we were doing. I feel like compared to managing Peggy's care, running her home business, and facing astronomical medical bills; running a gallery is a cakewalk!

We are having so much fun being down here in the heart of the arts district. We love being a part of the community and enjoy the eccentricity of Chinatown. Guess we got used to "crazy" at Peggy's house, so the neighborhood's quirky charm feels familiar and quite entertaining.

But what Karen, Kelly, and I miss the most is getting to see all of you regularly. We miss the bedside banter and sorority house feel that was our everyday at Peggy's house. We miss hearing all of your stories, laughing together, talking about everything and nothing...

When Peggy was leaving this world and I knew that life as we knew it was soon to end, I remember being so focused on ways that we could keep the Peg's Legs going, keep the momentum, keep the energy and bonding of the group. But as this year has gone by, I see clearly that I was trying to hold on too tightly to what was. I see now how important is was to be able to let everyone go, let everyone regroup and re-ground themselves, adjust to life without Peggy in your own way.

I also see that there was no thing to do or thing to say to keep the group together and bonded, because the sheer act of what we did for Peggy all those years will forever bond us together, whether we see each other once a week or once a year. We are forever Peg's Legs.

So, as we near the anniversary of Peggy's passing, we'd like to share 3 special "save the dates" with all of you...we have a few events coming up that will be opportunities to get together and catch up, be together, celebrate where we've been and where we're going...so here they are:

1 - October First Friday at the Peggy Chun Gallery, October 2 from 5pm to 9pm - Our featured artists for October's First Friday are Peggy's dear friends Russell Lowrey & Fabienne Blanc. We are so excited to show their work...this is their first show in many years and we are honored to have them at our gallery!

2 - "Na Hoa Malama” - An event celebrating Hospice Hawaii's 30th anniversary!
Saturday, November 7th at Waialae Country Club - They will be honoring the rich lives of some of the extraordinary people whom they have cared for including:

Peggy Chun, beloved artist
Aunty Genoa Keawe, musical legend
Charles Cooke Spalding, philanthropist & founder of Boys & Girls Clubs of Hawaii

You all should be receiving invitations in the mail soon, but if you don't, please contact Hospice Hawaii. They interviewed myself, Eric, and Elroy for a video piece they will be showing that night!

3 - Peg's Legs Reunion cocktail party at the Peggy Chun Gallery - Friday, November 20, 5pm to 8pm. I'm envisioning Peggy's favorite cocktails and pupus - Tangerine Tickles, Oven roasted tomatoes, opihi, etc.! We welcome any other ideas you all have!

OK Legs, love to all of you and looking forward to seeing you soon!

HIFF Trailer

2009-08-24T19:07:00.001-07:00

Hey Legs - here's something fun that Eric and I got to do! Check it out here:

www.timryansreelhawaii.com

Vi's Adventure Trek and Run!

2009-08-04T16:34:00.001-07:00

Hi all! Applications for Vi's Adventure Trek and Run are due August 20th! Sign up ASAP! All net proceeds will be donated to the MDA ALS division and provide support for local families living with this muscle disease in Hawaii on behalf of Vi Jones-Meduskyou can find the application here:

www.hurthawaii.com

The race is on Sunday, September 20th, check in at 7am and race starts at 8am! 4-mile loop along jeep roads and cow pastures through lush Kaaawa Valley with a fresh water stream crossing and scenic ocean views to the finish. Limited to 280 participants of all ages. Crazy costumes, post-race picnic gear and musical instruments highly encouraged. Vi’s choice awards to random finishers!

I did this race last year with Rhea and I have a feeling that she's NOT going to make it this year since she's due to give birth any minute! So I'm looking for some running partners! Come on and join the fun! It is a beautiful course - you feel like you're running from the Smoke Monster in a scene from "Lost"! Hope to see you there!

The Wayward Blogger

2009-07-28T09:06:00.000-07:00

Aloha Peg's Legs! I know, I know...these blog posts are getting farther and father in between. I have Summer Fever for sure. It took us quite a while to readjust to "real life" after our vacation! But we're back in the swing of things and working hard on the gallery, gearing up for Fall...

A couple weekends ago, we participated in the Haleiwa Arts Festival. This was our last year participating with Peggy's art, since the rules of the festival dictate that the artists must be alive and able to represent themselves. We were honored when they invited us to participate this year in memory of Peggy. We did really well over the weekend and had an opportunity to speak to many of our Haleiwa Festival friends and customers and let them know about our new gallery.

Next up on our calendar is First Friday. We are having our guest artists (Sean Gallagher and Amber Chesebro) from last month's First Friday event, return again for August...they have been busy making new jewelry for this month's event. They just got an awesome write up in Sunday's Advertiser by Paula Rath - yay!

First Friday lands on August 7th, which happens to be Elroy and Julie Percell's birthday! This is the start of many birthdays...Peggy's dad's bday is on the 6th, Lisa's birthday is on the 11th, Jen Segler's birthday is on the 17th, my mom's is on the 19th, and Sawyer turns 3 on August 25th...Happy birthday, all!

Speaking of my mom, she is fully enjoying her retirement. She is busy with lots of projects, yoga, and she has been helping me with the business and the kids! I think Eric put it best last night...my mom had picked up Sawyer from school, made us quiches for dinner, cleaned up the kitchen, then she put the kids in the bath! Eric said to me, "Your mom is so awesome." Indeed.

So back to the month ahead, after First Friday, we have our big expo of the year - the Made in Hawaii Festival at the Blaisdell! This year, it falls on August 21 to 23. I'm really looking forward to it - this year we are planning to offer special show prices, we're looking at getting some promotional reusable Peggy Chun bags, and we have cute "Lily Love" stickers for the keiki.

We're having so much fun working on the business. We're really focused on trying to bring more customers to our gallery. We do great on First Friday, but we are really trying to boost traffic and sales the rest of the month...this is true for the entire Arts District of Honolulu...so if you have any ideas...send them our way!!!

We're working on plans for a Peg's Legs Reunion/early Christmas party in November...we're tentatively looking at the weekend before Thanksgiving - Saturday, November 21...save the date and let us know what you think!

Let's see...what else...the kids are doing great. Indy is still out of school until the end of August. Sawyer is back in preschool and seems to be enjoying it well enough. He is "Child of the Week" this week in his classroom, so we had to do a little interview with him on all of his favorite things. Among his favorite things to do - "play with my sister, go to Grandma and Papa's house, play ball with Gung Gung, go Fun Factory, go to the beach and find shells, watch PBS Kids, play Wii, snuggle and do 'group hug' with mommy, daddy, and sister"...ahhh, the simple things in life. He also told us that when he grows up he wants to be a "big boy" and a tree trimmer like daddy.

Indy just finished up 2 weeks of "Dance Camp" at the Dance Space at University Square. She really enjoyed it - they did a little of everything - belly dance, hula, jazz, ballet, African, Tahitian...she had a blast!

Eric is doing great...he's busy with tree trimming, working on our house projects, and catching the summer swells. Elroy is fine as well. He comes to the gallery and our house regularly to check in on us! He's still as busy as ever...I'd love to get a pedometer on him and see how many steps that man takes in a day!

I haven't forgotten that I promised some photos from our trip to Lake City, so here a few family photos of our fun and relaxation! Enjoy!

We're Baaack!

2009-07-09T17:26:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to say hello! We're back from our fabulous trip to San Francisco and Colorado...feeling a little overwhelmed as I try to catch up on work and life...we had a little impromptu belated birthday party for Kelly here at the gallery today...had some pizza and cake...we had all the kids here, so they had a great time! Then my mom came to pick up my 2 keiki so I could get some work done (she can do that now that she is officially retired! woohoo!). Thanks mom! So that's it for now - gotta make the most of this kid-free time! I'll try to post some photos from our trip soon and elaborate more on our travels...

Vi's Second Annual Adventure Trek & Run

2009-07-09T13:53:00.000-07:00

It's that time again! Vi's Second Annual Adventure Trek & Run brought to you by Hawaiian Ultra Running Team & Muscular Dystrophy Association ALS Division

In honor of VI JONES-MEDUSKY

September 20, 2009 at Kualoa Ranch

7:00 am Check-In and 8:00 am Race Start

4-mile loop along jeep roads and cow pastures through lush Kaaawa Valley with a fresh water stream crossing and scenic ocean views to the finish. Limited to 280 participants of all ages. Crazy costumes, post-race picnic gear and musical instruments highly encouraged. Vi’s choice awards to random finishers!

For an application or more information please contact MDA 808-593-4454 or HURT 808-351-1453 http://www.hurthawaii.com/

Alooooooha!

2009-06-20T14:12:00.000-07:00

Hey Peg's Legs! The Chun family is going on vacation tomorrow for our first REAL vacation in a very long time...we are really looking forward to getting away and relaxing, visiting good friends and family in SF and then having a family reunion in Colorado with all of Peggy's side of the family! How fun that they will all be meeting Leslie for the first time! We'll be sure to take lots of photos!

I will be missing a few important events while I'm away...Lolo's birthday on June 24th, Kelly's birthday on the June 30th, First Friday on the 3rd, and 4th of July...For a fun way to spend the 4th, check out Vi's blog http://www.violetsweb.blogspot.com for info on the Fourth of July BBQ fundraiser for ALS research at Keehi Lagoon Beach Park. There will be softball in remembrance of Lou Gehrig and many other Fourth of July games and other fun stuff!

Be sure to visit Karen and Kelly at the gallery...they are holding up the fort for me!!! I feel so grateful to have such awesome, competent gallery gals...they rock! And be sure to check out the cool jewelers that we will have on First Friday!

Hope everyone is having a grrrreat summer so far!!! XOXO

Hippie Holiday!!!

2009-06-13T18:36:00.000-07:00

The Peggy Chun Gallery will be open for "Hippie Holiday" this coming Friday, June 19th from 5 to 9pm...Come check out this fun event - drop by to say "Hey, Man" to me and Kelly!!! Here's more info on the event...don't forget your hippie attire!!!

Hippie Holiday - A CELEBRATION OF LOVE AND PEACE!
Gallery Walk & Psychedelic Pub Crawl.

40th Anniversary of the Summer of Love.
51st Birthday of the Peace Sign.

flower powerFLASHBACK TO 1969! Vintage VW's (vans, beetles & more) Lining the Streets • Art Galleries Filled with Symbols of Peace • Psychedelic Rock DJ's & Free Musical Performances at Galleries, Bars, Street Corners & Parks • Twirling Hippies Selling Flowers for Your Hair • Thousands of Hawaii Hippies with Stars in their Eyes.

Heaps of Cash & Prizes Awarded! WEAR HIPPIE ATTIRE and Visit Galleries & Bars for Your Chance to Win.

Fun in Chinatown!

2009-06-13T11:06:00.000-07:00

Just had to share these photos from Thursday...we had a great day at the gallery...Rhea came to visit and had lunch with us girls...we had so many wonderful visitors that just happened to come by on the holiday (King Kamehameha Day) - Kay Hoffman, Martha Torney, Lynda Kerwin, my parents, Elroy (well, he comes by everyday!!!), Dawn (who used to come and do reiki on Peggy - she came to the gallery to give reiki to Karen to help her with her vertigo - yay!).

So, here's a photo that Indy took of the girls and I've also included a couple photos of our encounter with stormtroopers on Fort Street Mall...Kelly and I went to go pick up lunch and ran into these characters...what's up with those costumes...I can't seem to pull my eyes away from the crotch area! Ha!!! You gotta love Chinatown...it's a lot like Peggy's house, you just never know what kind of craziness is in store for you...

OK, heading off to another Saturday in Chinatown...remember to follow us on Twitter and check out our new Peggy Chun Gallery page on Facebook!!! Anyone going to the Punahou Reunion Luau this afternoon? If so, we'll see you there! This is Eric's 20th reunion so he's been having lots of fun surfing with old friends and catching up with his old gang...have a great weekend everyone!!!

Follow Peggy Chun Gallery on Twitter!!!

2009-06-10T17:57:00.001-07:00

Hey Everyone! We have joined the world of Twitter!!! Follow us! Here is the link:

http://twitter.com/chungallery

Photos from First Friday

2009-06-10T16:14:00.000-07:00

Hey all! Thought I'd share some photos from this past First Friday. We had Aima McManus showing her dresses and her niece Chenoa showing her jewelry...First Fridays are always fun because we get to see lots of Legs who come out for the night! First, here's a great shot of Aima with Peg's Leg Betsy looking stunning in one of Aima's dresses
We were blessed to have the beautiful music of Dale and Melody right outside the gallery!

Here's a shot of me with Aima and Chenoa...notice the very large painting behind us...it is called "Gathering of Souls"...this amazing original belongs to Mata...we are trying to help her sell it...please spread the word that this spectacular Peggy Chun original is now available...it is a must-see!

We had the pleasure of seeing Peg's Legs private hire Leah along with her boyfriend and mom! So great to catch up with her!

We also got to see our friend Linda Imai...here she is looking fabulous in one of Aima's dresses!

We had many other wonderful visitors that I didn't get photos of...Lynn Cook, Julie Percell, my parents, Joy Johnson, Cole and Kevin...it was a lot of fun!

I am busy getting ready for our summer vacation...in less than 2 weeks Eric and the kids will be heading to San Fran to visit some friends and then off to Colorado for a family reunion to see all of Peggy's side of the family...I think I mentioned that Leslie is meeting us there to meet the whole family for the first time!!! Exciting!

So, I'm in hyper-productivity mode trying to get things all set before I go. I will be missing July's First Friday, which lands on July 3 - so please come and give some support to Karen and Kelly who will me holding down the fort while I'm away! We are already planning July's First Friday event...we are having some very cool jewelers in the gallery to show their stuff - I'm sad I'm gonna miss it, but I'm working hard getting it all set up before I go...

That's about it for now...Indy is enjoying the start of her summer...she and I worked on a list of things she wanted to do this summer - the list goes on and on and on...in fact, it reminds me so much of a Peggy List!!! Sawyer is in year round preschool so he is not thrilled about having to go to school when Indy stays home, but we're working through it...he does have tomorrow off since it is Kamehameha Day...I'll have them here at the gallery with me for a fun day...they'll get to play with Pepper! And Rhea is coming to visit us tomorrow here at the gallery! Yay! We can't wait to see her and her prego belly!!! :)

Happy Birthday, Peggy!

2009-06-04T14:12:00.001-07:00

Today would have been Peggy's 63rd birthday. I have been thinking of her today and remembering all the fun and wacky ways we celebrated her birthday with her...remember the "Over the Hedge" animal movie party at Ward Theaters, the Enchanted Forest Women's Party...Last year on this day we were creating the "Peg's Legs Cafe" and getting ready for Peggy's Birthday High Tea Party...Peggy's birthdays were always so full of love, laughter, flowers...

Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying this special day. We hope to see you all for First Friday tomorrow night 5 to 9pm here at the gallery! Aima will be here showing her gorgeous dresses and Chenoa will be showing her exquisite jewelry...fun stuff! See you then!

Visit from Lolo & Lehua

2009-05-22T16:44:00.001-07:00

We had a nice visit at the gallery yesterday with Lolo and Lehua (who is visiting from Alabama!)...we got to catch up over some Little Village grub and yummy Hokulani red velvet cupcakes! And we had lots of keiki around...Karen's granddaughter Brenna, Pepper, and Sawyer...So fun!

Peg's Legs Roster!

2009-05-15T16:47:00.000-07:00

Hey Legs - just thought of something! If you haven't yet done so, please come by the gallery and pick up your Peg's Legs Roster if you contributed to it! We printed them for everyone who sent in their info...let me know if you want me to send you a PDF version. Also, for those that have them...please note that Rhea's address is wrong on it! Just cross it out - it was a typo!

Lolo's Last Concert of the Season

2009-05-13T11:12:00.000-07:00

Aloha all! Don't miss Alice "Lolo" Silva's last symphony chorus concert of the season:

"Voices of Kalaupapa"
St. Andrews Cathedral - Queen Emma Square (downtown)
Saturday, May 16th
7:30pm

Tickets available at the door, or call 524-0815 ext 257 - $20 general;
$10 students, seniors and active military

Concert write up in Star Bulletin:
http://www.starbulletin.com/features/crescendo/20090512_A_choral_concert_to_inspire.html

KITV videoed their recent rehearsal. Pamela Young expects it to air on
Thursday, May 14th, on the 5:00 pm newscast. Check it out! Go Lolo!!!

Looooong Update!!!

2009-05-12T15:07:00.000-07:00

Hey Peg's Legs...felt the need to give you all a real update on everything that has been going on in Chun-land! Had to take Cola to the vet today...she's been a little lethargic the past couple days, but it turns out she's OK, that she might just have a little kitty cold. While she was there, she got de-wormed and checked over. She also got a test for feline leukemia and (hallelujah!) it came back negative!

She is still losing her hair, but it is growing back in some places. I have been giving her baths once in a while (yes, baths - and guess what - she likes it! Such a weird cat) and it seems to help...It doesn't seem to be a flea allergy since she's been on flea meds and is pretty flea-free. The vet suggested that it might be a nervous disorder since she tends to "over-groom" herself, so she prescribed her some "kitty happy pills" as she called them.

Other than having worms, losing her hair, having a cold, and a nervous disorder, she's doing really great :) No, seriously, she is actually a great cat and the kids have really been enjoying her company. Often I'll wake up in the morning and see both kids, Maka, and the cat all in bed with us...we start out with everyone in their own beds, but they sneak in in the middle of the night...and Indy confessed that when she sneaks into our bed, she always makes sure to carry Cola in with her so that Cola isn't lonely in the kids bed alone. How nice.

The kids are doing great. Sawyer is growing up and talking more and clearer everyday. He loves to pretend...he likes to play "tiger", "lion", and "shark"...basically anything that would like to attack a big sister. Indy has loved her first year of Junior Kindergarten at Hanahauoli. The school year is almost to a close and she has learned so much while having so much fun! She is now reading on her own!

We don't have summer school planned for her, so not sure how we're going to handle that. I told her that she can come and work at the gallery and she was very excited about that! Her first summer job! We are also planning to go to Colorado for a little family reunion...we plan to see all of Peggy's family and the best part - Leslie and Stuart will be meeting us there so that they can meet all the family! So fun! We can't wait to see how little Hanalei has grown! She will be almost 1 when we see her!

Elroy is doing good. He is currently in DC for the ALSA Advocacy Day. His new apartment is working out perfectly. He can literally see his sister's front yard from his doorway. His apartment is roomy and he's been doing a great job getting it set up and organized. I was touched to go over and see his fridge covered with carefully selected photos of all of our family, Peggy, and the caregivers. And of course, I couldn't help but check the inside of the fridge while I was there and it was not disgusting at all! No rotting Costco food swimming in meat juice with discount Chinatown vegetables...I'm so proud.

Eric is doing great. He had a tree job today and also made a stop to pick up more of our old junk from the Segler's house. He's begun to doing a little kayaking coaching on the side once a week. When not working on trees or editing videos, he's been helping us at the gallery, getting our storage unit organized, etc. He's also been working (with help from Jason) on the plans for the deck at our house...he hopes to start building soon! He's also, as I mentioned, been working on getting the rest of the stuff out of the Alika house...Jason and Jen have been quite busy working on the house! I haven't been there since Easter, but I hear that they are working hard on it, fixing it up and making it their own...

My parents are doing great. We had a nice Mother's Day brunch at their house on Sunday. My dad made Eggs Benedict...he made me a special vegetarian version with portabello mushroom and spinach - YUM! He totally spoils me - and I love it! My mom is getting ready to retire at the end of this month! She has been helping me tremendously with business planning...now that we are settled in the new gallery, it is time to start building the business and planning for SUCCESS and PROSPERITY! I am so grateful for her expert advice and loving support.

Speaking of business planning, please let us know if you have an ideas for the gallery/art business...we are looking for ways to boost sales and share Peggy's art and inspiration with the world! We are also looking at bringing in some accessories/jewelry vendors...if you have any ideas on local, Made in Hawaii, jewelry makers, please let us know...we're looking for something that would fit in well with Peggy's art & style...something Peggy would love...

One more project we're working on...we're putting together a collection of photos of Peggy's art in people's home...if you have a Peggy Chun piece hanging in your home, please take a photo of it and email it to me. Maybe include a little story about it and what it means to you. We want to put all the photos together in a binder/book for people to look at in our gallery, so they can see how the art looks once it is hung in a home.

As for me, I've been enjoying working here at the gallery...I feel hopeful and excited about the business. I think about Peggy often and think about what would make her proud and excited. I often ask myself what I think she would do...sometimes that means I do the opposite (ha!) but most often it helps me lighten up, loosen up, and be a little more adventurous and spontaneous than usual.

I've also been busy helping the local ALS community. I have a real passion for helping those that are going thru what we are now on the other side of. As you know I have been helping Vi set up her STC group and I've been offering consult to a few other people as well. Vi's first Share the Care meeting is this coming Sunday at 1pm. Please join us if you can! Everyone would love to hear from all of you...people that have been through it all...

Sheila Warnock, author of Share the Care, has asked me to be their Share the Care Volunteer Outreach Director for Hawaii...I am so honored and hope to be able to bring Sheila to Hawaii to lead a training workshop/lecture for healthcare professionals/clergy/caregivers. I'll keep you posted!

I am also going to speaking at MDA's ALS Seminar this coming Saturday at Queen's Medical Center. I will be speaking about caregiving, Share the Care, and different care models. I LOVE talking about Share the Care! I could talk about it all day! You all know what I mean - we know it works! And it is not just that STC helped Peggy...it gave me, Eric, and Elroy such quality of life...it also gave us YOU! The Peg's Legs! A whole new family that I would have never had...what a gift...what an experience...I just want to share that joy, that opportunity, with everyone.

OK, that about covers it...I should also add that Karen and Kelly are doing great! They are my loyal, hardworking gallery girls...I'm so proud of them and so grateful for all that they do. I feel so blessed to have such great friends/employees. Pepper is our little gallery mascot...she brings in lots of customers with her big smile and charming ways. And she currently has a BIG crush on Sawyer! We're hoping that they get married someday so that Kelly and I can be sisters!

Speaking of gallery girls...did you know that both Rhea and Ania are preggers?!!! Yay! Rhea and KC are having a BOY - due in August...and Ania is due in October...they don't know yet if its a boy or girl. We'll definitely be planning a shower sometime at the end of the summer...so we'll keep you posted. We're so happy for them! More playmates for Indy, Sawyer, Jade, Cian, and Pepper!

OK, Legs...how's that for a blog post? We miss you all! Please come and visit us at the gallery...call us...email us...whatever...anytime you need a Peg's Legs/Peggy Chun fix, we're here for you! And we're thinking about a Peg's Legs Reunion in November - what do you all think? Anyone want to be on a party committee? Anyone have venue suggestions?

OK, last thing...some photos for you guys. The first is of the kids with Eric and Elroy from last First Friday. They had horse-drawn carriage rides, so this is a photo of them in the carriage. The next photo is from Mother's Day. After brunch at my mom's we went to the zoo to check out the new meerkats. The kids borrowed hats from my mom and dad, so here they are showing them off. The next is Sawyer hamming it up in the car! The last one is of Indy with her new stuffed meerkat from the zoo gift shop - she named her Buttercup. Notice her missing tooth! Have a great day everyone!!!

Happy Cinco De Mayo Everyone!!!

2009-05-05T16:29:00.000-07:00

Come down to the Peggy Chun Gallery and have a Corona with us gallery girls!!! They are doing a big "Cinco De Mayo" street festival down here tonight. Should be fun!

Vi's Share the Care Group

2009-05-02T10:32:00.000-07:00

Aloha Legs! How are you all doing? We had a great First Friday last night...my feet still ache!

I wanted to let you all know that I am currently helping Vi Jones-Medusky and family set up a Share the Care group. We are having our first meeting on Sunday, May 17 from 1:30 to 4ish at their house on Tanatalus.

Vi is wheelchair bound, her arms are weakened, but she is not on ventilator. She needs basic assistance with toileting, eating, etc. They have asked that I let our Peg's Legs know in hopes that some of you might be interested in helping Vi and her family as they face the challenges that Peggy and all of us did.

I hope you can at least join us for the first meeting to see if this might be a fit for you. If nothing else, having some seasoned caregivers that have been through it all would be of GREAT BENEFIT to this meeting. Remember how we all felt in the beginning...how overwhelming it was to be in uncharted territory. This is a chance for us to teach them how they make "Share the Care" work and teach them what an amazing experience it will be.

I have created a blog for Vi and have posted the invitation there along with directions, parking info, etc. Her group will be called "Violet's Web" - how cute is that?!

PLEASE RSVP to me to let me know if you can attend. Let's help support another developing group, Peg's Legs! You are, after all, the EXPERTS!!!

www.violetsweb.blogspot.com

Happy Birthday, Leah!!!

2009-04-28T17:53:00.000-07:00

Hey Y'all! Happy Belated Birthday to private hire Peg's Leg Leah Yannell! Her birthday was on Sunday!!!

See you all on Friday for ALS Awareness Month at Peggy Chun Gallery!!!

Hey Legs!

2009-04-23T14:09:00.000-07:00

Aloha Peg's Legs! We are busy getting ready for ALS Awareness Month and First Friday (May 1) at Peggy Chun Gallery. Most of you probably saw the email newsletter we just sent out...we'll actually be sending out another short email with a newsletter correction - there was a typo on our last one - we are actually open TUESDAY thru SATURDAY 11 to 5pm. So spread the word - we're open on Saturdays!!!

I've been thinking of all of you so much lately. As part of our ALS Awareness month, we are putting together information and photo displays of Peggy painting at every stage of her illness. I spent an hour yesterday going through my thousands digital photos from 2001 to present. It was a fun trip down memory lane...seeing all of you, seeing the journey that we were on together. Wow.

So, we're heading off tomorrow to go camping with Indy's class! She is soooo excited. We're looking forward to a weekend of relaxing with the Hanahauoli family. Have a great weekend everyone!!! Come visit Kelly at the gallery on Saturday since she is holding down the fort while I'm camping! What a gal!

Happy Birthday Hanna!!!

2009-04-23T14:07:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to Ms. Hanna Levitz!! Here she is at our gallery opening dressed as "Maka" from Peggy's painting "Maka Makai"!

Happy Easter (and Taxes) Everyone!

2009-04-14T16:09:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a great Easter! We had a nice day - brunch at my parent's house, a few hours at the beach, then dinner at the Seglers in Nuuanu...the Easter Bunny visited our house this year, but only the stealth version of himself. Both Jason and Eric were thrilled to have the stinky bunny costume remain in storage this year. The Easter Bunny filled Indy and Sawyer's baskets, and even brought a little lady bug hat for Cola (see photo, also titled "Why Cats Hate Us").

We're already getting ready for next First Friday which falls on May 1. May's theme is going to be ALS Awareness Month at Peggy Chun Gallery since May is the official ALS Awareness Month. We have been working with Evan from Archinoetics...we will be displaying some of Peggy's brain art and will have information from the ALS Association.

Stay tuned for more info on that as well as MDA's Annual ALS Seminar which will be on May 16. I just talked with Jennifer from MDA and it looks like I will be giving a presentation on caregiving...I may be calling on a few of you for some help and brainstorming...you guys are the experts after all!

OK, get back to your taxes everyone!

PS - Happy (belated) Birthday to Pat Gamble!!!

Dreams Do Come True!!!

2009-04-06T16:52:00.000-07:00

We did it! Friday night's gallery opening was a HUGE success! It was so much fun to see everyone and enjoy the night that we had worked so hard for...thank you to all of you for your support and help! We had a blast and Peggy was definitely there in spirit - you could feel her pride and her wacky energy in the air...

I have put some photos up on our Shutterfly account - you can check them out here:

Peg's Legs on Shutterfly

I am home today...enjoying my first Monday off since our gallery hours are now Tuesday thru Saturday 11 to 5pm. Kelly and I worked Saturday, the day after First Friday. Notoriously known in our neighborhood as "First Saturday" - the day when you get to come in and clean up all the spilled wine from the night before! It actually wasn't that bad and even kind of fun putting the gallery back together after all the partying...we even had some customers on our first official day open!

KGMB News Segment on the Peggy Chun Gallery

2009-04-06T16:51:00.000-07:00

See the video here:

http://kgmb9.com/main/content/view/15863/40/

Here is the transcript:

Dream Comes True with Gallery Opening
Written by Terry Hunter - thunter@kgmb9.com
April 03, 2009 07:19 PM

Peggy Chun, the Hawaii artist who passed away last November, always wanted to have her own gallery.

Thanks to friends and family, the "Peggy Chun Gallery" is having its grand opening Friday night.

Even though she was diagnosed with A.L.S. in the Spring of 2002, the beloved artist, Peggy Chun, continued to paint, first with her left hand when the debilitating disease claimed her right; then with a brush held in her mouth, and finally, when she was almost totally paralzyed, with a computer that followed the motion of her eyes.

Her courageous, fun loving spirit inspired many people including "Peg's legs," the volunteers who cared for her when she could no longer take care of herself.

The artist herself is no longer with us, but her dream of having a gallery has come alive on Nu'uanu Ave.

"We've been working really hard to bring Peggy's spirit and her joy for life and her whimsical personality into everything here," said daughter-in-law Kimi Chun.

It starts with the pig sculpture in the window, made with her son Eric.

"She has such a range of different mediums for sure. But also just her subject matter. There's something for everyone, from the whimsical and funny to the Hawaiiana, nostalgia," Kimi said.

The work ranges from high end originals to ten dollar prints.

"It was one of her philosophies that she wanted art to be available to everybody no matter what they have in their pocketbook," Kimi said.

No matter what A.L.S. did to her, Peggy Chun found a way to create art.

These "nose" paintings are a good example.

"These are ones that she worked on with her caregivers. And she would direct the way they would apply the pain to her nose. And she would have fun telling them which direction to go. It was hilarious and wonderful and of course just the magic of water color," Kimi said.

Now Peggy Chun's legacy lives on in a place she would love.

"Her customers, they always became her friends, and that's something we believe in and want to continue here," Kimi said.

Watch KGMB tonite! And See you tomorrow for the BIG DAY!

2009-04-02T15:46:00.000-07:00

Hi all! We're in the home stretch, getting things ready for tomorrow! Yay! We are so excited. We had lots of help Wednesday from our wonderful Legs. See photo below! And KGMB came to check out the gallery...we think that it will run today/tonite at 5pm, 6pm, and 10pm...we're not sure exactly, but keep your eyes out for it!

And we have some more birthdays coming up! Today is Marvel's birthday! Tomorrow is Marita Salassa's, Marita Biven's, and Magda's! And Sunday is Jason's birthday! Happy birthday everyone!!!

I also just had to share this amazing photo that Eric took at his mom's (soon to be the Seglers...it is going to be hard to break the habit of calling it Peggy's house!). Remember how Peggy was always nagging us to sort her photos? Well, we did it. Sort of. Thanks to the hard work of Joyce N and Eric (and all the many of you who put time in over the years), all of Peggy's photos are in one place...in bins. Look at this incredible tower of memories! And this is AFTER they were thinned out a bit (those of you who knew Peggy probably remember how obsessively she would shoot photos of EVERYTHING - especially scenery and foliage...she snapped photos like a wild woman long before the days of digital photography!).

So we're looking for someone to donate a few years of their time to scan all of our photos - anyone? anyone? Just kidding...belated April Fool's to you all!

See you tomorrow!!! XOXO

Gallery Blessing

2009-03-31T13:25:00.000-07:00

Aloha Peg's Legs & Ohana,

Come and help us celebrate this momentous occasion! The Grand Opening of the Peggy Chun Gallery - a dream come true for Peggy and all of us!

We invite you to join us for a special reception and blessing on Friday, April 3, from 3pm to 5pm at Peggy Chun Gallery. The address is 1161 Nuuanu Avenue Honolulu HI 96817. This will precede our public Grand Opening from 5pm to 9pm (as part of the First Friday art walk).

Here is a link to parking options for the gallery:

http://www.firstfridayhawaii.com/d/d/parking.html

The blessing will be performed at 4pm by our favorite Peg's Legs angel Kahu Suzanne Maurer...there will be refreshments and musical entertainment...and some champagne toasts of course!

And you know Peggy would want you to come in costume!!! Come as one of her favorite whimsical creatures from one of her paintings! At least throw on a pair of ears or antlers! This night is for Peggy!

Looking forward to seeing you all...

Me ke aloha,

Kimi

Catching up...Getting ready for FRIDAY!!!!

2009-03-31T10:47:00.000-07:00

Aloha Peg's Legs!!!! I'm sorry that I have been out of touch...all last week I was just not feeling myself...it just got worse and worse until on Sunday I finally went to Urgent Care again where I was diagnosed with strep - AGAIN!!! Relapse - argh!!! So, they gave me a big ol' shot in the rear of Penicillin and now I am on top of the world again! Truly a miracle drug. They seem confident that this will do the trick and I'm eating well and doing all the right things to support my immune system and get me well FOR GOOD!

I've also been having very frustrating email/internet problems at the gallery so I haven't really been able to send email from their or get online very easily...I will spare you the techie details, the short story is that we are close to solving all the problems and should be up and running this week.

So today I am taking a luxurious FULL DAY off from the gallery to work at home, catch up on all my computer work, emailing, etc. Eric took the kids to school for me, so this is a real treat to be able to work uninterrupted at home...yay!

Eric is just about done with the Alika house. He has been working SO hard on this move. He did a couple more runs yesterday and looks like today might be the last day of moving stuff for him...the Seglers have been busy moving their stuff in and Elroy has just about everything moved into his new place.

So the plan for tomorrow is that we will be at the gallery getting it ready for First Friday. So any helper Legs that want to come by - that would be wonderful!!! We definitely need print titlers (you know who you are, Ladies!) and we'll also need help bagging up the prints, cleaning the gallery, decorating, etc.

We are planning on surprising Karen with some festive birthday decor - remember tomorrow is her 50th birthday! She's in Vegas right now at the slots so I'm sure she's not going to be reading this anytime soon! She will be coming in on Thursday to work and so we want to have the gallery looking amazing for her and have some balloons, birthday decor, etc. We will also be having a cake on Friday!

I think it is so special that Karen is hitting a milestone birthday right at the same time that we are having the Grand Opening of the Peggy Chun Gallery. It is so appropriate that we will be celebrating both Karen and the business at the same time. Karen has been at Peggy's side since way before my time - it is her brilliance, crazy robot work ethic, generosity, and true love for Peggy, the business, and our family that has made the company what it is - without Karen, we would not be where we are today.

OK, so back to tomorrow's plan...we will be there from 10am on and just a heads up, KGMB will be coming to get a sneak peak at the Gallery (thanks Lynn Cook!) at 11am. We want all of you to be there because you are all part of the story! Peg's Legs RULE!!!

Tomorrow we can also talk about the plans for First Friday grinds - we will be looking for anyone who might be interested in donating some grub or booze for the night! I will also be sending out more information TODAY about the special private reception & blessing for Peg's Legs from 3pm to 5pm on Friday.

One last note - I got a message from Martha who suggested another parking spot - Kukui Plaza municipal parking lot off Kukui street (behind Pali Longs and Safeway). Thanks Martha!

It's Crunch Time!

2009-03-21T17:01:00.000-07:00

Eric is over at the Alika house today sorting and packing more stuff. He has the kids with him, so I have some quiet time at home - always a treat! I am sitting here at my computer with Cola next to me since we brought her home to our house last night! The transition has been pretty smooth so far (except for the transport which we had to pull off without a cat carrier! She meowed the whole way...this really weird foreign meow, like she was singing Chinese opera).

Maka doesn't seem too perturbed by the appearance of a new feline resident and Cola is starting to look pretty comfortable in our house. She even used the litter box this morning and got to explore outside with the kids for a bit. Last night she lay in bed with us to read books. She has completely adopted Indy and likes to cuddle with her like she used to with Peggy. Indy is in seventh heaven!

Thursday's "Tuesdays with Morrie" play was wonderful and the "Thursday with Peggy" panel discussion after was a lot of fun. It was great to see some Legs, some HCA gang, Vi Jones Medusky and family, the MDA ohana...and the pre-show food catered by Kat Hurtubise's company was ono!

You should ALL go and see the play! I know a lot of people hesitate to see it for fear that it will be depressing, but it is filled with humor - I promise you will be laughing more than crying! The cast, crew, and director did such an amazing job with an amazing story - it really is a must-see!

And it will remind you so much of our days with Peggy...it was so nice to sit there and remember her...I love remembering it all and reliving it like that...it brings me such joy. The play is about living each day to the fullest, slowing down enough to enjoy it...and who can't use a reminder about that!

Now, here are our plans for the upcoming week. Karen has asked me to let you all know that on Wednesday (beginning at 10am), she'd like all of you to come to the Alika house for a last day of final packing, transporting to the gallery, and clearing out the house for the Seglers. Our goal is to be completely out of the house by the end of next week. There is not much left, but there is some stuff...(Side note: if you are a print titler, Karen said she'd like you to be at the gallery!!! She has lots of titling that needs to get done!!!)

This week we will simultaneously be getting the gallery in order for First Friday. Yesterday, Karen and Eric hung the whole Boo and Gecko series - it looks so great! It is really starting to come together! On Monday we have our window sign being installed! Fun!

OK, we'll see you guys this week! And please mark your calendars...First Friday is April 3 and we will be having a private reception and blessing from 3pm to 5pm just for the Peg's Legs - it will be right before the First Friday Grand Opening that begins at 5pm. We hope you can all join us - more info coming soon!!! Have a great weekend!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-17T18:08:00.000-07:00

Eric and friends moved a bunch more stuff today...really getting that Alika house cleared out! Our new gallery is in disarray, as to be expected with any move...but it is starting to come together. We wanted to let everyone some of the changes in contact information...we tried and tried to keep our same numbers with Hawaiian Telcom, but they just could not do it for us, so...we will have new phone and fax beginning Thursday, March 19. However, the Alika Avenue business phones (595-8434 and 595-8435 and the fax 595-8224) will all be disconnected tomorrow, Wednesday, March 18. So tomorrow, you can reach us by email or cell.

Our new gallery number beginning Thursday will be 808-545-4810 and our fax will be 808-545-4860. We will be updating this info on our website soon. Please spread the word! Our new gallery address is 1161 Nuuanu Avenue Honolulu HI 96817.

The best parking for the gallery is the Chinatown Municipal Parking lot on Beretania. It is an underground lot right after Nuuanu Avenue (go thru the light) - you'll see the sign on the left. There is usually tons of parking and it is about $1 to $2 an hour. There is sometimes parking in the open parking lot on Beretania as well as in the Mark's Garage Building, but we don't know yet how much that parking is...we'll keep investigating. Sometimes you might luck out and get street parking, but that is only 1 hour parking and a quarter only gets ya 10 minutes!

So come down and visit us! We are technically closed as we get things ready this month, but we will be around M-F 10:30 to 4ish and then once we open in April, our hours will be Tuesday-Saturday 11am to 5pm. We are loving our new adventure and have been enjoying meeting all the Chinatown characters! It is so fun to get walk-by traffic and visits from our neighborhood friends. It is a whole new experience for us! We're adjusting to the feeling of being in a big fishbowl! No more hiding in the back office of a house anymore...we are FULLY exposed!!!

So, we have just over one more week to really get the gallery looking good before Karen leaves for Vegas next week Saturday! It has been challenging trying to handle the move, the set up, the transition, the Grand Opening prep, the daily business, etc. all at the same time...it is hard to know where to put your energy when there are so many things to do!

One more thing - don't forget to get your tickets for Thursday night's Tuesdays with Morrie! After the show, I will be moderating a panel discussion with Peg's Legs Hanna Levitz and Pat Lokatos, and Vi Jones Medusky. Hope to see you there!

Speaking of Pat L - yesterday was her birthday! Happy Birthday, Pat!!! XOXO!

OK, I'm off to get the kids.. it is starting to get crazy down here. There are tons of people in green heading down to Murphy's and O'Toole's! On a mission to get some green beer, I'm sure. I think I'll pass this year - I don't think green beer and antibiotics are a very good combo. Happy St. Patty's, Everyone!!!

Just the Facts, Ma'am

2009-03-14T09:16:00.000-07:00

Last week Monday, the office girls, Karen's sister Jo, and Marita S spent the day boxing up the office and getting things ready to go to the new gallery. We were all moving a bit slower than usual that day - Karen had some folding chairs fall on her toes and smashed them so bad she couldn't drive! Luckily Jo came to the rescue, brought her to work and helped us move stuff. Both Kelly and I had gotten bit by something over the weekend...mine must have been a spider because it soon turned into a red, flaming hole in my thumb that wouldn't stop throbbing.

Thankfully, Suzanne Maria Rose Ching came over and gave us some medical attention. She gave us enough TLC to get us on our way to the gallery. I have to also thank Ms. Hanna Levitz for her many phone consults during the whole spider bite incident.

(Just a side note here about Suzanne Ching - last Tuesday was her birthday!!! Happy Birthday, Maria Rose!! We love ya!)

So then on Tuesday, Eric rounded up a bunch of strong menfolk to help us move the big stuff to the gallery and the storage space below. They worked so hard and moved all the prints, posters, pretty much all the big stuff to the new space. Just a few more runs and we'll be set and ready to go!

On Tuesday Pat Lokatos and Andy Yim also helped pack and move stuff to the new space. I have to also give a BIG shout out to Joyce Nunokawa who has been faithfully (obsessively?) sorting the thousands and thousands of Peggy's photos. Thank you Joyce!

As Pat, Andy, and da girls know, I was starting to feel a little sore throat on Tuesday. I went on my way to get myself well since our flight to Kona was at 10:00am the next day. We got all packed and ready to go, but that night my throat was still bothering me and I felt feverish. I was so mad that I was getting sick right before our big second honeymoon!

I figured I would get better and did all the usual stuff - hot liquids, vitamin C, zinc, blah, blah, blah...well, by the time we got to beautiful Hualalai I had a fever and could barely swallow. I tried to get myself better, but sometimes life has other plans for us. We spent most of the night trying to find medical attention and trying to decide if we should drive to Waimea ER (an hour away). We made it to the morning when we made the executive decision to "Abort Mission". We called Hawaiian to change our flight and flew home at 11am.

When we got to Oahu, we drove straight to an Urgent Care facility (thanks to my Mom for that tip) and saw a doctor who diagnosed me with a bad case of Strep Thoat. He gave me a prescription for antibiotics and a lidocaine gargle. I feel like I've been asleep ever since.

So, here I am. I feel like I just woke up from a really long and weird dream. I am feeling so much better - just weak and a bit achy. I have to say, as much as I like to avoid them, antibiotics sure do work. I'm like a completely different person than I was just a couple days ago.

The good news is that the hotel was able to refund the money that we didn't use and so we can try again soon. We'll have to wait until after our Grand Opening of course. If we planned it once, we can do it again. And my parents have just been so wonderful. The kids did great at their house and my mom and dad came over the night we got back to help Eric with the kids, make dinner, etc. My mom even made her yummy potato leek soup for me - its so good and always makes me feel better when I'm sick.

This whole debacle was really a lesson in letting go. I tried really hard to focus on the facts (I am sick, I need a doctor) instead of the drama of it all (this was supposed to be our big romantic getaway and full circle moment, why is this happening, why me?). I recently read this really great quote from Eckhart Tolle that I love:

"The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it. Be aware of the thoughts you are thinking. Separate them from the situation, which is always neutral, which always is as it is. There is the situation or the fact, and here are my thoughts about it. Instead of making up stories, stay with the facts. For example, "I am ruined" is a story. It limits you and prevents you from taking effective action. "I have 50 cents left in my bank account" is a fact. Facing facts is always empowering."

Isn't that great? Now, I'm saying I was laying there in bed at Hualalai just meditating peacefully like Eckhart Tolle - no, not even close - just ask Eric. But, I have come to peace with all of this and refuse to turn it into a "story". It is what it is. I also kept thinking of what Peggy always said, "Everything happens for the RIGHT reason." I'm sure there is a right reason for all of this...one that we might never even know.

One thing I do know is that I am married to the most patient, loving, easy-going, and understanding husband in the whole world. Eric was so amazing throughout this whole thing. He is so much better at going with the flow and accepting things than I am. I really learn from him. I was so sick and I whimpered to him, "What should I do?" and he looked at me and said calmly and lovingly, "I think...you should just accept this." What a guy.

Eric handled everything with such efficiency. I could barely talk or move, so he made all the phone calls, did all the packing, handled everything and NEVER, I mean NEVER complained once. That is an amazing man. I feel so grateful and so in love - guess it was a romantic getaway in a sense, just not the type we had in mind.

So now we're back to focus on the move again. In another interesting turn of events, it looks like it is not exactly "goodbye forever" to the Alika Avenue house. It looks like it is official that Jason and Jenifer will be renting the house from Dr. Chang - they are planning to move in April 1 (no that's not an April's Fool's Joke!). So Eric and Jason will be working today to begin moving Elroy to his Alohi Way place and we will spend the next couple weeks really clearing out the rest of our stuff.

Speaking of April 1 - that is also Karen Lilinoe's birthday! It is a milestone birthday, so a heads up that we will be planning something - although Karen is planning to be in Vegas for her actual birthday - you go girl!

OK, that's it for now...I'm off to rest and get better for the weeks ahead. Have a great weekend everybody!

New Gallery, Peg's Legs Roster, Tuesdays with Morrie, and More!

2009-03-04T11:33:00.000-08:00

Hey Legs! I can't believe over a week has gone by since I blogged last...it has just been so hard to keep up with the blog with no internet at the house. In fact, having no internet has made me realize how much I love it and NEED it! I'm at home this morning trying to catch up on all my computer work before I head over to the house to meet up with Da Girls, Eric, and any Legs that might be joining us to work on the house.

Things are moving along beautifully! Karen, Kelly, and I went down to the new gallery yesterday to see the place and get the inside scoops from Mariko who has been running the gallery as Nuuanu Gallery for the past 2 years. She has been incredibly helpful and the great news is that she will be moving over to work at The Arts at Mark's Garage, so she'll be our neighbor! She is moving out this week and so we are hoping to start moving our stuff in at the end of this week/beginning of next. We will not be participating in this week's First Friday, but we are going to be putting a "Coming Soon" sign in the window with our banner/Peg's photo.

These are exciting times for us Gallery Girls! We got new Peggy Chun Gallery shirts and have been working on updating our wardrobes since we're going to be a lot more visible soon! Big glass windows are great motivation to get out of our "boro boro" clothes! No more slippahs and sweats to work, but that's OK, we're moving on up and we love it!

So this week and next we will be getting everything ready to move down to the new place. We have our insurance set up and should be getting our keys any day. There is a lot to do to on the business front - new business cards, update the website, change of address forms, new Peggy Chun gallery sign, letters to our vendors about the change, newsletter to our customers, talk to Hawaiian tel about keeping our phone number, set up DSL, new shelving for our prints, the list goes on and on! But it is all fun and and exciting.

I am so thrilled to share that last week we paid off the last of Peggy's medical debt as well as all of our other bills! I found myself tearing up - out of joy and relief. It was a beautiful moment. I am so grateful to be moving on without the weight of those medical bills on us. I feel like we can really begin this new chapter now.

That's just about it - just a couple more items - First, the Peg's Legs Roster is complete! I have sent it to FedEx printing and I am picking them up today at 2pm. If you submitted your info to the roster, then you get one - free of charge!!! I will have them at Peggy's house tomorrow and then when we move to the new gallery, we'll have them there.

If you would like to have it emailed to you as a PDF, just let me know, I can do that too. I can also email it to you as a FileMaker File if you have that application!

Also, coming up, the Manoa Valley Theatre's next production is "Tuesdays with Morrie" based on the amazing book by Mitch Album. If you haven't read this book, go out and get it today! It is the story of how Mitch ends up caring for his former professor who has ALS - it is the beautiful tale of their weekly visits...a must read and a must-see at the MVT!

Even more wonderful is that a percentage of sales for the Thursday, March 19th performance will benefit ALS Research. Refreshments will be provided by Gourmet Events Hawaii and will also be available for purchase prior to the show. Gourmet Events Hawaii is owned by Kat Hurtubise (previous MDA Hawaii District Director and Peg's Leg!).

After the show, there will be a panel discussion about ALS and caregiving...I will be on the panel along with Vi Jones-Medusky. We are also hoping that a couple of you would be able to participate on the panel. Please call me if you are interested in participating...I have Hanna on board already and would love one more person who is perhaps familiar with the book and would feel comfortable being on stage to discuss your time with Peggy as it relates to the theme of "Tuesdays with Morrie". Let me know!

OK, phew! Long blog! I will be sure to blog again before Eric and I leave next week for Hualalai! We are sooooooo looking forward to our getaway! I can't believe it is already next week! Woohoo!

Hooray!!!

2009-02-24T08:29:00.001-08:00

Aloha Peg's Legs! This past weekend's sale was a HUGE success! We had the best turnout we've ever had for any sale (art or yard) thanks to the amazing support and outreach of the local media and the throngs of Peggy Chun fans and supporters (you can google "Peggy Chun Sale" to bring up some of the news coverage). I am so happy to report that we made more than enough to pay off our remaining medical expenses!!!! Hallelujah!!!

We will be using the rest of the proceeds to get our new business started...the first order of business is a new computer to run our payroll and accounting. Lolo and her husband have been kind enough to loan us their laptop for months now and I'm thrilled that we will be able to finally return it to them!

We're also looking into a sign for our new gallery which will read "Peggy Chun Gallery"! Yes, it is official, folks! We have signed the lease and will be moving in to 1161 Nuuanu Avenue somewhere around March 8. Eric and I are excited to share that we have booked our trip to Hualalai that same week (Woooo hoooo!). We will return refreshed and ready to get the gallery ready - building shelving for our prints, setting up our small office, hanging paintings and merchandising - it is going to be so fun!

Our Grand Opening will be First Friday, April 3rd - so save the date!!! We'll have more info about this event as it gets closer...We are also planning a "Soft Opening" for those of you who would like to get a sneak peak without the First Friday crowds...we'll keep you posted.

We are also happy to report that Elroy has found a great apartment right next to his sister's place on Alohi Way. It is not official yet, but it looks like it is going to work out...he would move in April 1. We'll keep you posted on that too.

So, as far as getting out of the Alika Avenue house...the sale helped to get rid of so much! It is much less daunting now! The plan is as follows...we are taking some time off from the sorting and moving this week to catch our breath, so you hardworking Legs get a break this Wednesday!!!

Next week will be the week before we move in to the new gallery (we are also renting some storage space in the basement of Mark's Garage) so we will really be jamming to get everything in place. We want to get as much done as possible so that we can focus on setting up the gallery (and moving Elroy) in March. And of course, in true Peggy fashion, we are planning a "House Cooling" Party to bid farewell to the Alika Avenue house (any excuse for a party, right!).

Wow, so that's the update. I have to get all of this blogging in at home now since we (perhaps a bit prematurely) closed out our Oceanic Account - we realized a bit too late that it meant that our internet would be turned off too! But it has been a blessing of sorts since it forces us to sort and move instead of watching YouTube videos!

One last note, I have to share that despite the emptiness of the walls and the floors in the house now, it does not feel sad...I was kind of expecting that it would be depressing to hear the hollow echoing of the house once things were moved out...but there is just a sense of freedom, a feeling of rebirth and new life, excitement for what's to come...how appropriate that it is the Spring. I also get a strong feeling of Peggy's approval and joyous pride in all that we have done...I can just hear her laughing and cheering us on...

And so yesterday, I did something to make her laugh even harder...I celebrated those empty floors by strapping on my roller skates and rolling around the house yesterday. I've always wanted to do that and it was everything I hoped it would be! Peggy clearly lives on in all of us...

Peggy Chun Sale in the News!

2009-02-20T09:31:00.000-08:00

We made the news for our sale this weekend. First, KGMB ran a short piece called "Peggy Chun's Collections for Sale". Here is the transcript and the link to the online video:

She left her mark on hundreds with her beautiful paintings and zeal for life. Now fans of Peggy Chun can get some keepsakes by the talented artist.

Chun died in November, after a 6-year-long battle with Lou Gehrig's disease. Now, her friends are opening a new gallery under her name. So that means artwork, furniture, and so much more need to be sold from her Nuuanu home.

It's a chance for admirers, to get some pieces from her personal collection.
That's this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, from 8 to 2, at 3115 Alika Avenue.

Click here for KGMB.com Piece

The Honolulu Advertiser came and interviewed us and took some photos of us setting up. Read the full story, called "Peggy Chun's Vast Collection For Sale" and see a video of me and Pat Lokatos being interviewed here:

Click here for Honolulu Advteriser Piece

Below are a few photos from our workday on Wednesday setting up. You'll see me and Pepper in fetching tutus (set of 2 for 50 cents), Betsy and Lolo checking out the jewelry table, tons of tsotchkes (cows and cats galore!), and the living room transformed into our sale show room! Hope to see you all at the sale!

Special for Peg's Legs Only!!!

2009-02-16T21:33:00.000-08:00

Hey Legs! As you know by now, our sale is set for this weekend. We're advertising on Craigslist, Hon Advertiser, Star Bulletin, and the Honolulu Weekly website. BUT...for all you dedicated Peg's Legs Blog followers, here's a little secret just for you! We are doing a special pre-sale for Peg's Legs on Friday, Feb. 20th from 10am to 2pm! And if you come help us price stuff on Wednesday (10am to 4pm), you can get an even earlier sneak peek at our sale items (hint, hint).

We'll be making our official announcement about the new Peggy Chun Gallery soon...so stay tuned! These are exciting times!

HUGE PEGGY CHUN MOVING SALE!

2009-02-16T21:32:00.000-08:00

We are moving out of Peggy's Nuuanu home and opening a new Peggy Chun Gallery so EVERYTHING must go!! Artwork, furniture, books, household items, & much more from Peg’s personal collection! Don't miss this amazing opportunity to score lots of wonderful treasures at crazy low prices! Sat Feb 21 & Sun Feb 22, 8am to 2pm ONLY! 3115 Alika Avenue Honolulu 96817. See you there!

Getting Ready for Our Big Sale!

2009-02-13T12:46:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos from the past few days. We got A TON of sorting done on Wednesday with the help of the Peg's Legs! We went through dozens of boxes of files including all of Peggy's hundreds of "Scrap/Art Reference Files". We even found the master list of these files and got another laugh at her hilarious folder titles. Here is a sampling of more file folder titles that actually existed:

Bad Art
Black Beard
Burlesque
El Nino
Feet
Juke Boxes
Jack Lord
Marijuana (yes, another one)
Pack Rats
Route 66
Rubber Ducky
Sigfried & Roy
Spam
UFOs
Umbrellas

We are busy getting ready for our big sale at the house on Feb 21 & 22. We will be sending the info to all the newspapers, Craigslist, etc. But we will be having a pre-sale on Friday for all the Peg's Legs so you guys can get first pick! Notice the photo above of Elroy doing some early book shopping! More info regarding next week's sale prep/work schedule and about our new gallery/the move coming soon!

Another Great Article By Lynn Cook

2009-02-09T13:00:00.000-08:00

Lynn wrote another great article about Peggy called "If It's Not Fun, Why Do It? An Artist Gifts Us With a Mantra to Live By". The article can be found in the March issue of Generations magazine which can be found at many locations such as Zippy's, Longs, most Safeway stores, Hawaii State Libraries, Cinnamon's in Kailua, The Queen's Medical Center, Kuakini Medical Center, St. Francis Healthcare System, Kaiser Permanente's Honolulu and Hawaii Kai clinics, Borders Ward Centre, several Times Supermarkets, several Star Markets, Big City Diner at Ward Centers and Waipio, city parks and recreation centers...Thanks Lynn!

Organization - Fail!

2009-02-08T09:04:00.000-08:00

Had to share these photos with you - I promise I did not stage this! I opened up this bin the other day and the article, "Getting Organized" was on top! The next photo is a zoomed out shot of the same bin to emphasize the hilarity of the moment!

The next photo is a shot of one of the thousands of folders that Peggy had...another one of her favorite sorting methods (along with bins, 3-ring binders, clear sheet protectors, cardboard magazine boxes, and plastic over-the-door shoe organizers). Other folder titles that we have come across in the past few days:

Why Women are Late
Marijuana
Letter from God (Funny)
Guest Owls
Chicken Cake

We are having so much fun sorting through all of her paperwork...everything is such a reminder of how fun, wacky, and hilarious she was! She saved everything because she LOVED everything! Everything she read or came across was a potential painting, party, gift, or project...she saved things for herself, for her friends, for her family, for her students, for strangers...she was a CRAZY LOVABLE MESS and that is why we miss her...and why we are truly enjoying this process as overwhelming as it is...

Roster

2009-02-06T08:51:00.000-08:00

We've gotten a great response on our roster and it is turning out great! Thank you to the 25 of you who have responded thus far...I've entered in what I've gotten so far...but SO MANY of you are missing!!! Please spread the word and remind your pals to get their info in...also, I would love some feedback on a couple of things...

1 - Would it be helpful to include on the roster if the person was an "A", "B", private hire, etc.? I'm thinking it might help to identify people? Or is it not necessary?

2 - Please let me know if there are non-Peg's Legs that you would like included on the roster such as any HCA nurses, PC Gallery Girls, Peggy's family - help me think of who should be included!

3 - If there are people that you know that aren't on email or people that you really want to make sure get on the roster, please let me know so we can track them down!!!

Here are the instructions again:

Please email the following to this email pegslegsroster@yahoo.com by Friday, February 13th:

Full Name
Phone (up to 3 numbers)
Email
Mailing Address

Overflowing with Gratitude

2009-02-04T23:02:00.001-08:00

So...I thought that yesterday was just a big workday here at Peggy's. Much to my and Eric's surprise however, it was much much more! I should have been suspicious when Karen put out the tablecloths and everyone arrived with tons of delicious food. I honestly just thought that we were all just trying to make it a fun workday! First Marita walks in with a chocolate cake, then Pat Lokatos with a lemon cake, then Maria Rose with a spice cake! And still, it was all just over our heads that you all were planning a surprise for me and Eric!

Marita was acting a bit weird in the morning and Karen wouldn't let me sort things in Peggy's room, but still I totally fell for it when Karen told me that Marita was just working on some surprise for her daughter or something and that she didn't want us in there until she was done. I even started grumbling to Karen and Kelly about how "over surprises" I am! You see, Peggy was OBSESSED with surprises...after 8 years of Peggy's surprises, you get kind of burned out on them...especially when it's like, "Surprise! I bought 3 full body penguin suits on eBay!" or "Surprise! I bought $400 worth of party supplies on Oriental Trading Company!" or "Surprise! I need Eric to build a puppet storage system by tomorrow!"

But, I retract everything I said about surprises - now, I LOVE THEM!!! We all sat down to eat in Peggy's room and Marita stood up to make an announcement - then she gave Eric and I the most amazing news ever - that the Peg's Legs have been planning a surprise gift for me and Eric - a second honeymoon at The Four Seasons Hualalai on the Big Island! Even as I'm writing this, I still can't believe it! I am so overwhelmed and so excited and so blown away by all of your love, generosity, thoughtfulness...and super sneakiness!

You see, as a wedding gift to us in 2002, Peggy and a bunch of friends arranged for us to go to Hualai for our honeymoon. It was the most amazing gift and we had the best time! It was the perfect way to start our marriage...I know that trip and the fun we had gave us the emotional energy and strength to get through the next 6 years. Ever since our stay at Hualalai, we've fantasized about returning...it is as if you all read our minds!

So when you all surprised us yesterday with this wonderful gift, of course I cried! And thank you, Kelly, for taking so many unflattering photos of my blubbering. Thanks also to Kelly for making me a "surprise ball" in the shape of a heart! It was filled with sexy goodies to go with us on our trip. Marita also presented us with champagne glasses, champagne, a sexy nightie, and a special outfit for Eric (you'll have to ask those there what he got!)...and it was all packed in Peggy's leopard print roll-y suitcase...the one that I'm sure we already gave to Marita for Christmas...the re-gifting continues! You know that's not the last you've seen of the roll-y suitcase, Marita!

Thank you all of you for this gift, I can't say that enough. And thank you to my mom and dad for agreeing to watch the kids when we go, since of course that was the first call that had to be made when you all came up with this fabulous idea! This will be our first trip away from the kids...it will be good for them...and for us! Of course, they LOVE Grandma and Papa's house and we're going to shoot for a weekday trip so that they are busy with school for most of the day. We're working with my mom on setting a date for our trip, looking at sometime in March...we'll keep everyone posted! We are so excited!!!

Well, believe it or not, we actually did get a lot accomplished in addition to our partying! We filled Tiare Finney's truck bed and she did a dump run for us! We went through at least 10 bins of paperwork and even found a few more signed originals including one of Siamese cat (it was folded in half at the bottom of a bin of old paperwork and watercolor scraps!).

We also began organizing the photos...we are doing away with Peggy's binder system (sorry, Peg) since it just takes up too much space. She has tons of binders with those clear inserts with photos on pasted on paper and then she labeled the binder with something like "1970". But many of the binders only have a few photos, so we are taking all of the inserts out of the binder and stacking them in piles chronologically (40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, etc.) and then we'll box them up to deal with with them later. Really, they should be scanned...that will be a fun project. Luckily, we have a lot of negatives and you can take those to Costco and they'll digitize the images...then we can see what photos we have and what we can toss once they are digitized.

OK, well, that is it for now. I am going to go and sort more today. We really are making progress and it is so fun to go through all this stuff. It is like treasure-hunting! We'll shoot for another workday next Wednesday. We are planning to do a big art & yard sale Feb 21 and Feb 22, so mark your calendars!

Thanks again you all...Eric and I just can't express enough how loved and blessed we feel. Thinking about going back to Hualalai after these last 6 years is so cool...talk about a full circle moment...it is just so poetic and beautiful...I'm going to start my blubbering again...Have a great day everyone and enjoy these photos from yesterday!

Sorting for Peggy

2009-02-03T11:50:00.000-08:00

Well, we know Peggy is smiling down on us because we're finally doing all her sorting projects! Yesterday Kelly and I sorted through over 4 of her famous "To Sort" plastic bins. Though it is time consuming, it is actually kind of fun and entertaining to go through all of her paperwork - and we do have to go through it all because there are so many treasures...buried in a lot of crap.

That's sort of the theme of all this - treasures buried in crap. For instance, in one bin we might find a combination of old family photos, special fan letters from children, unopened mail, Jehovah's Witness pamphlets, Valentine's Day cards from Elroy, old unopened business mail (we found a $90 check for prints sold from a company that went out of business last year), business cards, old magazines and newspaper cuttings, and silverfish. So it takes time to go through each piece of paper, but it is very satisfying to see those empty bins when we are done. We did manage to fill our whole trash bin yesterday, so we are making progress - slowly but surely.

We are planning a big workday tomorrow. Marita is bringing some food and her boundless energy. She leaves next week, so Wed will be her last workday with us and she is ready to make some progress! Eric will here to make executive decisions and move heavy stuff! We are ready for help this time and will have projects set up for our helpers - we plan to do more bin sorting, so we have set up some sorting stations in Peggy's room. We'll start around 10:30 and go until 3:30 or 4...Hope you can join us - it will be fun! See you tomorrow!

MDA ALS Support Group - Next Tuesday

2009-02-03T11:27:00.000-08:00

WHERE: Queen's Conference Center RM 201
WHEN: Feb 10, Tuesday, 6-8 pm
PARKING: Across the street at Kinau Hale FREE!
POTLUCK: Divina tells us that Nancy is bringing red velvet cupcakes, to celebrate Valentine's day in advance and Divina is bringing Support Group-famous ministrone soup.

This meeting is on caregiving issues. I will be there to share along with Suzanne Maurer and Tanya Mau (John's daughter who came home to take care of John when he was diagnosed with ALS). Divina has also invited everyone she knows who has taken care of a family member who had ALS. This is our opportunity to share with those who are now struggling to cope with the caregiving dilemmas of loved ones with ALS. It is our gift to them - to be able to share what we know! Please join us if you can :)

Peg's Legs Roster

2009-02-02T12:15:00.000-08:00

Hi all! We are creating a Peg's Legs Roster for everyone so that we can all keep in touch with each other by phone, email, address. So, if you would like to be included on this roster, please follow these instructions. Please email the following to this email pegslegsroster@yahoo.com by Friday, February 13th:

Full Name
Phone (up to 3 numbers)
Email
Mailing Address

We want to go to print by March 1, so please spread the word and help us get this project done!

Trunk Show by Lynn Cook's Daughter

2009-02-02T12:02:00.000-08:00

Matters of the Heart!

Trunk Show by Terry Nokell, The Logger's Daughter
First Friday, 4 - 9 p.m.
Original designed fashions, silver jewelry and ceramic masks.
Terry's designs are carried by the Louis Pohl Gallery, The Contemorary Museum, The Shop at HiSAM, and Silver Moon in Haleiwa.

Fun in the Attic

2009-01-28T13:59:00.000-08:00

As I write I can hear a lot of noise coming from the attic. We are having a small workday here. We've got Eric, Marita Salassa, Lolo, and Pat Lokatos going through stuff in the attic. I wasn't sure if we were going to have a work day today since Karen called in sick (she just got back from her trip and was sick on her vacation - boo!) and Kelly was running late...Pat Gamble came here to help this morning, but seems I sent her away prematurely since we have some worker bees here now!

Anyways, we've made such progress on the attic...you can actually walk around in there - gasp! We continue to discover more and more original artwork by Peggy. Today we found a great watercolor of "flying bananas with wings"! We've also found some old acrylics and etchings that she did way back in the late 80's. So exciting! We will be able to have a great art show of her never-before-seen artwork.

We are pretty sure we have found the space we are going to move into and it could happen as early as March. So February is going to be crunch time for us! We are hoping to avoid putting anything in storage which means we have to go through everything to decide what gets donated, what gets sold, what goes with us to the new space, and what (ugh) goes to our house. We are thinking that we may need to do one more big art and stuff sale here at the house sometime in February. This time we'll open it to the public and price stuff to move. I wish I could avoid it since sales like that are labor intensive, but we have valuable stuff that we can't take with us and the money could really help us with our remaining medical bills.

So that's it for now. Eric and I have been working a bit on our house as well...we have had a couple of big work days at our place...something we haven't really been able to do in years. It is nice to work on our personal space for a change.

Okay, back to sorting stuff...gotta get done so we can get home and get the kids down early since it is "Lost" night!!!

Is it Tuesday yet?

2009-01-19T15:18:00.000-08:00

Wow. I have really been slacking on the blogging...sorry, guys! I have just been so busy with the kids and life. With the unexpected closing of all the schools on Friday thanks to the threat of high winds (that never came), it has been a LONG four day weekend for us. Today, the kids are here at Peggy's house with me. I'm getting some work done while the kids play with Kelly and Pepper in the yard. Thank goodness for Aunty Kelly and her willingness to push kids on the swing set!

Big Brothers/Big Sisters came by on Friday to pick up a ton of stuff we had ready for donation. It is unbelievable how much we have donated - it looks like we barely made a dent! But you can really tell when you go up in the attic. You can actually walk around up there now! Eric has been bringing tons of stuff down for us to sort...he even found five signed Peggy originals...mostly early acrylic works of hers. There sure are some treasures in this house.

We're shooting for another work day on Wednesday, but we hear from some of you that Wednesday is not a good day...we were going to try to add Thursdays, but we can't do that this week because Karen will be on vacation Thursday through Tuesday. Yes, you read that right, Karen is actually taking some time off for herself! Yay!

That's it for now! Just wanted to post and let you all know that we're still here, chipping away at the house, moving forward...we'll have more to share soon...

Photos - Finally!

2009-01-10T16:37:00.000-08:00

I have finally posted photos on our Shutterfly collection from Peggy's Memorial Service and Luau Weekend. Most of these are from Bobbie Maurer, some from Lynn Cook, and some are mine. Enjoy!!!

Peg's Legs on Shutterfly

Great Photos and our Wednesday Plan

2009-01-09T11:59:00.000-08:00

Here are some great photos from Wednesday's costume sorting fun and Ryan's birthday celebration. We have decided that we are going to make Wednesday's our "Peg's Legs Work On The House Days". Of course, you are all welcome any day, but we realize that what we miss is the socializing and being all together...so Wednesdays from 10am are the new official crap sorting days! We made so much progress as a team on Wednesday...tons of donations, tons of trash...it was very productive and felt great! Plus, as you'll see from the photos, it was a lot of fun!

And one more thing - Happy Birthday to Kat Lee! Her birthday was yesterday (the day after Ryan's). Hope you had a GREAT day!

Wednesday Update

2009-01-07T15:18:00.000-08:00

We are having a fun time here at Peggy's today...we have a bunch of Legs here helping us sort through things we are bringing down from the attic...mostly the boxes and boxes of costumes that Peggy accumulated over the years...don't worry, we aren't dumping anything (unless it is totally trashed). We're keeping some of the favorites and donating the rest. We will find good homes for all of Peggy's treasured costumes!

It is so great to be together again...I was having Peg's Legs withdrawals! And it feels so good to be moving forward on things in the house. It is a New Year and we're recharged! We have already donated almost 8 garbage bags of stuff to Goodwill this week. And they are adding to it today!

And Happy Birthday to Ryan Lee (Kat's younger son). He turns 12 today!

Aunty Lynn's Adventures

2009-01-05T15:02:00.000-08:00

Here's a special treat for you all. This article was written by Lynn Cook and can be found in the January 2009 issue of Oahu Concierge magazine...Enjoy! Thanks Lynn!

AUNTY LYNN’S ADVENTURES

New Year. New Possibilities. New President. And, I agree with the “new guy” when it comes to being positive. You bet we can! I have to tell you that I already embraced that credo “BB” – Before Barack. I learned “Yes We Can!” from a painter named Peggy Chun. In the somewhere-near-twenty-five years I knew her she was outrageous, outspoken and lived out loud. She believed that everything was possible. She knew it. She made a to-do list. She left us a few weeks ago, expecting her friends to get it all done.

Peggy was the master of lists. Pages and pages of ways to get things done while having fun. The expected outcome wasn’t always clear but she was the Pied Piper to be followed everywhere. Some of you might not have met this locally and nationally renowned watercolor artist but you may have her prints at your workplace. Her glowing paintings fill the walls of five-star resorts, hang behind the check in desk of the smallest inn or even in your own living rooms. Still, you may not know much about her.

Her watercolors tell the story of our island home. They sing about the place the world wants to be. She painted glorious flower lei, draped over koa wood bowls that look so real that you almost need to touch them. Even if you have never driven the infamous winding road, Peggy’s painting of “Road to Hana” gives you a lasting memory of the experience. Look closer for the real story of Peggy Chun’s sense of humor. Hiding among the roadside ti leaves are two friendly geckos, o ne smiling toward the viewer and the other sporting a lush, red carnation lei. A quick look at www.peggychun.com will make you smile.

Those of us who were close friends – and that was pretty much everyone she ever met – gathered for her outrageous parties. We wore fairy wings and hats and penguin suits. Safety being in numbers, we were not afraid to don antlers and attend the Honolulu Symphony. Rules weren’t Peggy’s strong point. Back in the day when I organized the Hawaiian Heritage Cruise events for the cruise ships all my invited guest artists were allowed two boxes of art supplies each. The unsinkable Peggy Chun brought twenty-six boxes. They were necessary. She had a list.

Her paintings run from whimsical snorkeling cows taking a “Day Off From The Dairy” to Hawaiian backyards, ocean views with canoe paddles at the ready, to a magnificent mural of the Blessed Father Damien. Check the signature. There is a code. Some are signed Peggy Chun in a fluid signature. Some have “LH” by the signature. Others have a “T”. What do those codes mean, you might ask.

The evolution of the Peggy Chun style of painting tells the story of her unending challenge with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The progressive nerve disease took the life of he r grandfather, her mother and her twin sister. Diagnosed with ALS in 2002, Peggy knew her technique of painting finely detailed masterpieces would need to change. As her abilities were challenged she continued to defy the incurable disease. Dozens of her friends gathered, looking for ways to help. They formed a group called the “Peg’s Leg’s” and spent the next six years working caregiver shifts, all week – every week, so that Peggy could continue living out loud.

In 2003 Peggy lost the use of her right hand. Overnight she taught herself to paint with her left hand (LH). When her left hand became weak she enlisted the help of artistic members of the now-famed Peg’s Leg’s crew to attach headgear that allowed her to hold the paintbrush with her teeth (T). When she was paralyzed except for her eye movement, her breath came through a ventilator. She didn’t stop creating, transitioning to painting and spelling messages with her eyes on a computer and a hand-held spell board. “After all,” she was fond of saying/ spelling, “you don’t paint with your hands, you paint with your heart.”

We, those of us who are the Peggy apostles, have been talking about creating a bumper sticker. We all know “Eddie Would Go.” He would, he did and he left us with pride. We have tossed around ideas like, What Would Peggy Do? Peggy’s Group This Way!, or my favorite, a simple “Peggy Would .” Peggy Chun left us with a passion for the absurd. She would be the first to agree that we should all wear antlers or bunny ears out of season or a penguin costume if we can find one. Peggy would have made a great cultural advisor to our new president. She would have made him a list and given him a top hat and a kazoo in case he needed them for state functions.

I’m not much on New Year’s resolutions. Too easy to break. For 2009 I’ll make a list. The title – “Peggy Would” – number one item – make Peggy proud by living out loud. Want my take on how to do that? Come find me, I will be the one wearing antlers. See you at a symphony.

Happy New Year Everyone!!!

2008-12-31T08:26:00.001-08:00

What a funky and fun week this has been...our Christmas was wonderful...full of good cheer and relaxation. This Christmas we got a Wii and "Guitar Hero World Tour" to go along with it, so we've been playing pretend rockstars since Christmas! Too fun! You can play either the drums, guitar, or sing and all of us (little kids and big kids) have been having fun rockin' out in our living room! We haven't got Elroy on it yet, but it is only a matter of time!

Our electronic gaming was dramatically cut off thanks to the state-wide power outage. Being in Kalihi, we ended up having our power out until the middle of the next day. Of course, the first thing we thought of when we realized that it was going to be a while before we had power again was how different our lives are now. For the first time, this was not an emergency for us.

Power outages for us have always been stressful. Eric or I would immediately get in touch with the caregiver on duty, head to the house, assess the situation. In this recent case, Peggy would have definitely been forced to go the hospital since her external battery couldn't have lasted 16 hours. Nuuanu was without power even longer than us. It would have been a nightmare.

But when you are in the thick of it, you just deal with it...it is not until you are looking back that you realize how challenging it was. You just do it. That's how things have been for us for so long...you deal with it because you're on the front lines and there really isn't anytime for wishing things were different. Now being on the other side of all of this, we can truly breathe a sigh of relief and see that the way we were living was not actually normal!

So what did the Chuns do in our first non-emergent power outage? Well, we fired up a game of good ol' "Memory" with the kids. OK, I'll confess, there were also some battery powered lightsaber battles...after all, Eric does have a Lightsaber mounted on our living room wall right beneath our "Maka Makai" Peggy Chun original. Yes, the force is strong in this house. The nerdiness too.

So after the power outage, we packed up our stuff and headed to Volcano, Big Island for a 2 night, 3 day get away at Mata's cozy log cabin. It was wet, rainy, and freezing - just perfect for getting cozy by the fireplace. It was just me, Eric, and the 2 kids...we had such a wonderful time just enjoying the simple pleasures - napping, cooking delicious meals (with veggies from Hilo's Farmer's Market), drinking wine, doing crosswords, playing scrabble, watching movies...it was awesome! We even got some yoga and hiking in...got to take the kids on some Volcano trails and through the Thurston Lava Tube.

Again, this was another first for us - our first truly stress-free vacation since our honeymoon (six years ago). In fact, we spent our honeymoon on the Big Island and part of it in Volcano, so this was really a full circle moment for us. It was so foreign to be able to take off on a trip and not feel like we were ESCAPING something. I'm sure Suzanne Maurer can relate this one. For the past few years, traveling away from Peggy's side has felt more like gasping for air, than actually relaxing...don't get me wrong, we've had wonderful travel and quality of life during our time caring for Peggy, but it is different...any breaks we had were like hitting the corner of the boxing ring for a brief neck massage and splash of water before the next round of "Our Real Life".

While we were in Volcano, Eric and I were talking while doing the dishes. I told him, "Isn't this great, being on vacation shows us how we would live if we had no pressures at home - we'd, just do crosswords, cook dinner, go hiking, take naps, do whatever we want" He told me, "Honey, now we can." And that's when it hit me. Those aren't crazy things to strive for - that is NORMAL LIFE...it is just what we haven't had.

I am grateful and relieved when I think about our life now, but I also miss Peggy and in so many ways, I miss the madness. Not the stressful part, not the 24 hour care, not the "tear your hair out of your head" moments with Peggy...but I do miss the culture that built up around the bedside. It is the little things, mostly the laughter in her room.

Today, as I sit on the edge of 2008 and I look towards the start of a New Year and a New Era, I am hoping that 2009 brings its own beautiful feeling that we can all enjoy. I am hoping for a new culture to emerge, one that is just as full of laughter, but without the steep price of stress that we paid for it. May 2009 bring joy, healing, and laughter to all of you. Have a safe and special New Year's! Cheers!

Merry Christmas!!!

2008-12-25T16:18:00.001-08:00

Mele Kalikimaka from the Chun Ohana!

What a wonderful Christmas gift we woke up to this morning...we opened the Star Bulletin and saw a full page photo of Peggy and this wonderful article by Betty Shimabukuro:

http://www.starbulletin.com/news/20081225_Artists_strength_living_with_incurable_illness_will_be_an_inspiration_forever.html

It was the perfect reminder that although Peggy is not with us this Christmas, she is with us in our hearts today and always.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season.

Here's to 2009!!!

Love,

Eric, Kimi, Indiana, Sawyer, and Maka Chun...and Elroy too!

Happy Birthday Pepper!!!

2008-12-22T08:37:00.000-08:00

Happy 1st birthday to Pepper Jones!!! We love you, Pepper Girl!!! Have a rockin' birthday and enjoy that yummy cake your super mommy is making for you!

Christmas Open House Monday and Tuesday

2008-12-21T21:49:00.000-08:00

Aloha all...our sale this past weekend had quite a small turnout. We know that many of you couldn't make it because of other commitments at this crazy time of year, so we are leaving the sale set up Monday and Tuesday of this week (Dec 22 and 23) before we go on holiday for the rest of the week. We will have the house open from 10:30am to 4:30pm.

All of the yard sale type Peggy treasures are located in Peggy's room and artwork is in the gallery room. Beat the holiday rush and mall traffic! Come by and do your last minute Christmas shopping at Peggy Chun Art Studio and Gallery! Hope to see you and wish you a merry holiday season!

Happy Birthday Cian!!!

2008-12-19T12:02:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday to Cian! This is a great photo of her with Jen and Granddad. This was taken the weekend of Peggy's luau.

We're setting up for our sale - hope to see you all! Come and join us! Today 11 to 4 and tomorrow (Sat) 10 to 4...

See you Friday and Saturday!

2008-12-17T14:17:00.000-08:00

Hope you are all going to join us Friday and/or Saturday for our Christmas Art & Yard Sale/Peg's Legs Christmas Party! We are gearing up by sorting lots of great stuff...we will also have some vendors coming in with great holiday gifts like jewelry and other goods. Plus, it will be our first Peg's Legs mini-reunion! Fun! Don't miss it!

Yesterday we had power outages in Nuuanu. Sawyer's preschool was out of power, so they had to send the kids home in the morning! So yesterday was not as productive as I would have liked...but they are back up and running today, so I am jamming around trying to get work, Christmas shopping, and sale preparations done...time is a tickin'!

We had some other excitement in Nuuanu...apparently there was an iguana sighting in the neighborhood on Monday - our neighbor on Alika Avenue saw it! He says it is 4 feet long! It is still on the loose so we've been keeping an eye out for him...I can just see Cola dragging that lizard in the house!

OK! Off to sort kitchenware in the kitchen with Pat Gamble, Kelly, and Lolo!

Hey Blog Fans - I'm Back!

2008-12-15T12:46:00.000-08:00

Well, my immune system finally had enough with me and I caught the cold I've been running from for the past month...I am not surprised since I've been "burning the candle at both ends" as my mom says...my sleep has been erratic, my stress levels high, the weather soggy, I've had more wine than usual, and I must have kissed and hugged about 2000 people in the past few weeks! It's actually a miracle that I made it this far without burning out!

So I was sick Saturday and Sunday. I hate being sick on the weekend. No, I just hate being sick. I don't like slowing down (you're all shocked, I know) and I just lay there feeling mad that I'm not getting anything done. In hindsight I can see that I did get something done - I got some much needed rest and relaxation, but I would have rather recharged at a spa, not in my bed with a cold.

Eric and I did get to slip out on Saturday night with the kids to go to the Symphony's Peter and the Wolf with Barbra Pleadwell, Jayson Harper, and Bella Grace and friends. It was narrated by Jorge Garcia (Hurley from "Lost")! The kids enjoyed it - Indy more than Sawyer since it was kind of late for him and he was pretty tired.

So we're here at the house getting ready for this weekend's sale. I'm glad I'm on the mend since this is a big week. Not only do we have our sale this weekend, but we also have Indy's Christmas program Thursday night and Sawyer's Christmas Program Friday night. We also will be celebrating Cian's 3rd birthday this weekend. Her birthday is on Friday.

The kids are out of school next week, so this is my only real week to get stuff done before Christmas! These past 2 months have been so crazy. I feel so behind in all my work and so behind in Christmas stuff! I'm still in a whirlwind...still having a hard time feeling grounded.

I know that I still need to post photos from Peggy's services and luau...it's on my list! I'll get it to it soon! Wish me health and wellness and lots of energy this week - I need it!

Peggy at Punchbowl

2008-12-09T15:48:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Elroy arranged for a private ceremony to place some of Peggy's ashes in a niche at Punchbowl where Elroy plans to have his own ashes placed when the day comes. We had a nice simple ceremony, led by Clarence Liu. It was just myself, Eric, Elroy, Mike and Putter. It was nice to have a quiet family moment - I think that Elroy especially appreciated this intimate, peaceful moment.

We want to share the location of Peggy's grave site/niche so all can visit. It is at Punchbowl National Cemetery (also known as the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific). She is located in the upper niche area, Court 11 - Wall 0 - Grave # 300-350.

We took the perfect plant to place below her niche. It was a living Christmas fir with a penguin in it! So Peggy! Currently, there is just a temporary placard there. The real engraving will be ready in a couple weeks. Right now it says Peggy's real name "Mary M. Chun".

Both of my grandfather's grave sites are in the same niche area, a few courts away from Peggy. It was nice to visit them yesterday. It is so beautiful up there.

Marvel's Remembrance

2008-12-09T15:13:00.000-08:00

Here is Marvel's remembrance from Peggy's memorial service:

Working for Peggy was such a whirlwind of the emotions. She demanded much of herself and naturally the same of those around her. As caregivers we’ve watched her physical body weaken but her soul grow.

Peggy still remained such a compassionate person even though she had the most to overcome. Now looking back at that whole experience I realize that we were all in a race with her, a race for time and closure, hope was always our driving force.

Each caregiver brought their own unique spirit and complimented Peggy’s colorful personality. Some brought patience because without patience there was no foundation, some brought boundaries because without them sincerity could not exist, some brought eccentricity because without it there was no creative spark, but all brought love and without that then Peggy would not have made it this far.

In the Hawaii Pacific University documentary, “To Peggy with Love”, I recalled her saying, “I don’t want to just cease to exist”. For Peggy Chun that could never happen, her existence is eternal in our thoughts, our dreams and our hearts but her immortality will forever be embedded in the memories of all who beheld her and that is her triumph. ALS did not claim Peggy; she embraced it as her cause. Peggy lived with dignity and courage till the end and gave this disease a new face.

In Peggy’s last days there was such a peaceful aura around her as she comforted us all with her "eye love". Peggy had created such a beautiful rainbow out of all of our unique personalities. If Oahu is the gathering place then Peggy Chun’s room is the heart of it all the friendships created there are true and lasting, sewn together with her own hearts thread.

I won’t say that Peggy was a total angel, she could be kolohe, but all her different characteristics were all necessary ingredients in creating her legend. I’m sure many of you, as I had, thought that if anyone was going to beat ALS, Peggy would be that person. We’d walk into her room one day and she’d be there smiling up at us. I’d always dreamed of the day I would see her smile. Well the other day as I sat and thought about it, happy tears streamed down my face, I had finally realized, that I had walked into that room almost every day for the past 3 years and her spirit was always smiling, she had beaten ALS a long time ago.

Eric's Remembrance

2008-12-09T13:02:00.000-08:00

Here is Eric's remembrance from the memorial service...

Aloha to Mom

I learned 3 basic truths growing up. One, my mother was a fun loving, creative spendthrift. Two, my dad was a hard working Pake. And three, apparently, according to my dad, I was just like my mom.

What did this mean, to be just like Peggy Chun? Well, to me it meant a lot of things. It meant I had faith in my own creative abilities. When she had an idea, there was never a question of “Can I do this?”, it was always: “Let’s do it! …and we’ll figure out how later.”

She always filled me with confidence, and encouraged me without solicitation. Like if I was drawing something, she would say “Oh honey, you are such a great artist!” and I believed what she said. This kind of self-confidence goes a long way.

Mom had a shameless charm about her. When there was a problem, she could charm the shirt off anyone who could help. But she always did it with love. And with a nudge and a wink, she would acknowledge that she knew it was a lot to ask, but that the reward was always great. She found many co-conspirators this way.

She was shameless in the way that she was not embarrassed by acting on her ideas. She could walk into a room dressed in a penguin costume with no remorse. In fact, pretty soon, the whole room would be in stitches, and probably putting on the other costumes she brought along.

I wasn’t embarrassed by these antics until around hitting puberty. But before that, she was a magical, kid-like figure who could do no wrong. In Elementary school, she would come to visit my classroom one day every year, with boxes of Christmas ornament supplies, and we would spend the day gluing shells and Kukui nuts together, making our own creations. I wasn’t embarrassed. I thought she was the coolest mom around. She wasn’t your normal stuffy adult, she lived the magic of childhood.
In fact, my mom was a big kid to the end. She valued the moment and gulped down the abundance of life with playfulness and disregard, but always with joy.

It is this joy, this love for life, that she will always be remembered. It is her greatest gift to us all. To love and be loved with all your heart.

My maternal grandmother, my mom’s mom, Sara Richard was her greatest inspiration. She modeled herself upon her mom’s exuberance and love for life. In her final days, my grandmother wrote these words:

“Chastity without charity is chained in hell. The same can be said of all the virtues. Patience without love is condescending. Courage becomes stoicism, and church going, hypocrisy. St. Thomas says that the virtues are the habits of love.

Mom drew great strength from the love of her mother, and I can do the same. Am I still “just like my mom?” Well, I am grown now and can see the big picture in life. I can see the dark with the light. But fundamentally, I am what I am because of her virtue. Thank you mom, for giving me this gift. I will miss you.

In closing, I’m sure Peg would ask us to see the beauty of this world all around us. And the next time you look up at the sky and see the clouds, notice that there is more than just grey and white. She would point out all the subtle and beautiful colors that are reflected: the violets and cobalts, the burnt siennas, ultramarines, and of course her favorite: Cadmium Red Light.

Peace be with you mom, Aloooooha.

What a Weekend!

2008-12-08T09:20:00.000-08:00

I don't even know where to start. I am writing this from home and the kids (and Eric) are still sleeping. It has been a LONG and wonderful weekend, but it is nice to be sitting here, back in our own home and reality, with a cup of hot coffee and some quiet. We got back home yesterday afternoon after staying the weekend at Hale Pohaku, the beautiful beach house in Waimanalo where we had Peggy's Celebration of Life Luau.

Friday's service was so perfect. I don't think things could have run any smoother. Oh, except that one mistake we made on the program - we didn't have Eric listed as a speaker! Oops! And that is after proofing it twice! The first time we proofed it we sent it off to be printed before Elroy had a chance to look it over and graciously point out that we had left him off of the list of Peggy's surviving ohana. Double oops. Luckily we caught in time before it went to print...and it worked out just fine at the service, Suzanne Maurer ran around before the service letting people know where Eric would speak.

The music at the service was breathtaking. And the church looked so beautiful. I know that Peggy had a hand in the timing of everything because since it was December they had decorated the church with wreaths and other Christmas decor...Peggy would have just LOVED it. All of the speakers, led by the calm and eloquent Chaplain Clarence Liu, were perfect and nailed their presentations. I am hoping that I'll be able to get some of the speeches from everyone and Elroy's eulogy to share here on the blog because they were so beautifully written and very funny and poignant.

The other great news is that Suzanne Maurer arranged for a videographer to record the services, so we will soon have that to share with family who couldn't attend the services and we can have a copy to share at the house. Hopefully all of you saw the coverage both in the papers and on the news. They did a great job of sharing some of the highlights of the day like Malia's singing (with John McCreary on the organ), Jim's "Coincidence" song, Keola and Moana doing "Green Rose Hula", Marvel (and Hanna and Shelly) in penguin costumes, and all the love (and costumes!) that filled the church. I have to also say how proud I am of Eric's speech - he did the most amazing job! Not a dry eye in the house! I know he made Peggy proud up there.

It was so wonderful to see so much family and so many friends, old and new. It was so fun to visit with everyone before and after the services...a reunion of sorts and the mood was definitely light as we kissed, hugged, laughed, and remembered with each other...truly the church celebration that Peggy always wanted.

Then it was off to Waimanalo to let our hair down and REALLY celebrate the way Peggy would! The decorating committee did an awesome job of setting up the yard. Peggy's luau requests specifically said, "lots of twinkly lights" and they absolutely accomplished that!

I said a few words at the luau before Suzanne's pule (prayer). I'll sum up what I said here for those that missed it because we mean it with all of our heart:

The family would like to to express our deep gratitude to the people that made today possible. To all the volunteers who assisted us here and at the church. To Mike Sitch for the use of this amazing house that is so Peggy. To all of the musicians, all of Peggy’s favorites entertaining us tonight. And also to the family that flew all the way to be here to day – Peggy’s dad, Joe, her brothers Peter and Mike, and her cousins Putter and Rip.

And of course, we want to acknowledge our amazing Peggy Chun Memorial Committee who put all of their hearts into planning the service and this luau. Pat Gamble, Conne Sutherland, Pokey Richardson, Julie Percell, Mata Rubinstein, Suzanne Maurer, Lynn Cook, Malia Ka’ai and our dedicated office girls - Karen Lillinoe & Kelly Jones.

When Peggy was diagnosed with ALS, one of the first things she did was plan her service and the luau to follow. I laugh when I think about how excited she was envisioning all the details of today – it was by far the easiest way for her to begin to accept her diagnosis since it was her favorite thing to do – plan a party!

The Committee did such an incredible job of planning a memorial service and luau for Peggy that truly exceeded any expectations – even Peggy’s own! This is above and beyond anything we could have hoped for. I can’t tell you what a gift it has been for them to take the lead on the planning, allowing the family to process the loss of Peggy without the added anxiety of all the work and organization of details that it took to make today possible. Their concern for our emotional and physical strength at this time has been so heart-warming and so appreciated – without them, none of this would have happened…and because of them we were able to fulfill these last (always elaborate) wishes of Peggy’s.

It always struck me as so odd that she planned today with the zest and detail of someone who would be attending the event…but now I get it…this is what she had envisioned…all of us here, celebrating who she was, carrying on her love for life, love for friends, and love for great parties where those two things come together.

And Peggy is here. You can feel her presence, feel her pride, and feel her laughing and loving each minute of this.

At this point we raised our glasses in a toast to Peggy. We counted to three and at the top of our lungs said together, "WE LOVE YOU, PEGGY!"

The rest of the party was spent dancing to Don Tiki (with Jason on the drums), eating the ono Hawaiian food that Peggy would have devoured - especially her favorite - opihi! And of course there was lots of talking and drinking! At about 9pm we broke everything down - we had an amazing group volunteers helping.

There were quite a few of us who slept over and I think I'll just leave it to everyone's imagination to envision what the after-party was like. Let me just say that we all made Peggy proud partying in her honor. Let me also say that the Richards are notorious for their partying skills (and loud voices). And I will graciously leave out any incriminating descriptions of "Legs Gone Wild" since I'm pretty sure our new motto should be "What Happens in Waimanalo, Stays in Waimanalo".

On Saturday, we gathered to spread (some of) Peggy's ashes in the ocean. We were blessed to have Manu join us (the kind man who came to Peggy's services to blow the conch shell) and he led us down to the water with conch blowing and chanting. We were all, of course, in costume. Then Eric, Karen, Marita, and Hanna all paddled out on kayaks. Indy and I paddled out on a longboard and Jen paddled out on another board. We paddled out pretty far and Eric spread the ashes. It was the most beautiful day, so clear, so perfect. Then, just as we paddled back in, Karen and Jen saw a turtle! Karen followed it saying, "I'm following you, Peggy!" It was the most amazing experience!

That afternoon and evening we had more sleepover fun...again, remember our new motto! And then yesterday we had more beach time and then clean up time. In the afternoon, just before we were going to leave, Granddad Joe tripped up the stairs and fell pretty hard face forward. He broke his fall with his right shoulder and was in quite a bit of pain. The brothers and Putter took him to Straub where they discovered that he had indeed broken his arm.

Joe and Peter had a flight to catch at 11pm and Joe did not want to delay their departure, so with the doctor's approval, they decided to fly out anyway. They put his arm in a sling, gave him some meds and a note to request that they get bumped up to first class, then he'll have it looked at when he gets back home. What a way to end their trip!

We saw them before they left. After the hospital, Mike and Putter, Peter and Granddad, and Jason, Jade, and Cian all came over for dinner at our house in Kalihi. They Granddad and Peter went to catch their flight, everyone left, and we were able to get a much needed good night's rest.

Sawyer is up now, so my mommy duties begin. We'll be heading to Alika house soon. Now that the services are behind us, we can focus on the house, our upcoming sale, thank you cards, and Christmas! I'll post again soon! And will share photos soon too. Have a great day!

Getting Ready for Tomorrow and Other Stuff

2008-12-04T09:39:00.000-08:00

We've been busy busy busy meeting and prepping for tomorrow's services and luau. Eric and I don't even have the words to express how grateful we are to our dedicated (not to mention super organized and competent) Peggy Chun Memorial Committee. I can't get over how beautifully everything is coming together. And what a party this luau is going to be tomorrow! I know that Peggy is smiling down on all of us with pride and excitement.

Today the tents go up at Hale Pohaku at 2pm and then the decorating committee hits the scene at 5pm. We have so many wonderful volunteers helping out everywhere - at the church, at the luau, before and after...it is amazing!

We've had a lot of visitors and helpers at the house...we are so grateful for everyone coming and helping us deal with the overwhelming task of sorting through Peggy's house full of stuff. Karen and I were talking about it and we are feeling unprepared for all the help...we don't want to turn away help and we know that there is so much to be done, but we are having a hard time finding good and productive tasks for people...it is sort of hard to know where to start. We are feeling guilty because people are coming to help and we just feel like sitting around and hanging out with them instead of working on the house. We feel like we're tricking people into hanging out with us by luring them in asking for help with the house! Ha! That's OK, right?

I think part of our problem is that we are so focused on Friday's services and luau...we feel like once we get through this week then we can really start focusing on the house. Now that we have planned our first yard sale (and Christmas sale/party) we have a goal to work towards.

We have started to clear the back corner (where the couch used to be) for yard sale stuff...and as I mentioned before, you Legs get the first crack at that stuff to see if there is anything that you would like to take. Just be sure to check in with us to let us know what you are taking...just in case something ends up there that is not supposed to be in that section.

This leads me to another announcement. I know that many of you have things that you either left/lost/loaned to Peggy, things that Peggy told you that you could have someday, things that you especially loved, things that mean something to you, things you gave to Peggy that you would like back, etc. I know that many of you might be concerned that we are cleaning and getting rid of stuff before you have a chance to speak out - so, here's what will make things easiest for all of us:

PLEASE EMAIL ME about any items you have in mind. Email me your name, contact number, and a description of the item and the circumstances (you gave it to Peg, she gave it to you, you loved it, you know someone who should have it, etc.). I am compiling an excel spread sheet with all this info so that as we go through the house we can reference it. We will also be labeling things with names as we find things and put them in a certain designated area.

Feel free to offer suggestions of people that might be able to use certain items as donations (i.e., old towels can go to the Humane Society, medical equipment can be donated to MDA). We will do our best to accommodate any requests while also adhering to Peggy's wishes and those of the family.

FYI, all of the artwork, art supplies, business stuff will be going to our new gallery/office location, where ever that may be. Please help us keep an eye out for gallery/office spaces in the Downtown/Chinatown area and also for an apartment/loft for Elroy in this same area!

See you all tomorrow!!! XOXO

A few Notes About Friday's Memorial Service

2008-12-02T17:33:00.000-08:00

Aloha Peg's Legs...looking forward to seeing you all this Friday at Kawaihao Church and at the luau to follow. For those of you who are helping at Kawaihao, we have parking passes for you. They will be ready for pick up at Peggy's at 10am tomorrow (Wednesday).

We have reserved the first 5 pews of the church for Peg's Legs caregivers and family members. Also, we have been informed by the church that this is a BYOT (Bring Your Own Tissue) event!

Peg's Leg Christmas in Nuuuanu

2008-12-02T13:47:00.000-08:00

Aloha Peg’s Legs!

Get your last minute Christmas shopping done all in one place! Artwork by Peggy and others, prints, calendars, cards, cookbooks, The Watercolor Cat book, and more. Plus, check out the household treasures looking for new homes as we begin to plan a move to a new location.

Peg’s Legs Christmas in Nuuanu
An Art & Treasure Sale at Peggy Chun’s

Friday December 19th 11am to 4pm
Saturday December 20th 10am to 4pm

Peggy Chun Art Studio & Gallery
3115 Alika Avenue Honolulu, Hawaii 96817

Most importantly, come and see us because we miss you all! Even if you’ve finished your shopping, just come for the refreshments and socializing. And don’t forget your Christmas costumes in honor of Peggy!

Friends and family are welcome! Mele Kalikimaka!

Email kimi@peggchun.com or call 808-595-8434 for more information
www.peggychun.com

Email Problems

2008-12-02T10:07:00.000-08:00

Hi all - I have been having some major email problems the past couple days. I have been able to send email but not receive it. It seems to be working now, but if you have tried to send me anything in the past couple days, please assume that I have not received it. Getting no email has been both frustrating AND strangely liberating. Anyways, don't get mad at me if I haven't responded to an email that you sent (yeah, I'm talking to you, Hanna Levitz) since I most likely haven't received it...please resend - thank you!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T11:43:00.000-08:00

We're at home relaxing until we head over to my parents' house for the day. Last night, Indy and I went to the symphony chorus Thanksgiving eve concert...we wore our antlers as directed by Lynn Cook and met up with a dozen or so Peg's Legs, all donning antlers. We were sitting right in the front and when Lolo took the stage with the chorus we stood and cheered. We're not sure if she was surprised to see us or embarrassed by our reindeer antics...maybe a little of both!

The music was beautiful and Indy loved her first concert experience. I confess that Indy, Kelly, and I left at intermission to get some dinner...but I heard from Lynn that the rest of the concert was amazing and that Lolo was indeed happy that we all made it.

Me, Karen, Kelly, Julie, and Lynn made some progress on sorting more of Peggy's stuff. We're starting to put things aside for a yard sale. We plan to get things put aside and then let the family and Peg's Legs go through it all first to see if there is anything that they would like to have before we sell it. We are working on clearing the back corner (where the couch used to be) so that we can make that the "stuff for yard sale" area. We just have to keep telling ourselves to take things a day a time, one step at a time...or else it just gets too overwhelming.

Elroy is quite antsy to see some progress in the house...I think he's having a hard time believing that we are going to take care of it (soon enough). I know how he feels - when you're in the house you just feel like you should be doing something about all the stuff, and yet it is so overwhelming and still emotionally charged. I feel this constant internal tug-of-war between urgency and lethargy, not just at the house, but at my home too.

Yesterday we talked to Marvel on the phone. She's doing well, just processing everything like the rest of us and hopefully getting some well-deserved rest. She's planning to come to the house on Monday to help us sort more crap - oops, I mean, treasures. Karen and I have decided to take Thursday and Friday and enjoy the long Thanksgiving weekend. Then we'll be back in the office on Monday and we'll tackle more of the house with anyone who wants to join us!

This weekend is also Eric and my wedding anniversary on Sunday, the 30th! It is our 6th anniversary and what a significant six it is. Wow. Imagine all that has transpired since we said "I do" in 2002. And what I will say to Eric on Sunday is the same thing that I said to Peggy the night before she passed away...seven simple words that capture all my love and gratitude (and perhaps mild masochism): "I would do it all over again".

As the days go by, I feel less anxious about what the future will bring and more willing to embrace the change. While we were in it the middle of it all, it was impossible to envision what life would be like without Peggy. We were all so intertwined and focused. We're finally able to take a step back from it all and see what was Peggy and what was us. I think my relief comes from realizing that the friendships and the bonding in the group still function even without Peggy. The energy, the community, and the culture that built up around her was because of her, but not dependent on her.

I am so comforted so much by this realization...this is what makes me feel that I can take a few days off without worrying that the energy that surrounded Peggy will disappear. I don't need to fan the fire so desperately to keep it from extinguishing...because on this Thanksgiving Day, the thing I am most thankful for is that the Peggy Chun flame is eternal.

Tuesday

2008-11-25T15:07:00.000-08:00

It is a quieter day around here...just me, Karen, and Kelly (Pepper too!) doing work in the office. Ann Weers is also here sorting through linens in Peggy's closets. We're going through Peggy's medical supplies and finding people that can use them. We're working with both Healthcare Alternatives and MDA on finding homes for things. It feels so good to "pay it forward" this way.

I used the quiet morning to finally catch up on all my email...what a huge relief. We've had such a wonderful outpouring of support and sympathy, so many phone calls, emails, letters, cards...it is such an amazing experience to hear how Peggy touched people's lives. There are so many stories, so many memories.

We're looking forward to a small Thanksgiving celebration this year...me, Eric, and the kids are going to my mom and dad's house for Thanksgiving. Elroy and the Seglers too. And while the HUGE Peggy-style Thanksgivings have been fun, I'm looking forward to a smaller, more mellow day of Thanks this year. It will also be nice to relax a little before next weekend's memorial services and luau.

By the way, we wanted to make sure that everyone got the invite for Peggy's Celebration of Life Luau following the memorial. We are selling tickets for this private luau to Peggy Chun friends and family and you must RSVP by December 1! Please email me if you didn't get the invitation.

A Beautiful Blessing...

2008-11-24T18:40:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful potluck lunch and beautiful blessing in Peggy's room today. It was so nice to sit around with everyone and talk, laugh, cry, eat, talk, and laugh some more. Marita brought some white sage that we burned in the room to "cleanse the space" (a Native American tradition). Then Clarence led us in a beautiful blessing.

Clarence had a calabash of water that we passed around the room. We each put our "mana" in the water by touching it with our hands as we spoke about what we were grateful for and what Peggy meant to us. Then he blessed us all and the room with the water. It was so beautiful to hear everyone's reflections on Peggy and what each person was thankful for. It was a very powerful and beautiful experience. We also spent a lot of time getting caught up on the memorial plans from our awesome Memorial Committee to whom we are eternally grateful!

As the Nuuanu wind blew strongly through the house today and we bustled around meeting and talking, eating and working, Eric and I were so comforted...so relieved and so happy that the story doesn't end here.

I think that is what many of us fear, that we are not only mourning the loss of Peggy, but also the loss of the culture and community that has built up around her. As I talk to each of you, I feel like we are all feeling this similar sentiment...we will miss Peggy, yes, but we will also miss the purpose that she gave us to be together.

I think that we need to remember that so much of the legacy that Peggy leaves behind is this amazing Peggy Chun Ohana...the friendships that were forged at her bedside...and while we no longer have the purpose of caring for Peggy, we can have the new purpose of carrying on this legacy of friendship and love...isn't that, after all, what Peggy would want..for the party not to end?!

Cocooning

2008-11-22T15:00:00.000-08:00

We're "cocooning" at home today. I'm writing this from my laptop in bed with the kids as we watch "Mary Poppins". It is storming outside...we can hear the wind and the gushing of Kalihi Stream outside.

Last night we had the Seglers, Camille, Silas, and some friends over to our house in Kalihi for dinner. Everyone ended up sleeping over after much beer, wine, and late night poker. The kids had a blast running around, playing dress up, and watching movies.

Elroy stopped in for a bit. He stayed longer than he ever has at our house. He was so happy and relaxed. Usually every time he comes over he is anxious to get home to make sure everything is OK..he rushes out worried about whether the caregivers and Peggy are OK on their own. But last night he was so relaxed. He even had a beer! He stayed and played with the kids for a while. It was so wonderful to see him like that. He deserves it.

I know how he feels. Today was the first time that I woke up and wasn't worried about what was going on at Peggy's house...I'm always thinking on the weekends about Peggy and the caregivers...and I always have this feeling like I need to cram everything in to my weekend because there is so much to do and so much to manage at Peggy's during the week. I'm so used to carrying around anxiety in the back of head about whether we have Peggy's shifts covered. Today was the first day that I actually turned my phone off. I haven't turned my phone off in 6 years. I've basically been "on call" since 2002.

I'm enjoying being unavailable, but also can't wait to be with people at Peggy's again on Monday. I have this strange mix of wanting to be alone, but feeling lonely. I miss Peggy and the weather is making me feel nostalgic and tired. I also am coming down with a case of the "shoulds" - you know, I should call people back, I should return emails, I should do some work, I should clean the house, I should do this or that...but I don't really feel like doing anything.

I know this is normal and that I should just be easy on myself...I can hear Peggy telling me to play the "grieving card" for as long as I can! She always told me to "use every card in the deck". She'd spell that saying out and we'd have a good laugh when we played the "ALS card" with telemarketers...we'd tell them she was totally paralyzed and that she would NEVER be available to come to the phone and they would just hang up! Peggy got a kick out of that.

So we're laying low today and then celebrating Silas's birthday tomorrow at the Children's Discovery Center...please join us there at 1pm if you're free. Then Monday we'll start another work week at Peggy's. Hope you can all join us for potluck lunch and our hospice meeting/room blessing at 11am. We'll be working this week on more cleaning and clearing and also getting organized for Peggy's services on December 5th.

We had fun watching the news bit last night. We saw it on the 10 o'clock news. We will make copies of that one and Eric will tape the ones from the other night too. The news stations grabbed photos from our Shutterfly page...we got a good laugh when we watched the KGMB piece since one of the photos they selected was of Karen in a penguin suit pretending to put Southern Comfort in Peggy's g-tube! Ha!

Speaking of photos, I've put up some photos from our last day with Peggy and a couple from the morning after. I especially like the ones of Indy and Jade at her bedside...I think they capture the simple grief of children that I spoke about in my previous post...they are sad and then they are not. You can see the photos here Peg's Legs on Shutterfly

And here are a couple of photos of what we've done so far with Peggy's room. We've turned it into sort of a Peggy living room and shrine. It is so nice to just sit in there. It is cozy and familiar, but different enough to ease the loss. We hung Peggy's spellboards on the wall along with the "Pool Rules" sign that Shelly brought over for Peggy's pool bath day.

Hope everyone is enjoying this snuggley day and having a relaxing and rejuvenating weekend. Hugs to all of you.

Silas's Birthday

2008-11-22T13:49:00.000-08:00

Just a little note to let everyone know that the original plans to celebrate Silas's birthday today at the beach have been canceled due to the weather! The new plan is to hit the Children's Discovery Center tomorrow (Sunday) around 1pm. Maybe some beach time Sunday afternoon if it clears up...Camille and Silas leave tomorrow night.

Lolo's Thanksgiving Eve Concert

2008-11-22T13:17:00.000-08:00

ATTENTION ALL PEG’S LEGS, FAMILY, AND FRIENDS

HONOLULU SYMPHONY - THANKSGIVING EVE

CAREGIVER LOLO WILL SING!

This Thanksgiving, Hawai`i’s most radiant voices come together for “Ho'omaika'i – A Celebration!” – a free community concert on Wednesday, November 26 at 7:30 p.m. at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. Presented by the Oahu Choral Society (Honolulu Symphony Chorus), the family-friendly concert welcomes music lovers of all ages and features classic holiday choral music in a relaxed setting. Special guests, the Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus, join the Honolulu Symphony Chorus and Orchestra for this festive evening that celebrates the inspiration of Thanksgiving. Musical highlights include J.S. Bach’s Magnificat, Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols and John Rutter’s Gloria. “Ho'omaika'i – A Celebration!” is also an exceptional opportunity for families to introduce the experience of live, choral music to older children.
No tickets or reservations are required.

PEG’S LEGS (decked out for the holidays) ANTLERS STRONGLY SUGGESTED - pick up at Long's or at Peggy's studio, (these have to be returned per Karen).

MEET AT THE FRONT DOOR OF THE BLAISDELL CONCERT HALL
7:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 26th.

LET’S ALL BE THERE!

Hospice Meeting, KHNL

2008-11-21T16:24:00.000-08:00

A few of us Legs have been working on Peggy's room today. Linda Imai brought by a crockpot of chicken long rice and Jen picked up some sushi. We moved the couch into Peggy's room with her portrait above it. We've been going through all the medical stuff...the bed and vent were picked up today.

Clarence came by today and we set up a support group meeting here at the house for next Monday, November 24th at 11am. Please join us for this Hospice meeting, potluck lunch, and a blessing of Peggy's room...

KHNL came by and interviewed me today. Check it out tonight, Channel 8, 5 and 6pm.

Birthdays and House Happenings

2008-11-20T13:00:00.000-08:00

Today is Silas's birthday! Peggy's sister Camille's son Silas turns 2 today! Happy Birthday Buddy! And yesterday was Andy Yim's birthday - Happy Birthday, Andy!

We're having open house over at Peggy's today...feel free to drop by 10 to 5 today. We're going to try to give Elroy a quiet evening at home for a change, but we'll be around hanging out during the day if you want to stop by.

Tomorrow we are planning to work on Peggy's room. Any Peg's Legs that want to help, please stop by, we'll start at 10am and try to be out of here by 5...

In fact, Karen and I will continue to run the business out of Peggy's home Monday through Friday, 10am to 5pm. We welcome any and all Peg's Legs and friends who want to help us with the house to come by during those hours. Elroy is eager to move to a smaller pad and we are currently looking for a gallery/office space (please let us know if you have any leads!) so we will begin sorting and organizing right away.

We think that it will be a fun and healing process. We are planning to get a big dumpster rented next week and we also are thinking of a possible yard sale. Let us know is you have any ideas or would like to help with anything.

Lee's Article in The Honolulu Advertiser

2008-11-20T12:41:00.000-08:00

I'm sure that all of you have already read Lee Cataluna's beautiful piece on Peggy in this morning's Advertiser. If you haven't, you can check it out at this link:

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081120/NEWS01/811200367

We are so touched by Lee's writing. She did such a wonderful job of capturing Peggy, her life, and especially our last precious days with Peg. What a joy and a comfort to wake up and read such a beautiful and accurate description of everything. As Karen said today, you just want to read the article over and over!

Lee is a dear friend of Peggy's. Peggy loved and respected Lee with all her heart. I know that Peggy is smiling down from the Heavens on her friend and thanking her for capturing her life so perfectly...what a gift Lee has given Peggy and our family. Thank you, Lee...we love you!

Reflections on Our Loss...

2008-11-20T11:21:00.000-08:00

I never understood the term "good death" until yesterday. Just as Peggy lived an amazing life, she died and amazing death. Friends, family, and caregivers were in and out of the house all day...We all took turns at her bedside, holding her hand, talking with her, laughing, telling stories. She was very comfortable and very sedated from the morphine and though she couldn't communicate, we could feel her calm presence and sense her peace.

HCA nurses Cory and Cathy were with us all day, managing the morphine and monitoring Peggy. They were so wonderful and comforting. Clarence and Diane from Hospice were also around throughout the day. Also wonderful and comforting. Dr. Davis was also on hand to tend to Peggy and support the family. It was a slow weaning process, just as Peggy had requested. As we neared the evening hours, we could feel Peg beginning to slip away. We gathered around her bed, we sang, we laughed, we cried, we said our goodbyes...and then in true Peggy fashion, she hung on for 2 more hours! That's our Peggy!

Peggy passed away at 9:35pm, surrounded by her loved ones. There was sorrow in the house, but there was just as much laughter and joy...it was just what Peggy would want, just what she taught us. There was also relief...to see Peggy set free from those tubes and paralyzed body...and onto yet another Peggy Chun adventure.

I am siting here writing this from Peggy's room. I came over as soon as I could get up and get the kids over here. I have the kids out of school today so that they could spend some time over here with everyone and process the loss of their Puna. My parents had Indy and Sawyer last night at our home. It was nice to know that they were happy at home eating well and going to bed at a normal time. I told Indy this morning about Peggy. She was sad and then she was OK. The simple grief of a child. So pure and so beautiful.

Eric is doing as well as can be expected. He stayed here last night...there was some late night processing and decompressing (a.k.a. drinking) that went on here after I left. It was Camille, Jason, Leslie, Karen, Shelly, Marvel, Lisa, Recky...not sure if I'm forgetting anyone...I wish I could have stayed and hung out...sounds like I missed out on a lot of fun and bonding! Let's just say that the penguin suits and electric wheelchair saw some action on Alika Avenue. I'm sorry I missed it all, but at least I'm not hungover and recovering from any "Penguin Follies"!

So here I am in Peggy's room. We put a large portrait of her on her bed, surrounded with flowers and lei. It feels the same as always and yet different. The grief comes in waves - the ebb and flow of Peggy's presence - she's here, then she's not, she's here, then she's not...

I am comforted by the sound of the kids in the living room, Elroy going through the trash, Karen puttering around the gallery, the phone ringing...life is still going despite the void that Peggy leaves behind. I used to fear the loss and the change that Peggy's death would bring, but I know I know that though we have lost Peggy, we have not lost ourselves, our identity, or our purpose. We are still a family, still an ohana, still Peg's Legs...we did not die with Peggy, but rather Peggy lives on within us.

We love you, Peggy...

2008-11-20T01:02:00.000-08:00

Peggy passed away tonight at 9:35pm. This is from the Honolulu Advertiser website...

Beloved Hawaii artist died the way she lived — with courage

Artist Peggy Chun died today surrounded by family. She leaves behind a legacy of familiar and dear watercolor scenes of the islands and inspiring memories of how she lived her life. She is shown here in her Nu'uanu studio June 25, 2002, shortly after she was diagnosed with a rare familial form of Lou Gehrig's disease.

By Lee Cataluna
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawai'i's most prolific and beloved watercolor artist, Peggy Chun, succumbed today to ALS, known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

She was diagnosed with the disease in 2002.

As the disease took its toll, she did not allow it to stop her creativity. Always seeing the best in life, she said she was "living with, not dying of, ALS." She continued to paint.

In 2003, when she lost the use of her right hand, she painted with her left. In 2004 a weakened left hand sent the brush to her teeth. When she was fully paralyzed, a computer allowed her to paint with her eyes. "After all," she said, "you don't paint with your hands, you paint with your heart."

Born in Lawton, Okla., Peggy moved to Hawai'i in 1968. She taught school and owned a successful Christmas ornament company. When her twin sister and noted artist, Bobbie Segler, died of ALS, Peggy was inspired to paint. Her work is featured in fine art galleries in Hawai'i and in private and corporate collections across the globe.

Her husband, Elroy Chun, son Eric and a large, loving family have supported her through the years of building her career as an artist and the years of continuing her success against all odds. For six years Peggy was encouraged and assisted in her artistic endeavors by a now nationally famous group of friends and volunteers called the Peg's Legs.

Celebrating an early Thanksgiving with hundreds of friends, Peggy's husband Elroy, said, "Peggy, if we have become more tolerant and forgiving, we owe much of that change in ourselves to you. May Akua prepare your heavenly journey with blessings richly deserved upon taking residence in your new abode. We love and will dearly miss you."

Memorial services will be held on Friday, December 5th at Kawaihao Church. Visitation at 1pm and service at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to "Friends of Peggy Chun" are greatly appreciated. Donations may be sent to 3115 Alika Avenue Honolulu HI 96817.

Mary Margaret "Peggy" Richard Chun is survived by:

Husband: Elroy Chun;

Son: Eric Keala Chun, daughter-in-law Jessica Kimi Chun, granddaughter Indiana Anuhea, grandson Sawyer Kumula'au;

Daughter: Leslie, son-in-law Stuart Streuli, granddaughter Hanalei of Newport, R.I.;

Step-son: Bruce Akoni Yong, wife Briar, step-granddaughter Makena of Santa Barbara, Calif.;

Nephew: (son of Peggy's twin sister) Jason Segler, wife Jennifer, grandnieces Jade and Cian, Honolulu;

Nephew: Damon Segler, wife Desiree, grand nephew Dillon;

Niece: (daughter of Peggy's twin sister) Tina Segler, grandniece Molly;

Father: Joseph Richard, stepmother Sara of Lawton, Okla.;

Brothers: Joseph Perry "J P" Richard, John Richard, Peter Richard of Oklahoma; Matthew "Matt" Richard of Tacoma, Wash.; Michael Richard of Colorado Springs, Colo.;

Sister: Camille Richard Fox, husband Joseph, son Silas of Lake City, Colo.;

Peggy is also survived by the famed Peg's Legs 'Ohana of caregivers who served for six years as Peggy's arms, legs and best friends.

Reach Lee Cataluna at lcataluna@honoluluadvertiser.com.

Article Title:
Beloved Hawaii artist died the way she lived â•‰ with courage

To view the contents on www.honoluluadvertiser.com, go to:
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/200811190100/BREAKING01/81119087

More Photos to Share

2008-11-18T12:16:00.000-08:00

Our Early Thanksgiving was fabulous! We had over 200 guests! It was the quintessential Peggy party! Just what she wanted! We had so much wonderful food and the party lasted so long (many of us slept over!) that we hardly had any leftovers (except some turkey bones that Elroy made into "jook" (Chinese-style turkey rice soup).

I will let the photos of the party speak for themselves...but some of the highlights of the day include Richard Hardy's blessing, Elroy's speech, Eric's sweet words of thanks to me, Jim Franklin singing "Coincidence", Melody and Dale's musical entertainment, the evening arrival of Karen's alter-ego "Kalena", penguin suit fun, some late night entertainment from Puamana, and so much more!

We spent most of yesterday cleaning up and recovering after the party. Then in the afternoon Peggy's "bath wish" came true! Peggy hasn't been able to take a real bath since she went on the trach in 2003 so this was on Peggy's "bucket list" that she and Marvel were working on...originally we had planned to do this outside, but it was stormy, so we brought the inflatable pool in the living room!

The guys filled it with a hose they connected to the kitchen sink. We put lots of bubbles and hoyered her into the pool. Marvel managed the hoyer, Sonia (who had just walked into all the craziness right at the right moment!) ambu-bagged Peggy so that we could disconnect her from the electric ventilator, Jason sat in the pool to support Peggy, and Jen got in to help too. Later Shelly jumped in too with all her clothes on!

We could tell that Peggy loved it. As Marvel said, she kept giving everyone those eyes that say, "Thank you. Thank you." We asked Peggy a couple times if she was ready to get out and she kept saying NO!

Check out photos from both the Early Thanksgiving and Peggy's Pool Bath here Peg's Legs on Shutterfly

This morning is relatively quiet. I have a few moments to sit in the office and catch up with work. My inbox is overflowing, my office mail box is overflowing, and I'm falling behind in all my office work. I know that this is to be expected, but I'm so uncomfortable being so behind and unorganized.

I do feel good that I was able finally able to pry the kids out of here yesterday afternoon (we had all slept over after the party and I took them out of school yesterday since Indy was exhausted and Sawyer has had a fever). So I got to take them home, feed them a healthy dinner, give them a good bath, got them to brush their teeth extra good, I clipped their nails, and even gave Maka a bath! Then we all went to bed at 7pm! It was such a relief for me to get them taken care of and it was so good to get a good night's sleep.

I dropped Indy off at school this morning, but Sawyer still had a fever last night, so I left him with Eric and Damon (who slept over at our house last night). Eric is at home getting some work done and Damon is hanging out with Sawyer...what a relief for me to be able to get some stuff done here without the kids around.

So, as I was saying...things are quieting down a bit, which is a very good thing. Karen says that today is Peggy's Christmas Eve...so we're all wearing antlers and santa hats and playing Christmas music...we'll continue to keep everyone posted...

Another Quiet Moment...

2008-11-15T20:07:00.000-08:00

I'm home tonight after a big day at the Hanahauoli Ohana Fun Fest. It was Indy's school's fair and I worked the Pony Rides this morning. Eric and the kids met me there along with Camille and Silas, Matt & Marlene Richard, Jason, the girls, and Damon. Silas, Indy, and Sawyer all rode ponies. The kids all got face painting and spray painted hair. It was a fun way to spend the day. The kids came home for a big nap and I popped over to Peggy's just for a bit and saw a few of today's visitors.

This afternoon Eric went to go pick up Peggy's daughter Leslie and baby Hanalei. He took them over to Peggy's house to meet the family. I got a phone report from Hanna that it was going great. I'm at home tonight recharging. My mom and dad came over to hang out and help me with the kids and our house. I wanted to get the kids bathed and to bed early since they have been having a lot of late nights and tomorrow is a BIG day.

I have uploaded more photos from the past couple of days. We've had so many visitors and so much going on, I think I will let the photos tell most of the story, but I'll briefly describe some of the highlights...

Thursday afternoon the art therapist from Hospice came by and did a hand-cast of Peggy's hand and also of Indy holding Peggy's hand. She left us with the finished sculptures...really cool...

You'll see in the photos that we have more Richards in town...and Damon too (Jason's brother). Thursday night Linda Imai dropped off a delicious lasagna (and salad and bread too) that we all devoured! It was so good! Thanks Linda! That night we also had a visit from Kapono who came and did lomi lomi massage for Peggy.

Yesterday was a BIG day at Peggy's. Lots of visitors, but of course the highlight was the visit from 36 Holy Trinity Students (and a bunch of chaperones). They came by trolley to Alika Avenue and set up their band equiptment in the living room. The band played a few numbers and then all 36 kids piled into Peggy's room and sang to her. They did a bunch of songs like, "You Lift Me Up" and "Time of Your Life". They also read poems to her and letters that they had written. They are such amazing kids...it was so wonderful to view this experience through their young eyes. Thank you to Shelly for setting this up...what a gift for Peggy...and also for the children.

Last night we ordered in Greek food and hung out at Peggy's. The Lewis family arrived yesterday and also JP Richard. The kids all had fun playing with the Polly Pockets that they got from Jett Lewis. We also enjoyed a few precious moments around sunset time playing with the neighbor's 2 ENORMOUS English Mastifs (big dogs).

Looking forward to tomorrow's Early Thanksgiving. I'm glad I'm getting a bit of downtime before all the fun. We have over 130 RSVPs and you know there will be even more than that! That's a Peggy party for ya! She's gonna LOVE it!

See the latest photos here Peg's Legs on Shutterfly

A Quiet Moment at Home to Relax and Reflect

2008-11-13T11:14:00.000-08:00

I'm home this morning so that I can catch up on laundry and computer work...it is nice to get some alone time. We've been at the house so much lately and I realized that I needed to balance it out with some quiet time at home. Eric took the kids to school for me this morning and then went surfing which was great for both of us. The kids didn't do well with the change of routine, but kids are resilient...they will get over it.

I know myself well enough to know that I need this time away from "Peggy Central", but it is difficult to pull myself away from the house. I have this feeling like I don't want to miss anything! It has been so amazing everyday at Peggy's. We have had so many wonderful visitors, great conversations, lots of laughter, lots of healing tears. It is such a special time...I have been journaling and taking photos furiously because I feel like I don't want to forget a second of it.

Yesterday's meeting at the house was wonderful. Clarence, Dr. Faran, and about a dozen of us met in the living room. The feedback that I have been hearing is that it is "just what people needed".

Peggy's brother John left last night. Today, her sister Camille, brother Matt & his wife Marlene, and her nephew Damon all arrive. Her brother JP arrives tomorrow. We also just got the wonderful news that Peggy's daughter Leslie and her new baby "Hanalei" will be coming on Saturday.

We are getting excited for Sunday's early Thanksgiving. We have at least 100 RSVPs! My mom has been doing an amazing job of managing all the RSVPs and potluck contributions. If you haven't RSVPed yet - you better do it! You don't want to tick off my mom!

Our friend Jeff (and a set up crew my mom arranged) will be setting up the tent and tables outside on Sunday morning. I also asked Jeff to set up a bouncy castle for the kids. Thought they could use some fun! We also ordered a bed from Hawaiian Islands Medical so that Peggy can be in her bed under the tent which is way more comfortable than her wheelchair...we did this for her Enchanted Forest Birthday Women's Party last year and it worked great. The bed was delivered today...we decided to rent it for a week since there have been numerous slumber party requests!

I had the idea that I'd like to create a roster of all the Peg's Legs and make copies for everyone...we may try to collect current numbers, addresses, etc. from people on Sunday. That way everyone can always keep in touch with each other...

It is so hard to capture everything that has been going on. I have been meaning to share that last Friday, Catholic Bishop Larry Silva came and gave Peggy her last rites, also known as anointing of the sick. I know that this was a great comfort to many of her Catholic friends and family members.

I think I'll let our latest photos tell the rest of the story...enjoy them here Peg's Legs on Shutterfly

Support Group Meeting Tomorrow

2008-11-11T15:23:00.001-08:00

Clarence Liu will be coming over to Peggy's house tomorrow (Wednesday) at noon for another Peg's Legs support group meeting...this time in the living room at Peggy's. Please join us.

Puking for Peggy!

2008-11-10T12:21:00.001-08:00

It was the best of times...it was the worst of times. OK, it wasn't the worst of times, but we did fill over 20 barf bags between us all on the way over to Maui on the Superferry yesterday! But I really am getting ahead of myself...let's start at the beginning...Saturday night's Smores and Pajamas party! Jason did an awesome job of getting the party started...he borrowed this awesome above ground fire pit from his neighbor and fired up the grill. We grilled, ate, drank, and made Smores in the backyard! So fun. Shelly brought her guitar and I hear that there was singing and talking all night...in fact, Mata and Shelly slept over and pretty much stayed up all night. Don't expect to get much sleep at a sleepover if Shelly Mecum is your bed-mate! Ha!

Sunday morning, Marvel came over before sunrise to get Peggy up in her chair and out the door by 5:45am! Adrienne, our faithful driver and dear friend, accompanied us on this adventure! We all met at the Superferry around 6:45am...there were 17 of us - me, Kelly and Pepper, Rhea, Kelsey Sears, Martha Torney, Fortuna, John Richard (Peg's bro), Nurse Cory and her Mother-in-law Joan, Ania, Betsy, Shelly Mecum, Mata, Adrienne, Marvel, and Peggy.

Let's just say that our visions of this trip were a bit different than what transpired. I think we all pictured ourselves partying and laughing, gaily sailing with Peggy, a heart-warming "Make a Wish" dream come true. It was definitely like that for about 45 minutes while we waited to leave port. Then we set out to sea. At first it was OK, but within 20 minutes, we all started to feel it. Some of us moved to the middle of the boat to see if it was better. Some tried to get air outside on the deck. Cory curled up on the ground. Kelsey and Shelly were uncharacteristicly silent. Fortuna disappeared.

Word started to spread around about who had vomited. We were dropping like flies. Thankfully Peggy and Marvel did fine. Martha too. And John, Betsy, and Mata did pretty good too. It began to mellow out in the middle and so most of us reconvened around Peggy. We laid around playing trivial pursuit and then even more fun...Peggy Chun trivia...the whole ship was clearly feeling it...the amazing Superferry staff rushed around handing out soda crackers, gingerale, and big plastic biohazard bags to put our barf bags in...We were doing pretty good and then it started again...we filled more bags.

By the time we got to Maui, we were all puked out. Some went to get air. Kelly and Pepper went to Burger King. It was just so hilarious that we weren't even going to do anything on Maui, just turn right around for more.

Thankfully, our kolohe (rascal) Mata had planned a surprise for Peggy. The night before she had arranged for Kapono'ai Molitau, son of the late Kumu John Lake, to come on board the Superferry to see Peggy. While we were docked for 45 minutes in Maui, he came on the ship and did a beautiful pule (prayer/chant) especially for Peggy at this special time in her life. It was very moving and surreal. It brought tears to our eyes and I think that the only thing that kept us from totally breaking down was the fact that Peggy was dressed as a penguin!

The ride back to Oahu was thankfully much smoother. The Captain and the First Officer were so wonderful and they kept coming and checking on Peggy and all of us. On the way home, they took us by Kalaupapa (something they do only 10% of the time, weather/sea conditions permitting). We rolled Peggy up to the window to get a good view of Mokokai and Kalaupapa...there was a beautiful mist falling down in the mountains of Molokai. Betsy said it best as we passed by the mountains and neared Kalaupapa...it was so "majestic".

So, not the day we had envisioned...but if there is one thing we've learned all these years, you can plan all you want, but sometimes life has something else in mind. Even though I personally filled 2 bags, I wouldn't have missed it...it sort of felt like laying around totally hungover with great friends after a really great party...a pretty appropriate analogy I think. It definitely was an adventure none of will forget...and that was the goal, after all.

Check out our photos from the Superferry (and some others of recent visitors and our Smores and Pajamas night) here Peg's Legs on Shutterfly

Stolen Car Alert

2008-11-07T20:29:00.000-08:00

FYI - last night the night nurse, Eric, had his car stolen from in front of Peggy's house sometime during his night shift! So crazy! His car was parked right in front of Peggy's house and he even had a club across the steering wheel. Apparently someone stole it, took some parts, then left it in Waikamilo at which point someone had it towed by Ace Towing. Weird.

Anyways, if you are planning to do an overnight shift or stay overnight, please feel free to park in the driveway instead of the street. We don't mean to freak anyone out, it was probably just some young kids looking for cool car parts, but it still sucks. We did let the neighborhood watch person know...

Smores & SuperFerry!!!!!

2008-11-07T15:09:00.000-08:00

Come one come all to our Smores & Pajamas Camp-in this Saturday night, November 8, at 6pm at Peggy's! We are working on fulfilling some of Peggy's wishes...guess you could call it her "Bucket List". One of them is that she has always wanted to go camping and have a bonfire...she used to love camping and singing songs around the campfire. So we're instead of camping out, we're camping in! So bring your pajamas and plan to sleep over if...

You want to participate in Part 2 of "Project Bucket List" which is taking Peggy on the SuperFerry to Maui! Yes, you read that correctly - Peggy has ALWAYS wanted to go on the SuperFerry so we are working on making this dream come true! The SuperFerry leaves at 8:30am on Sunday morning, November 9. We have Dr. Davis's approval and Cory is coming with us! Our cab driver, Adrienne, has said "yes" too and is coming along for the fun!

So...if you want to join us YOU HAVE TO CALL ME RIGHT NOW!!! We're working on a group rate, but it will probably end up being about $100 a person round trip. Let us know - we need to know right away.

Are we crazy? Yes. Sigh. Oh, the things we do for Peggy Chun...

Great Meeting!

2008-11-07T13:30:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful meeting at Hospice Hawaii last night. I'd love to hear feedback from others on how they feel it was and what type of further support we can arrange. It was very cathartic and heart-warming for me personally. We had a great turnout - see the photo above! Eric and I just feel so overwhelmed by all the love and support...to know that we are all going through this as a group is so comforting...and such a relief.

We've had so many wonderful visitors. As I sit writing this right now, I can hear Jim Franklin playing guitar and singing at Peggy's bedside...I'll blog more soon about all of our visitors and share some photos..we also have some big plans manifesting for the next couple weeks..stay tuned...

Tonight's Meeting

2008-11-06T09:06:00.000-08:00

See you all tonight at 6pm at Hospice Hawaii. And thanks to the amazing Suzanne Maurer, Jan Hanashiro, and Joyce Nunokawa, food/drinks will be provided! Thanks guys!!!

Early Thanksgiving Celebration

2008-11-05T16:45:00.000-08:00

Please join us for our early Thanksgiving celebration at Peggy's on Sunday, November 16th at 2pm at Peggy's house - 3115 Alika Avenue Honolulu HI 96817

Our early Thanksgiving will be a potluck event. My wonderful parents have offered to manage the RSVPs and planning for this event. Thanks mom and dad!!!

If you can join us, please RSVP to my mom, Willow Morton, by email at mortonj001@hawaii.rr.com - RSVPs are appreciated as soon as possible so we can get a handle on everything...Please let her know how many people will be coming and what dish you would like to bring.

We are looking for at least 5 people to do turkeys...and if you have any question about what to bring, just touch base with my mom who will have a master list of what everyone is bringing...we'll also be needing papergoods, cups, etc. and help with set up and clean up.

If you have any questions regarding this event, please direct them to her...

Thank you and hope to see you all on the 16th.

Go Obama!!!!

2008-11-05T14:44:00.000-08:00

Hooray for our new president-elect! Peggy is no doubt thrilled over last night's victory. We know she's breathing a sigh of relief knowing that Obama will be at the helm soon.

We've been having a wonderful time at Peggy's. We've had tons of visitors. Lots of laughing, crying, and reminiscing...We've had people reading to Peggy, drinking wine, telling jokes, sharing stories, talking politics, reading dirty emails...and we know Peggy is loving it all!

Karen has been busy decorating the house - we are speeding things up and bringing Thanksgiving and Christmas early to the Chun house! I'll be sending more info soon regarding our early Thanksgiving celebration...

Just a reminder that tomorrow night, Thursday at 6pm, we are having our Hospice Hawaii Support group meeting at their offices. Please join us.

Online Calendar of Visitors

2008-11-03T15:31:00.001-08:00

Thank you so much to all of you for all the loving calls and emails. Your kind words and support mean so much to all of us.

I have created on online calendar that you can all see at the following link http://ical.mac.com/chunzy/peggychun

Mac users can subscribe to this calendar in their ical programs.

I've put on the calendar some scheduled visits and also mainland visitor travel dates. Many of you are asking the best time to come. Please take a look at the calendar to get an idea of what the days are looking like.

You are welcome to drop by without scheduling a visit, however, please take a look at the calendar first to see if someone might have some scheduled private time with Peggy before you come.

HOWEVER - if you can't check the calendar or you just happen to be near and want to stop by, please just come over! This is the time! You know Peggy - the more the merrier!

Please email or call if you would like to be put on the calendar.

Important Update

2008-11-01T15:44:00.000-07:00

Aloha Peg's Legs, family, and friends,

We have been trying to talk to many of you in person or by phone, but we really wanted to share this update with everyone as soon as possible. Peggy's circle is so large and she is loved by so many. Please forgive us if we haven't yet had the chance to talk to you directly.

As you know, Peggy's communication has been declining over the past few months. We are now at a point where she can no longer effectively communicate. We are down to "yes" and "no" communication, but even confirming yes or no is uncertain. Peggy still has eye movement, but it seems as if now Peggy is having trouble controlling her eye movement.

When Peggy could communicate, we had many discussions about her wishes. Peggy's wishes were always that once she could no longer effectively communicate, she would like to be weaned from the ventilator. Dr. Davis came in on Monday for an in-person assessment. It is his feeling and the feeling of the core group of family, nurses, and caregivers, that it is time to call family and move ahead with Peggy's end-of-life plan.

Dr. Davis asked Peggy if it is time to call family and she said "yes". He asked if it is time to move forward with her plan and she said "yes". It is a blessing that we could read her response to these questions.

We have begun to call family and Peggy's very large extended ohana. Peggy's wishes were that we call and email EVERYONE and let them know what is going on. She wanted us to give friends and family a couple of weeks to come and visit if they choose to.

If you would like to come visit Peggy, now is the time. It is a blessing to have a time line like this - not many people do. Peggy's wishes give us this gift of time.

I know that many of you will have questions, so please don't hesitate to call me. Please also talk with each other and support each other during this time. It is such a blessing to have a large ohana like ours - we can support each other and truly create a beautiful "rest-of-life" care environment for our Peggy.

It was always Peggy's wish to die in her home surrounded by tons of friends and family. Peggy may not be able to spell it out, but I know that if she could, she would be saying, "Celebrate me! Love me! And make it a party!"

This is a time to spend quality time with Peggy and each other. Come and hang out, share stories, hold Peggy's hand, cry, laugh, or just be "present".

Some family members are planning to make the trip out here in the next couple of weeks. We are working on an early Thanksgiving celebration at Peggy's. The tentative date is Sunday, November 16th. We hope you can all join us.

You can help us by talking with each other and sharing with others that you think would like to come and visit. If anyone would like some one-on-one time to connect with Peggy, please let me know and we can arrange that.

Hospice Hawaii is on hand to support us. We have scheduled our first support group gathering for our Peg's Legs next week Thursday, November 6th at 6pm at the Hospice Hawaii Office at 860 Iwilei Road Honolulu HI 96817. Phone number is 924-9255.

We really encourage you to join us for this meeting. Please RSVP to me by phone or email. We will be scheduling other group support meetings over the next few weeks as well.

With love,

Kimi and the Chun Ohana

Photos from Halloween

2008-11-01T06:05:00.000-07:00

We've put our Halloween photos up on Shutterfly. Check them out here Peg's Legs on Shutterfly