Put Your Best Foot Forward!

Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel

American philosopher Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862), known for his book Walden about his two-years spent living alone in nature, viewed walking as a time to organize his thoughts and take in the beauty around him.

Walking is something that can benefit all of us – as part of our morning routine, afternoon break, or evening relaxation. With no equipment or gym membership needed, walking has been called “Earth’s easiest exercise.” Just put on some comfortable shoes and go.

Walking not only helps to condition our muscles and strengthen our bones, but it increases our ability to use oxygen more efficiently, which reduces the risks of a heart attack or stroke.

It helps to keep our weight at a desired level and can make it easier to manage diabetes by providing better blood sugar control.

Walking even reduces stress and depression, putting more spring in our step with each step.

Hippocrates (460 BC-370 BC), the Greek physician known as the Father of Medicine, made his views on walking clear: “Walking is a man’s best medicine.”

SurfWriter Girls agree. There’s a beautiful world waiting for you to explore – one step at a time.

Walk fast or slow.

Take big steps or little steps.

Just Go!

Surf’n Beach Scene Magazine

SurfWriter Girls

Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted material. Publications wishing to reprint it may contact them at surfwriter.girls@gmail.com Individuals and non-profit groups are welcome to post it on social media sites as long as credit is given.

Giving Yourself Space to Breathe

Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel

With so many things going on in the world it’s easy to find yourself on a merry-go-round that never stops. Fortunately, SurfWriter Girls recently learned about a Japanese concept that can help to put on the brakes.

The Japanese concept of Yutori – “living with spaciousness” – is the opposite of riding the merry-go-round. It’s a philosophy that embraces slowing things down and giving yourself “room to breathe.” More than just physical space, it emphasizes mental and emotional space to take in the world around you and savor it.

Yutori is essentially a refusal to rush. It calls on you to focus on being in the moment, to appreciate the beauty around you and the joy of life.

A core factor of Yutori is contentment, the feeling of being at peace and not putting undue pressure on yourself to always be “doing” something.

While achieving the ideals of Yutori may seem unattainable, especially in a society that values multi-tasking, it can start with simple steps. One thing the Japanese do to slow down is to leave early when they’re going someplace. That way they don’t feel rushed if it takes longer to get there. And, if they see someone they know on the way, they have time to stop and talk.

Taking time-outs from your phone or computer periodically can also enable you to focus on the present – doing an activity you enjoy like reading or a hobby. Or simply allowing for periods of quiet and stillness to relax and be at one with your environment or to explore your thoughts.

Scheduling intentional gaps in your daily activities is another way to give yourself space. To let your mind wander, to dream, be creative and recharge. Even ten-minute mini-breaks throughout the day can work wonders.

So can adopting Yutori’s minimalist approach. Decluttering your physical space and schedule so that you can see the things that really matter.

Japanese cleaning expert extraordinaire Marie Kondo emphasized this in her bestselling book, the life-changing magic of tidying up, introducing the world to the calming effects of decluttering to create spaciousness in our environment and mind.

And realizing that less is more.

Surf’n Beach Scene Magazine

SurfWriter Girls

Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted material. Publications wishing to reprint it may contact them at surfwriter.girls@gmail.com Individuals and non-profit groups are welcome to post it on social media sites as long as credit is given.

Carnegie, Hill & Peale Motivated Millions

Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel

Navigating the twists and turns of life to achieve success can be like trying to stay on top of a fast-moving wave.

From the 1930s through the 1960s and beyond, people seeking fortune and fame have turned to three renowned authors and motivational speakers to show them the way – Dale Carnegie, Napoleon Hill, and Norman Vincent Peale.

From the Great Depression to post-WWII affluence, these motivators’ signature books focusing on positive thinking inspired millions around the world to turn their ideas, hard work, and dreams into personal and professional success.

Dale Carnegie’s core advice in How to Win Friends and Influence People (1936) is simple. The key to positive interactions with others is to show a genuine interest in them. “Don’t criticize, condemn, or complain.” Before pointing out someone’s mistakes, draw attention to your own. He said, “The only way to influence people is to talk about what they want and show them how to get it.”

Born on a Missouri farm in 1888, Carnegie had little money growing up but turned his public speaking and sales skills into a training empire – The Dale Carnegie Institute – teaching interpersonal and sales skills to people eager to climb the corporate ladder or start businesses.

Carnegie’s approach was in stark contrast to many other business people and leaders of his day – rather than focusing on being tough, he emphasized being kind. Encouraging, rather than belittling others. He said politeness was essential, noting that “all anyone wants is to be appreciated.”

Napoleon Hill’s main advice in Think and Grow Rich (1937) is: “Do it now.” Rather than waiting for the perfect idea or the perfect time, he said, “Start now with what you have and find better tools along the way.” He felt that the main obstacle to success was us, saying, “The only limitations are those we set up in our own minds.”

Born in a cabin in Virginia in 1883, Hill was from humble beginnings, writing his book at the height of the Great Depression. Identifying thirteen principles to achieve success, the book draws on Hills’ interviews with successful people, including Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Andrew Carnegie, to determine what behaviors lead to success.

Hill thought that having a “definiteness of purpose” in life was critical to staying on the right track. He also recommended forming a “mastermind alliance” with like-minded people to cooperatively work toward achieving mutual goals.

Norman Vincent Peale’s key advice in The Power of Positive Thinking (1952)  is “Believe in yourself.”  He taught a “Three C’s” approach to positive thinking: Change, Commitment and Consistency. To change your life for the better, be committed and consistent. “Keep your heart free from hate, your mind from worry. Live simply, expect little, give much. Fill your life with love.”

A Protestant clergyman born in Ohio in 1898, Peale’s teachings mix theology and psychology, emphasizing the power that comes from a higher being and one’s own efforts. He encouraged people to be creative, saying, “Imagination is the true magic carpet.” Peale wrote 46 books and was on radio and TV for decades, hosting The Art of Living and What’s Your Trouble?

Peale believed there is a rhythm in life that we need to tune into to reduce stress and renew energy. He saw it in: “the roaring of the surf upon the sand…the rhythm of our own heart beats…the rhythmic and harmonious flow of nature itself…and the energy of Almighty God.” By aligning ourselves with this rhythm, we can find the right “tempo” to achieve our goals.

Carnegie…Hill…Peale. These three 20th Century thinkers, writers and motivators have left lasting marks on the concept of what it takes to succeed, still inspiring people today…and reminding us of the tidal wave of positive power contained in our own thoughts and dreams.

Surf’n Beach Scene Magazine

SurfWriter Girls

Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted material. Publications wishing to reprint it may contact them at surfwriter.girls@gmail.com Individuals and non-profit groups are welcome to post it on social media sites as long as credit is given.

Summer Totes Always in Fashion

Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel 

With all the end of summer sales going on now, it’s the perfect time to get another beach bag or two to keep the summer vibe going when the autumn leaves start to fall.

A classic summer beach bag or tote is essential year round when you’re out and about, making a run to the store, spending a day at the beach, or traveling on an adventure.

When we’re on the go SurfWriter Girls Sunny and Patti love all the styles there are to keep our supplies, purchases, and finds close at hand.

Whether it’s a simple canvas or straw carryall, a reusable bag from the grocery store…

or a fashionista tote. Something big enough for a beach towel or with lots of pockets.

It can be colorful and fun, support a cause, or make a statement.

Using a Surfrider Foundation bag helps protect our beaches.

Proceeds from FEED Projects bags feed hungry children.

Whatever you’re up to, there’s a bag that’s just right for you – to stash your stuff, store a camera, travel guides and souvenirs, carry groceries or even a French baguette.

For a day in the sun or errands to run,

when you head to the beach keep a tote bag in reach!

It can be fun and kitschy or glam and ritzy.

Bright and breezy, it makes things easy.

Perfect for snacks and fruit, sunglasses and loot.

Seashells you find on the shore, things you buy at the store.

Surf’n Beach Scene Magazine

SurfWriter Girls

Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted material. Publications wishing to reprint it may contact them at surfwriter.girls@gmail.com Individuals and non-profit groups are welcome to post it on social media sites as long as credit is given.

Chill Out in Style!

Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel

When the summer days get hot, what better shirt is there to chill out in than a cool, colorful Hawaiian shirt?

Also known as an Aloha shirt, the colorful, short-sleeve shirts originated in Hawaii in the 1920s and became popular on the mainland after WW II when soldiers stationed on the islands brought them home.

Movies like Rodgers and Hammerstein’s blockbuster musical South Pacific (1958)

and Elvis Presley’s Blue Hawaii (1962) jump-started the island-themed fashion trend even more.

President John F. Kennedy added to the Hawaiian shirt mystique, too, wearing them while sailing or relaxing at his family’s Cape Cod home in Hyannis Port, MA.

So did Tom Selleck in the hit TV show Magnum P.I. and singer Jimmy Buffett while “wasting away” in Margaritaville.

And now, fashion brands from Tommy Bahama to Ralph Lauren and Prada feature the carefree shirts in their lineups.

Originally embellished with traditional Hawaiian quilt and flower designs, the shirts have taken on a wilder life of their own with palm trees, birds, sunsets, cocktail glasses, and more showing up.

If you’re looking for an authentic Hawaiian shirt made by descendants of the original Polynesians, SurfWriter Girls friend Jeffrey Sakamoto, who’s become an expert on island lore, recommends the shirts from Pili Pacific, which utilizes the Tahitian-inspired designs of co-founders Sue Pearson and Herman Pi’ikea Clark.

A must-have for anyone spending time in the islands, whatever you choose, the fun-to-wear Hawaiian shirts bring a taste of the tropics wherever they go…and bring out the party animal in us.

A shirt you can wear tucked in or out – no necktie required! – a Hawaiian shirt takes you anywhere in style…even if it’s just inside your own home.

Mahalo to SurfWriter Greg for taking the photo of us…and all the other photos he always takes! He’s our production crew working behind the scenes.

Surf’n Beach Scene Magazine

SurfWriter Girls

Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted material. Publications wishing to reprint it may contact them at surfwriter.girls@gmail.com Individuals and non-profit groups are welcome to post it on social media sites as long as credit is given.

Kindergarten School Daze

Written by SurfWriter Girl Sunny Magdaug 

Now that school is almost out for summer vacation and kids can’t wait to run out the classroom door, I think back on my own school days and how eager I was to start my first day of school.

As a young child living in Seattle, WA, each school day morning and afternoon I would look out the window of my house to see the children walking by, laughing, and talking. My mother told me that they were going to and from school. My sister and brother were too young to play with and I wished that I could go to school, too.

I remember asking my mother, “How old do I have to be to start school?” I knew about school because I used to watch Henry cartoons. He always carried his books on the way to school.  I don’t know if my mother was tired of me always asking how old I had to be, but she finally told me that I had to be five years old to start school.

When I turned five years old, I was excited because I thought, “Now I am old enough to start going to school.”

So, one day when my sister Rose and I were supposedly napping and for some odd reason my parents weren’t home, I took the opportunity to run out of my house and go to the Catholic school nearby.

Going inside the building, I opened a classroom door and saw the children sitting at their desks. Feeling happy, I went inside and stood near the front of the class. The teacher greeted me and asked what my name was. “Sonja,” I said.

Some of the children started laughing then. Everyone was looking at me now. Suddenly feeling anxious, I remembered that Henry always had something with him when he went to school…

and blurted out, “I forgot my pencil and paper.” Then ran out the door to go back home.

After I got home, my parents returned and never knew that I had gone to school by myself. At the time, I had no idea that parents were in charge of admitting their children to school. I just thought children could automatically go to school on their own. I never told my parents that I snuck out of the house to go to school that day.

Finally, the day came when my mother signed me up to start kindergarten. I was so happy! But I became a kindergarten dropout the first day! I ate something in the school cafeteria and got sick and my protective mother didn’t let me go back to school until the following year to start the first grade.

Even now, after years of school and college, I still remember my adventure going to school by myself. The sense of wonder and curiosity to learn that I had as a young child is just as active now. Along the way, I’ve acquired knowledge and skills to last a lifetime…and am still learning.

Surf’n Beach Scene Magazine

SurfWriter Girls

Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted material. Publications wishing to reprint it may contact them at surfwriter.girls@gmail.com Individuals and non-profit groups are welcome to post it on social media sites as long as credit is given.

Hygge – Happiness Scandinavian Style

Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel

With the new year running full speed ahead and more Things To Do lists to tackle, life can get stressful.

Fortunately, there’s a way to counteract the stress around us – by borrowing from the Scandinavian lifestyle concept of hygge.

Originating in Denmark in the late 1800s, hygge means “comfortable and cozy” and embraces relaxing with family and friends in a happy and uncontrived way.

SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel are all for that. Sunny remembers when she was on a writing assignment in Sweden and friends asked her to stay with them.

When she arrived late at night there was a whole spread of food on the table to share. Everyone ate and talked into the wee hours enjoying each other’s company.

At its essence, hygge celebrates life’s everyday moments. Think sitting in a comfy chair by the fire or outside on the deck watching the sunset, sharing a home-cooked meal, lingering over coffee, listening to music, playing a board game, waiting in the lineup for the perfect wave. “Little things” that have a huge impact on our well being.

West Coast interior designer Mickey Walker told SurfWriter Girls hygge is about “having your own place to breathe in comfort and warmth.” She’s found that hygge fits well with the region’s “laid back approach to living and entertaining.”

Walker specializes in creating what she calls “harmonious homes” that fill your heart with joy – the kind of place where you truly can be yourself and live the comfortable hygge life.

To create your own hygge environment, here are some tips:

Surround yourself with furnishings that have a special meaning to you – photos, books, art, objects that give you joy. It’s not how much you spend, but the feelings of love and security they evoke.

Enjoy tactile things – snuggling in a soft blanket, taking a bubble bath, walking on a sandy beach.

Give yourself the space and time to be creative – cooking, gardening, crafting, painting, writing.

Balance personal space with social space – a private nook to read a book with living areas to mix and mingle.

As the Scandinavians say, “With hygge you’re creating your own happy place.”

Now, that’s something we can all enjoy!

Surf’n Beach Scene Magazine

SurfWriter Girls

Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted material. Publications wishing to reprint it may contact them at surfwriter.girls@gmail.com Individuals and non-profit groups are welcome to post it on social media sites as long as credit is given.

Living in the Moment

Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel

Now that the holidays are over it’s the perfect time to relax and make time for ourselves. While you’re wondering what’s ahead in the New Year, the Japanese philosophy of ichigo ichie (living in the moment) may be just what you need to regenerate and savor the good things in your life.

A phrase that might sound silly the first time you hear it, ichigo ichie is a tenet of Zen Buddhism that dates to 16th century Japanese tea ceremonies.

It calls on us to use all our senses to take in and celebrate the beauty of the moment, here and now. Instead of fixating on the past or worrying about the future, it is a chance to get rid of our negative emotions and feelings of fear, sadness, or anger.

Performing the tea ceremony’s intricate rituals of preparing and drinking the tea causes us to focus intently on each step of the process and the environment itself, being fully engaged in the moment and finding harmony and tranquility.

Ichigo ichie also heightens our awareness of the fleeting nature of time and the need to embrace the things and experiences that are meaningful to us before they are gone – such as the famed Japanese cherry blossoms that only bloom for a short time in the spring.

When Japanese greet each other by saying “ichigo ichie” it tells you that the encounter is unique and special and should not be allowed to slip away. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be savored.

By employing ichigo ichie and savoring the moment we can enhance our awareness and joy of life and create harmonious interactions with others.

Surf’n Beach Scene Magazine

SurfWriter Girls

Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted material. Publications wishing to reprint it may contact them at surfwriter.girls@gmail.com Individuals and non-profit groups are welcome to post it on social media sites as long as credit is given.

Advertising Posters Lured Travelers to Adventure

Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel

Now that people are thinking about winter getaways to exotic sunny locales, we’re reminded that there are adventures awaiting and a world to explore. For decades the legendary Matson Shipping Lines turned people’s travel dreams into reality.

From the early to mid-1900s, long before we lived in a 24/7 global, connected world, the Matson Shipping Lines sailed to exotic places that most people only dreamed about.

Its world-class luxury liners provided the fastest, finest and most elegant service available to the Hawaiian Islands, Polynesia, New Zealand and Australia.

Offering the promise of South Seas adventures and tropical paradises, the cruise line commissioned top artists and photographers to create advertising posters that would lure travelers to book passage on its ships traversing the Pacific Ocean.

Artists Frank Macintosh, John Kelly, Eldridge Logan, Louis Macouillaird, Richard Moore and Eugene Savage all painted iconic island scenes for Matson.

Even famed photographers Edward Steichen and Anton Breuhl got on board to celebrate the Matson dream.

The advertising posters were showcased in adventure and travel magazines ranging from National Geographic to Holiday and in glossy fashion magazines like Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue.

That era of glamorous adventures on the high seas may have come to an end, but the posters and the sun-filled dreams live on.

Surf’n Beach Scene Magazine

SurfWriter Girls

Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted material. Publications wishing to reprint it may contact them at surfwriter.girls@gmail.com Individuals and non-profit groups are welcome to post it on social media sites as long as credit is given.