My Hat...

for Christmas, my dear friend and hula sister, Iris, gave

me a lauhala had that she'd made. I did a blog post here

about her and her weaving...never thinking she would give me one

of her beautiful hats!

I didn't realize what was in the huge bag that she'd left

for me at the hula studio.  I opened it and was speechless

and moved to tears.  All the work and patience that goes

into the whole process of making a hat like this, I can't even

imagine.  Iris and her friends actually pick the lauhala and treat it 

before doing the weaving.

I love that she signed and numbered the inside of the hat.  It really

is a one-of-a-kind and a work of art.

I have worn it several times.  I need to find the perfect lei po'o to

go on it.  Needless to say this hat will NOT be worn to the beach or in the water!

I will cherish it forever as I do Iris and her friendship.