My girlfriend Donna’s video, “Passages”  is now up on the Intuit Website, you can view it here. The video whose production I have blogged a bit about, is the requirement necessary for grant payment.  If you VOTE for her at the videos end, and find it in your space to provide a comment, your generosity could propel her story into winning a place in the final five.  She would use the funds to grow her business which not only positively affects the town of Ventura in which we live, but an array of incredible women. You can vote the video as all three categories by the way. Click on all three and leave a comment. You will need to register with Intuit.  That is about a 30 second process and Intuit does not spam your e mail.

While you are at it, check out some of the other videos. Some really great and creative stuff. Some very cornball as well. It is addicting! Only five grants are being offered nationwide so this grows more exciting with each passing day. A surfer could win the business grant, which would fund a company’s growth that gives back to the sport and cultures which generated it.

Donna has been the impetus behind me becoming more public and sharing. Were it not for her, this blog would not exist. Some people motivate by example AND relentless  subtle pressure. I am one of those people who requires that approach. Those that know me well, understand that a lead pipe to the head sort of works too. Being Hawaiian, I am incredibly thick skulled. My doctor pal, Roger Dunham once commented: “Wow you have dense cranial bone structure” (Yes it IS medically documented)

I have always been a fan of the concept of the tribe. When a group bands together under common cause and proceeds together as a family, all the members benefit. The Tribes group recently invited me to join. Ed Brenegar spoke with creator Seth Godin and I was invited to join and contribute. It is both a responsibility and joy that I look forward to. You can find the book Seth wrote that has inspired a movement here.

The thing about tribe makers is that they believe it is possible for all to benefit and that society and the world at large may be best affected as we each embrace our own tribe. As an athlete, an artist and a native I am the member of multiple tribes all of which are pretty amazing. It is why you will always see links to the tribe on this blog, because when one excels and shines, then we all do.

Below are several of the women from Donna’s Tribe. Many of her fashion designs carry the names of the women which inspired the design concept.  Each woman is a light in their own right. Click on any of the images for a short back story . Tribe leaders all.