Castle in Hawaii

01/23/2026

Comments on my logo? ALSO
Talk Radio Europe Interview
A candid conversation about Mama Drama.
Listen on my authoer site: https://www.sherismithauthor.com/

12/04/2025

IN TWO DAYS

From Dec 6–Dec 20, Mama Drama is up for grabs in a Goodreads Giveaway.

If you’ve ever navigated bipolar, dementia, caregiving, this memoir might hit close to home.

LINK HERE (on homepage): https://www.sherismithauthor.com/ (scroll down)

Discover Sheri Smith, an author blending Hawaiian-inspired love and inspiring stories. Explore her journey, writings, and upcoming releases.

07/09/2025

Aloha Ohana,
Some of you know pieces of my story, but here’s what you may not know: I spent 15 years building a house, a dream, a castle in Hawaii on the Big Island with every penny I earned in 20 years. I lost it all due to my ex-husband's bipolar disorder. I had to “put down” (kill) my beloved heart dog Ray due to health challenges at only 7. That grief became the seed of a story. Two stories, actually. I wrote Mama Drama, and People Make Plans, a screenplay which garnered some awards, which I’m now turning into a novel. Who reads a script? Only industry people. My writing partner and I adapted My Culinary Love Story (a book written by Pauline Parry) into a screenplay at her request, and he's optimistic it will go into production by the end of 2025. More exciting news? He believes People Make Plans could be next in line for 2026. Fingers, toes, and eyes crossed.

Writing, publishing, and launching a book (let alone a bestseller, which I’m determined to be) is no easy feat, and can be costly even though I’m attempting to DIY as much of it as I can, some things I cannot.
I created a GoFundMe to complete these works:

• Turn Mama Drama into an audiobook
(I’m narrating myself) need editing
• Adapt People Make Plans from script to prose
(Need editing, formatting, and cover design)
• Need to revise my author website https://lnkd.in/gUdmTwYN
(if you know me, you know that technically challenged is a mild understatement to describe me)

From the beginning of time, artists like Michelangelo, da Vinci, and Rembrandt all relied on patrons to create their masterpieces. Today, I’m humbly asking for your support to be my patron, even if it’s the equivalent of buying me just a couple of cups of coffee.

It difficult for me to just take without giving so (choose one):
🎧 A copy of Mama Drama audiobook
📖 An eBook of People Make Plans or When We Wrote Letters, The Sixties, Volume One
🎬 Two tickets to the People Make Plans film premiere (when it’s made!)
🍫 A chocolate fountain experience (if you're in SoCal)

So, would you buy me a couple of cups of coffee? No donation is too small. Mahalo for standing by me. Mahalo for any support you might give. I promise to make every dollar count. With gratitude, Sheri

The greatest lesson I learned during my time in paradise?
hashtag = hashtag . It's more than just a word—it's a way of life.
You can see more on GoFundMe https://gofund.me/203e4ecd (pix of the devastation, etc.), but it takes a percentage, so let me know if you’d prefer to Venmo your patronage.
And buy one of my books? Or buy all of my books?

Mama Drama: A Journey with Bipolar and Dementia, Finding Light Through Loss and Grief is available on Amazon. https://lnkd.in/g3KGcdPX
or you can follow the author here:
https://lnkd.in/g8wmN_6b

07/03/2025

Aloha Friends!
My friend Ryan just launched something seriously cool for our four-legged family members — it’s called
Altira Everyday Dog Gravy, and it’s exactly what it sounds like: a tasty, nutritious gravy topper for your dog’s dry food that adds flavor and joint support.
🐾 Packed with essential vitamins and supplements
🦴 Supports hip and joint health
🍖 Makes dry food way more delicious (Ray would've approved!)
It officially hits Amazon Prime next Tuesday at a special launch price — don’t miss it! Check it out and show Ryan some love. ❤️
And tell him I told you about this amazing product!!!
ALOHA = LOVE — not just a word, a way of life.

04/19/2025

📣 TODAY’S THE DAY! 🎉

Mama Drama, A Journey with Bipolar and Dementia, Finding Light Through Loss and Grief launches TODAY at 4 PM Pacific!

This book shares my journey: growing up in a theatrical family, on Broadway, marrying someone with undiagnosed bipolar disorder, caring for my mother as she faced dementia, and honoring the sacred duty of loving—and letting go of—my heart dog, Ray.

📚 If you’ve ever faced family complexity, caregiving, grief, or the strength it takes to keep showing up—Mama Drama is for you.

👉 Join the book launch celebration today at 4 PM PT
(Facebook and Instagram)
💥 Available now on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F26L7LN1

With love and deep gratitude to everyone who helped me bring this story into the world.


Other Ways To Connect:
https://sherismithauthor.com/coming-soon/
https://www.youtube.com/
“Until next time—Live Aloha!”
ALOHA = LOVE Not just a word – a way of life.

is a deeply personal and emotionally charged memoir by Sheri Smith that takes readers on a journey through the highs and lows of her extraordinary life. From a childhood on Broadway at age seven, to starring in the iconic M&M commercial (“Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hand”), Smith’s story ...

12/19/2017

http://www.bigislandvideonews.com/2017/12/18/collapse-slightly-alters-size-geometry-of-kilauea-lava-lake/

02/27/2015

http://www.bigislandvideonews.com/2015/02/25/lava-update-wednesday-feb-25/

The north marging breakout continues to widen but has not advanced towards the highway.

02/22/2015

The passing of 75 year old Sr, an iconic figure in , was recognized on the floor of the on Thursday. - See more at: http://www.bigislandvideonews.com/2015/02/20/video-memory-of-uncle-robert-honored-on-senate-floor/ .hJ6kAM72.dpuf

The passing of 75 year old Kalapana-legend Robert Keliihoomalu Sr, an iconic figure in Puna, was recognized on the floor of the senate by Russell Ruderman on Thursday.

02/16/2015

So sorry to hear Sam Keliihoomalu of the passing of your dad. My prayers and aloha going to you and the ohana in this time of sorrow and grief. He was a great man and will be dearly missed. Love you Sam.

02/15/2015

What is a soul mate? (by Char Margolis www.Char.net)
I have been counseling people in my readings for over 4 decades. One of the questions I am asked often is “Will I ever find my soul mate?” Most people think a soul mate is that one intimate, romantic person that you are supposed to be with for eternity. But it is important to remember that a soul mate isn’t just a romantic partner. Some of your best friends or family can be your soul mate. It is that eternal connection of love. A soul mate is someone who brings more love and meaning into your life, who helps your soul to grow. As I wrote in my book “Love Karma,” our spirits are part of a web of interconnected loving relationships that extends far beyond just one lifetime. It’s as if the earth is a boarding school where we come back to attend classes year after year. Lifetime after lifetime. At this school we have many familiar “classmates” who are learning their own lessons and making progress while helping us to do the same. Those classmates are our soul mates. So someone in one life could be your father and the next life could be your daughter or spouse. What does everyone on earth really want? I think it is to love and be loved. This love can come from your loved ones in the spirit world as well as on the earth plane. You will hear me say many times that “the first true love is self-love” It doesn’t mean you are selfish, it just means that your needs matter. Truthfully, we don’t need anyone else in our lives to be complete and whole. If we are continually looking outside ourselves for something or someone to fill us up or to make us feel loved, we are setting ourselves up for a lifetime of hurt and a feeling of emptiness. So it is advisable to start with yourself first. Some of you reading this will be thinking, “I found the love of my life” and feel so blessed. Both of my sisters have had happy marriages for several years. In fact, my sister Alicia and brother in-law Paul will be married almost 60 years! They can both tell you that it takes sacrifice and giving and taking. It can be hard work but worth it! They are adorable together! My sister has been with him since she was 14 years old. They are very much in love with each other! For those reading this who are looking for that “right someone” it is possible for you too! We create most of our destiny by the choices we make. We can also help manifest that special someone by putting positive energy out there and creating the opportunity by allowing our hearts to be open for love. Work on your Heart Chakra (Chakra Therapy by Char Margolis) unblock it and allow love energy into your body and out into the world. Get rid of your fears. Understand what caused them in your life in the first place and unblock the portal that allows you to give and feel love. Learn from your past experiences. Did you fail in love because you confused physical attraction with love? Did you attract someone with the same dysfunctional energy that you couldn’t fix with one of your parents? So you keep trying to fix it in romance? Are you trying to fill an empty void inside you that only self-love can fill and fix? Maybe the love of your life has passed on to the spirit world. My parents were very much in love. When my father passed on my mother was 65 years old. She made a conscious choice not to get involved or marry again. She knew they would reunite when she got to the other side. Theirs was a match made in heaven! Some of you reading this who have had the same experience will make the same choice. I believe God is Love and Love is God. There is no greater power than the power of love! Whether the love energy in your life is from your friends, pet, family or significant other, take time to enjoy and remember those who bring this special feeling into your life.So on this Valentine ’s Day 2015 I wish you the great healing energy of unconditional Love in your world!
With My Love,
Char

01/22/2015

Aloha Ohana, With permission I share the following and hope someone can help Chris and his wife and son (due to circumstances beyond my control, I am unable) PM me and I can share his info:
My name is Chris, and I recently accepted a position as a Protection Park Ranger at Hawaii Volcano National Park. As I'm sure you know, Chain of Craters Road is being restructured in the event of lava closure near the town of Pahoa. The park has assigned me to patrol the entire park, however the coastal access point at Kalapana will be the National Parks focus if the road opens up to the public.

My duties as a Ranger are emergency medical services, search and rescue, wildland fire response, and law enforcement. The parks plans is utilizing the Kalapana entry as a last resort access point during any closures of Route 130.

I understand this is completely random, but I was wondering if you know of anyone in the Kalapana area that is looking to rent long term to three person family.

My wife Heather is a licensed psychotherapist with a focus in expressive arts. She is also looking into working in the area at the Kalani Retreat Center. My son Baylin is 3 years old and is in the process of getting established with a local charter school.

My job as a Ranger with the park will require me to respond to all situations in or around the coastal kalapana area. If you could put me in touch with anyone looking to rent to two responsible professionals that would be most helpful. We have a number of excellent rental references from California and will be willing to meet anyone in person for a meet and greet.
Mahalo
Chris

01/16/2015

By Karin Stanton

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii (Reuters) - The leading edge of lava from a volcano that threatened a village on Hawaii's Big Island has stalled in recent days, but officials warned on Tuesday that offshoots of molten rock could threaten the area if they advance from higher elevations.

As of Tuesday morning, the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency reported the front edge of lava from the Kilauea Volcano's June 27 eruption was about a half mile upslope of the main intersection of Pahoa Village's two roads, granting a measure of relief to wary residents.

But the river of molten rock is still active, with breakouts within 300 yards of the stalled flow front, as well as about a mile upslope from the flow front, posing potential long-term risks, said USGS spokeswoman Janet Babb.

"Any of these breakouts, if they remain active, could head toward the community of Pahoa," Babb said. "Even if lava doesn't flow directly into the town, it could cross Highway 130 and isolate Pahoa, which is still an impact to the community."

The main front, as well as a south margin breakout, had not advanced over the last week, she said.

The two breakouts along the north margin roughly one mile upslope remain active and have advanced some 20 yards in a northeast direction over the last 24 hours. There was no immediate threat to the public.

Many businesses in Pahoa Village shut their doors when the June 27 flow from Kilauea volcano appeared headed directly toward the old plantation town.

However, the flow has stalled twice within 700 yards of the main highway, which links more than 10,000 residents with the rest of the island.

The first finger of lava was aimed at residential and commercial buildings but stopped in late October. The second finger fizzled before it reached the town's only shopping center, which includes a grocery store, medical clinic, gas station and restaurants.

A roughly 150-acre brushfire ignited late on Tuesday but was contained in a pre-dug containment zone and did not threaten people or property, officials said.

In November, lava flow incinerated a house that had been evacuated.
(This was a gf's house. She was pouring concrete on her new property and just as they was done took this house! Can you just hear the twilight music?)