When you’re so tired you’re delirious, it’s the unexpected moments that lift your spirit and keep you going.
Today this was the moment. My staff and I have been at a full sprint for eight months working towards tomorrow, the day we open our new hotel in Hawaii. This is my newest employee, Artin.
Artin has been hired to manage production in our Story Studio at Hamakua Hotel. He took me to his favorite local music store in Hilo, where we purchased a significant amount of musical equipment so guests will have instruments to create.
We were like two kids in a candy store and the shop owner could not be more elated. I think we made his month and he could not be more gracious. He actually helped us out to our car and helped us pack everything in.
Our suburban was so packed to the gills that we could not fit the last drum of our new drum set in the back of the car. Artin had to put it on his lap for the 30-minute drive home.
Then, he started to play!
Using it as a bongo, he started to get a good rhythm going. I commented that he sounded really good! This made him smile ear to ear! It was such a cool whimsical moment that I busted out my phone, despite driving the car, to take this photo!
He then told me a story that he used to play in a bunch of bands and could play most instruments, including the drums! Instantly, I understood why driving in a car full of really nice musical instruments would make him so happy.
But why was I just as giddy?
Cause tomorrow I get to wake up to Day 1 running a unique hotel that encourages people to express themselves, by telling their stories any way they choose to! It dawned on me in this moment that this was Story #1 of thousands to come!
Pure Joy!
