Even though it’s still the United States, I think on many levels they feel separate, especially the true Hawaiians – who are not necessarily thrilled to be a part of the United States. But I just love the whole spirit.

I’m not the greatest communicator. I kind of internalize a lot.

I’m not the greatest communicator. I kind of internalize a lot. See, I just said I need to be quiet, but that’s not the kind of communication I mean. I mean expressing myself or even standing up for myself. I can sometimes be very passive.

I don’t want to put my fate in country music fans; I’m too stubborn.

Usually right when I’m feeling it, right when it’s happening, I always find I need to be in some sort of survival mode or mature mom mode, so it always seems to come later that I have the breakdown.

I really kind of set the bar really low, so I don’t get disappointed.

It almost takes people by surprise when I’m not a big talker. Because I’m known as being sort of a loud mouth. I have a lot to say. But I try to be more thoughtful with my comments or reactions, unless it’s something witty or hysterical that I just can’t keep myself from blurting or tweeting!

If something or someone’s really bugging you, just sit on it. Just sit on it.

I did some years of therapy and self-realization, and I just move and think at a slower pace – doesn’t make me sound very smart! But really not reacting and doing more listening than talking, and letting people say what they need to say, and then maybe not saying anything at all.

I see life everywhere I look. I get the energy off the water. Hawaii really, when I am there, it feels like how we are supposed to live and how it’s supposed to be: slower, just appreciating our surroundings. I love the people there and the aloha, the history. They’re really rooted in something.