What Are You Doing
New Year’s Eve?
An engagement set in Hanalei, Hawai’i on New Year’s Eve 2009.
Lani Abigail Kahale is a 31-year-old veterinarian. After college and veterinary school in California, she returned home and built a home on land that her grandparents had owned. She rescued two pigs, Stella and Bella, when their owner didn’t realize how big they would get. During her “spare time,” she enjoys paddle boarding and hiking.
Asher James Fineman is a 28-year-old arborist. He has been dating Lani for almost seven years. While living with her, he acquired a Kapua, an American Quarter Horse. He can play the guitar and the ukulele. Born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, he headed home for the holidays, leaving Lani in Hawai’i.
Music helps set the mood while I write. That is why the inspiration playlists play such a vital role in my writing process. These are the songs that inspired the New Year’s Eve short story What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?:
What Are You Doing New Year's Eve? - by Seth MacFarlane
I knew I was going to bookend this playlist with versions of this song. I picked this version to kick off the playlist.
Hanalei Road (Lorelei's Song) - by Courtney Jaye
The story is set in Hanalei, Hawai’i. This song had to be included. It’s Lani’s theme song.
Sunny Day - by Ilo Ferreira
I have to thank my brother for this song. A few years ago, he introduced me to this artist that he’d heard on Radio Margaritaville.
Rainbow - by Colbie Caillat
I knew I’d pick a song by Colbie Caillat for this playlist. After listening to a few, I picked this one from her Breakthrough album. It is Lani’s sister’s theme song.
Sing - by Kristin Chenoweth
I listen to Christmas songs until Three Kings Day in January. So I knew I’d have a few Christmas songs on this playlist. This isn’t really a Christmas song, but it is on Kristin’s A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas, which is one of my favorite Christmas albums.
The Holly and the Ivy - by Erin Bode
I picked this Christmas song for this playlist.
I’ll Be Home For Christmas - by Katharine McPhee
I picked this Christmas song to include on the playlist because Lani and Asher spent Christmas in separate cities.
Gold and Green - by Sugarland
I love this song. And it seemed like a good song to include where Christmas would’ve been more green than white.
One Wish This Christmas - by Nikki Yanofsky
This is a beautiful Christmas song. I had to include it.
All I Want for Christmas Is You - by Whitney Duncan
There are so many versions of this song it’s almost ridiculous. Mariah Carey’s is my favorite, but this version felt like it fit in with the other songs on the playlist.
No Boundaries - by Adam Lambert
This is Asher’s co-worker’s theme song.
I Guess That’s Love - by Katie Armiger
I picked this song for when Lani is reflecting on her relationship with Asher and the moments that made her realize how much she loves him.
What A Wonderful World - by Ziggy Marley
This is Asher’s theme song.
What Are You Doing New Year's Eve? - by Kacey Musgraves
As I said, I always planned to bookend the playlist with versions of this song. This one was the perfect way to close out the playlist.