• Born and lived most of my life in the state of Massachusetts
• Music educator for many years
• Worked as a literacy coordinator in the areas of English as a Second Language and Citizenship
  
• Married for 40 years to a sympathetic, understanding, devoted husband until the time of his passing
• Mother to two daughters, and one granddaughter
• Spend my leisure time writing, painting, teaching music, and giving talks about the Hawaiian Islands

  When I was a child, my mother imbued in me a love of Hawaii's through the old radio and TV star Arthur Godfrey. Although Mr. Godfrey was not Hawaiian, he was one of the first entertainment personalities to introduce mainland America to what would become her 50th state. I grew up listening to and singing the music of the Hawaiian Islands.

  I was fresh out of college and teaching music education in the Massachusetts school system, when I traveled to Hawai'i for the first time. I enjoyed the sun, sand, and surf as a tourist on Waikiki Beach. Somehow the language, culture, traditions, and music seeped into my cells, and I was hooked on Hawai'i. During this period, I also lost touch with my faith. I felt no real connection to traditional church doctrines and belief systems, although I did appreciate Christian morals and ethics.

  Surfers at Maui

  Marriage, children, and work filled my time for the next several years.

  When my kids were grown, I also began writing for children.

  My husband Al and I took a trip to the island of Maui for our 25th wedding anniversary. There we fell in love with the islands and the people who shared their aloha.

Lei'ohu Ryder, the entertainer for the event, took me through a doorway I never expected to open into the world of the spirit and of the spirits. She became my spiritual guide, and through her example and that of Maydeen 'Iao, she brought me through the gates of an ancient Hawaiian place of worship known as Kukuipuka Heiau. Kukuipuka became my sanctuary and the portal through which I regained my faith.

Kukuipuka

 

After several years of learning about Hawaiian spiritualism from my guide, I began a new journey, that of a connection to the spirit world of the Hawaiian angels or ancestors. They opened the door, and I stepped through into an amazing new life. The angels chose to connect with me in order to encourage me to share my experiences with Lei'ohu and Maydeen with others. Writing a book about this walk was a natural next step to take, and In the Presence of Angels tells the story of this journey.

Lei'ohu Ryder

Testimonials from Reviewers

"In the Presence of Angels raises the consciousness of our world. Telling others how we all gathered to experience the deeper journey of our expansion as ohana will be a great benefit to many. When the heart opens others will be moved, and all is blessed. Lei'ohu Ryder

I couldn't wait to get to the meaty part of the story. It is awesome… FABULOUS! Maydeen 'Iao

We wish you to know that we are happy that your visits at the Sunray Peace Village manifested a wonderful journey of awakening. May all beings share in the experience of finding joy within. Venerable Dhyani Ywahoo and Elders, Sunray Peace Village

We live in a parallel world where our ancestors and spirits of Light walk with us. We see them clearly as they enter our realm of this reality. Many of us are invited to see the Light and enter the doorway of the ancestors to help others on this path. May your thoughts of peace and love that you share with the world enhance the Light from within that connects with the Light of the Creator.

Joyce Carter was like a sister to my wife, Mary Ann. May God bless this good and gracious person for sharing her words with us.

Reading the book took me home again to Maui. I've read three drafts of this manuscript. This time I read for pure enjoyment. This version is a fabulous book that I couldn't put down, and now I'm ready to critique the next one.

Your book affirms and confirms that, yes, we are okay. It inspires people and makes them feel good about themselves and their connection to their spirituality. And now this book is done. I can't wait for you to write the next one.

The book dives gently into the topic of spirituality in a way that is easy to read and understand. Some of the books on this subject are too deep and confusing for the everyday reader. I enjoyed and understood "In the Presence of Angels." I've never felt as connected to a place as I do Hawai'i. I felt like my heart was breaking when we left. "In the Presence of Angels" brought this all back to me.

"I just want to tell you that I love you very much. I want tell you good luck with the book."
(age 3 ½ )

This was a different read for me. I loved your honesty. Simply stated, it was "cool." At one time or another in most of our lives, we have questioned our beliefs. Joyce tells her story with sincerity and from the heart. She takes the reader on her amazing walk to the Light as led by her Hawaiian spiritual guide. Rich language and rich experiences bring satisfaction and fulfillment to the reader as she reaches the renewal of faith. The "angel voices" and Joyce's wisdom gems are tenets for the reader to ponder. At the heart of Joyce's story is her search for peace which she finds in aloha.

I read "In the Presence of Angels" received companionship, inspiration and validation as a person who seeks to be aware and spiritually alive. Joyce is a continuous voice for the personal drive, willingness and humility to open and be her own gift to the world. May other readers also receive encouragement and nudges to bear our gifts, the fruits of humanity, for our planet-peacemaking, joy, courage-infinitely for the benefit of all.

Your book is a beautiful piece of work in the best sense of the word. The writing is conversational and engaging and tells your story in an intriguing way. I loved the expression of your sense of humor. I'm sure your book will contribute to the opening of many doorways for others who read it. I'm delighted to have a fuller sense of your story-your spiritual unfolding.

After my husband died, I had problems with telephones ringing all the time. I knew it was he who was ringing them. Your ringing bells made me laugh. Every time I picked up the book to read, I cried. When I couldn't see, I put the book down, only to pick it up again to read and cry. I see the love shining through every word. I love the beautiful way in which the words fit together and the adjectives describe. Hawaiians are going to be very proud of this book you wrote for them and for the people of the world.

This is a wonderful book. I'm glad I was given a chance to read it. Thank you for letting me read the book. I felt like I was there with you on Maui and wish that I knew where the heiau was when we visited Maui last spring. I wish you the best of luck with this publication, even though you won't need it. I'm looking forward to more from you.

I learned much about some of Hawai'i's spiritual people and did enjoy reading about the faith practices and the words associated with them. I like learning about other people and how they draw on their faith, no matter what it is, to help them. Thank you for taking me on your journey.

You created a very visual portrayal of the people in your book.

Children have a very special connection to the spirits that adults loose along the way. Adults fight it because they're scared. We need to cultivate that connection, and you will help people to do this through your book.

At one time or another in most of our lives, we have questioned our beliefs. Rich language and rich experiences bring satisfaction and fulfillment to the reader as she reaches the renewal of faith, and the "angel voices" and wisdom gems are tenets for the reader to ponder.

You listened to your heart and the spirits to write about the steps of your journey. Connecting to the spirit world is difficult subject matter to approach because many people do not understand or accept it can be done. Knowing this and writing anyway is a sincere and genuine response.

"In the Presence of Angels" is exciting reading. You are brave to write in such a very personal way. People are going to look at the writing in two different ways; they will either see how it can help them or they will recognize the process and fear it. You should prepare for both…