PineappleLuv

How Do You Feel?

2011-12-03T23:46:00.000-08:00

Duke loves this little skateboard and had just pushed it across the pavement with one hand while crawling with the other hand. He felt quite proud of himself. We are having lots of fun and I hope you feel great, too!

Introducing Baby Duke

2011-07-23T13:26:00.000-07:00

Duke Everest Watson
almost 6 months old
photo by Dad

Hello hello! I truly have missed you all and I wish I would have announced that I was on maternity leave from the blog...I just kept thinking I might post here and there but as it turns out I just kept taking a big break from the computer. I also feel like having this space to write is synonymous with reading so much of what you write - and I did not have that capacity any longer so it almost didn't seem fair for me to blather on knowing I would not also have the chance to read what is going on with all of you.

Anyhoo enough about me, how about that adorable little face staring at you? Gosh he will be 6 months old in just a few days. His name is Duke Everest Watson. I just love him so much I can't even tell you. I am having so much fun being a mom. We took Duke to Santa Cruz for his first time last week and dipped his little toes in the water. He felt it was a little cold for his liking.

I can't wait to slowly but surely get back in touch and tell you more about Duke and art, surfing and people, life and health, love and nature, interviews and goofing off...gosh all that good stuff.

Thank you for sticking around.

Hello Friends

2011-06-10T12:41:00.000-07:00

Surf Fridays!

2011-01-14T16:25:00.001-08:00

Greetings from a lovely land. Waikiki in 1932.

A family member gave me this postcard that belonged to their great grandparents. There is not one day that goes by that I don't think of the Hawaiian islands. I imagine we'll take the baby there next summer. Until then...

Have a wonderful weekend, filled with Aloha.

A Joyous New Year!

2011-01-06T12:15:00.000-08:00

These are some wonderful musicians, Nicki and Tim Bluhm. Nicki Bluhm has a new album called Driftwood, coming out very soon and this song will be on it. It's called Stick With Me and they are singing beautiful harmonies with the Golden Gate Bridge as their backdrop. "I don't wanna hear doubts I wanna hear shouts of victory"! Also, please check out Nicki's blog about all things backcountry. It'll make you want to get out there, explore and climb a mountain.

Tim plays with The Mother Hips, a band that I've been a big fan of for many years. I wanted to share this happy tune with you because with the impending birth of the Watson baby, I've been thinking so much of joy. I realized that joy could be the very greatest gift I could give to our son. So I am seeking it out each and every day.

Speaking of which, he is due any day now! Officially towards the end of this month, but maybe he wants to come early. I will definitely post a pic and share the good news once that happens.

I hope you are having a wonderful start to your year - I bet you are, you little rascals!

p.s. Thanks Seamouse!

Surf Fridays!

2010-11-19T23:58:00.000-08:00

Happy Surf Fridays!

I think you'll recognize Fort Point pretty easily...The surfers under the Golden Gate Bridge were fantastic today. It was raining and we couldn't get enough of watching them.

It was a special day for me, as it was my birthday! I took the day off and my husband Jay and his sister Melissa and I ate lunch at Outerlands Cafe. Oh man, that place is one of my all time favorites. We stopped by Mollusk and the General Store and Trouble Coffee (try the Dirty Chai) before coming to this magical surf spot under the bridge.

Much love and happiness for you. Heading to Santa Cruz for a rainy and fun weekend... PLuv

Seamouse in Bondi

2010-11-01T12:51:00.000-07:00

Tamarama Beach

Keiron Lewis captured this beauty after a bodysurfing sesh - just a 5 minute walk from his home in Bondi.

Hi Keiron, I was wondering what took you to Oz from England and how long you think you and your wife will live there.

After getting married my wife and I wanted to travel and live somewhere different before settling down into the big mortgage and starting our family. The UK is really suffering at the moment so it seemed like the ideal time.

I've just been sponsored by an Australian Company so we can stay here now until August 2014. I've no idea if we'll stay that long but at the moment we couldn't be happier.

Is there anything that amazes/surprises you about Australia that you were not expecting?

We are lucky enough to see whales swim past our apartment from our window. Even though I've seen quite a few now it's still amazing every time.

I bet you get to surf a lot more often?

Yeah, loads more! I get in most mornings before the crowds hit. Back in the UK my local was very fickle with wind and tide and the crew there have to know it well to surf as much as they do. Here it's almost on tap and I found it really hard to adjust to that. I still put my wetsuit on as fast as possible as if the waves could die off at any second.

And what do you miss most from home in England, besides family and friends?

Being an ex colony Australia is still pretty english and you can get hold of Heinz beans, Twinings Earl Grey, etc with ease.

In the winter though I really missed a proper Sunday roast and I know my wife misses UK fashion. It sounds awful but I do get cravings for Marks and Spencer sandwiches!

I wonder if some of your wetsuited character drawings will change at all from living in Oz.

Yeah, I've already found myself doodling them in shorties and board shorts as well as still suited up and lost on a sun drenched beaches. The winter here is longer than you'd think though and although they'd be summer suits back in england the fullsuit is still worn by most Aussies.

---

Thank you Keiron! It sure sounds like you are doing great.

Please check out Seamouse's drawings and music loves on his blog, Pinniped. He's also involved in designing T-Shirts for Rake, Almond and keep your eye out for the upcoming T's he'll have with Wellen.

Surf Fridays!

2010-10-29T21:00:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the film Monsterboards?

It was in the short selections at this year's New York Surf Film Festival. Director Matthew McGregor-Mento filmed Eef - "a surfer in Holland who makes and rides wooden surfboards with painted monsters on them in the freezing and junky surf of his home".

The film about Eef made me smile so much, I thought it would be fun to ask him a few questions.

Eef, do you remember some of the first monsters you ever drew?

The first monsters I did were the shadow monsters when I lived in Amsterdam. I lived in a trailer for awhile and I painted them on the outside on both sides next to my door. Pretty dark stuff now that I think about it. I did some of them with spray paint in hallways and on the streets as well. So the monsters and me go way back.

When my wife and I started a little painting/art workspace we combined my monsters with her happy and colourful style which resulted in the monsters and angel shrine which is in our little girl's bedroom at the moment. She opens the doors of it when she goes to bed. I made lots of little guardian-monster paintings as well - the idea is that you can hang 'em in your house and they will keep the really scary monsters out.

As a lover of monsters, how does your family celebrate Halloween (is it celebrated in Holland)?

Halloween is not as big here as it in the U.S. - we don't really celebrate it but we have quite a lot of monsters around the house year round.

Did you get to surf today? What monster board did you choose?

I didn't get to surf today! It's more of a weekend thing for me at the moment. I work in Amsterdam which takes some time to get to and back and I come back it's time for dinner, and after that the girls are going to bed (they are 4 and 2 years old). So if it's slightly looking possible I go to the beach early on Saturday or Sunday morning so I'll be back in time to go do something with Belinda and the kids. I have mostly bodysurfed the last year or so. I try to go year round.

A new trick I have to be less afraid of sharks is to imagine them with rubber teeth. What do you think of that?

It's a fantastic idea!!! I heard that Cyrus is singing a song about it in his new film. I did see the movie but missed that completely so thanks a lot for reminding me. I got to meet Cyrus at the NYSFF, he is such a nice guy.

I don't know why I'm so afraid of sharks, it's quite embarrassing and I hope the rubber teeth thing helps.

That's exactly where I got the idea about the rubber teeth - from Cyrus' movie, Stoked and Broke. How did the making of the movie Monsterboards come about?

I got in touch with Matt McGregor-Mento via email when I found some pictures online of the paipo boards he made. I was making them too, so we emailed and kept in touch. Matt is the nicest guy you'll ever meet and is SO stoked. And he likes strange boards just like me.

One day he emailed that he wanted to make a short movie about me, my art and the little waves here in Holland and that he wanted to submit it to the NYSFF. So he sent a camera over and I shot some footage. Matt is working as a creative director so he got together a team of great guys that did the editing, the animation and all that. I was blown away by how great it looked.

Still a little weird that it was about me though, I'm not a very skilled surfer you know. Everything over 3 feet is HUGE and scary in my world.

I got to meet Matt in real life when we went over to New York for the film festival. We got to stay with him and his wife and they were so much like us! Too bad they live so far away...

---

Thank you Eef! You really made my day. For more on what Eef is up to and the monsters he draws, check out Monstercult.

CocoBohemia

2010-10-25T15:26:00.001-07:00

CocoBohemia is where I keep an online gallery of my artwork. I think it's kind of a fun place.

Surf Fridays!

2010-10-22T20:18:00.000-07:00

Ryan Burch stoked and sliding

Cyrus Sutton and his leading lady, Anastasia Van Windergen

Jay and I are happy to finally meet Ryan Tatar!
Photo taken by Joanie Celi

When I saw that Stoked and Broke was coming to San Francisco, of course I bought tickets right away. Jay and I had so much fun watching the movie, if you haven't seen it yet, it's the kind of surf movie that makes you smile the whole time. I love what Cyrus does, creatively. - and he's a fabulous surfer, too! Just an A+ guy in all that he does. Great film shorts shown ahead of the main attraction, too - including the now famous tarp surfing film.

Cyrus was a gracious host and showered the audience with t-shirts, and we were treated to music by Anastasia and then The Blank Tapes, both of whose music appears in the film. We ran into Thomas Campbell and got to meet Ryan Tatar for the first time. Nice to have you in Northern California, Ryan!

---

We also recently saw Patrick Trefz's film, Idiosyncrasies, at the Pedro Point Firehouse in Pacifica. They were serving tamales and beer there, yum! While the crowd was noshing, they showed some footage from the 40s and 50s of surfing all along the California coast. That was super cool to see. They showed scenes of people surfing Linda Mar with no wetsuits. I don't think they stayed out as long in those days.

Bill Mulcoy somewhere in Mexico
shot by Patrick Trefz

Idiosyncrasies is a cool film. I liked learning more about Andrew Kidman but my favorite part of the movie was about Harbor Bill and his son Josh Mulcoy. Josh was there as a special guest, along with Patrick to answer questions once the movie ended. If you haven't seen the film and would like a better description, Rebecca Godson does a great job reviewing it.

Cruising Lake Tahoe

2010-10-14T09:13:00.000-07:00

This could be you

We recently returned from a long weekend in Lake Tahoe, CA. Crisp and in the 30s at night, warming up to 70 during the day. The lake was the calmest I'd ever seen. In 3 days we went sailing, kayaking, and stand up paddle boarding. I was in heaven. Oh yes, I did fall off of my paddleboard once when a tiny wake came through from a nearby speedboat. That 53 degree water was very refreshing! I think I'm generally a little off balance now that my belly is a lot bigger.

Isn't it amazing that there's something about nature that rights your mind and calms every cell in your body? I just have to remember it's always there for us.

Pelican Point

2010-09-11T10:41:00.000-07:00

On a recent Friday evening, we spontaneously went over the hill and took a walk at Pelican Point, followed by dinner at Sushi Main Street. Their Half Moon Bay roll has artichoke hearts, avocado and radish sprouts.

Here is another photo that Jay took after Devo and I climbed down from the rock.

Surf Fridays!

2010-09-10T12:53:00.000-07:00

The interview I did with Cher Pendarvis is in print!

Kurungabaa is a fantastic magazine out of Australia. This is a beautiful issue which also features an interview with Derek Hynd, thought provoking prose, poetry and eye catching artwork. The magazine is doing a second printing, so if you wanted to order but didn't, now is your chance.

Also, thank you so much for the heartfelt well wishes...I'm 20 weeks along (half-way there) as of today and feeling really good.

Have a wonderful weekend and I'll catch you back here sooner than last time.

Surf Fridays!

2010-08-06T14:26:00.001-07:00

photo by Jay Watson

Happy Surf Fridays! This is me last Sunday at the Santa Cruz Harbor, doing some stand up paddling. It's such a fun activitity on a flat day, not to mention a great workout. Cruising around the mile-long harbor, we saw sea lions, funny names on boats, a furry and polka-dotted baby seagull with her mother, cormorants, sailors, kayakers, man...just a lot of beautiful things in an afternoon.

I was a little nervous to post this photo because of my big red belly. Have I been eating a lot of pizza? Yes and no. I am excited and ready to tell you that Jay and I are having a baby! I'm just about 4 months along and I feel great.

I hope you are all feeling great today too. Tomorrow I'm doing a beach clean up at Gray Whale Cove, hosted by the Surfrider Foundation. On the way home, I'm going to drive on Skyline and look for wild blackberry bushes!

Lots of love to you...JW

A Glimpse of My Studio

2010-08-04T14:22:00.000-07:00

This is where I get my work done. I like it here.

Surf Fridays!

2010-07-23T15:41:00.000-07:00

I met Ashley Moffat through blogging, about two years ago. I'll never forget that her "About Me" explained that she likes anything that starts with an 's' - surfing, sunshine, soulmates, smiling, skateboarding, suntans...and simplicity. What's not to like about this girl, I remember thinking...

I knew from reading Ashley's blog, that she lives in Hawaii with her husband Luke, and their two little girls, Velzy and Ivy. The other day, I came across a photo of Ashley surfing while 6 months pregnant. I was truly blown away.

Not only was the photograph beautiful in every way, but it struck me deeply that with all of the surfing related blogs and magazines I have enjoyed in the last several years, I have never seen a photo of a pregnant woman surfing.

Ashley Moffat riding her Bing
all photos by Mark Lee

Ashley, what brought you to live in Hawaii?

I moved to Hawaii when i was 17, in 2000 to attend BYU - Hawaii. It's in a small town on the Eastside of Oahu, just 10 minutes away from the North Shore. I don't know why more surfers don't go to school there, it was so fun. I fell in love with Hawaii and a boy from here and the rest is history.

Have you ever gotten "island fever"?

Nope. Well, I do really miss my family who are all in California. But as far as "AH, get me off this rock!!!" no. I love it here - all I need is sunshine and water. And the occasional shave ice.

What are your top 3 best things about living in Hawaii?

1. living "the simple life"
2. warm water year round
3. the fact that riding in the back of trucks is still legal here
4. and mango season.

When and where did you learn to surf?

First time I went surfing was at Doheny on a friend's soft top. At the end of my first wave I didn't know what to do so I jumped off- belly flopped right onto a rock that hit my stomach and left a bruise. I was really proud of that bruise. I think I was maybe 10?

What is your favorite beach in Southern California and your favorite in Hawaii?

In California, Churches is my favorite place to surf and I grew up going to Crescent Bay in Laguna so that is my favorite place to have a beach day.

In Hawaii my favorite place to surf is Chun's Reef. And of course V-Land is super fun - but the crowds there can be a tad intense for me in my old age. :)

Can you share what is in your quiver?

We - Luke and I - share most of the boards. Usually when we go surf we have the girls with us, so we trade off riding whatever we brought that day. We have: two Dano logs - a 9'6" noseglider and 9'1" old pleasure; An 8'11" Bing silverspoon; 5'10" Junod pumpkin seed; A 5'10" Mitsven fish; A 5'5" Pavel creek fish, and a 5'11' Campbell Bros bonzer.

Luke just brought the Campbell Bros and Pavel back from California. The Pavel is a gift for me after this little one is born - I can't wait to ride it this winter!

What is currently your favorite board?

My personal favorite is the Junod. It's magic - it catches waves like a dream and is oh-so-much fun to ride. When it's small, I love the Dano old pleasure.

Did you surf while pregnant with your last 2 girls?

I surfed when I was pregnant with Velzy up until 4 1/2 months. When I was pregnant with Ivy we were living in Virginia (we lived there for 2 years) and I surfed on a few trips to California but nothing regular.

Does surfing while you're 6 mos pregnant feel very different than surfing while not pregnant?

Yeah, for sure. The first few months it just feels like you have a really full bladder and it is tad uncomfortable. Now (I am almost 30 weeks) it's like laying on a ball and paddling is not a ton of fun. Knee paddling is nice though.

I think the whole pregnant surfing thing is pretty funny and honestly, sometimes I feel weird going out- but it's so hard to watch people surf and not be in the water! Also, I have to say I am super lucky to be able to still surf and have healthy pregnancies.

Have Velzy and Ivy gotten on a surfboard yet?

They will come on little rides on our back but have not taken to surfing on their own too much. Most importantly, they both really love the water. If you ask Velzy (4) if she surfs she says "I am a body surfer" and she is a pretty good. I love it. Ivy (3) is crazy. She's getting into boogie boarding - she gets tossed around in little shore break but always comes up smiling and goes out for more. It's pretty funny to watch.

I really hope that they want to surf when they grow up, because it will be so fun as a family to surf together. BUT, I don't want to be one of those parents who pushes their kids into it and then they don't like it. So all in due time...

What is the most favorite or memorable surf session you've ever had?

There is a spot on the North Shore called Kamasugis. Luke and I don't surf it all that often but when it's good it is a really fun left and right so we get to share waves - he goes left (he's goofy) and I go right (I'm regular). We have had some good times out there.

Also, anytime I am in the water with family - especially my brothers and dad - we laugh a lot and it's so fun.

Thank you so much, Ashley - you are definitely an inspiration! May you enjoy the rest of your pregnancy and being in the water as much as you can. I also want to thank Mark Lee for sharing his beautiful photos and tell you a little more about him...

Mark Holladay Lee is a photographer on the North Shore of Oahu who specializes in unique water photography from surfing to weddings, and basically just having fun in the water.

Mark has been in Hawaii since 1996 but inbetween, spent a couple of years in New York working with a fashion photographer, and a couple of years in California as well. His inspiration comes from surf and fashion and he'd rather spend more time in the water than out. A fascinating little tidbit - a long time ago, Mark used to manage the famous Long Board Grotto! (Where Surfy Surfy is now).

When it came time to photograph Ashley, Mark told me, "I have photographed quite a few underwater maternity sessions here in Hawaii, and was so excited when Ashley told me she wanted to get some shots of her surfing. It is not very often that I come across such a graceful surfer that can still paddle while being 6 months pregnant. I would have to say as a surfer I am a little jealous - I wish my mom would have taken me surfing."

Happy Surf Fridays and Happy Aloha Fridays to everyone in Hawaii!

update: check out this beautiful momma surfing while 5 months pregnant!

Photos from the Rainbowlogical Show

2010-07-15T07:55:00.000-07:00

ESPN reviewed the Rainbowlogical show. How cool is that!? Jon Coen writes a great blog for ESPN, revolving around the surf community.

Since I couldn't be there for opening night, I loved seeing the photos. You can check them out here by clicking on Current Show, and using the grey scroll bar underneath to slide through.

All of the work from the show is in Corduroy's online shop. It's great to see all of the colors together, and here is the link to my violet pieces, which are all monotypes.

Early Hawaii

Plaza Mexico 1953

Surf Fridays!

2010-07-09T17:42:00.000-07:00

Contest 66 by Norm Daniels

Blue Green Surf Girl by David Lloyd

After the Storm, San Onofre by Larry Iwerks

Liquid Jollies by Spencer Reynolds

Heading Home by Ron Croci

Hang Ten by Vincenzo Ganadu

Descent Into the Abyss by Ken Auster

Blue Lip by Wade Koniakowsky

Secret Spot #2 by Victor Kerpel

These are my favorite paintings from The Art of Surfing 2008 - Longboard Magazine. The mag folded the next year, but their art issues were so cool because they dedicated tons of pages to it.

Rainbowlogical at Corduroy

2010-07-01T08:01:00.000-07:00

Rainbowlogical. Opening tomorrow night at Corduroy Surf Boutique & Gallery in Portland, Maine. There will be a variety of colorful things to eat and drink and a collection of new works from 7 amazing artists that span all the colors of the rainbow.

I wish I could be there in person - such a unique concept - each artist gets a color of the rainbow. I am representing the color violet. It was an exciting challenge as I don't typically use violet in my work. But I like how it all came out. Pictures to come and thanks to Tyler and Corduroy for including me in this rad show. I'm stoked to be in the company of these artists. Check them out and the colors they represent:

Nick Z - Red
Brandon McLean - Orange
Linda Meyers - Yellow
Katrine Hildebrandt - Green
John Fellows - Blue
Mark Warren Jacques - Indigo
Jamie Watson - Violet

Rainbows are freakin' cool.

Fans of Cher Pendarvis - Place Your Orders!

2010-06-23T08:48:00.000-07:00

Cher

The great news is that the interview I did with Cher Pendarvis last year has been picked up by a very fine Australian publication called Kurungabaa: a journal of literature, history and stories from the sea.

This new issue is full of words, art, and images from emerging artist around the world, and includes a DVD of three Australian short films.

The cutoff date is to place your order is July 10th. It is a not-for-profit publication that only prints as many as are pre-ordered.

last issue of Kurungabaa

A little shout out to Rebecca Olive, whom many of you know from the surf blogging community. She is a writer for Kurungabaa and a dynamo of a woman who wants more women represented in Australian surf culture - and thus chose the Cher Pendarvis piece for the magazine. Thank you, Bec.

To order, go here now. I'd better place my order, too! Gosh it would be great if some U.S. surf shops stocked up on a few...

Surf Fridays!

2010-06-18T12:29:00.000-07:00

Summer is here. Let's say you want to do something different. Something wild and beautiful. How about a road trip to Big Sur, California?

There is so much beauty in Big Sur, it is nearly overwhelming, in a good way. Do you like the sound of staying in a rustic (yet spotless) cabin along the Big Sur river? Ripplewood is where Jay and I stay every time. We recently took Jay's parents here too, and they loved it.

Andrew Molera (Big Sur Rivermouth) is no secret spot. It's a nice point/beach break and it takes a mile to hike in with your surfboard. This helps keep the crowds away.

A generous local showed us how to avoid making that mile hike for a 6 inch wave. Simply turn off the Highway onto Coast Road. You'll need to go pretty slowly as this dirt road has got a lot of huge bumps and holes in it.

Once you get up there, it will look just like this. This is your perch spot with a view to the south.

And from the same spot is the view of Andrew Molera. (There is a campground here, too). This is when you'll need to take out your binoculars.

With binoculars, you'll get a much better view than this. But you can tell that you'd be able to get a pretty good idea of what's going on that day so you can decide on whether to make the hike in or not.

Happy surfing and happy summer adventures to you!

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I am super excited because a high school swimming pool near my house opens to the public next Monday and I can work on my paddle fitness during my lunch break. I love swimming so much! I also love shave ice and have serious cravings every summer - can you believe they don't have any around where I live? I am seriously considering getting a shave ice machine. But first, I'll need to spend about a week in Hawaii, learning how to make the best ones from a local who will let me apprentice, and then I can surf in Waikiki every morning and afternoon as my reward. That's what I told Jay this morning. He laughed but somewhere inside, he knows I am serious.

Lots of love...JW

Me and Jess

2010-06-15T11:55:00.000-07:00

Polaroid story: I put some pink braids in my hair and took a road trip to visit Jess at her old home in Venice, California, 2002.

Jessica Nichols is one of my best friends. She is in Mexico on vacation, and asked me to be a guest on her beautiful blog, Sweet Eventide. Please check it out. It's very personal and full of love.

Refueled Magazine Rocks

2010-06-15T08:07:00.000-07:00

click and enlarge to read

When the editor of Refueled Magazine asked me to interview my own husband for the summer issue, I said yes. Chris Brown puts together such a fine, fine publication that it took me about two weeks to come up with some decent questions for the online mag. Of course, Mr. Jay Watson does an even better job answering them.

You can click on the flip book above to enlarge the pages for your reading pleasure. Brown is one of the best editorial designers I've ever seen in the business. Thanks for the opportunity, Chris.

For the entire issue, go to Refueled Magazine.

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In other news, Jay Watson has a new interview available via podcast on LensFlare 35.

Normal

2010-05-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

I love this postcard. I got it at the Henry Miller Library in Big Sur. The artist in the truck is Ed Leeper. Ed calls himself a "serial" artist and is quoted as saying, "I'm really content with art work that takes a lot of time". He also likes to say, "I transform things people don't want into things people still don't want."

Here is another one of his pieces. Something else cool here, and a fascinating look at this Big Sur artist here.

Jay and I are heading to Big Sur next week with his parents - I'll keep my eye out for Mr. Leeper.

Surf Fridays!

2010-05-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

Excerpts from Peppo's Pidgin To Da Max. Many years ago I bought this book - probably in an ABC store. I love it, yeah?

Surf Fridays!

2010-05-14T08:52:00.000-07:00

Cy's Sunrise Lefts

Happy Surf Fridays to one and all. Cy sent over this beautiful video of he made while surfing with his girlfriend in Chile. It's so beautiful, isn't it? There's more great stuff at Korduroy, so please check it out.

This Is For You

2010-05-11T17:13:00.001-07:00

Style Master of Santa Cruz

2010-05-10T18:32:00.000-07:00

Surf Fridays!

2010-04-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

I subscribe to Hana Hou!, the magazine of Hawaiian Airlines. It is a quality publication and I always find beautiful photographs and several interesting stories. When this one came in the mail, I knew I'd want to share it with you on a Surf Fridays. Here are some of the most interesting facts about making the IMAX 3-D film, The Ultimate Wave Tahiti...

Story by Michael Shapiro & Photos by Dana Edmunds.

Teahupo'o has naturally become one of the world's most filmed waves, but for all the sublime and hair-raising footage shot here, director Stephen Low is the first to take on the challenge of filming it in IMAX 3-D. Low has a track record of pushing the limits of IMAX technology; In 1992 he descended 12,500 feet in a submersible to shoot Titanica.

The latest iteration of IMAX 3-D camera technology is a comparatively featherweight sixty-pound box about the size of a microwave oven - manageable enough maybe, to take into the maw of a creature like Teahupo'o. To do it, he assembled some of the most talented watermen around, and these are the big-wave surfers he chose:

Shane Dorian, whose sickening ride at Teahupo'o in 2006 earned him Billabong's Biggest Tube Award; Raimana van Bastolaer, a.k.a. "The Mayor of Teahupo'o," who's spent as much time inside the blue room as anyone; Kelly Slater, arguably the greatest surfer who's ever lived.

The story centers around Tahitian surfer Raimana van Bastolaer. Executive Producer Jeff Cutler calls Raimana "the most genuine dude you've ever met in your life." Director Stephen Low said, "Here's a guy who can surf the biggest waves out there, who could be a world-class competitor. But he didn't want to compete, didn't want to travel. He's found his perfect wave right here, and he lives very simply on the beach, helps people out and just enjoys life. Now he shepherds guys who come from around the world to surf this wave."

Raimaina told the interviewer, "I'm not a star...I didn't make Teahupo'o; Teahupo'o made me. I just want to give back; if I can share, that's the best."

A little side note - when Jay and I met Buttons last November, Buttons told us that Raimaina is his wife's brother, and he has been teaching Buttons how to tow in, which Buttons was super excited about.

As the crew is filming, Teahupo'o is offering up solid ten-plus-footers (expressed in "Hawaiian scale", which measures the back of a wave; the face could easily be twice that height). Even on small days, filming in 3-D poses daunting technical challenges. You need a short lens for 3-D, which means taking bigger risks. "You've got to get up close," says Low, "otherwise there's no point. Teahupo'o is unusual in that even at its most feral, it's possible to take a boat right up to its shoulder, making it uniquely filmable".

In midsize surf though, a boat won't be close enough, since the aim is to take audiences into the wave. Low and his crew did things with the IMAX camera that have never been tried: mounting it on the back of a jet-ski and dropping in ahead of the surfers, bolting it to the nose of a stand up paddler, even swimming it into the pit. That choice assignment went to cinematographer Mike Prickett (known for Billabong Odyssey & Step Into Liquid).

Prickett swam the camera into six-to eight-foot surf. With a 2-D camera, this might be all in a day's work, but the IMAX camera "is the hardest camera anyone's ever tried in the water," he said. In it's waterproof "splashbox", it's both cumbersome (130 pounds) and buoyant as a chunk of Styrofoam; there's no diving to escape a bomb. Prickett said he used to complain about 30-pound cameras, and he'll never do that again.

Also, a 2-D camera tracks a subject automatically - all the operator has to do is aim and shoot. 3-D required Prickett to pull focus manually, which means he had to keep his eye glued to the viewfinder. "I get the shot as Kelly goes by, but I can't see anything to the side, so when the wave comes...I'm going over the falls." Prickett can't bear the thought of turning a million dollar camera into a $2 piece of junk, so he must shield the camera with his body.

"Teahupo'o is a technically unforgiving wave," says Slater. "You have to find that median place where you have enough speed and you're not too deep in the barrel. There are a lot of calculations, and they take years to understand."

Two days from now, what could be the biggest swell of the season is projected to hit Teahupo'o. Up to thirty-foot faces possible. If the weather holds, it'll be classic Chopes at its heaviest, with Slater, Dorian and Raimana towing in to huge barrels.

"No one's going to want to shoot from the water if it's as big as they predict," Slater says. "I don't know if I want to be in the water. I've never surfed it half as big as what we're going to get. It's such a violent wave. Realistically, in waves that size, you have to be prepared to die. If you wipe out, there's no deep water to escape to. It goes to dry or shallow reef everywhere that you can wipe out.

But it's so exciting; you don't know if you're going to get the wave of your life or if you're going to die. You have all these people on the boats hooting, whistling, screaming. Sometimes the wave comes, and you just don't know if you can ride it. But, you don't want to let people down. When people come to the theater, they don't want to see a four-foot wave on an eighty-foot screen."

The Ultimate Wave Tahiti opened in IMAX theatres in February but it's still playing or coming soon. Check here to see if it's in your area. Have you seen it? I'd really like to, so I'll probably take a trip to Monterey soon.

Happy Surf Fridays!!

This Was a Ten

2010-04-27T08:07:00.000-07:00

The other day I was feeling a little ho-hum. I looked at Devo and through telepathy, he suggested that I take him to the beach.

A couple of summers ago, Jay and his sister invented a Mickey Mouse voice for Devo and a numbering system where he would rate his experiences. For example. We leave him at home while we go out to dinner and perhaps close the door to our bedroom so he can't lie on our pillows. "Hey guys, this is a two". We take Devo to play frisbee at the park. "Guys, that was a nine"!

We drove to Half Moon Bay and stopped at a farm stand for a pint of strawberries. Then it was off to Pelican Point, a place I've been coming to since college, where my friends Susie and Marnie and I would escape to during (ahem, I mean after) classes.

I love running on the sand. Devo and I ran down to the end of this beach and then we went exploring.

Doesn't this look like a bouquet? Very nice arrangement, mussels!

The sand at this beach was nice. It was the kind that falls off of you really easily. I picked some up and rubbed it on my arms and legs and then easily brushed it off. Instant spa.

I like these sea grasses.

We sat down for awhile with the cliffs overhead.

After a couple of hours I felt so happy. When we were leaving, Devo said, "That was a ten".

California Gold

2010-04-14T10:10:00.001-07:00

Two Days in Paris

2010-03-31T20:15:00.000-07:00

photos by Bill Maxey

I had hung a postcard of the Steps of Montmartre in my cubical for many years; it followed me around for a few jobs. And then in late August, early September of 2001 I visited London and Paris. I was single and wasn't to meet my beloved Jay for 6 more months.

I stayed with my dear friend Nancy in London, and my friend Bill, who was going to Germany for a film festival, offered to arrive a few days early and escort me to Paris, as it would be my first time there.

The Louvre? It was beautiful, lit up at night. But I was there to imagine where Anais Nin and Henry Miller might have had coffee and to visit Jim Morrison's grave. Why the headstone of Oscar Wilde had tons of lipstick kisses all over it, I'll never know.

We walked a lot and I ate crepes with Nutella, petite loaves of bread and cheese, walked into fabric shops and saw the view of the entire city from the hill at the Sacre Coeur. If you haven't been there but saw the film Amelie (see 2:46), you know what that looks like. And when I did walk down that beautiful staircase, I really took it all in.

I'd been holding onto a mysterious roll of Holga film all of these years - until just recently when I finally had them developed. Looking at the photos, I feel like I lived a magnifique little dream.

Our lives are magnificent dreams of our very own creation. What shall we create this year?

Art and Freedom

2010-03-30T17:15:00.000-07:00

I really dig this print by Mark Warren Jacques. I found it in the back of Surfing Magazine. Mark lives in Portland, Oregon and is a member of the Together Gallery collective in the Alberta Arts District. He's going on a nomadic tour throughout California with an artist friend of his and they want to inspire others to find creativity, optimism and freedom in their own lives. Groovy stuff.

Jay Watson's Mavericks Shoot Now on Drift

2010-03-16T08:49:00.000-07:00

Perspective of Jay's boat, the Huli Cat. Photo by Peter McBride

Jay Watson (my old man) shot the Mavs contest this year. Drift Surfing put something special together for you. It's so awesome. Grab a cup of goodness, and enjoy the ride.

David Hanson Draws the Captain Fin Team

2010-03-11T13:53:00.000-08:00

This drawing of the Captain Fin team is too good for words.

His bio reads, Born to Lose in O'Side. He's into music, skateboarding and surfing. For more on how much David Hanson rules, check out his site.

Surf Fridays!

2010-03-05T15:59:00.000-08:00

I had these kids hanging up in my bathroom at my old house in 2003. They're not kids anymore. I don't know who the young man is, but don't you just love his stance? That's from an issue of Longboard Magazine.

And then there's Prue Jeffries showing that wave what's what.

Happy Surf Fridays all you good peeps. I am happy we're all in this life together.

---

update: That's Zander Hartman from Malibu; thanks to Worm for the ID.

Style for Miles

2010-03-04T19:45:00.000-08:00

From Issue #65 of Juice Magazine

When did you first ride the Arizona pipes? It was 1977. It was a whole group of us that went - Stacy Peralta, Tom "Wally" Inouye, Waldo Autry, Gregg Weaver, Scott Williams, Bob Biniak, Warren Bolster and me. I was the only girl. It was amazing. It was really a phenomenal group of skaters. We went in search of those pipes not knowing if we would actually find them, let alone be able to get to them without being caught and kicked out.

That was the first time that a well-known group of pro skaters had gone to skate them with a photographer. We all got on a plane and rented cars and went in search of something amazing. When they came into view out in the distance, it was just insane. The closer we got, the bigger they became. It was really surreal. The car was rocking and everyone was losing their minds.

As we got to them, everyone just kind of scattered with their bag of boards. There were so many sections that everyone just took their own section. It was unbelievable.

Ready Steady

2010-03-01T12:29:00.000-08:00

Red Longboard by Jessica Nichols

Untitled, 2010 by Ryan Tatar

Charlie Galento, Pipeline, Circa 1960s by John Severson for SURFER

Dear Diary: Part Four

2010-02-24T19:49:00.000-08:00

January 25

Dear Diary,

in the night, I was counting my money in my piggybank. I had $4.98.

I told my mother and she gave me two pennies to make it! $5.00!

Surf Fridays!

2010-02-19T16:45:00.000-08:00

Hey bro. 'Sup.

Singlefin Yellow

Yes, just put your wetsuit on already

Traffic Jam

Oh, snap

Longboard Parade

Way to go Mom and son

Santa Cruz Boardwalk

So much fun when Cowells is breaking

There are lots of waves for you

The sun is setting but there are still waves to catch

Happy Feet

Surf Fridays!

2010-02-12T10:53:00.000-08:00

The Mavericks contest is ON. Saturday, February 13. This is something that I get really excited about and this video just pumps up that excitement for me. Of course that was a 15 foot day and contest day will be 30-40 feet, up to 50 foot faces.

This was the first year they had the contestants vote on whether the contest got the greenlight or not. 17 out of 24 voted yes this week. The swell is coming from a different direction than normal, so it could be more dangerous than usual out there. This article explains a little more about what the conditions should be like. And here is the heat selection.

Another super exciting thing is that Jay might get to be on a boat tomorrow shooting the contest. Of course the demand (number of photogs) outweighs the supply (space on boats) so we are crossing our fingers right now. I'll let you know what happens!

UPDATE: 7:35am Saturday morn - Jay is on the boat!

I go to yoga a couple of nights a week and there's a guy named Drew who's in my class - last night he told me that he's a tow-in driver at Mavs. He practiced with some of the guys who flew in earlier this week. He told me that Jack O'Neill's grandson is a big wave surfer and flew in from Kauai. Drew is going to be a back-up driver tomorrow and also do rescue if needed. I asked him if yoga helps him feel stronger for driving the jet ski and he thought for a moment and then said, "Nah, you've just got to hang on"!

Have a fantastic weekend, everyone. You can watch the contest tomorrow here, it starts at 8:05am Pacific.

Surf Fridays!

2010-02-05T23:38:00.000-08:00

The first half of this captivating silent film is footage of surfriders in the 1920s, with Diamond Head in the background. The second half shows Hawaiian natives going about their everyday activities.

Surf Fridays!

2010-01-29T15:34:00.000-08:00

Snapshot I took of Steamer Lane in May, 2005

Jay and I are in the midst of attending nearly every flick at the San Francisco Film Noir Festival. These movies are priceless and the sold out crowds at the Castro really make it fun. Any other noir fans out there?

Hopefully we'll get water logged on Sunday, though sadly we won't be going to Half Moon Bay due to this recent spill. Thanks to the Surfrider Foundation for keeping us informed. I hope you all have a gorgeous weekend.

My Favorite GoPro Videos

2010-01-25T13:11:00.000-08:00

Cyrus filming for "Stoked and Broke" from Korduroy.

That little video was too short! What a tease. I can't wait to see that movie. Stoked and Broke. I love that title.

Here's my other favorite GoPro vid, by Christian Wach. I love how it starts underwater in some sea grass and the whole thing reminds me of a sweet summer love story.

Christian & Cyrus not only have mad surf and film skills, they're also fantastic at picking out a sublime tune.

GOLD from Christian Wach.

Surf Fridays!

2010-01-22T15:39:00.000-08:00

I got a small, rectangular piece of hydrodynamic foam at a garage sale and took it out for a spin a couple of weeks ago. I had so much fun - really cold water but that hat and some booties kept me feeling alright. I can't wait to go bodyboarding as soon as this rain lets up.

I think everyone in Cali is pretty frustrated with all this rain as far as not being able to surf. Daydream, watch movies, brush up on politics, discover new blogs, go to yoga, ride your bike, take photos, write letters, make art...Hang in there. If you're out in the world having fun in the water, brag about it! Australia? Happy Surf Fridays to you!

Color Fields

2010-01-21T20:07:00.001-08:00

I found a couple of monotypes I printed that I never posted. I have a tiny studio in a town nearby, but I'm moving it home to our garage this month. Jay and I are going to try and make a cool art space out of it. Garages are underrated.

Hawaiian Throw-Net

2010-01-19T13:39:00.001-08:00

When I'm at an antique shop, the main thing I get excited about are old postcards. I like this one, mailed from Lahaina in 1961. Who are you, Lit-Lit?

Surf Fridays!

2010-01-15T00:10:00.000-08:00

A few facts about a great surfer and shaper, David Nuuhiwa...

- David is one of the best and most graceful noseriders in the world.
- He was born in Honolulu in 1948 and moved to Southern California as a young teenager.
- As a youngster he surfed with Donald Takayama and quickly became an underground sensation.
- He's 6'2 and his nickname is the Flyin Hawaiian.
- His noserides could last up to 15 seconds at a time.
- He was ahead of his time in his experimentation with fish designs.
- David hung out with Jimi Hendrix in Maui while making the psychedelic film, Rainbow Bridge.
- In the future, David would like to see surf contests giving more money to charities.
- He would like to have an "old dudes" surf tour like the golfers have.
- You can have a one-on-one surf and coaching session with David in Orange County.
- You can see more of David longboarding in this vintage clip.

It would be cool to see a future interview with David Nuuhiwa on Liquid Salt (hint, hint).

Have a great weekend everyone!

---

Update Jan. 26: yesss! Brand new interview with David Nuuhiwa on Liquid Salt. Check it! Great minds think alike, Glenn.

Joy in the Mundane

2009-12-30T10:14:00.001-08:00

My body was made to walk and not sit as much as it does. I am not sure if it was reading Andre Agassi's autobiography or if I was just ready, but I walked to work yesterday. Andre's book is fantastic, probably even if you aren't into tennis. His dad made him hit one million balls per year. Surely I can walk 2.9 miles to work. I've biked it before, but I wanted 45 minutes of being outside instead of 15.

Hello blue Caddy fins. Our family had a car like this when I was a teenager. The Batmobile, we called it. I'm sad to say I was embarrassed to be seen in it, even though my grandmother told me it was cool, all the kids in California love old cars (I lived in Louisiana at the time).

Why yes, it's me and I have two heads.

I've driven by this creek a thousand times and never knew it was there. Those are Eucalyptus trees. They were brought over from Australia during the Gold Rush and used as windrows on agricultural land.

I like a good peace symbol.

Abalone shells.
5 more minutes and I'm at work. I feel invigorated all day.

On my way home. Jay asks if I want a ride. No thank you, I said, even though it starts drizzling.
I think my brother has gotten a fretboard repaired here.

I wonder if this mannequin comes alive at night.

The interior of this Skylark was creamy tuck and roll leather. You can hear the sound the engine makes, can't you?

Bullet train on the way to San Francisco. I always like seeing the people in the windows reading.

Everyone in California knows the El Camino Real because it's a 600 mile highway running from San Diego to San Francisco. It was created to connect all of California's missions and pueblos. There are the weirdest collection of stores on the ElCo. In two blocks alone I can think of stores to buy saddles, guns, lamps, manicures, pizza, ice cream and bridal gowns. The American dream?

I think this said, Slow and Low that is the Tempo

My dream home is a Spanish/Mediterranean style, like this one. Close to the beach of course.

Lights greeting me on the corner of my street. I feel content and think of that great line, "I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul."

Happy New Year! I want 2010 to be amazing for all of us. I know I'm going to sound mushy, but we just have to keep our hearts open. Lots of love, JW

Today

2009-12-12T17:29:00.000-08:00

It rained super hard here today and it was awesome. We took a drive to Half Moon Bay and the sea was stormy. There were a bunch of kite surfers practicing on the north side of the Jetty. We stopped to get a coffee at Blue Sky and the owners had just returned from a trek in Nepal. They were really stoked on it and still had a glow in their faces.

We took the long way home and drove down Skyline through the foggy redwoods. It was so beautiful I just wanted to stay there. I need the mountains and need to go to them more. The mountains are givers. I was thinking existential thoughts like, our lives are kind of an illusion. We can do anything we want. I'll try to explain that another time, but I also thought it'd be good to be more like the Native American Indians.

How? Well lots of ways but particularly, I think it would be highly beneficial for everyone, starting as a teenager, to go on your own vision quest say, for 10 days. And to do this every two years. That way, you'd always stay on track, or quickly get back on track and know what you are meant to be doing. You'd know yourself very well, you'd know nature and you wouldn't get lost. I'm going to think about this some more.

Sometimes I have gotten so mad because I've felt off track and I knew instinctively that all I'd need to do is take some time away. A few years ago I was frustrated by working at a boring office where everyone took things too seriously (does money have to be so serious?) and I was not making enough art or being in nature enough and I just wanted to walk. I fantasized about walking from here to Santa Barbara. I didn't do it.

From what I see around me I think we work too much, in general. I think we need to be in nature a lot more. I can envision our world being healthier. Do I feel like I am at the highest level of healthiness in my body, mind and spirit? I know that I'm not. I need to be so strong that that is always my highest priority. I want to raise the level. Let's do it.

Dear Diary: Part Three

2009-12-09T14:48:00.001-08:00

January 6

Dad plaid a game of checkers with me and I won!
My tooth almost came out. And the next day it did!
The toothfairy brought me 25¢

February 3

Today Beth is going to come over and do a dance
my mom taught me "(and Beth.)"
The dance is called, You Make Me Feel Like Dancing.

---

Anyone know what the going rate is for a tooth these days?

The General Store

2009-12-09T13:38:00.001-08:00

I can't wait to visit the brand new General Store, a collaboration between sweethearts Serena Mitnik-Miller and Mason St. Peter. It's in the Outer Sunset near Ocean Beach in San Francisco.

A perfect way to start the day would be to have some coffee at Trouble, walk to the beach, get a new t-shirt at Mollusk, have lunch at Outerlands Cafe, and visit the General Store.

Mason said that the General Store features carefully curated items from both new and vintage sources. Local Artisans and Craftspeople contribute to the mix of furniture, clothing, tools, plants, household items, books, jewelry, cards and small electronics. In January they will unveil their backyard garden and patio.

Sounds like goodness to me!

Cher Pendarvis: Part Three

2009-11-29T13:03:00.000-08:00

1969-70, shaped by Tom Threinen, with glassing help by Cher. The 5'8" Arch Tail Twinny preceded Cher's first fish.
Photo by Tom Threinen

What an amazing time that must have been for you, experimenting like that and surfing with all of those greats. Can you tell us a little about working for Surfing Magazine? What did you do there?

When I worked at Surfing, it was a bi-monthly and I was the only woman on staff for quite awhile until they hired a receptionist. The staff at the time was about 5 people then it grew. I was an Art Associate and became an Advertising Designer; this was in the late mid-late 1970s.

How many surfboards do you suppose you've had, Cher? What is your current favorite?

I worked on surfboards in Ocean Beach in the late 1960s to the mid-1970s. In 1974, our friend Mike Casey was head shaper at Channin, and he introduced me to Tony Channin and Mike Diffenderfer. Channin has always been known for their quality and precision. Tony sponsored my surfboards for more than 15 years, and he commissioned me to design logos for his brands and also had me work part time at the factory if I needed more freelance work.

7'1" swallow tail shaped by Mike Casey; Channin built it for Cher's first surfing trip to Oahu to visit Rell in 1976. Shaun Tomson gave Cher hints on the design for tube riding - and she still has this board.
Photo by Tom Threinen

This was a creative time, and Mike and I worked on designing boards. It was an honor to work with Tony Channin and the crew. Mike Casey moved to Hawaii in 1978 and we continued to work together, and I rode his boards until Steve began shaping my boards.

Looking back and doing some counting, I think I've had more than 150 boards. It's been very fun, and an honor to ride each and every one. I still have some favorite boards that date back as far as 1970.

Currently my favorites are:

- Juvenile Garribaldi, 5'10 old school keel fin fish
- Frisky, 6'2 EPS quad swallowtail
- Queen Angelfish 4, 6'4 twinnie with trailer
- Kelp Slipper, 6'7 high aspect twin fin for heavier water
- Firecracker, 5'4 chambered balsa fish
- Leopard Spots, 6'10 chambered balsa high aspect fish
- Mother Garribaldi, 6'9 Skip Frye fish

I love how you name all of your boards. What is your current homebreak?

Sunset Cliffs and Ocean Beach (Southern California).

Your husband Steve Pendarvis, is a well known shaper. Can you tell me what defines a Pendoflex board?

A Pendoflex has a high speed torque tail design that Steve shapes into the board. After glassing it, he finishes it with a light foam decking. The Pendoflex allows you to subtly change the rocker of the board to get more speed out of your turns. Steve's Pendoflex design also helps the board to subtly conform to the wave face and tap more of the available energy.

1999 Pro Masters, riding Angelfish 3, PendoFlex, built by Steve
Photo by Jim Pigeon

Did you meet Steve while surfing?

Yes, Steve and I first met while surfing at the Cliffs, as acquaintances. Many years later, our close friend Janine formally introduced us, and we are very grateful to her.

What are you working on right now that you are most excited about?

Oh, I'm grateful to say it's many things. Being a self-employed artist, it helps to have a broad base of work that can be done. Right now, I'm working on a new edition of The Painter Wow! Book, which is an educational book which combines art and technology.

During the past 4 years, I've been working on and off as a producer on an independent documentary film, and my work included researching, organizing and conducting more than 20 interviews, and contributing photography among other things, for the project. It was an honor and labor of love to do the interviews and other work and hopefully the project will be completed someday.

Right now, I'm working on a painting commission of some Ginger flowers for a client, and helping Steve with his surfboard business. And a favorite on-going photography series involves photographs of surfing people and scenes. Steve and I are grateful to do creative work and we love the work we are blessed to do.

Cher, in all the riding you have done, is there one wave that is more memorable than others?

Thank you. Two waves, one was at Sunset on the North Shore, off the point in the Spring of 1982, the waves were about 6-7 feet. I got a long wave that had an incredible barrel so wide and dry that you could stick out your arm, out and not touch the waterfall. It was long and fast and so wonderful to emerge from the dry barrel.

The second wave was after Rell passed away in 1998. Rell used to say, "The ocean is the blood of the Earth and it keeps us connected, So if she was in Makaha and I was surfing the Cliffs, we were still surfing together."

I was surfing alone at my favorite reef in the spring after she passed away and riding an old Lis fish for fun. I felt her on the little board with me, and when I hopped near the nose to trim on the inside section, I felt her come through my heart and ride the wave with me to the beach. It was so wonderful and thrilling to share, and after that I floated on my board in the tidepool and cried happy tears, but missing our dear friend so much.

That is incredibly beautiful, thank you for sharing that. As our last question, I’d like to ask what advice would you give to a girl today, who wants to learn to surf?

If you have friends that surf, ask them if you can come along and watch and when you're comfortable, ask if you can try a board. You may even ask for some pointers. It's important to learn how to swim first, if you don't know how already. And nowadays there are classes and surf clubs in many junior high schools and high schools. YMCA's close to the coast offer surfing classes and camps.

I would love to encourage young women with the ocean to stick with surfing if they are inspired.

Cher with her new, 6'7" high aspect twin fish

photo by Steve Pendarvis

---

Thank you, Cher! This has been an absolute honor. You embody the spirit of aloha and are an inspiration to so many.

Cher is in the the current issue (Vol 18, No. 6) of The Surfer's Journal, where she penned an article on Walter Munk (pg. 92).

Cher Pendarvis: Part Two

2009-11-28T09:13:00.000-08:00

Rell, Susie & Cher
courtesy of the Cher Pendarvis photo archive

Cher, you were friends with Rell Sunn. Do you have a favorite story about her?

Rell and I met in 1975, waxing up for a heat in a WISA event in Oceanside and spent much of that summer surfing together and we had great fun! Rell loved to look for special vintage goodies in second hand stores and it was always fun to make little stops after surfing with her. I still have a 1950s silk Hawaiian dress that Rell bought me for $1, in 1975, and we shared this dress on occasion. Rell and I were close friends for more than 25 years.

We visited back and forth many times, and sent faxed letters to keep in touch. When I was visiting her, we had great times surfing Makaha, the South and North Shores, and she took me diving for fish and we would gather shells at special beaches on the West side. Once we were diving on a clear day near Kaena Point and we saw a big Ulua. Rell wanted to spear it, but the fish was too fast. Later, I think she did go back and capture this fish. Rell showed me to true Aloha.

When did you start shaping, glassing and painting on boards?

Picking up from patching dings to earn my first board in the mid-1960s, I was comfortable with surfboard building materials. I began building boards with my first husband and dear friend, Tom and friends in 1968. I did a little shaping for myself in the early 1970s, but Tom was more adept at it, so I focused on color work, glassing and designing and making fins when I worked, to earn money for college. Tom and I worked with Mike Sheffer building Fresh Fish Surfboards, also our own, and for friends.

1970, Cher glassing her 5'2" fish
courtesy of the Cher Pendarvis photo archive

It was a thrill to shape a family board this year with Steve, on my 59th birthday. Since this was the beginning of the last year of my 50s, I wanted to build a board from start to finish. It is a "6'7" high aspect twin fin fish.

How did you feel about the transition from longboards to shorter boards?

I loved my last longboard, the 9'8 Surfboards Hawaii Model A. Surfboards were getting shorter after Nat Young won the 1966 World Contest in Ocean Beach on his shorter, more maneuverable board, Sam.

My first short board was an 8 foot Hansen 50/50, and after that we began experimenting and building our own boards. Our boards went shorter very quickly after that.

We began to build our own boards in 1968, first from cut down longboards, and soon after that, we were buying blanks from Mitch's Surf Shop in La Jolla. Mitch was a good friend and you could buy all of the supplies for making your own boards at his shop.

Design was changing rapidly and many friends were experimenting, and we loved sharing ideas and trying one another's boards. It was an exciting time.

Cher, featured in an ad for Channin, 1976. Riding the 7'1" Channin Swallowtail shaped by Mike Casey.
Photo by Aaron Chang

From some of these photos, it looks like you are a real charger on the short boards. Did that come naturally to you once you started surfing short boards?

Jamie, I loved the shorter boards, they were faster and more maneuverable. I love the glide of nice longer boards, too. I have always loved to grow and push myself with surfing. It's just so much fun and so creative. The fish has been my favorite surfboard design since 1970, but I love to ride a lot of different shapes, as well.

Who at that time was your inspiration and did you pick up any tricks from other surfers?

My main inspirations were Thomas Threinen, Skip Frye, Bunker Spreckels, John Riddle, Jeff Ching, Larry Gephart, Steve Lis, John Brockway, Larry Bertlemann, Shaun Tomson and of course, Steve Pendarvis.

Jeff Ching was especially inspirational because his surfing was extremely quick, and stylish and smooth. Jeff was the first stand-up surfer to ride a fish, and I was in the water when he first borrowed Stevie's kneeboard and began surfing it standing up. Shortly thereafter Stevie shaped Jeff his own fish. Most of the early fishes were 4'6-5'6.

Soon, Tom shaped me a 5'2" fish, and this little board changed my surfing. It was so free and fast, almost like a bar of soap skating across the water.

My first fish had hard down rails that were inspired by some of the edge boards that Bunker was riding at the time. I loved helping build this fish and glassed it and made the fins.

Tom was a stylish longboarder in the 1960s, and made the transition to shortboards. He was inspired by George Greenough and fell in love with kneeboarding. Tom built himself spoons, tri plane hulls and fish kneeboards.

He, Stevie Lis, John Brockway and other kneeboarder friends, Louis Greco, Mitchell Pelegrin, Marshall Myrman, the Huffmans, Mark Skinner and others... their deep tube riding was inspirational.

Cher surfing a 5'5" fish in Mexico, 1974. Shaped by John Belik and glassed by Cher. This was Cher's fourth fish and she still has it. The photo was used on the press release for the first ever women's pro contest, The Hang Ten Women's Pro Malibu, 1975.
photo by Tom Threinen

Bunker Spreckels was a very creative surfer, who was very fun to surf with and died tragically at the age of 27. During the early 1970s era that Bunker was around, we rode edge boards with small fins or finless, and were speeding sections and then slowing the fast little boards by slipping/sliding 360s and helicopters similar to the folks riding finless boards now. I became fascinated with tube riding and loved traveling the coast with our kneeboarder friends in search of barrelly waves.

When we were working at Surfing Magazine in the late 1970s, I met Shaun Tomson, whose tube riding was ground-breaking. We got to see Dan Merkel's first shots of Shaun at Off the Wall when he first brought them in to Surfing.

Shaun kindly gave me pointers on tube riding and shared ideas for a board that Mike Casey shaped me for Hawaii. At that time, we also met Larry Bertlemann, and surfed with Larry, and other inspirational Hawaiian surfers on the North Shore.

---

Please stay tuned for Part Three tomorrow!

Surf Fridays!

2009-11-27T09:23:00.000-08:00

“The first time I saw surfing was in 1956 and I was 6 years old. My mom and I were living in Oahu, having moved there from our native California, as my father was deployed on a ship in the eastern Pacific. Mom and I loved to watch the surfers gliding on the waves, like dancing on water...I dreamed to surf from that day on...” Cher Pendarvis

Riding the 6'9 shaped by Tom Threinen at OB jetty in winter 1968-9
photo courtesy of the Cher Pendarvis photo archive

I was fortunate to meet Cher Pendarvis at the Mattson Family Art Benefit. She had generously donated two photographs and I remember being impressed that there were several guys who were trying to outbid each other like mad for her photos. I first learned of Cher actually, by reading photographer Liz Cockrum's blog. The more I learned, the more I wanted to know.

Cher has an amazing life story with surfing. She taught herself at a time when there weren't many other girls surfing. Initially discouraged by her parents, she had to hide from them for a while that she was learning to surf.

Cher glassed boards and made fins for friends to help work her way through college and she was one of the first ever women's professional surfers.

Off the lip at OB Jetty, January 1969
photo courtesy of the Cher Pendarvis photo archive

Cher was also the first woman on staff at Surfing Magazine & surfed with Bunker Spreckles and Shaun Thomson. Now a self-employed artist working with her husband Steve Pendarvis, Cher is an every day surfer who loves to share her stoke with others.

As this is being published, Cher is on a flight to Oahu to attend and help with the Rell Sunn Aloha Jam and work on some projects with friends.

For this interview, we shared a lot of emails back and forth and one of the most poignant things Cher said to me was, “There's just so much enthusiasm and excitement about the past and present, and I am so grateful to be a surfer, ocean woman.”

May we all be fortunate enough to feel like that. This will be a 3-part series and I hope you enjoy as much as I did, learning more about this special lady.

---

I was really curious why your parents didn't support you surfing - did they think it was dangerous for a girl?

My stepfather was a navy officer who did not like surfers; he thought all surfers were bums. Keep in mind that for many, the surfing lifestyle represented freedom and fun, kind of wandering and bohemian, and back in the 1950s-early 1960s that could be scary to someone who had grown up in the depression in the mid-west like he had; My stepfather was very bitter.

And you borrowed boards until you saved up enough to buy your own - did you surf without your parents knowing, for awhile?

Yes. I had to sneak to the beach for awhile.

Practicing a hard bottom turn on 9'6" Dewey Weber Standard Speed
photo courtesy of the Cher Pendarvis photo archive

You were first entranced with surfing while living in Oahu - is that also where you learned to surf?

We lived in California, Hawaii, The Philippines, Japan and for a few years in Florida. I first saw surfing at Waikiki when my Mom and I were living on Oahu in 1956, when I was 6 years old. My Father was deployed on a ship in the Pacific. I remember we were so excited, "Mommy, it's like they're dancing on water!"

My Mom and I dreamed of surfing then, but instead I was enrolled in ballet classes. After Hawaii, we lived in The Philippines and Japan, and moved back to California in the Bay area.

When I was 11-12 years old, I taught myself how to swim and practiced ocean swimming to be more comfortable in the water, still carrying the surfing dream... and getting ready for surfing.

1966, Florida Gulf Coast, first time riding her second board
Photo courtesy of the Cher Pendarvis photo archive

My first wave was when I was 13, on Easter weekend in St. Petersburg, Florida, on a hollow lifeguard paddleboard. I asked Mom if I could ask the lifeguards if I could paddle out on the lifeguard board and she said OK. Mom was an artist and more free-spirited than my stepfather, and vicariously wished she could surf (even earlier when we were in Hawaii in the 1950s).

It was exciting to begin surfing, and yes, I did have to "sneak" to the beach for awhile after that first outing on Easter. Most people thought that "girls don't surf!"

I began meeting people when their boards would wash up on the beach, and I'd ask if I could ride a board when the person was done. I taught myself.

What was the ratio of girl to boy surfers at that time?

The hard-core surfers were mostly young guys, and there were a few girls. My stepfather wanted to retire in Florida and it was hard for my Mom and I to leave our native California. My parents moved from California to Florida's west coast during my last year in Junior High school. There were surfers in St. Petersburg, but they were a closed group until I got to know them better.

I looked forward to returning to California, and did so after graduating high school.

Sunset Beach, Florida, 1967 with a 9'8" Surfboards Hawaii Model A, named "Mr. Tricks"
photo courtesy of the Cher Pendarvis photo archive

What did your Mom say when she finally saw you surf?

My Mom saw me surf a bit in my teens and she was supportive. My Mom passed away from cancer in the summer of 1968 and I was not yet 18. Very heartbreaking.

When you saved up to buy your first board, how much did it cost and what board was it? What color was it?

My first board was a used 9'7 O'Hare that had been broken in half and repaired. It was very heavy and cost $45 at the shop where I was patching dings. It had a thick redwood stringer and a wide, diagonal green stripe where it had been repaired.

It took me all summer of patching dings at the surf shop and doing chores to earn this board. I asked my stepfather and Mom if I could bring it home and he replied, "Well you earned it, you can bring it home."

Did you compete?

Yes. In the winter of 1971-1972, Skip Frye talked with me at Sunset Cliffs when I was riding one of my fishes and told me that I was one of the best women and should consider competing. I was blown away. Skip has always been very kind and supportive of our surfing and board building. I did not know about the other women, as I had not competed in the US Championships. I was working hard on college studies, working on boards and surfing mostly at the cliffs, and Baja.

In March of 1974, Skip told me that Jericho Poppler was founding Women's International Surfing Association with Nancy Katin and some other women, and he gave me a recommendation and contact information to call Jericho. I then became a founding member of WISA. Skip encouraged me to follow up, make friends and compete.

1974-1975, I worked hard to compete in WISA and earned a ranking that qualified me to be one of the first ever women's pros, I was in the top 3 on the West Coast as an amateur going into the pro events.

photo courtesy of the Cher Pendarvis photo archive

In September 1975, I placed in the first ever Hang Ten Women's Pro at Malibu in 1975, even winning over Margo Oberg in an earlier heat, and but she came back to win the event and I placed. Later Margo complimented me as a groundbreaking, creative surfer from California. Margo is a great competitive surfer and a true champion.

I did not stay with professional surfing for long, due to my family situation at the time. And I was not able travel to Australia and South Africa when I was invited to surf in those Pro events.

When Margo Oberg said your surfing was groundbreaking & creative - did you already kind of realize that it was? What a compliment!

Yes, what a wonderful compliment, from Margo, I was very honored. I knew that we were riding unusual, creative boards that we were building, and my Channin boards were unusual and new/creative for the time. We were blending inspiration from my early fishes with some of Mike Casey's ideas, even in the mini guns that he shaped for me at that time.

5'2 fish shaped by Tom Threinen and glassed by Cher in 1970

photo courtesy of the Cher Pendarvis photo archive

---

Please stay tuned for Part Two tomorrow!

Oahu: Part Three

2009-11-25T12:06:00.000-08:00

Oahu: Part Two

2009-11-25T10:31:00.001-08:00

Oahu: Part One

2009-11-25T10:19:00.000-08:00

Surf Fridays!

2009-11-20T16:17:00.000-08:00

Aloha from the island of Oahu! Jay and I spent a couple of days surfing in Waikiki and I am proud to say that on Wednesday, we surfed twice in one day. And yesterday was my birthday, and I got to surf. It was the very first time I've ever surfed on my birthday.

I am very happy here. We drove to the North Shore yesterday afternoon and are in awe of its beauty. We are staying in a beautiful cottage that comes with two bicycles and on the property there are two sheep, some chickens and a cat. The roosters start crowing before the light breaks, but we don't mind. And, I just ate some fresh pineapple.

I am pretty excited so I have to tell you that just a couple of hours ago, we went to Ted's Bakery and ran into our wedding photographer, Adam Palmer. This was after I read a book in our cottage last night about the North Shore, and then noticed that he was the photographer! Adam had the day off and was taking his kids to jump off the rock at Waimea.

Oh yes, we ran into Jay Adams at Ted's, too! But just before we stopped in the bakery for that chocolate haupia cream pie, we spent a little time on the beach with Buttons.

photo by Jay Watson

Buttons is an open, kind and generous person. Here we are at Backyards this morning. Very windy. I think it was a good hair day for Buttons, but not for me.

Now, Jay and I are going to go check out Velzyland, Pipe and maybe take a jump off of "da big rock". Reporting from the North Shore, this is PLuv wishing you much Aloha and a very happy Surf Fridays.

p.s. To see what Buttons has been up to lately, check out this great interview on Liquid Salt.

Surf Fridays!

2009-11-13T16:20:00.000-08:00

all photos © Jay Watson Photography

PineappleLuv was very impressed with some blog posts this week from a handsome and talented photographer by the name of Jay Watson. It's a gorgeous series depicting Northern California surfers during "Our Only Summer Swell". I decided to do this interview in person, over leftover Chinese food. And it was all business - there was no kissing or hand-holding.

Jay, what are some nicknames you have?

Juice, JDub, J-dawg. And my dad calls me Buck.

What are the best few songs you've heard in the past few days?

My Kingdom, Echo & the Bunnymen; Caribou, The Pixies; Shimmy Shimmy Ya, Old Dirty Bastard.

Why does classical music make you "hyper"?

Because it's associated with being soothing and because I don't like that style of music, it makes me want to break something.

What is your favorite iPhone app besides email? They're all tools. With the Wordpress app I can update my blog. I use SportsTap for NBA scores. Shazam is crazy technology. I can't believe it actually works.

What are some things you've always wanted to do that you've never done before?

- Ride a horse while shooting a gun
- Steal a car while shooting a gun out the side of a window while turning a corner with the wheels screeching
- A 24 hour solo mountain bike race
- I want to be sent to Japan for work
- And build a log cabin.

Do you have a favorite shot from your series this week?

Probably the overhead shot of the little grommet climbing down the cliff.

You are going to Oahu next week. What are you most excited about?

Waves.

What is your favorite meal that I cook?

That arugula rice dish or the chicken lime soup.

Most influential photographer that you've never met?

Robert Frank.

I was going to ask you what equipment you are using these days, but instead I want to hear something you talked about recently - about how "what" you are shooting with doesn't matter...

I hate how photographers get obsessed with the tools. Filmmakers and photographers are like that but other artists aren't. I don't like the purity of "Oh it's film or it's digital". They're just tools. I could go on, but it's almost as simple as that.

What is the most fun shoot you've ever been on?

Probably something for Garage Magazine. Maybe Bobby Green at the El Mirage Desert. Such a beautiful place, amazing light and car...

Do you have anything fun planned for your interviewer this weekend?

We have to pack!

---

Thanks J-dawg. Currently you can catch Jay's work in the November issue of Inked Magazine - the Freddy Corbin feature.

November is a Good Month for Magazine Covers

2009-11-10T12:28:00.000-08:00

Issue 289 of Surfing World Magazine - Australia's oldest surfing magazine, since 1962. Illustration by Oscar "Ozzie" Wright. Beautiful magazine.

The Guest Editor Issue of Surfer, November 2009. I love this cover of Ryan Burch. Photo by Todd Glaser. Joel Tudor does a bang up job, everything stood out to me. Very artistic. Inside cover says, "Surfing is so diverse; for everyone it has a different meaning and purpose in their lives. For me surfing is a tribe, not a f--king sport. It's my family. I wanted to give readers a small taste of what inspires me every day, so this is a piece of my world." - Joel Tudor

updated to include an awesome cover of Nordic Surfer's Mag - illustration by the one and only Seamouse. Congratulations, Seamouse!

My interview in Liquid Salt Magazine

2009-11-08T13:36:00.000-08:00

Hi you guys, have you seen the new Liquid Salt Magazine? Glenn Sakamoto did an interview with me and it was really fun to answer his questions.

Refueled Magazine + an interview with Chris Brown

2009-11-07T15:26:00.000-08:00

An interview I did with Joe Conway, editor of Drift, was published in the most recent issue of Refueled Magazine. I wanted to get to know the man behind this hip, online magazine. Let's see what I found out about Mr. Chris Brown...

Chris, you are quite the producer and publishing magnate. You have an online magazine, Refueled, a fashion blog called Fuzz and a surf/skate inspired blog called Choka. And it all started with the popular Urban Prairie.

Yes Jamie, it did seem to start with Urban Prairie. That lifestyle brand did attract a lot of attention for me very quickly.

Now in its 4th issue, what is your vision for Refueled?

Refueled has grown so much, so fast. The new issue that dropped this week is the closest I've come to producing what I envisioned the magazine to be - look, content & vibe. Refueled is a total labor of love and I just want to share with people the things I dig, and if they dig them too then that's really cool.

You have such a great sense of style - your work really stands out. Is your background in design?

My background is in design & advertising. I've been designing my world around me in one way or another my whole life it seems. Design, music, fashion, decor, film have all played a big part in my life and inspire me everyday.

You are also a stylist and collector - what was your very first collection, and what is your favorite collection of all time?

My first collection as a kid was anything having to do with "Planet of the Apes". My favorite of all time? That's a really hard one. From my vintage scissor collection, vintage three-legged metal stool collection to my collection of random oddities - they all mean something different to me.

I bet you have long been a magazine lover. What magazines do you subscribe to? And what was your favorite magazine as a teenager?

I'm a huge magazine lover, but surprisingly I don't subscribe to any. To me there is something about going to the book store and picking out my favorites once a month. As a teenager my favorite magazines were MAD and Circus. I still own most of them today. When Raygun came out I knew I'd be publishing a magazine one day.

It's interesting and sad in these times to see so many magazines going under. Have any of your favorites disappeared and how are you viewing the future for online magazines?

I can't say that any of my favorites have disappeared. A lot of my favorites wouldn't even be considered mainstream publications. I feel the future of online publishing is wide open. There are so many possibilities. I don't think the surface has even been scratched yet.

I know it's a lot of work and there is so much involved - what is your favorite part about putting a magazine together?

With the small staff/contributors of the magazine there is indeed a lot of hard work, but once the issue goes online and the comments start coming in it's all worth it. I'm very lucky and honored to work with some really great people. They help me shine. I love the whole process of putting it together. From conceiving ideas, suggesting features to on-location photo shoots and designing the spreads - it's all rewarding watching it come together in the end.

Do you have any pets?

I do, two cats. My wife and daughters idea.

How did you come to live in Dallas, Texas?

For most of my 20's I toured as a musician. Dallas is where we decided to call our home base because of our management. Been here ever since.

What's your favorite bar in Dallas?

There are lots of great bars in Dallas and Fort Worth. The Deep Ellum area in Dallas is a really cool place to hang out on a Friday or Saturday night - great local and national acts, tattoo shops and cool dives.

What's your favorite way of blowing off steam?

To grab my long board and hit the streets.

What is the last vacation you took and where do you want to go next?

My last vacation was surfing in Maui. I'll be hitting a lot of the West Coast early next year with the magazine. Those trips always feel like a vacation to me.

What is your favorite tattoo and who was the artist?

All my ink is done by a guy name Nick from Epic Tattoo in Fort Worth. I have a very small 07 on my wrist that have quite a bit of meaning behind it. My birthday is July 7. So in 2007, on 07-07-07 I got that tattoo. Once in a lifetime baby!

What are you most excited about right now?

I'm always excited about what the future holds. 2010 is already turning into what might be my busiest year yet. In the Spring I will be launching a skateboard line called Refueled Sidewalk Surfboards. A little throw back to my youth. I also have a series of Refueled Books coming out - collaborations between myself and some very cool photographers, so I'm pretty stoked about those things. Producing and directing a few more little films. And of course, two more issues of Refueled magazine. That should keep me busy enough.

photo by Michelle Brown

---

Thanks a lot, Chris. I truly can't wait to see what you come up with in the future.

Peeps, check out page 78 in Refueled Magazine issue 4, for my interview with Joe Conway. This issue has a great cast of characters - including a photo spread by Ryan Tatar (pg. 12), and a very cool interview with Shawn Stussy (pg. 56).

Surf Fridays!

2009-10-30T13:24:00.000-07:00

This really made me smile... a past Halloween at Blackies.

Beware of the ghosts in the waves tomorrow... legend has it they like to haunt the waters on Halloween. They like to spook you into taking off late. But you know, the ghosts get really angry if you pick up trash at the beach on your way out. They really hate that.

Have a booooo-tiful weekend!

Trouble

2009-10-19T19:01:00.000-07:00

Inscription reads:

TROUBLE
1956-1965
He was no trouble.

The little pet cemetery in San Francisco's Presidio is so sweet. I happened upon it years ago and took this photo. The last line in the inscription brings a little tear to my eyes. It's definitely worth a look at some of the other markers.

Surf Fridays!

2009-10-16T14:39:00.001-07:00

Yesterday morning, Jay and I spontaneously got up extra early to go to the beach and check out the waves before work. They were supposed to be pretty big, but it was a lot bigger the day before. We shoulda been there yesterday, as the saying goes.

This little break on the south side of Linda Mar is called Boatdocks. Way out past that tip of land is a section that no one usually surfs. One guy was out there surfing and catching some pretty large waves. We figured we'd drive up the hill to check that out later.

But first we sipped our coffee, watched the dog chase sea birds and enjoyed sights like this one.

Once we drove up the hill, we watched things from a different angle. This young fellow came out to sit on his chair and watch the surf scene, and about 10 minutes later he'd had enough sitting and went to get his board.

We watched that guy who was by himself come all the way in, and Jay said, "I bet you that's Jeff Clark". Sure enough, Jeff Clark comes walking up dripping wet and had parked next to us. We told him we were enjoying watching him surf and he said, "Did you see that sketchy take off on the last one?"

Fun fact - Jeff Clark surfed Mavericks alone for 15 years before it was widely discovered. The dude is amazing.

We're all amazing in our own way. Have a great weekend. 10-4 good buddies.

Dear Diary: Part Two

2009-09-29T13:52:00.001-07:00

February 22

Dear Diary,
today Mary Ann D. asked me if I would be in her club.
There are lots of people I know that are in it. I said I would.
The name of the club is Wild Cats.
We are going to do lots of fun things in it.
Mary Ann built a fort and so did some other people.
We are going to put a board over it and paint it so it looks like dirt, because we don't want anybody to ruin it.

Group Art Show at the Shooting Gallery, SF

2009-09-26T17:45:00.000-07:00

Moral: Never salt the hide of a reckless man

Jay and I are in a group art show on September 26, hosted by the Hell's Belles Car Club of San Francisco. I donated the piece above, a collage on a found redwood plank. Normally I work with paper, so this was good challenge for me.

The silent auction is at the Shooting Gallery at 839 Larkin and 100% of the proceeds benefit the Bay Area Women & Children's Center SF. At 8pm, there is a Pinewood Derby car race.

Artists with work up for grabs at the Derby Silent Auction:

Amandalynn, Shawn Barber, Brandon Bird, Clare Judith Bowers, Ben Collison, Joanna Crawshaw, Dave Crosland, Carlos DaSilva, Andrea DeHart, Randy Dodson, Craig Travis Harris, Jeff Hibben, Makoto, Frank Kozik, Big Al Lopez, Michael Murphy, Jeremy Natividad, Jamie O'Keefe, Isabel Samaras, Nicole Steen, Jeff Stevens, Bryn Taylor, Sherwin Viray, Jason Vivona, Jamie Watson, Jay Watson, Brian Bounds and MORE.

Thanks to dynamo Jamie O'Keefe for inviting us to participate. Check out her '63 Falcon.

Surf Fridays!

2009-09-25T08:03:00.000-07:00

It was dinner and a movie. But not just any movie and not just any dinner. It was Dear & Yonder at the Pie Ranch in the sleepy town of Pescadero.

The Pie Ranch crew. The gentleman in the hat is the one who shot the wild boar for our dinner.

The stylin' sounds of The Mattson 2. What you can't see is that to the right, there are a group of little children mesmerized by the music, swaying and bobbing.

Also you can't really tell from this photo, but the chickens were dancing. They really liked Jonathan's drumming.

Dear and Yonder Dinner

Homemade bread and local wine

Best date night all summer. (A down jacket will only seem strange if you've never been to northern California in the summer).

JP from Sea Level Farm. He supplied the organic tomatoes and green beans and we heard he's a wicked surfer.

Wholesome enjoyment

Tiffany Morgan Campbell and Andria Lessler introducing their film.

After the movie it was time for some art. Board shaped by Ashley Lloyd and painted by Serena Mitnik-Miller.

I was very keen on seeing Dear & Yonder because it's a surf film for ladies, about ladies. I was stoked when I found out that it was playing nearby, and there was the option to have a farm dinner, too. It sounded like heaven. And it was, it really was.

Imagine driving along the country coast for miles, and turning onto a dirt driveway marked by a small wooden sign. You walk down a long road, past a few barn structures until you see a gathering of friendly looking people. You get a wine glass filled with a local wine and just ahead you see many long, wooden tables pushed together and decorated with big flowers in mason jars.

On this evening I added organic farmers to my list of heroes. The farmers that donated their food to this dinner are wonderful people, young folks and they are doing organic farming because they really care and they really like what they're doing. JP in the photo above, has been farming for 14 years. He kind of fell into it, he told us, but loves doing it. And it's hard work! Word on the street is that his tomatoes are legendary, and they tasted like it.

Jay noticed how a lot of the food tasted "earthy" like it came straight from the earth, from good soil, right to the table.

After the delicious and leisurely meal, it was time to walk over to a barn and find a bail of hay to perch on or spread out a blanket. Organic popcorn with sea salt was available in a brown paper bag. They really thought of everything. Tiffany and Andria introduced their film while Thomas Campbell helmed the projector.

The movie starts with a comprehensive history of women's surfing with a voiceover by Tiffany. It then goes into modern surfing with gorgeous film shots of some of our best lady surfers today. The film mirrors The Present in that it has some comedy bits (and was also shot on film). I enjoyed the part where Ashley and Andy Davis took turns catching waves while the other watched their young son. One of them was taking more time in the water than the other and...well, I can picture that scenario down the road for Jay and I.

It profiled several dynamic women so that you get to know more about them and their artistry while riding a wave or shaping a board. There was also a cool skateboarding segment. For some reason I was very surprised when the movie ended. It was about one hour long but it seemed so brief. Maybe I just didn't want it to be over.

My most favorite part of the film was about a young woman named Liz Clark. She blew my mind. Liz is a young surfer, freedom seeker and environmentalist... who has been traveling around the world on her 40-foot sailboat for 3 years. She fishes for her meals, dives for seaweed salad and climbs coconut trees. She'll anchor her boat outside a break and surf for awhile. You can read about some of her adventures on her blog and in pages 52-63 of the current issue of The Surfers Journal.

Happy Surf Fridays everyone!

Dear Diary: Part One

2009-09-24T12:09:00.000-07:00

I found a diary I kept when I was in second grade. Classic.

January 16

I was ice skating
I fell on my face and got a bloody nose.

January 17

Today I tried out for the talent show.
I didn't make it.

California Coastal Cleanup Day

2009-09-18T13:12:00.000-07:00

The 25th Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day is this Saturday, September 19. For those of us in Cali, let's show some love for our ocean. It's from 9am - 12pm and there's a list of participating beaches, creeks, rivers and highways. They are collecting data and last year, volunteers picked up 1,600,000 pounds of trash.

Lately I've started to wonder what I can do to give a gift to those generations to come... and I think one of the greatest would be to give them a pristine ocean.

---

Let's stay educated and hopeful.

From the mouth of Ryan Burch

2009-09-14T17:49:00.000-07:00

My favorite quote right now is from Ryan Burch in Tom's Creation Plantation. (And you can apply this quote to making anything). Ryan is a young, insanely talented surfer, who started shaping his own boards and makes Alaia riding look like a piece of cake.

"We come from a generation where we can go to Wal-Mart and buy anything we need usually. Or, Costco is selling surfboards - let's learn how to surf.

It's not like the old days...people became craftsmen because when they were kids, they got tools to make their own toys.

(At this moment in the film, Ryan is smiling while making an Alaia).

We're trying to do it now. We're falling rather short, compared to what people have done in the past, but we're having fun doing it. And by having fun doing it, we're gonna get better at it eventually."

...good song though

2009-09-14T17:36:00.000-07:00

One of the funniest and worst things about YouTube are the comments:

"i'd like to punch them all in the face, especially the singer

good song though"

The Drums are from Brooklyn. New York's answer to the Japanese Motors? That's never fair to say, is it. Damn, I've hit replay 3 times. It's catchy. And they look FUN.

---

update: thanks Eddie Money! Free download of the tune here.

Great Party in San Diego Tonight!

2009-09-12T08:35:00.000-07:00

I love this poster! Who shot it and came up with the idea? I tried to ask Chris at Surfindian but he is probably too busy setting up the party. I so wish I could go to this tonight. Now I know firsthand that Chris Rule and Masa Rogers at the Surfindian know how to throw a great art opening and party. Say hi to Kai for me! (Coolest security guy ever).

Kassia's artwork is truly amazing. I loved this piece she donated to the Mattson Benefit. Huge, mixed media on wood. She has a website for her photography and a blog that she keeps current. I love the portraits that Liz Cockrum shot of her.

As for Chris del Moro, I'd love to see his work (click that link and check out slide 15; ladies, check out slide 18). From the Surfindian description: Chris is well-known for both his surfing and art abilities (you saw him in The Present riding alaias with Dave Rastovich). Chris will be showing a collection of mixed media original art featuring wood carvings, block prints and paintings. They will also offer two custom Bing surfboards featuring original paintings by Chris, and two wood-burnt alaias.

For the address and all that, check out the Surfindian website. Stay Classy, San Diego!

---

update: a few photos from the show on Surfline.

Surf Fridays!

2009-09-11T17:48:00.000-07:00

Cyrus holding handplanes that he made
Photo by Scott Sullivan

After meeting him and seeing his film, Under the Sun, I have come to admire Cyrus Sutton. Especially after learning of his newest project, Korduroy.tv. You've probably seen the trailer.

And I bet you heard about (or attended) the alaia shaping workshop at Patagonia in Cardiff last month. But did you know about the new film, Tom's Creation Plantation?

I watched Tom's Creation Plantation last night (trailer here). I wondered if I'd be bored during the "Alaia Creation Tutorial", as Tom Wegener shows us precisely how we can make our own alaia. But as it turns out, I was really into it. I truly appreciated the slow paced nature of the visuals and the wholesome subject matter.

The gentleman sitting next to me said, "I could do that". And I think that is the highest compliment, because it means that Tom and the filmmaker did an excellent job of showing us that if we wanted to, we could make our own surfcraft.

There is another portion of the film, the "Alaia Creation Surf Film", that shows all sorts of surfers riding alaias and having a great time. This was my favorite part of the movie. There are great bonus features, too, such as "Ding Repair".

Well, I had some burning questions on my mind, and I thought it would be fun to check in with Mr. Sutton...turns out it was enlightening as well.

Cyrus, what are you doing today?

Just got done hiking in the mountains after visiting with family. It was a great hike, no one around for miles.

What did you have for breakfast?

A can of beans and an apple on the trail.

At what moment did you realize you wanted to create Korduroy?

I woke in the middle of the night a couple of years ago and realized all I knew how to do was buy and sell things. Making films and ads, all you're really doing is selling stuff, you know? Being a child of the 80's I didn't know how to make anything myself. I think there's a lot of us out there who are in the same boat. Korduroy is my attempt to change that in its own little way.

Can you briefly describe your vision of Korduroy?

We are in a culture that associates happiness with owning new things. Surfing has taught me that that's bullshit. Happiness comes from enjoying what you have and connecting with something greater than yourself. Korduroy is just a place where surfers can watch others attempt to create things and hopefully be inspired to make something themselves.

In the surf film on the Tom's Creation Plantation DVD, I saw you riding an alaia really well! How often now are you grabbing an alaia to ride, vs. other surfboards in your quiver?

I'd say probably 40% of the time when I'm not logging at Cardiff or riding a shortboard at a local beachbreak.

You have been figuring out ways to do things naturally that are good for us and our environment. Can you tell us about a few of your discoveries - I believe you make your own sunscreen, your own wax for your board...OH and your own packaging for the DVD! Awesome.

I'm not trying to make some green statement. I just don't like making things out of toxic materials that make your skin itch and your lungs hurt, you know?

The sunscreen is one part zinc oxide, one part bee's wax and one part coconut oil. The most expensive organic sunblock at Whole Foods is basically oxidized metal like zinc or titanium dioxide and natural oils. The bee's wax makes it waterproof and there's nothing better for your skin or your body than coconut oil. So in the end you get a sunblock that's every bit as good as the expensive stuff for pennies on the dollar.

The surf wax is more of a novelty. It's two part bee's wax, one part pine resin and half part coconut oil, depending on the water temp you use it in. It smells great and works but it costs as much if not more to make than normal wax, so I'm not making a ton of it.

The packaging from our new DVD was made from cardboard boxes we found in dumpsters. We then stamped the cover from a block print, and bought these two centimeter diameter, self-adhering foam dots that you can get for like $30 for 1,000. The result is something that looks unique, is cheap to make and doesn't add any more needless plastic into the world.

How did you figure these things out?

Just through a few google clicks for the sun block and surf wax and I just came up with the DVD packaging.

Is Korduroy your main focus right now or do you also have another feature film on your horizon?

Right now just Korduroy thankfully.

What are you most excited about for this Fall?

I'm excited about sticking close to home, just hanging with my girl and my friends and making things.

I really liked a quote in Tom's Creation Plantation from Tom Wegener where he says, "Surfers have been missing out on so much by focusing on the 'perfect waves' instead of focusing on what's right here - because what's right here is what you have. And you're wealthy because you have it."

Do you resonate with that?

Oh yeah, there's so much we don't have and we're reminded of that every day. But it changes everything when you turn the tables on the mentality of scarcity and start focusing on the abundance all around us.

What is your favorite surf movie of all time?

I saw Surfing 50 States lately and I really liked where that was coming from.

In the Korduroy trailer, I got a kick out of the deep, booming voice and the line that mimics the commercial movie trailers..."In a World"... Whose voice is that!?

Voice 123...google it. It's this kickass website with thousands of voiceover artists. I had like 50 Don LaFontaine impersonators to choose from.

Thanks Cyrus, you rock. For more on Cyrus (and Ryan Tatar), check out this new interview on Drift.

Happy Surf Fridays!!!

Light My Fire

2009-09-10T09:30:00.000-07:00

Jay and I recently went to the local ACE Hardware which is not as boring as I thought it would be. I saw a 10-pak of Diamond "Strike Anywhere" box matches and realized I was out of box matches at home (which I love). Guess I hadn't been to any fancy bars lately, so why not pick these up for $1.57?

Then I had an idea...what if I decorated the matches myself? There happens to be Mod Podge at ACE, too (which is the coolest stuff). I could cut photos out of magazines and paste them on when I got home...

First, I decided to paint each side so that I wouldn't have to cut the magazine images so perfectly. I used some white flat wall paint that we had in the garage and poured some into my paper coffee cup. Easy. I was really getting into this!

Then, I grabbed all the magazines I had laying around and started cutting images. Choosing the images was probably the most fun and creative part. I used one box of matches to trace the shapes.

And finally, I pasted an image on each side. It was interesting to learn that some magazines had more suitable paper for this project. For example Surfer Mag's paper was pretty thin, and I had to baby it a little by getting air bubbles and creases out. Whereas Art on Paper rocked. I am certain the thick paper from a Surfer's Journal would be terrific, but I'm not cutting those up.

I really like lighting my candles with these. My favorite right now is Trapp No. 4 Orange Vanilla (2 oz votives). I know scent is a very personal thing, but I highly recommend these.

By the way, it's nice to be back. Thanks for your hello's recently.

A little bit of San Diego in San Francisco

2009-09-10T09:02:00.002-07:00

Lulu by Liz Cockrum

One of my favorite photographers, Liz Cockrum, is having a show in San Francisco. Liz is a very special person who I had the pleasure of meeting at the Mattson Family Art Benefit in June. She is pure talent and goodness (and happens to have excellent taste in music)!

Her work from Sirens will be at Gensler September 25 - December 7. The reception is this evening from 5:30 - 7:30pm. 2 Harrison Street at the Embarcadero, Suite 400.

It's going to be a hot one in the City today! (Looks like San Francisco summer has begun). Duck in for some cool refreshments and bask in the glow of these female photographers.

Check out more of Miss (soon to be Mrs.) Cockrum's work via her blog and her website.

Kauai no ka 'oi

2009-08-12T17:30:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Kauai through the eyes of filmmaker Philip Bloom.
Music by Brian Eno.

Hello

2009-08-08T09:41:00.000-07:00

Hello there and how are you? I've been feeling a little quiet and a little uninspired as well as feeling an aversion to the computer.

But I can tell you that I'm reading two good books. The first one is called Four Arguments for the Elimination of Television, by Jerry Mander. Jerry used to be a big advertising executive in San Francisco, and his perspective is highly intelligent and thought provoking. The book was written in the 1970s but is completely relevant today. I first learned about the book in this interview with Barry McGee, who was recommending it.

The second book is called Folk Medicine, A New England Almanac of Natural Health Care From a Noted Vermont Country Doctor, by D.C. Jarvis, M.D. This book was written in 1958 and I love reading it. Written by an ear, nose & throat doctor, he knew it would be important to earn the trust of his Vermont patients by learning about their tried and true remedies. These remedies go back five centuries and the doctor discovered how well they worked and intelligently outlines them in this little book. Three words: Apple Cider Vinegar.

I've been picking ripe blackberries on my walks with Devo. And I bought two big and tall heirloom tomato plants for $5 each from a farmer in Los Altos. I'd feel proud of myself if I learned how to grow some of our own food.

Jay and I have tickets to see Echo & The Bunnymen in October. My two favorite songs are All My Life and The Killing Moon.

photo by Adam A. Palmer

Jay and I celebrated our two year anniversary on the same day that Seamouse got married.

I visited my grandparents' grave last weekend for the first time since my grandmother's funeral in 1986. It was a lovely thing to do and was not quite as hard as I thought it would be. I told Jay that I was thinking of either taking Devo to the beach or going to see my grandparents, and he said, "Let's go see your grandparents". And that is one of the many reasons why I married him.

Ever since the visit, I've been feeling things a little more deeply, which might be why I've been feeling quiet. Thank you for the nice comments lately and I'll see you really soon. Much love.

Surf Fridays!

2009-08-07T23:59:00.000-07:00

all photos by Jack Brull

I haven't been able to stop thinking of these photos. They belong to photographer Jack Brull, who took them with his Diana when he was on vacation in Southern California. I highly recommend checking out his blog, Salt Stained Eyes, as well as his newer blog, Salt Stained Photography containing the cream of the crop, or as Jack describes it, "print-worthy" photos which are available for purchase. One of my favorites on the latter is in a post called Stoke.

Mr. Brull lives in New York and had a show at Mollusk earlier this year and from what I gather, he used to live in Southern California. Thanks for the eye candy, Jack.

Spanish Toast

2009-07-30T12:56:00.000-07:00

Spanish Toast is something I learned from my ex roommate's ex boyfriend, Jaume. He was from Catalonia, Spain and showed us this delicious recipe one morning. It is nice to look back on all of the fun things you experience by having roommates. Like the time one of them used my coffee grinder to grind up marijuana for special brownies.

Spanish Toast

Ingredients:

Hearty bread for toasting (sturdy sandwich bread or baguette)
Farmers market quality tomatoes
Nice tasting olive oil
Sea salt

Toast your bread. Drizzle olive oil on top of each slice. Cut your tomato in half and rub one half of a tomato over 2 slices of bread. Get all of the juices on it. Sprinkle with sea salt.

You're going to love it. You can have it with breakfast, as we did this morning with soft-boiled eggs, or you can have it any old time. It might be nice at dinner with a bit of garlic on top.

Bon Appétit!

Weekend Swell at Steamers

2009-07-27T15:03:00.000-07:00

Surf Fridays!

2009-07-24T18:33:00.000-07:00

photo by Doc Ball
"After the Storm" 1938

Text reads, "We had surfin' to take care of everything. Long as there's waves, why, you didn't have to pay for those." Doc Ball talking about surfing during the Great Depression.

This photograph blows me away, I love it so much. I have a subscription to Foam Magazine, and found the gem in the current Aug/Sept. issue. There are some other delights in this issue, such as an interview with Deanna Templeton and an article with Mr. Captain Fin himself, Mitch Abshere - talking about his new film, You Scratched My Anchor.

You know, before Doc Ball passed away at the age of 94 in 2001, he remained quite active. I learned that he kept to a strict diet of lots of vegetables, vitamins, faith and skateboarding. Let it sink in - the man skateboarded while he was in his 90s.

Stay young now and always! You hear? Pinky swear!

xo

Surf Fridays!

2009-07-17T12:28:00.000-07:00

"Drift is going to be about “off the beaten path” things in surfing..." Joe Conway

Yesterday marked the launch of the new, North American version of Drift Magazine. She is a beauty, there for all of us to enjoy and provide many a daydream. PineappleLuv caught up with a very busy Joe Conway, Drift's editor.

Joe, as the Editor and no doubt pouring your heart and soul into it, what does Drift Magazine mean to you?

What does Drift mean to me? Over the past few years it became increasingly apparent to me that something amazing is happening in surfing. People are doing incredible, creative, inspiring things in a really unique, independent way—all revolving around surfing. I think the thing with this “movement,” if you want to call it that, is that people are finding ways to do what they want in life, creating community and finding fulfillment, which all some how relates to what we experience out in the water on a daily basis.

Whether that means making art, taking photos, putting on events, starting a small business, shaping your own boards, taking up a cause you feel strongly about, writing, making a film, playing music—anything, really—I think it’s all tremendously positive.

What do you want it to mean for the surfing community?

With Drift, I want to create a venue for people to share what they’re doing or what they’re into, because from what I’ve seen there are people who feel the same way all over the world. Connecting those people and spreading inspiration and stoke (why does this always sound so funny when I write it?) is the ultimate goal.

How did the North American version come to be?

Right now Drift is exclusively online. Howard Swanwick, the publisher in the UK, started Drift as an online publication and moved it into print for six issues last year. With the economy going south, it’s just become so difficult to do print—we’re also keeping an eye on the environmental component and print is never the most ecological option in that respect—and it was either a matter of letting the magazine go or simplifying things and taking it back online. For now, we’re stoked to just be doing it, creating something totally different from what’s out there in media.

How often will Drift be published?

We’re going to release “Feature” articles in our online reader as fast as we can put them together — we were fortunate enough to work with Joe Curren and Dane and Belinda for the first two, an incredible way to start. The idea with the reader that we created is to give photographers and artists the best possible format to display their work online.

It’s not print—we realize that, but we think we’ve managed to put together something that’s a solid alternative. The plan is to put out at least one print issue each year, hopefully a fully curated book of some sort, and if the opportunity to go into print presents itself... Ahh, we’ll figure it out.

What is your favorite place to surf in Maine?

My favorite place to surf in Maine? Good question, and I’d like to use it as an opportunity to address the issue of where we’re located. Yes. We’re based in Maine. Unusual, I know, but fitting if you ask me. Drift is going to be about “off the beaten path” things in surfing, so I guess it makes sense that we’re off the beaten path.

My partners and I—Jim and Justen—have all lived and surfed all over the place, the fact that we came into this magazine while living in Maine is basically a coincidence. It’s cheap, low key and the surf is good, empty and cold. All of these things are good when you’re trying to start something like this in a down economy with no corporate financial backing.

The good news is also that, in this day and age, we’re not really anchored in one place or another because we have contributors in California, Oregon, Washington, Mexico, BC, Lake Superior (now THAT’S hardcore), up and down the East Coast, Hawaii, Brazil, South Africa, the UK and Australia. Notice how I skillfully avoided divulging my favorite spot?

What tunes or albums were most frequented in your playlist while finishing the first edition?

Favorite albums throughout the launch process? Great question. I’ve been relying on some old favorites and a little new stuff. One album that never gets any rest is Neil Young’s “Everybody Knows this is Nowhere,” the title track can open my eyes no matter how little sleep I’ve been getting. Rolling Stones “Beggar’s Banquet” is another one.

Jenny and I saw Vetiver recently and their label-mate Papercuts opened. We’ve been pretty into them ever since, it’s great 60’s style psych-pop, with some updates.

When I need to relax a little I have these two albums, “Jazz Samba”-- Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd, and “More of that Guitar Country” by Chet Atkins. Two random dollar bin finds, but they’re so good after along day. The key is to listen to stuff on vinyl while you’re working because then you have to get up every 15-30 minutes to flip the record over. It lessens the office atrophy.

Joe rockin' the 5 mil in Maine
photo by Bryan Thomas

Ahh, good advice indeed. Thank you very much for your time and thoughtful answers, Joe, and for the quality and hard work you will be putting into this publication. I know there is an entire community ready to dive into Drift.

Joe is truly the best. If you want to check out more of his creative endeavors, you'll find him at Wool, Wood and Whiskey and at The Pine Haven Collective. And don't forget, Joe is the talented one who did this amazing piece.

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You can also follow @DriftSurfing on Twitter.

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Last but not least, check out this nicely written piece on the Mattson Benefit in the first edition.

Happy weekend everyone!!!

Noir Beach

2009-07-13T00:03:00.000-07:00

It was a hot afternoon in the city. The girl and her dog decided to get out of town and head over the hill to the place known as Half Moon Bay. Jay would meet them there later after his business at the skate park. With only a sweater, sunglasses, lipstick and a leash, the two vagabonds hit the highway and made it to the water in 30 minutes flat. Good timing, she thought. Someday she might live here, but for now, a visit would do. Checking out the scene, all looked fairly quiet. The dog did his own surveying out the window. After some time on the wet sand, they both looked at each other and said, Let's go. The phone rang. It was the man calling. He said he was on his way to the brewery - would we meet him there? Sure, sure, we'd be delighted. A stout for the man, a summer ale for the lady, a bite of hamburger for the dog. As the sun set into the Pacific Ocean, the night became black and sweet dreams were not far behind.

Photos from the Mattson Family Art Benefit

2009-07-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

Jared Mattson

Ray Barbee wowing the crowd. Ray is also a photographer and contributed a photograph to the auction.

View from the sidewalk of the crowd inside the Surfindian

Winning bidder of Ryan Tatar's photograph

San Diego shaper, Josh Hall

Beautiful boards and artwork

Artist Chivo, the winning bidder of a piece by Kyle Field

The winning bidder of work by Heather Brown

The curator (wink, that's me) and Jessica Nichols. My necklace and earrings are by Rusty Petals.

Beautiful photos all mounted on wood

Patron of the arts, Daniel Santovin

At last, the photos are available here! If any of the artists would like any, I'd love to e-mail them to you.

Bodysurfing

2009-07-08T12:30:00.000-07:00

The other day I was thinking a lot about bodysurfing and how pure that is. I think it was in the film Archy that a surfer in San Clemente was saying that a few generations ago, kids started out learning how to bodysurf before learning to surf. That sounded kind of cool to me. My dad grew up bodysurfing in Long Beach and taught my brother and I how to do it when we were kids. It's a fond memory.

Bodysurfing is a thrilling little ride. Sand rubbing on your skin and all in your twisted suit. Jumping back in. Throwing yourself at the wave. Everyone can do it!

I'm going to do it again.

Well, then this beauty came out. Bodysurf #3. Ryan Heywood, who are you exactly?

These stole my heart.

Isaac Brest - Puerto Rico

Travis Harder - California

Nathan Phillips - Hawaii

anonymous - Australia

For more, please look at Bodysurf #1 and Bodysurf #2. You can submit your own photo to Ryan, too. I love community projects.

This is who Ryan Heywood is.

Cool Things

2009-07-07T16:27:00.000-07:00

Handfangs
Geoff McFetridge screenprint

From interviews with Geoff McFetridge:

Q: How much does your environment play into your art?

A: I like to be in a place that is easy to occupy. I do not want to fight for my space in it. California is a place for dreamers, drifters, people staggering and wandering. You do not have to worry about bumping into anything, or anyone.

Ray Barbee Meets The Mattson 2

CD and DVD (by Tyler Manson) available now on Solitary Arts.

Extended Family Show at Corduroy

2009-07-03T14:52:00.001-07:00

Fun new show at Corduroy starts tonight! I love all of the artists in the show and I love the people at Corduroy. Wish I could be there. Someday, Portland, Maine...someday.

More info on their blog.