Monday, November 15, 2010

Making Us All Laugh Hard



Hana was all smiles as she walked in front of the stage during the auction. The auctioneer, Joe Teipel, was cracking so many jokes as he was calling for bids on great pieces of art. The portrait of Jack Johnson in the top photo was painted and donated by local artist, Daniella Antar-Power.

Thank You, North Shore Lifeguards


There were two showings of FIBERGLASS AND MEGAPIXELS, one for families with children at 6:30 and a second showing at 8:30 after the auction and live music.
Mom was on stage with Rick Williams, a member of the North Shore Lifeguard Association. Rick spearheaded the making of a very cool, short animated video by Drew Toonz detailing CPR techniques which was shown early in the evening.

On Stage with the Filmmaker


Craig Hoffmann is half of the brother team that made FIBERGLASS AND MEGAPIXELS. His brother, Derek Hoffmann, also a professional cinematographer, was in New York City on a job, so he couldn't be there to share the exciting North Shore premier of their documentary.

Mom Was There, too, of Course


Derek and Craig's Mother, Jill Jameson, attended her sons' big event and loved every minute of it!! She was so proud!

Keeping Everybody Safe and I Mean Everybody


Officer Bobby Harrison volunteered for the Sunset Beach Elementary surf movie fundraiser. He's such an asset to our neighborhood; always ready with a smile and good cheer. We're lucky he's part of the community. That's Bliss and Mom with him.

Puppies for Sale, Puppies for Sale!


When I was first born, Mom's students begged her for a "Surf Dog" of their own----so many litters have been born since then and this is the latest one. Right now there are two traveling towards South America, one heading by boat to the Galapagos Islands and the other to Uruguay and Patagonia. Remember, if you want your own pup, just visit the Haleiwa Farmers' Market on Sunday mornings and head to the children's tent. www.haleiwafarmersmarket.com

Swingin' and Singin'/Rockin' and Rollin'


Super Lucky Cat played during the intermission between showings of FIBERGLASS AND MEGAPIXELS. The music was happy and just right for this mellow crowd!! That's Woody in the middle with Ian to the left and Otis to the right. Rich was on the drums.

The Mother-Daughter Team


Mom and Jane had so much fun the night I put on the this literary fundraiser for Sunset Beach Elementary. DJane, her radio moniker, has a show broadcast from the University of Hawaii every Friday morning. It's called the LOVE SHOW and is live streamed around the world. Go to www.ktuh.org to listen. Expand your world.

Everyone at the event supported the school's summer reading project--"Right on Reader". It's a program that gets kids to read all summer long with the intention of having them bitten by the "Reading Bug" and turning them into lifelong learners.
Did you notice the beautiful painting behind Jane and Mom----it's by a very famous artist named Steven Power! He paints on surfboards too. Google "Steven Power" to learn more.

This is What it Looks Like


For those of you interested, this is the folder the students of Sunset Beach Elementary take home for the summer. They read a designated number of minutes depending on grade level, record it in their log, and bring it back when school starts. If they read the required number of minutes, they are honored at an assembly and presented with a "Right on Reader" t-shirt and a bag of goodies like markers, crayons, colored pencils, a sharpener, and healthy snacks (popcorn and nuts). Thanks to all who supported this fun and rewarding night.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Getting Ready for My Big Event


This is just the beginning!
I'm standing at the entrance to Waimea Valley with my pal, Robert Pascua. That's Waimea Bay in the background! Take a deep breath and sigh. Some individuals on the Mainland are shoveling snow, or a least getting ready to shovel snow!
We're heading to the North Shore premier of FIBERGLASS AND MEGAPIXELS--the best surf movie Mom has ever seen and she's seen plenty living at Sunset Beach for 37 years!
(Robert took this shot!) More to come.........soon!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

It's a Party! It's an Art Opening!


Haleiwa Cafe is the best place to eat breakfast in my little beach town, and soon it will be open for dinner on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. Step in to see one of the many "art" events put on by its owners, Jacqie and Duncan Campbell.

Looks Like Fun in There


Yes, step in a little closer and see what's happening on a Friday night in Haleiwa as surf season opens! Big waves are generated by storms in the northern hemisphere in Alaska and Canada during the winter months and the North Shore of Oahu at Sunset Beach is the first place the waves hit! Sometimes it sounds like a locomotive is coming our way as the giant surf pounds the reef.

The Artist & His "Collection of Characters"


John Bain from Capetown, South Africa, loves to joke around. His latest exhibit is a tribute to, "the Real North Shore". John captures the personality of each character, famous in our neighborhood (and sometimes globally), in his portraits.

If You Need a Haircut


Right across Kamehameha Highway from Cafe Haleiwa is Billy's Barbershop. Yes, and that's Billy holding me. This Chicago native was really enjoying the art and the show! To the right of Billy's portrait is Skilly and yes, he is a North Shore character (remember seeing him on my blog running the Menehune Surf Contest two weeks ago?) To the left of Billy is Bob Leinau, the President of the North Shore Outdoor Circle and a great volunteer in the neighborhood. Bob also built the Kuilima, now known as the Turtle Bay Resort, and ran Waimea Falls Park for 25 years, now known as Waimea Valley.

The Head Honcho


Randy Rarick is super famous because he's been running the Triple Crown of Surfing almost forever (he started it with Fred Hemmings long ago) and he always gives back to our community. Randy is so generous. He just spent $8,000 to have the City and County bike path, that runs along the beach roads, repaired so it wouldn't fall into the ocean at Sunset Beach. Bravo, Randy!

..........While in the Kitchen


That's Jacqie, the owner of Cafe Haleiwa, with her daughter, Megan (one of Mom's former students at Sunset Beach Elementary). They were preparing the appetizer/pupu table for John's art opening. Yummy, yummy------just a sample of what's to come on the dinner menu when the restaurant soon opens for dinner!
Megan also runs a vintage boutique and wine shop called Bonzer Front in the same building. It's great, so stop on by when you're in Haleiwa. It's right across from the post office.

Serving Breakfast for 29 Years


This is Duncan Campbell, artist and restauranteur, who put on John Bain's "Collection of Characters" show. Yes, Duncan is one of the characters, one of the real members of the North Shore community.

The Entertainer, the Disc Jockey


Kevan is on KTUH, the University of Hawaii radio station, almost every Saturday afternoon. Listen in and you'll be very happy you did. He plays great music! Doesn't he look like he likes to have fun!!
KTUH livestreams around the world: www.KTUH.org

Guarding the North Shore


Rick Williams has been a City and County of Honolulu lifeguard for almost 30 years and has saved many, many lives. He's also a great gardener and friend of mine (don't we look chummy!) who was named "Employee of the Year" for his tireless volunteerism and contribution to his profession. Go, Ricky!!

From All Over the World


One of the best things about the North Shore of Oahu is the diversity of its residents. I love it! Surfers and others who enjoy the ocean and tropical climate of Hawaii flock here to appreciate nature at its best. Gordon, an electrician and farmer and leather goods craftsman, is one of those people. He's from South Africa and has lived her a very long time.

Feeling Special


It was fitting for Cab Spates to give me lots of love. In this photo, he's giving me a little pat and telling me how much he likes me.
Cab is a surfer from Virginia Beach who has a yoga retreat and also gives great massages. (Mom just had one last week). He sets up his table at the Sunset Beach Elementary School Farmers' Market every Saturday, so stop by. Check him out at www.cabspates.com

So.........you've seen some of the characters from the North Shore as portrayed by John Bain.
Stop by Cafe Haleiwa and see lots more; the show/the surfboards will be up for awhile.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Did Someone Say, "Parade"?



Hartley was in a daze looking at the many children and dogs in their Halloween costumes at the Haleiwa Farmers' Market! They were all gearing up for the march down the middle of the market.
Remember, I'm there every Sunday from 9 to 1 doing an art activity with children. Join me!

And First Place Goes to......the Centipede


Yikes!! Paula dressed Lulu as the most dreaded insect in the Islands. It was a homemade costume and won raves from the judges, Annie and Pamela (they run the Haleiwa Farmers' Market). If you ever want to know more about the market, go to their website:
www.haleiwafarmersmarket.com

Taking Second Place.....


The "Party Girl" was tooooooo cute! Cute as a button! Jane dressed Leilei in high fashion with a very fancy Halloween headpiece. What a doll!
Don't you think?

Coming in Third.....Coming in Threes


These greyhounds were very, very active. Mom had a time getting them, especially the one on the left, to pose for the camera!!
It was quite funny-----just as the photo was about to be snapped, the pooch in the red and white outfit turned around---it kept happening and happening! Luckily their owner was patient and so was Mom. This Halloween Parade was lots of fun and laughs.

Right out of a Japanese Folk Tale


Go was dressed as "The Peach Boy", a little child found floating in a steam by an old Japanese woman who had been longing for a baby. I loved this homemade outfit, especially the banner. See if you can google "Peach Boy" and read the whole story.

Looking Beautiful as Ever


Luna is hiding behind a mask she made with Mom at the Keiki (child in Hawaiian) Korner. That was today's art activity for children, being Halloween and all. Remember, stop by and visit every Sunday morning. We're at the stop light at the far end of Haleiwa just as you are heading toward the North Shore beaches.

Heading Out for a Surf


Dena (holding me) and Jeannie made a quick stop by the Market on their way into Haleiwa. Notice their big, big boards sticking out the back of the truck? These women are "Stand Up" wave riders. It's something like paddling a canoe, but it's a giganticly thick, wide, long surfboard and you use a paddle to move yourself around as you are standing up. Sometimes, if you are brave enough, and if the surf is good enough, you can catch a wave!
Good luck girls!!
And a Safe and Happy Halloween to everyone!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Let the Games Begin.......


Here's Skilly, also known as the "Voice of the North Shore" and "Skil Johnson" with me at the annual Menehune Surfing Contest in Haleiwa at Ali'i Beach Park. This is an event just for kids. It was started 34 years ago by the Women's Surfing Hui whose leader was Rell Sunn.
Skil has been the director and involved since it's inception. As he stated, "The purpose of this contest is to bring the surfing families of Hawaii together for fun and fellowship"! Bravo to Skil and his co-director, Ivy.

Surf Stars on the Rise


So many children from all the islands come to the Menehune. All three of these girls were Mom's students at Sunset Beach Elementary. Ocean is holding the big, blue board, Nami's in the middle, and Kirra is closest to the info board which tells the contestants when to get ready for his/her 12 minute heat. This is such an exciting event-----all the children and their families spend the weekend at the beach having fun, greeting old friends, and making new ones.

It's a Family Affair


Reef and his dad, Ray, a Boat Master for Sause Brothers in Honolulu Harbor, were having a quiet discussion in the beach park after Reef's competition. When I asked this 3rd grader why he liked the Menehune, he quickly responded, "It's great because it's about having fun and being active"! I loved that he said that----what a terrific reason for being in the contest!
Did you notice the surfboards in the pickups in the parking lot?

A Surfing Legend and his Son


Myles Padaca, a Triple Crown of Surfing Champ, and his 5-year old son, Ikaika, joined other high profile surfing families at the Menehune. This contest is the staring point for many up and coming surf stars who will go on to become famous wave riders and have careers in the surfing world.

Recording History--One Surfer at a Time



Franco spent the whole weekend on the beach shooting the contest. He sure has the right gear! See what he's all about at HawaiianSwell.com

And Who Might You Be?


Lalu was giving me the eye and wondering what I was doing in the hands of her owner, Rocky Canon. Rocky's the announcer for the Menehune and, boy, was he doing a terrific job! He kept everyone on the beach informed and made us laugh, too, with his great sense of humor and wonderful wordplay!

With a Very Careful Eye


These are the judges who score the rides of each surf contestant. Karen, holding me, is the Head Judge. She would call out who was up and who was riding as the judges marked their scorecards. Of the five scores, the highest and the lowest are thrown out and the other three determine the points (0 to 10) garnered by the rider. You get points just for standing up.
The judges from left to right are John, Trevor, Tim, Matt, and Dougie. Bravo to everyone who supports and volunteers at the Menehune!

And Should You Need to be Safer


Jordyn was getting nose and tail guards put on her board by David. These guards protect the surfer from getting injured by a sharp or pointed edge and they also protect the board from getting dinged. David has been doing this for FREE (for the competitiors) for years and years. Find out more-- be a safer surfer: www.surfcohawaii.com

The Menehune Surf Contest heralds the beginning of surf season on Oahu's North Shore.
Watch for more to come on the dog's blog! Aloha.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Rollin', Rollin', Rollin' on the River


Emory and I are in a kayak paddling to a secret spot in Annapolis, Maryland. We just left her old family farm up the creek and were heading towards the Chesapeake Bay. The sun was out, a breeze was blowing, and I was having lots of fun waving to the passing boats and water skiiers. (Mom was paddling too. Can you see her legs?)

The Secret Spot


Should you ever be in Annapolis, Maryland, make sure you find your way to Cantler's. The atmosphere, the food, the locals---it's a great spot! Lots of restaurant goers come in by boat. We came in by kayak; it was easy and fun!

As I Said, Lots of Visitors Come by Boat


Annapolis is one of the oldest towns in Maryland and that's because it has such good waterways. There are boats everywhere. It's also where young men and women are taught to be sailors at the U.S. Naval Academy.
Because it's only about an hour north of Washington, D.C., put this port town on your list of sights to see when traveling to the Nation's Capitol.
Mike and Thomas were showing me around this area of Cantler's where the crabs and fish are processed.

Oh, it's Okay, I Don't Bite


Well, I am kind of a pet, but Cantler's manager, Thomas, let me in anyway, and boy was lunch yummy; a lump crabmeat crabcake!
Go to www.cantlers.com to see the full menu. One of the great advantages of living in Annapolis, or just visiting there, is CRAB!!

Did Someone Say, "Crab"?


Yes, when you are on the Cheaspeake and, especially, when you are in Annapolis at Cantler's, eating crabs becomes an Eastern Shore tradition. It's a two hour event----everyone gathers around a big picnic table, the waiter puts butcher block paper down, and then dumps a giant bushel (or half bushel) of spiced, steamed crabs in the middle and everyone digs in. Those mallets in the basket are used for cracking the crabs pinchers. You must have patience to participate!

A View from the Upper Deck


This little fellow, Aiden, from San Diego, was wearing a surfer t-shirt and I knew right away that we had lots in common. He was having lunch at Cantler's and was on vacation and so was I, and best of all, we both surf!
Isn't the view just spectacular!
Again, I recommend Cantler's when you are visiting Annapolis, Maryland.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Right Behind the Capitol


The Eastern Market, off Pennsylvania Avenue (the White House street), was built in 1873 and is the oldest continually running farmers' market in Washington. I love it there! The fresh food that comes from surrounding farms in Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia is fabulous. There are so many vendors selling art, good art, and crafts and other stuff, too. I took the Metro there and it was easy, so no matter where you stay in the D.C. area, make sure to put this market on your list of sightseeing adventures! See more at: www.easternmarket-dc.org

Recycled is Best!


This is one of the interesting booths at the Eastern Market. Morris Friend calls his work, Country Funk. He makes "one of a kind" functional pieces of art from 100 year old barn wood and deconstructed houses. The chalkboards were my favorite!

Buttons, Buttons, Buttons


I loved these button dolls! I guess I just like dolls in general. Hey, wait a minute, I think I can relate because I'm kind of a doll myself. What do you think? These dolls were made by a very special lady. Meet her in the next photo.

"I Never Dreamed I'd Be Doing This"


Well, one thing I like about farmers' market is talking to interesting people. Usually if you are selling something, you are friendly to your customers and that's what I've found to be true. I have made so many friends all over the world at the open markets.
Doris, the button dollmaker, was taking it easy and enjoying her day socializing with visitors and her friend who the next door booth at the Eastern Market. (Mom bought three pair of vintage earrings from Doris' friend.)
Again, make sure you visit here when you are in the Nation's Capital.

A Little History......and a Lot of History


This is the sign at Dollmaker Doris' booth.
I love Washington, D.C. for so many reasons! The sights, the trees, the wide streets, the Southern charm of this wonderful old city designed in 1791 by Frenchman, Pierre L'Enfant. Best of all, so many events and museums are FREE. It's a great place to vacation!
I recommend May, June, and September as the best months to visit; summer can be a little too warm and it can snow in the winter.