Tricky Hoedown was a HUGE success!

Tricky Hoedown was a HUGE success!

We raised thousands of dollars for cancer research

at the event boasting bands, food, drinks, silent auction,

dancing and loads of good times.

Pimp My Pumpkin Contest

“KISS Cancer Goodbye”

Rockin Roll All Night in the name of breast cancer. Peter (“Cat”) Criss, original KISS

drummer is a breast cancer survivor! Since October is officially Breast Cancer

Awareness Month, Peter wants to go a step further and make everyone aware that males can get breast cancer too! So grab your facepaint and your platform shoes, and join The Cat in bringing awareness for both men and women fighting this disease and help to KISS cancer goodbye!

Jay (Bird) Thompson

www.birdllc.com

Tha QC

“You're only getting old when you find that your regrets are taking the place of your dreams.” 

– John Barrymore

muzzleJab

muzzleJab summer launch party!  July 10th at Lounge 201 in DC. For those that don't know, muzzleJab is a clothing company that was created to raise money to help individuals battling cancer. Check us out at www.muzzlejab.com.  Do it!

New Zealand Art Exhibition

Click on video for slideshow of art exhibition

Just putting a plug about my art exhibition at the GreenRice Gallery in NODA in Charlotte for the month of July.  I will be the featured artist and the show will consist of artwork inspired from my recent 7 

month trip to 

New Zealand.  Let me know if you would like a postcard or have any questions.  Thanks!

Opening Artist Reception: 

Friday, July 2nd 

6-9 pm

Camp LuCK video - WATCH!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtX4rsGz5Gs

Camp LuCK

Camp LuCK

This past weekend was unbelievable!  Camp LuCK, a camp for kids with heart disease, held it's inaugural family camp!  Along with Rene' Herlong and reps from the Levine Cardiac Kids (Kim Jackson, Lisa McKenzie and Julia Davenport), we planned, organized and implemented this great experience!  We hosted 21 families (88 total people) at Camp Cherokee and witnessed positive transformations of these kids as well as the parents!  The staff of volunteers was comprised of past Camp Cherokee All Stars and several friends... and they ROCKED it! 

I can already say that I can't wait for next year!

Well, well, well...

They say all good things must come to an end...Damn!

I am officially back on US soil... Bittersweet I would say as my adventures in NZ/Aus have been unbelievable.  But it's good to be back nonetheless to see family and friends and create some fun experiences here.  The last week in Aus boasted an array of events including a Sydney Swans AFL match (legit) and officially surfing some waves(legit)!!  That's right, I caught my first waves and was PUMPED!  I can see how that mysterious drive to catch the next big one swells inside all surfers.  I want to be in the 'green room'..in tha tube!  What a feeling that must be.  

So here I am back in the Queen City and reflecting on the past 7 months...the friendships, the laughter, the adrenaline nervousness, the gorgeous countryside and landscapes, the incredible people watching, the work experiences, the conversations, and the list goes on and on.  Thanks to all those wonderful worldly individuals that made my experience a Killer one!!

What's next??  Well the blog 'ain't' over just because I am not traveling.  I am always looking and searching and seeking for adventures...that's the only way to be!  Currently I am working on 3 projects: 

-developing and directing Camp LuCK, a camp for kids with heart disease (may 21-23, 2010)

-Art Exhibition"New Zealand Experience" as the featured artist in the Green Rice Gallery in Charlotte (month of July, artist reception Friday July 2)

-Aggressive Launching of MuzzleJab Clothing Company, a clothing line that benefits cancer research

So I am excited to be back and indulge in life via other adventures.  Stay tuned and keep in touch!  And remember... "Twenty years from now, you'll be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bow lines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." 

Sweet As!

Mr. Cookie

Probably one of the most exciting yet insignificant persons we indulge in... he gives us hope without any tangible reasoning... but nonetheless, isn't that what life is about... the positive potential... the hope you contain in yourself and in others.  

I speak of Mr. Cookie!  Everyone knows Mr. Cookie!  He gives us inspiration in an outer shell. Don't we all search constantly for that motivation wrapped up in a tasty treat... whether it's via another person, a material thing, or a concept?  Yes, the most simple thing can help guide us into this "positive potential."  This is the power of attitude!  Attitude is the way you mentally look at the world around you. It is how you view your environment and your future. It is the focus you develop toward life itself.

  

Another avenue that also applies in addition to the seriousness of this, is the side of humor.  The funny take of it is the attachment you can add to the saying... put the words "in bed" at the end.  For example, my latest fortune was ... 'Versatility is one of your outstanding traits...in bed!'  HA!  Last night we were sitting at the dinner table and passed out the treats for everyone to be enlightened.  It was funny watching Tish's dad and his girlfriend add "in bed" at the end of theirs while Tish is sitting there and vice versa...Tish and her fiance' Ron had to add "in bed" to their sayings.  It was such a great moment.

So whether you believe in them or not, attitude and simple revelations can entirely swing your persona and life!  It can give you what you need... hope and laughter. 

His sur name is Cookie... his first name is Fortune. He rules!

people watching

Fascination!!  Random... Hilarious... Crazy... Eccentric... Smooth... Unpredictable... Beautiful... Not so much... Are you serious?  

I have a secret fascination...I am an Official unofficial Anthropologist!  Besides eating good food, studying people has to be my favorite hobby!  I like it so much that I actually enjoy a four hour layover at an airport!  Ahhh, people watching brings such a joy to my inner soul... looking, watching, observing various mannerisms and styles and walks.  So exciting to indulge in this art. 

We have been at the Blues and Roots Festival here in Byron Bay Australia for the past few days.   The music has been phenomenal with talented musicians like John Butler Trio, Gypsy Kings, Jack Johnson, Donovan Frankenreiter, Fat Freddy's Drop, and my new fav Ozomatli.   But the people watching has been equally enjoyable!  Thousands and thousands of individuals dancing to a beat of a different drummer.  Actions, sayings, colors, what they have on and what they dont have on, matching schemes, old school styles, futuristics, things I have never seen, characteristics, personalities and the list goes on.

It's absolutely fascinating!  I invite you to take a minute next time you are waiting somewhere... and instead of being impatient and getting frustrated with whatever you are waiting on... take that opportunity to play the people watching game.  Only one rule with this game...No judgements... just fun observations.

You will be surprised at the enjoyment you can have.  Sweet as!

'Straalia

Meeting up with old friends is such a Gem!  The past few days have been filled with reminiscing, laughter, great meals and new memories.  Ron and Tish, my 2 Aussie mates...whom I met 5 years ago in Italy, stayed with in Aus 3 years ago, and then had them visit me for Christmas last year...have been hosting me.  Good times!  Yet another reminder on this trip of the genuine people that you meet all over the world.  Today we enjoyed a beautiful 35 degrees C (about 83 F) day at Shelly Beach, just outside of Sydney. Then had a big barbie (cookout) and enjoyed the balmy summer evening.  

Welp, here I am sitting underneath a Pohutukawa tree on the deck of Charlie Farley's after my last shift...having a TAB (Tasty Adult Beverage) and reflecting on the past 8 weeks working here. What a slice of paradise!  Warm, sunny, genuine people, interesting convos, gorgeous scenery, and a comfortable feeling.  I have had many thoughts, transactions, actions, adventures, discussions, visualizations and revelations.  Many have been expressed here on the blog.   There will also be many more to come along with over 40 pieces of artwork to try to capture these 6 months..  I have thoroughly enjoyed my stint here and what a fantastic way to close out my time in New Zealand.  Yep, only 2 days left. I travel to Australia for three weeks to visit my mates Ron and Tish and then it's back Stateside.  

While I am looking forward to my return to see family and friends...I will also enjoy these last few weeks and soak up each moment.  For traveling always helps to put things in perspective and enlightens our mind and souls.  Sweet as.

OK SERIOUSLY??

The following is my journal entry on the first day of my stay at Great Barrier Island.  Enjoy:

Ok, Seriously!  I mean com'on!  Are you REALLY serious?! For real? The answer is 'yes' for $200 Alex.

I am sitting in a hammock right now overlooking one of the most incredible places on earth! The Medlands at Great Barrier Island. My mate Mark has a batch here and it is nestled in a cove with sea stacks, sheer cliffs, a horseshoe beach with crashing waves, heaps of trees and tall grass, the South Pacific Ocean in the distance, clouds changing by the second, colors vivid, air clean, blue waters, white caps, old fences, fresh fish, rocky crags...and the list goes on and on.  

I mean seriously?! This morning at 6:30 we ventured out to go fishing.  The clouds were bright pink faded to yellow, air crisp and cool, waves rolling, got the bait ready and push off in our 10 foot john-boats... pass through shark alley and around the rocky corner.... WOW! A dramatic cliff with the crashing waves producing bright white foam against the rock hues of deep olives, reds, oranges and golds. Above it, the full moon still illuminating and fading into the horizon while the sun emerges on the direct opposite.  Ahhh, the smell of the ocean, the banter with good mates and the anticipation of an adventure.

With a few minutes of attaching our bait to our rods...out they go only seconds to have a few nibbles! Mark hauls in a Trevelli and I crank in a small snapper!  Seriously? Could it get much better than this?... No worries, catching lunch and dinner, at peace with Mother Earth.

There's another one...and another one...and a big 12 pounder!!  We were fishermen! And it was Awesome!  About an hour rolled by...12 fish, a beautiful sky, time to head in.  

So, here I am sitting in a hammock overlooking one of the most tranquil places on earth... Belly full from smoked and pan-seared snapper, satisfied from the morning adventure and absolutely loving life!

GBI here we come!

Kia Ora!  Just a quick update...

GK made it here yesterday morning and we are heading to Great Barrier Island tomorrow! Staying with a Kiwi mate who has a batch over there.  We will be Surfing/Kayaking/Fishing/Tramping/Solving-the-world's-problems/etc.  Should be Choice.  We were supposed to have the Onetangi Beach Races today which consists of many various activities: Boat races, relay races, tractor races, tug-o-war, heaps of socializing and tons more....but they were postponed due to the threat of the possible tsunami from the earthquakes in Chile'. Nothing happened here but I do feel sympathy for those damaged by this 8.8 scale disaster.  

This reminds me of the ole thought for the day I use to share at camp... "The Ripple Effect"... everything that happens, effects us/others in some manner.  We think, well this won't effect me..it's far away.  Or what I choose to do doesn't effect others.  Being here in NZ, a literal ripple effect was in caution from this earthquake.  But also, one of my mates here from Argentina talked to some family at home and they even felt some of it, but are all ok.  Anyhoo, let's think about our actions and how they all effect someone/something whether it's for the better or for worse...hopefully, of course it's the first of those!  

Be back in a week with some sick pics!  Sweet as!

Update...

Below are several scenes from this past week here on Waiheke...

the 184 stairs from the beach to the top of the hill to Kina Backpackers... my morning view of Onetangi Bay... views from a friend's deck.  

Been working heaps to help pay for this great adventure... About 70 hours this past week between Charlie Farley's and Kina.  

Anticipation news: My best friend Ech is having a little girl, Liza, this week!

Sweet news: My good friend GK is booked to come over from Feb. 27 through March 10!!

Sad news: My travel mate of 3 months, Jules (from Aus), departed today to travel NZ with his brother... Great bloke!

Enjoy your day!  Leave you with a quote... 

“Until you mean something to yourself, you can’t be important to anyone else. One must live the good alone-life in order to grow and develop in one’s own way.” – Grace Moore

Superb 'Stache Squad

It's so refreshing to meet such nice people from all over the world...people that accept you no matter where you are from, what you look like, what you do for a living, how much money you have, etc. etc.  This picture is a great representation of our hostel and the laughter we are creating.  Rockin the almighty 'Stache! The Superb 'Stache Squad included (but not all pictured) from the UK, Argentina, New Zealand, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Australia and the US.  Watch out...it's making a comeback...and for a great cause...humanity!