snapshots and confabulation

Vivian Maier Exhibitioin

2012-01-10T08:49:00.002-05:00

I'm quite a bit late in posting this. The show will be closing at the end of the month and I hope to get to the city to see it. You shouldn't miss this woman's amazing work. Read about how she was discovered here.

Random October shots

2011-10-26T17:17:00.002-04:00

...More to come

Quite possibly the last warm weekend of the season?

2011-10-11T14:58:00.003-04:00

Rode around on bikes over the weekend. The weather was spectacular and I hope not the last we'll be seeing this season...

For the love of my life... Pt. 3 involving things from my day

2011-10-03T21:17:00.004-04:00

For the love of my life... Pt. 2 involving things from my day

2011-10-02T20:08:00.003-04:00

For the love of my life... Pt. 1 involving things from my day

2011-09-30T21:53:00.007-04:00

2011-09-26T12:39:00.003-04:00

I always carry a point & shoot around with me but since getting my iPhone, I've been making every effort to snap at least one photo a day. It's kind of sad that I usually have a camera on me and it took getting a new toy to force myself to shoot more. I can only shrug my shoulders and hope the novelty of taking a photo every day doesn't wear off.

2011-09-20T12:39:00.000-04:00

Cooler weather....

2011-09-20T12:36:00.003-04:00

...means cookie baking time!

Co-opting Michael Moore

2011-09-12T10:05:00.005-04:00

I'm on Michael Moore's mailing list - he sent this out Sunday...

9/11
September 11th, 2011

Friends,

There is not much more that needs to be said today. We all know how we felt on that day, and we all know what we've lost in this past decade. I said what I had to say about 9/11 seven years ago -- and thanks to some kind stranger who has posted it for free on YouTube, I'd like to share it with you again today.

Let's make the next decade one of peace.

Michael Moore

P.S. I'd also like to share this essay from former NY Times Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Chris Hedges. It is blunt and honest and worthy of reflection.

Videos from Hurricane Irene

2011-09-07T15:42:00.005-04:00

Not the greatest, but then again I work in still images, not moving.

09 - 2011, so far

2011-09-07T15:10:00.002-04:00

Photos from September, so far...

08 - 2011

2011-09-07T14:37:00.004-04:00

Photos from August 2011

07 - 2011

2011-09-07T13:12:00.002-04:00

Photos from July 2011

06 - 2011

2011-09-07T12:31:00.004-04:00

Photos from June 2011

05 - 2011

2011-09-07T12:22:00.003-04:00

Photos from May 2011

04 - 2011

2011-09-07T12:03:00.003-04:00

Photos from April 2011

03 - 2011

2011-09-07T11:39:00.003-04:00

Photos from March 2011

02 - 2011

2011-09-07T11:14:00.002-04:00

Photos from February 2011

Negligence

2011-09-07T10:35:00.003-04:00

It's nothing too serious, except that I used to be much better at getting photos out of my camera in a timely manner. I just downloaded images from my memory card dating back to January. To say I've been a little negligent in managing my photos is pretty accurate. I'll be posting links and images etc from the last several months over the course of the day.
Please check back for links...

Dodged a MAJOR bullet

2011-09-02T16:17:00.006-04:00

I am eternally grateful to the universe for sparing me & M a total shit storm in regards to Hurricane Irene. We didn't have to evacuate, in our home we never lost power, no big tree limbs fell in the backyard and the basement stayed dry.

Photos and videos of beach shots before and after the storm to follow soon.

Best wishes to all others affected by the storm - may you have a speedy and smooth recovery.

Raffle Auction - a much better title

2011-07-27T08:30:00.008-04:00

*UPDATE* - This whole shebang is being held at Langosta Lounge and NOT moving to Porta National Park like the poster says. Don't forget - festivities begin at 6. Hope to see you there!

My friend Patrick is part of a team who are going to stand-up paddle the 26.5 miles around the island of Manhattan August 12th.

August 3rd there is a fundraising event at Langosta Lounge in Asbury Park. I'm posting this info on my blog in the hopes that you will decide to donate to Patrick and help raise money for a good cause.

Like the flyer says, the auction has some great prizes including a 30-minute massage by me!

Come down and check out the event - have fun while embracing your inner do-gooder with minimal effort! See you there!

Animal Planet, or something...

2011-07-20T21:21:00.009-04:00

For a good part of this summer M and I have been getting up very early... when I say very early, I mean sometimes before six am. We've been riding bicycles, exercising, swimming.

One day a few weeks ago while riding our bikes north on the AP board walk we spied some whales (though I'm not sure what kind). There were at least two, possibly a mama and her baby, breaching and shooting spray. It was pretty awesome. In fact, it was something I'd never seen with my own eyes off our little part of the Atlantic Ocean. In Hawaii and Mexico, yes. But not off our piece of the coast. Of course I clapped and giggled like a little kid.

In the past couple of weeks we've also seen some cool looking fish with black & white stripes. I thought maybe they were Zebra Fish, but I'm not certain since I'm pretty sure they only live in the tropics. The water in NJ has been warm but far from tropical (especially this week when it dropped back into the low sixties).

I saw some kind of ray - sting ray or skate - while I was surfing. It was quite big but not threatening in any way - just kind of hanging out near the bottom swimming around.

And then there were the dolphins swimming not far from us the other morning.

We've also had Salps... They look like fish eggs but they're not. Sometimes it's a little bit gross to swim amongst them b/c it's like swimming in pulpy orange juice but apparently they do good things for the ocean so I've made my peace with the little pieces.

It's been super cool to see all the sea creatures - if only the water in NJ were as clear as where ever these photos were taken. I mean, we can see to the bottom but our water is more greenish in color and definitely never as warm. Still, it's been a good summer so far with one exception... lack of surf. It's really rather sad and I'm ready to ride waves larger than two feet on a board shorter than seven.

*sigh*

Are we screwed?

2011-07-20T08:04:00.001-04:00

2011-06-30T21:09:00.003-04:00

July 1st is tomorrow. I can't believe half the year has already gone by...
I wish summer could last forever. Everything seems so much nicer when it's warm and the sun is up from 5am to 9pm.

"I didn't gay park it."

2011-05-17T16:26:00.003-04:00

This is ha-ha AND ironic funny.

Doing good for my community

2011-05-02T18:58:00.003-04:00

I'm on the Environmental Commission in my town. We're trying to build a Maritime Forest where there now is an old, nasty looking lot. One of members birthed and submitted this idea to the Pepsi Refresh Project. Now, I don't drink Pepsi but I'd sure take $25K from them to help get this much-needed project off the ground. Please go vote for us and vote often. It would be an immense help. Thanks so much.

All -

Our Maritime Forest Idea has been accepted for the Pepsi Refresh Project
for 25 K and voting is open. We are currently in 182nd place and need
DAILY votes to get funding. Please vote at

http://www.refresheverything.com/howyoudunebradleybeach

Help a girl live our her dreams

2011-04-28T06:30:00.002-04:00

Please mosey on over to this link and help a sister out.

2011-04-21T02:49:00.001-04:00

Sssshhhhhhhhhhh. Keep it down; you're making quite a racket.

But I thought it was tomorrow...

2011-03-23T16:14:00.005-04:00

Well, today was my last day of school.

I wasn't expecting it to be today... it was supposed to be tomorrow and I wasn't mentally prepared for it to end like this - so abruptly.
After saying "farewell" to my favorite teachers and "see you" to my school friends it felt really strange knowing I wouldn't be going back there again and somewhat anticlimactic. I still have one paper left to write and then I'm really, truly done.
I thought I would be much more excited but I'm chalking my lack of enthusiasm up to the dreary weather we're having today.

I can't believe it's over - Just. Like. That.

I guess I should be shouting, "LOOK OUT WORLD, HERE I COME!!"

LOOK OUT WORLD, HERE I COME!!!

How's this for the front of a business card?

2011-02-28T22:02:00.003-05:00

I think this is going to be the image on the front of my new Massage Therapy business cards. I like how it says "Make Contact"... and since that's what you do when you massage a person and I also love surfing I thought it would be a good fit. What do you think?

Another week, another storm

2011-01-27T19:44:00.007-05:00

This is the third week in a row we've had a snow storm.
The fourth storm in five weeks...
If it weren't for living three blocks from the ocean, I'd think we were residing in Vermont not New Jersey.

Yesterday - Wednesday, 26 January 2011

Today - Thursday, 27 January 2011

Snow & Destroy

2011-01-27T19:15:00.003-05:00

From Shana - Frankford section of Philadelphia.

Shot by BD

2011-01-01T09:45:00.002-05:00

Brrrrrrrrrrr

2011-01-01T08:55:00.007-05:00

1 January 2011 - First ever BB Polar Bear Plunge. Paul, Matty, Bryan, & Ollie.
Outdoor temperature - 35ºF
Water temperature - 42ºF
Time - 8am
Tide - LOW @ 10.56am

Way in.

Way out.

Cheers to a new year!

2010-12-31T08:33:00.006-05:00

Best wishes to all for a prosperous, healthy and joy-filled 2011!!

(and may you get much less than 30+ inches of snow in a single storm this winter!)

Peace on earth and goodwill towards all...

2010-12-24T16:52:00.003-05:00

Matty @ The Lake

2010-12-19T14:00:00.003-05:00

Quite some time ago.

2010-12-18T21:13:00.001-05:00

Ooph! Did this month (or year for that matter!) fly by or what?

the season of giving

2010-12-03T14:02:00.009-05:00

While in school this year I'm not working full-time (hardly part-time while I think about it). This puts quite a pinch on our general, everyday budget and more so on our holiday expenditures. We'll need to be creative in our approach to gift giving and one such way is by making donations.

One charity I've already contributed to is called charity: water.
charity: water is a non-profit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. 100% of public donations directly fund water projects.

Here, a little bit of money can go a long way and you can feel extra good about your offering at the same time.

Happy Holidays!

If you can please spare it...

2010-11-12T11:20:00.004-05:00

Another earthquake and tsunami has struck Indonesia...

The 7.7M earthquake, which triggered a tsunami that has been recorded as being up to six metres (20 feet) high in some villages, struck 17 days ago at 9.41pm on Monday night 25 October.

The latest report from the Indonesian Government says that 447 people have been killed, 57 are missing, and 173 are seriously injured. More than 15,000 people have been displaced from their homes and are living in temporary shelters, many on the hills above their villages as they fear another tsunami.

As of 11/11/2010 -

SurfAid completed the first phase of our Emergency Response for the Mentawai Islands which has concentrated on assessing the immediate needs of the affected communities and distributing food and non-food assistance. We now move into two new phases of Recovery programs which will last until the end of October 2011.

For anyone that reads my blog will know, I am a HUGE supporter of SurfAid International. I get frequent email updates about what's happening in the Mentawai and what SurfAid is doing to help.

If you can spare it, please consider making a contribution. As you can see from the photo above a mere $2 will buy someone a hygiene kit. That costs less than a fancy coffee drink from Starbucks and will go so much further.

Mahalo.

For Jeff & Ben...

2010-11-11T14:17:00.004-05:00

As usual, I was listening to the Leonard Lopate show on WNYC while driving home from school today. Among the many topics covered relating to Veteran's Day, the segment "Backstory: The History of PTSD" with directors/producers John Alpert and Matt O'Neil really stuck with me. You may know Alpert and O'Neil from their HBO film "Baghdad ER" - they're back with a new film, "Wartorn 1861-2010" which premiers on HBO tonight. The film chronicles and discusses the history of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, more commonly known as PTSD - given how suicide rates among service members is still (horribly) on the rise, this film could not have come at a more critical time.

You may find a link to the broadcast of the interview by clicking here.

I urge you to watch this film and to also please educate yourself about PTSD and what you might be able to do to help a veteran in need.

Trailer

In gratitude. Mahalo.

pretty nifty

2010-10-30T15:10:00.002-04:00

I saw this on A Cup of Jo - it really does work!

Brooklyn, May 2010

2010-10-22T19:05:00.001-04:00

Unmade Beds

2010-09-19T10:46:00.004-04:00

I was invited to have a photo in a project called "Unmade Beds".
Please click here to check it out.

As promised... It's about damn time, right?!

2010-09-10T13:24:00.011-04:00

Photos from the past six (or so) months. Has it really been that long since I've worked on images? I guess that's what happens when you give up your full-time job and go back to school.

Starting most recently and working backwards...

Photos from Labour Day weekend. Please click here to see more...

Jetty's Coquina Surf Jam. Please click here to see more...

Johnny Laidlaw art show. Please click here to see more...

"Singlefins, Boardwalks, And Story Talks: An Evening Of New Jersey Surf History" Please click here to see more...

Punk Rock Bowling, Las Vegas. Please click here to see more...

Our awesome trip to Hawaii, waaaaay back in April. Please click here to see more...

I'm pretty sure that covers everything I've been promising to post. I hope you enjoy the views.

Final final - I've now completed my first part of school

2010-09-02T14:57:00.006-04:00

I'm happy (and quite proud) to say I got a 95 on my Anatomy & Physiology final exam today. I'm so relieved!!! I didn't think I'd do well on this test and I said if I got an "A" I'd do cartwheels down the hall at school. I better practice those over the weekend - a few of my classmates are going to hold me to my declarative statement.

YAY!

Now on to Anatomy & Physiology II.

Two finals down, one to go...

2010-08-31T17:22:00.004-04:00

I took my Swedish Massage finals today.
Results:
100 on my written exam
98 on my practical/hands-on exam

Pretty kick ass, dontcha think?!

Thursday I have my Anatomy & Physiology I final exam.
That one I'm not so confident about. I hope I do as well as I did on my Swedish final.

Please send me good vibes so I can get another A!!

I have to go study now...

Tooting my own horn

2010-08-29T18:03:00.006-04:00

Wednesday, 25 August 2010 -
I surfed in the 2nd Annual Coquina Jam by Jetty on LBI. The contest was held at 68th Street - Brant Beach. The waves were a decent size and it was great to surf with all the talented women.

Here's a shot of me by Alex who works for my friend Ann Coen (who also surfed). The photo is pretty rad even though I didn't surf well at all. Still, it was so much fun and I'm looking forward to redeeming myself at next year's contest.

Garden State Surfing

2010-08-11T17:25:00.006-04:00

Right now I'm supposed to be studying for a big Anatomy & Physiology test I have tomorrow but I'm procrastinating instead. I also realize I haven't posted anything to this blog in about a month.

Here's a little something from an event I went to in late July at the Tuckerton Seaport... New Jersey surf photographers showing off their work at an event called "Singlefins, Boardwalks, And Story Talks: An Evening Of New Jersey Surf History"

Please enjoy two photos I shot. Someday I'll post more from this event and others I've been promising links for - I'll get around to it eventually. Keep checking back...

A new, exciting addition...

2010-07-09T15:53:00.007-04:00

Well friends (all three of you that loyally read my blog), I've finally done it.
I created an Etsy shop!

Please wander by and check out the lovely photos I have for sale. I'd like to think they're quite affordable.

I need your help though... If you could PLEASE help a sister out by promoting my little Etsy store, I would be forever grateful.

Since I'm in school, I'm not not working at the moment and trying to do what I can to raise a little income. So maybe you could post a link to my store on your blog, or tell your other friends, family, co-workers.... I'll take any assistance you can offer.

I send you tons of gratitude.
Mahalo!

teaser

2010-07-02T12:08:00.003-04:00

Waimea Jumping Rock

The Bay

Koi

Buddha

We just stepped into the 21st century and got us some wireless internet. This could be a blessing and a curse. More images to come at some point.

aversion

2010-06-23T16:08:00.002-04:00

I have so many photos that I've shot in the past several months, I just have an aversion to sitting at the computer these days. I swear I'll get new images (and links) up at some point.

In the meantime, one of my classes just ended (it was only eight weeks long) and I took my final today - I got a 97.

So I guess staying away from the computer and devoting lots of time to studying is paying off.

Thanks to everyone for your support

2010-06-04T16:17:00.004-04:00

Once again -- Thank you to everyone that participated, sponsored or volunteered at Swim 4 Humanity 2010. All the events were amazing and we raised $45,000 for SurfAid International's humanitarian programs; all this in a very tough economic year! Thank you to all 5 West Coast locations and the East Coast proved to be exceptional and provided much needed support and good will!

Congratulations to:
1st prize: Trip to Indonesia by World Surfari's: Jana Crawford O'Brien (NJ)
2nd prize: Firewire Surfboard: Paul Riehle (SF)
3rd prize: Jay Alders twin fin surfboard by 9:fish: Ashley Marie Salter (NY)

Top fundraising team which raised over $10k: Prize Pending
The Manhattan Makos (NY)
Team Members:
Elliot Ptasnik, Javin Bose, Jane Carpenter, Alessandra Grassi, Maia Hare, Samantha Hare, Holland Rhodd-Lee, Conn Slattery, Hana Song, Marissa Song, Griffin Taylor, & Sophia Taylor

Prizes owed will be sent out the following weeks through the month of June. If you are waiting for a prize, it will be sent to your home through June. Please let me know if you have an address change or do not receive a prize as expected.

Please let your donors/sponsors know that donation receipts will be sent out the month of June as well. Anyone that donated offline will receive a donation receipt/letter. Online donors will also receive a donation receipt over a specified amount since they receive an automatically generated receipt.

Terima Kasih! (Thank you in Bahasa Indonesian)

still here, just not around

2010-06-04T08:36:00.001-04:00

School is taking up most of my time. I have a lot of studying to do.
I'll be back soon (I hope) with some photos and updates.
Until then, enjoy the sunshine!
Mahalo.
J

Come check out the Rain Garden

2010-05-25T15:00:00.002-04:00

The event is this Saturday, 29 May 2010.

This Saturday, 15 May 2010 - Swim4Humanity comes to NJ!!

2010-05-13T15:31:00.002-04:00

It's finally here! All you lurkers, please send a donation!

Any little bit will help...

On the afternoon of May 15th 2010, I will be participating in a very special fundraising event called Swim 4 Humanity benefiting SurfAid International - hosted in seven cities on the west and east coasts from March to May 2010.

I will swim for thirty minutes with tons of other people. Monies raised will go towards SurfAid's humanitarian programs. The mission of SurfAid International, a non-profit humanitarian organization, is to improve the health, well-being and self-reliance of people living in isolated regions connected to us through surfing.

I've agreed to raise a minimum of $4,500 in donations. My personal goal is to raise more, but I need your help. Would you please consider making a fully tax-deductible donation of whatever amount you choose to help me meet my goal? Just follow the link below to visit my personal fundraising webpage, where you can donate online.

Worldwide, 10 million children die each year from preventable diseases. I'm participating in Swim 4 Humanity to raise money and awareness for SurfAid International's life-saving programs.

Thank you, in advance for your support of me and my efforts to reduce death and suffering from preventable disease in isolated regions of the world.

My Swim 4 Humanity donation page.

Please give what you can - even one dollar will make a difference.
And to those of you who have already donated - helping me to raise a little more than $3,500!!!! - THANK YOU doesn't begin to cover my gratitude.

Everyone likes a little dip in the pool, right?

2010-04-28T16:01:00.007-04:00

A little bit ago I spoke to Elizabeth at SurfAid International and she told me not a whole lot of people have signed on to swim the New Jersey Swim4Humanity event. In fact, NYC is far outstripping NJ in total swimmers.

C'mon New Jersey!! We can't have that, can we?!

So while I've been badgering readers to sponsor me and my efforts to raise money for this amazing charity, I probably should have been encouraging people to sign up as well.

Please consider joining in - and if you can't, at least please make a donation.

Mahalo!

The cat is out of the bag

2010-04-27T17:26:00.006-04:00

Inspired by JP's post at Buttered Noodles I'm writing to tell of the news I hinted at towards the end of March...

As of April 1st, after 12 years of commuting to & from NYC (120 miles round trip, or roughly four hours a day give or take 30 odd minutes) - I left my job. Starting May 1st I am enrolled as a student at the Institute for Therapeutic Massage. I am studying, first, to get my certificate in Oncology Massage and then after, to get my certificate in Eastern Bodywork.

This is something I've been wanting to do for a looooong time and finally we were able to save enough scratch to help take the sting out of my lack of full-time employment. It's a big change for us in so many ways but one we're looking forward to, albeit with a teeny, tiny amount of trepidation.

In the interim we took a trip, which was a gift to me from my most amazing husband, and I will post a link to photos soon. Otherwise, I've been home doing this & that and basically ignoring my blog.

Stay tuned for the trip photos link! Until then...

2010-04-14T20:45:00.005-04:00

Swim 4 Humanity - SurfAid International

2010-04-10T14:01:00.001-04:00

Any little bit will help...

On the afternoon of May 15th 2010, I will be participating in a very special fundraising event called Swim 4 Humanity benefiting SurfAid International - hosted in seven cities on the west and east coasts from March to May 2010.

I will swim for thirty minutes with tons of other people. Monies raised will go towards SurfAid's humanitarian programs. The mission of SurfAid International, a non-profit humanitarian organization, is to improve the health, well-being and self-reliance of people living in isolated regions connected to us through surfing.

I've agreed to raise a minimum of $4,500 in donations. My personal goal is to raise more, but I need your help. Would you please consider making a fully tax-deductible donation of whatever amount you choose to help me meet my goal? Just follow the link below to visit my personal fundraising webpage, where you can donate online.

Worldwide, 10 million children die each year from preventable diseases. I'm participating in Swim 4 Humanity to raise money and awareness for SurfAid International's life-saving programs.

Thank you, in advance for your support of me and my efforts to reduce death and suffering from preventable disease in isolated regions of the world.

My Swim 4 Humanity donation page.

Big, BIG changes are afoot...

2010-03-31T17:36:00.004-04:00

There will be little to no posting over the next few weeks.
I've got big changes in the works but I'm not spilling the beans just yet.
You'll have to be patient.

In the meantime - remember to breathe, remember to be grateful, remember to smile.

I'll see you soon...

Panquéques

2010-03-30T14:14:00.003-04:00

Sunday morning. Gluten-free deliciousness.

Sixty straight hours of debauchery

2010-03-24T13:52:00.001-04:00

And where you'll find me come May 7th...

7 March 2010 - Dinner Party

2010-03-18T12:28:00.005-04:00

Another fantastic Sunday dinner at Jon & Ann's house.

See the rest of the photos here.

Poor little guy girl...

2010-03-16T12:54:00.006-04:00

I'm not actually sure if this is a male or female... I found this little critter on the beach this morning. I ran home and phoned the Marine Mammal Stranding Center. The person I spoke to said they'd send someone down to check ~~him~~ her out and see if he she needed rescuing or if ~~he'd~~ she'd be okay to go back in the sea. They asked me to shoot some photos and send them in. I hope ~~he's~~ she's okay.

UPDATE - Turns out the seal is a girl.
This is the email I got from Jay at the Marine Mammal Stranding Center:

Thanks for the photos and the calls about the seal. While there were no obvious issues with her, we did pick her up because she was very lethargic. It may be a few days before we know exactly what all of her issues are. Feel free to check in with us next week to see how she is doing. You can also check our website every few days for updates and adoption info for her as well.

Thank you again,

-Jay

2010-02-23T14:15:00.010-05:00

I've been shooting photos now & again this winter - these are a bunch... you can see the rest here.

Walking the Walk - UPDATE

2010-02-09T14:04:00.004-05:00

More like swimming the swim.

On the afternoon of May 15th 2010, I will be participating in a very special fundraising event called Swim 4 Humanity benefiting SurfAid International - hosted in seven cities on the west and east coasts from March to May 2010.

I will swim for thirty minutes with tons of other people. Monies raised will go towards SurfAid's humanitarian programs. The mission of SurfAid International, a non-profit humanitarian organization, is to improve the health, well-being and self-reliance of people living in isolated regions connected to us through surfing.

I've agreed to raise a minimum of $2,500 in donations. My personal goal is to raise more, but I need your help. Would you please consider making a fully tax-deductible donation of whatever amount you choose to help me meet my goal? Just follow the link below to visit my personal fundraising webpage, where you can donate online.

Worldwide, 10 million children die each year from preventable diseases. I'm participating in Swim 4 Humanity to raise money and awareness for SurfAid International's life-saving programs.

Thank you, in advance for your support of me and my efforts to reduce death and suffering from preventable disease in isolated regions of the world.

My Swim 4 Humanity donation page.

Please give what you can - even one dollar will make a difference.
And to those of you who have already donated - helping me to raise a little more than $1,500!!!! - THANK YOU doesn't begin to cover my gratitude.

Randomness from my morning

2010-01-28T13:59:00.005-05:00

Stayed in Brooklyn with Lizzie last night - this is part of my morning today...

Walking the walk...

2010-01-22T16:45:00.006-05:00

Well, more like swimming the swim.

On the afternoon of May 15th 2010, I will be participating in a very special fundraising event called Swim 4 Humanity benefiting SurfAid International - hosted in seven cities on the west and east coasts from March to May 2010.

I will swim for thirty minutes with tons of other people. Monies raised will go towards SurfAid's humanitarian programs. The mission of SurfAid International, a non-profit humanitarian organization, is to improve the health, well-being and self-reliance of people living in isolated regions connected to us through surfing.

I've agreed to raise a minimum of $1,800 in donations. My personal goal is to raise more, but I need your help. Would you please consider making a fully tax-deductible donation of whatever amount you choose to help me meet my goal? Just follow the link below to visit my personal fundraising webpage, where you can donate online.

Worldwide, 10 million children die each year from preventable diseases. I'm participating in Swim 4 Life to raise money and awareness for SurfAid International's life-saving programs.

Thank you, in advance for your support of me and my efforts to reduce death and suffering from preventable disease in isolated regions of the world.

My Swim 4 Humanity donation page.

Please give what you can - even one dollar will make a difference.
And to those of you who have already donated, THANK YOU doesn't begin to cover my gratitude.

You've GOT to be KIDDING - right?!

2010-01-19T11:46:00.003-05:00

First I read this - American Airlines Grounds Haiti Rescue Team's Medical Supplies.

Then I clicked a link in that story and read this - Haiti rescue team gets medical supplies on American flight, but without airline aid.

The gist - Some aid workers were trying to get a giant bag of medical supplies on an American Airlines flight and more than willing to pay the extra/over-sized baggage fee - but - BUT!! American Airlines WOULD NOT LET THEM!

This is what American Airlines spokesman Tim Smith had to say,

"Our temporary policy is certainly not designed to harm those seeking to take supplies in. But the reality is that Santo Domingo and the Dominican Republic is the only operating airport and area we serve that is relatively close-by to Haiti. Accordingly, our flights in and out of Santo Domingo are extremely full with passengers. As a passenger airline, with very full flights and the normal allowed complement of passenger’s checked bags, there is essentially no room on the aircraft for additional bags and supplies beyond the bags that every passenger is allowed.

Putting such supplies onboard and in the cargo hold could prevent other passengers from taking the luggage and bags they are entitled to. Supplies are best shipped through relief agencies with cargo planes or through one of the normal shipping services. This relief organization is not the only one which we have been unable to accommodate under the policy I described above."

Apparently Mr. Tim Smith wasn't in line when they were doling out the irony.
American Airlines should be ashamed of themselves. It's not like six aid workers showed up with golf clubs as their extra baggage - IT WAS MUCH NEEDED MEDICAL SUPPLIES.

I sincerely hope American Airlines reviews their policy and will allow future exceptions if similar cases present themselves during their embargo period. Otherwise - I think the next time I book a flight I'll do my damnedest NOT to fly with their airline.

Haiti

2010-01-14T11:45:00.005-05:00

Different ways you can help:

From Progressives for Haiti:

"Simply a cooperative effort among progressive citizens' groups to put provide immediate assistance to the people of Haiti, in response to the devastating earthquake there. Any group is welcome to participate by simply directing their members to this page, or else circulating this donation link: http://www.progressivesforhaiti.org/donate . No one involved is keeping any of the money raised, we're only passing you through to donate directly to organizations we've identified and vetted as doing real, immediate work on the ground in Haiti."

Progressives for Haiti has a 'DONATE NOW' button that links directly to Doctors Without Borders right on their homepage.

*ALSO*

From mGive -

Early on the morning of January 13th a 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti and details are still coming in. mGive is working with the Red Cross and we ask you to help now with an immediate donation made from your mobile phone. Simply text the word HAITI to 90999 to give $10. When prompted, reply with YES to confirm your one-time gift. The $10 donation will appear on your next mobile bill and 100% of the donation will go to Red Cross to help those hit by this natural disaster. Receipts can be printed at mGive.org/receipt.

I recommend reading the comments attached to the link for this story. Some people with certain mobile providers had some difficulties. However, that shouldn't stop you from donating what you can to assist these people in need.

I'm back

2010-01-12T15:13:00.005-05:00

Well, actually... I've been back since January 6th but I hadn't gone near the computer too much since I was technically still on vacation.

We spent two weeks on Kauai and the last days of this week prior getting readjusted to being home - This cold weather BLOWS!!!! and our sleep is still somewhat skewed to five hours behind.

I'm in the process of getting my trip photos out of my camera and will post images & highlights soon.

Other than that - welcome to a new year - two thousand and chill...

Ahoy!

Good ol' fashioned Nor'easter

2009-12-22T10:58:00.004-05:00

We had a blizzard over the weekend. It started early in the morning Saturday the 19th and lasted until Sunday the 20th. We got two feet of snow. I feel like we're still digging out.

I'll be away from the internet for a bit.
Happy Holidays everyone!

Dear Mr. President...

2009-12-16T17:45:00.003-05:00

Manhattan Butterfly writes...

Dear President Obama,
I just got an email from you asking me to contact my Senators to vote for your piece of crap health care “reform” bill.
The link to reply was –like your administration – defective and so here I am replying through your website and putting it up on my blog for the world to read if they care to.

1) I already called Schumer and Gillibrand to let them know how outraged I am by the Senate bill you allowed Lieberman to control and shape. And that I strongly urged them to vote against any bill without real reform.

2) I am just one of a vast number of disillusioned and furious progressives you have managed to alienate in less than a year. These people like me voted for you, donated to your campaign and worked for your election because we wanted real change. You have bitterly disappointed us.

3) Glen Greenwald of salon.com got it right. This piece of garbage that you are calling “reform” is exactly what you wanted. It’s a gift to the insurance cartel and big pharma. What’s more, it’s an insult to my intelligence to think that I am fooled into thinking this is some step forward instead of what it really is: worse than what we have now.

4) You are not “mybarackobama.” That person was apparently an apparition. The reality is quite the letdown.

Russ Feingold said it: “This bill appears to be legislation that the president wanted in the first place.” With everything you’ve done, you’ve signaled that real reform was never your goal. If it had been single payer would never have been off the table. That would have been the place to start.
What’s clear is that you’re more than willing to strongarm Democrats when it comes to endless war, but not for your own populace who continue to suffer and die under this horrible system which puts profits over people.

And the proof of all this can be seen in your flipflop over Dorgan’s amendment. When you were a senator and candidate you were all for re-importation of drugs so that the American people wouldn’t be gouged by big pharma. And then as president you cut a secret deal with the gougers and suddenly you’re against the Dorgan amendment. And THAT you were able to work the Democratic caucus to vote against. But there was no similar effort on behalf of a strong public option.
You signaled from the start that you were willing to sign any pile of flaming poo that you could slap the word “reform” on so that you could pat yourself on the back and call it a success.
I am disgusted!

I couldn't agree with her more.

Holiday Art Show & Party @ Parlor Gallery

2009-12-09T11:11:00.007-05:00

I'm showing some photos at Parlor Gallery in Asbury Park...

I'm not sure I'm able to make the opening, but if you get a chance to stop at the gallery, please do check out my work (and the work of all the other artists).

These are the pieces...

WTF?

2009-12-02T15:47:00.003-05:00

Funding a needless/useless/costly war over funding universal health care?
That makes TOTAL sense.

In a warped & parallel universe.

When will our elected officials wake the fuck up?

Driving Jersey

2009-11-19T17:11:00.003-05:00

I don't know much about this upcoming movie... but it sure looks cool.

Today is Veteran’s Day

2009-11-11T11:30:00.008-05:00

In honor of our Veterans I am urging you to please take a few minutes out of your day to contact Senator Tom Coburn (R – OK).

There is an important and major bill regarding Veteran’s Benefits (S. 1963, the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009) that Sen. Coburn has placed on hold. The longer this bill goes un-passed the more our Veterans will suffer.

Here are several key things this bill will do:
•S. 1963 will allow VA to recruit and retain nurses, home health aides, and specialty care providers.

•S. 1963 also contains measures that would improve the efficiency of health care delivery to veterans, including a number of pilot programs designed to help VA find new and innovative ways to deliver better, faster, and more comprehensive treatment.

•S. 1963 would expand eligibility and authority for the Vet Centers to provide needed services, and would commission a comprehensive study on suicides among veterans so that we can improve efforts to prevent such tragedies.

•S. 1963 would also provide support for homeless veterans through a proposed series of innovative pilot programs. These programs are designed to significantly improve VA outreach to these veterans, in order to help them access the benefits and services provided by VA.

To read more about this comprehensive bill, click here and here.

Suicide rates are WAY UP, particularly among service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. This is awful, awful, AWFUL! We can NOT abandon the very people we have asked to serve three and four tours of duty in these war zones. OUR TROOPS NEED OUR SUPPORT.

Senator Coburn MUST be asked – “Do you support our troops?” If he says yes – then you MUST ask “Why then, are you blocking this important legislation S. 1963, the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009?”

You may contact Senator Coburn in the following places:
Washington D.C.:
Phone: 202-224-5754
Fax: 202-224-6008

Tulsa:
Phone: 918-581-7651
Fax: 918-581-7195

Oklahoma City:
Phone: 405-231-4941
Fax: 405-231-5051

Now more than ever our Veterans need us. PLEASE, let's do them this little favor and really show our support. Phone or fax Senator Coburn and help get this bill passed.

Thank you.

Some years ago

2009-11-05T10:41:00.002-05:00

Scanned some old negatives over the weekend...

Sharry & Kate - Silver Lake, CA - 1997 maybe?

Dog

2009-10-28T14:06:00.004-04:00

The other day I was walking back from Union Square to my office and passed this bar...

VOTE FOR ME, please

2009-10-22T17:11:00.005-04:00

I have entered some of my photos into a contest.
You can find them here.
Once you get to The Surfing Site Photo Contest page, please click VOTE NOW.
Scroll down - look for my name - vote for my photos.
You may select 5 images, every day, until November 20th.

(There is no rhyme or reason to how the photos are listed on the voting page - every day it's different)

Thanks for your support!

2009-10-12T17:25:00.003-04:00

Photo by Ann Coen for our 10th Wedding Anniversary. More images to come from Ann when wedding season slows down. I can't wait to see the rest.

Correcting the course

2009-10-09T15:07:00.002-04:00

Congratulations President Obama for winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

POP - it ain't just a carbonated beverage

2009-10-08T16:00:00.005-04:00

As per Jane Hamsher at FDL...

"We're announcing the creation of Public Option Please, a non-profit organization dedicated to ongoing advocacy for universal health care. The director of the project is Eve Gittelson, NYCEve, whose advocacy for Nataline Sarkisian was key to getting CIGNA to reverse their decision after they denied her a liver transplant."

Public Option Please (POP): Because Health Care Is A Human Right

What is POP?

Public Option Please is a grassroots organization committed to the goal of guaranteed and affordable health care for all Americans.

We believe that health care is a human right; and, like President Obama, we support the creation of public health insurance program: the public option.

Moving commentary

2009-10-08T12:11:00.004-04:00

From The Urban Politico - and I can't agree more...

"Tonight (Wednesday, 7 October 2009) Keith Olbermann dedicated his entire hour to a Special Comment on Healthcare Reform. It was very moving and he spoke about his own experiences both with his mother who passed away just this past year and his father who has had some serious medical problems very recently. I think it is a must see."

The whole show is broken up into five parts and it is worth watching every single second of every single segment. The end is so moving it brought me to tears. As it also did for Keith Olbermann.

Please watch it by clicking here or see the embedded videos below.

1.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Sunny days and pizza

2009-10-05T17:29:00.005-04:00

Today was a nice day - sunny and seasonably temperate - I should have taken advantage of it and gone out for a quick walk around the block. But sometimes when I'm at work, I don't want to go outside. I feel like if I walk out the door, I'm just going to want to keep walking until I get to the subway and then the bus station and then home. I like home. I don't get to spend enough time there....................

Quite a while back I bought some Bob's Red Mill G/F Pizza Crust mix. It's been sitting in my freezer - until recently it was too hot to turn on the oven. I was kind of nervous to make this mix, since it would be my first foray into baking with yeast. Plus, the directions aren't that specific. I wrote this to my friend Stephanie the other day while I was waiting for the dough to rise...

"My dough still doesn't look like it's rising and it's been more than 20 minutes. I'm wondering if I didn't proof the yeast long enough? The directions on the bag said "for a few minutes" what the fuck does that mean? I thought baking was a precise science?"

I probably should have photographed the rising dough and the whole first part of the baking process... you have to bake the crust first and then take it out and put on the toppings and then bake it again.

The first batch didn't puff up too too much, and I took a chance by putting it on my pizza stone and it turned out okay. It was a good color when I removed it from the oven although I should have smoothed it out a bit more... it was a thicker crust than what I really like... but I topped it with sauce from Vic's, chevre and fresh basil from Kate's garden.

When it came out of the oven the second time all nicely decorated, I couldn't wait to eat it. It has been months since I've had pizza! MONTHS! It's one of the few things I miss most about not eating gluten any more. And now I don't have to miss it any longer. I CAN MAKE MY OWN AND IT WILL BE DELICIOUS!!!

I am a happy girl.

Still good after all these years

2009-09-24T17:23:00.004-04:00

These are our cake toppers.

Over ten years ago, when we were planning our wedding, we knew we didn't want to have the traditional cake toppers of a bride and groom. We wanted something that reflected us as people and wished we could find little surfers for our cake.

Bryan comes home from tour and presents us with these two figures, telling us he saw them while he was on the road and it made him think of us so he bought them. He had NO IDEA it was EXACTLY what we were looking for - he did it out of the goodness of his heart and nothing more.

They were and still are, perfect.

Delicious!

2009-09-24T16:55:00.005-04:00

For our party I made two different kinds of mini cupcakes. I forgot to photograph the Chocolate Cupcake with Mocha Icing before I served them - there were none left. There were also Ginger-Vanilla Cupcakes with Rosewater Frosting. Again, I got the recipes from The Gluten-Free Goddess, Karina Allrich.

For the Mocha Icing recipe, click here.
For the Chocolate Cupcake recipe, click here.

I used Karina's recipe for Vanilla Cupcakes as the jumping off point for the Ginger-Vanilla Cupcakes... Instead of using rice milk, I used a combo of Almond milk and Coconut milk. I also added a 1/2 teaspoon of ginger powder and a good amount of ginger pulp - which I got from juicing ginger in my Breville juicer.

The recipe for the Rosewater Frosting is adapted from VCTOTW. I took the original Vanilla "Buttercream" and instead of using vanilla, I added rose water. To make the icing pink, I added about three to four drops of red food coloring.

Audrey helped me frost the cupcakes - we did it with knives instead of piping bags. Next time I'll try my hand at piping - it could be messy, good fun!

Anniversary Weekend

2009-09-24T15:32:00.008-04:00

We celebrated our 10th Wedding Anniversary September 18th.
It was a GREAT weekend! Filled with surfing, spending time with friends & family - good food and good times!
The weather was PERFECT and EXACTLY the same as the day we got married. I couldn't have asked for more - Well... except MANY more decades of life this good and better.

Kicking off Anniversary Weekend with a Youth Brigade show at The Lanes.

Lizzie - champagne & pizza

Miss Megan

Broomcakes & CPM

Look at this CAKE!!! (from L&M Bakery)

Mike and my sombrero

My love & Uncle Jim

Fly ladies

Billy

Thanks to everyone that made it and extra big thanks for all the help!
When I'm feeling less tired, I'll actually try to write something a little more descriptive about the whole weekend. Until then - See the rest of the photos here.
Much love to you all!

Holiday Weekend Visitors

2009-09-15T14:39:00.007-04:00

Labour Day weekend was busy at our house. We had lots of out of town guests. Heather Ryan came to spend a few days at the beach before she started her next tour. Mike and his new girlfriend Sarah stayed until Monday morning and then Monday afternoon, Rob, Rob & Nada decided to leave the city and check us out. We made and ate good food - visited the beach - rode bicycles.

baked goodness

2009-09-15T14:09:00.007-04:00

Labour Day weekend the weather had cooled significantly and it was time to fire up the oven. I hadn't baked anything in months - it was too hot - and if I'd even dared to, M would have divorced me on the spot. No baking in the house when it's hot.

I woke up Sunday of the holiday weekend (before anyone else in the house had stirred) and decided to make the following two recipes: Summer Peach Cake and Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes with Coffee Icing both by Karina Allrich of Karina's Kitchen.

The peach cake was only supposed to bake for thirty minutes. Mine took two hours. Yep, TWO FREAKIN' HOURS!!! It was my mistake for not actually measuring out how many fresh peaches I'd peeled and sliced and then my 9-inch round pan wasn't exactly nine inches. It was more like 8 3/4. Let me tell you what a difference that little quarter of an inch makes while you're baking!

The cake exploded over the sides, littering the bottom of the oven with gooey peaches. I couldn't open the door to put a cookie sheet down until the first thirty minutes were up. I didn't want the cake to fall. So I sat and watched through the window as the batter and peaches oozed over the sides. At thirty minutes it was painfully obvious the cake was nowhere near done. The center was still molten. I slipped a cookie tray on the bottom rack, turned the temp down to 325 degrees - watched and waited. (By this time everyone in the house was awake and they even left to go to breakfast at Frank's - I stayed behind - I wasn't about to abandon my cake!) Every 20 minutes or so I would stick a wooden skewer in the middle of the cake and it just wouldn't come out clean. I waited some more - checked some more - turned the cake - and finally - close to the two hour mark the cake was finally done!!! I didn't even burn it! It was a miracle.

After averting the near disaster with the peach cake, I popped the cupcakes into the oven and those baked without issue. However when I was making the icing I got a little sloppy and spilled too much coffee into the bowl with the sugar and shortening. The only way to make it stiffen was to add more sugar, which I didn't want to do, so I ended up with glaze. We made a little hollow part in the cupcakes and poured the glaze in. DELICIOUS!!!! I would have drunk the glaze straight from the bowl if that wouldn't have been so gauche.

Carrot

2009-09-15T12:24:00.003-04:00

This carrot came from my tiny garden. It wasn't quite ready to come out of the ground, as you can see. Oh well, I still have four more to let sit until they're ready. I'll be able to make one glass of juice.

091109

2009-09-11T10:06:00.004-04:00

This is the first time in eight years the sun is not shining on this day. The sky is not a bright, clear blue. The temperature is not a crisp, 70-something degrees. Instead, today is blustery and cool. There is a tornado watch in parts of New Jersey. It is raining.

The Health Care debate & moving forward

2009-09-10T10:53:00.006-04:00

Firedoglake is one of my favorite blogs and there is a really great post by Lane Hudson about President Obama's speech on the health care reform debate and how to move forward.

One of the (many) notable graphs from this story is the following:

The bottom line is insurance companies don't care, Democrats have a real mandate, Republicans won't support anything, and it's time to flex some muscle. Before the discussion even began in earnest, insurance companies already won when a single payer plan was replaced with a goal of universal coverage. Let me say what no one is saying:

"- Health insurance companies are corporations with a fiduciary responsibility to earn a profit for its shareholders.

- They do not have a legal responsibility to provide medical care.

- Yet, health insurance companies are the primary means of access to medical care for Americans.

- All of the above points to a system that is badly broken."

The story makes many other good points and I urge you to read it. We need some meaningful reform and we need it NOW. The Dems have enough votes to pass a good bill without any help from the Republicans, who have proven since the day Obama took office, they are in this only to help themselves - no matter what.

Be at Peace - Richard F. Cunningham Jr.

2009-09-08T10:04:00.004-04:00

Richard F. Cunningham Jr.
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E-mail Visit Guest Book
Richard F. Cunningham Jr., 32, of Milltown found his peace on Friday, Sept. 4, 2009. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 6, and a service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 7, at The Crabiel Home for Funerals, 170 N. Main St. at Riva Avenue, Milltown, NJ. You may sign the "obituary" e-mail condolence "Guestbook" at www.Crabiel.com. Memories and messages to the family can be posted at www.armyofrich.org.

Born in Livingston, raised in Irvington and Matawan, Rich went on to graduate from Rutgers University in 1999 with a degree in labor studies. In 1995 Rich formed Happy Days Records and gave the world a first glance at bands such as Hot Water Music and Ink & Dagger, as well as other great records by artists such as Endeavor, Human Remains, and Time's Up. Shortly after graduating, Rich moved his efforts, experience, and passion to begin a career in labor organizing. He formed New Labor, an alternative model of worker organization centered on organizing and building power for low-wage, young, immigrant workers in central New Jersey. New Labor has grown to over 1,500 members since its founding in 2000. His work as executive director of New Labor led to another labor partnership and the founding of Laborers Local 55 in 2009, a new local focused on emerging industries such as green construction and energy conservation. Most recently, Rich worked as a business manager with Laborers Local 55.

Although his professional accomplishments were many, his greatest personal accomplishment was being an amazing father to his girls. He was predeceased by his father, Richard Cunningham Sr. His spirit, passion and love lives on in his wife, Heather Knapp Cunningham; his twin daughters, Lily Ava and Reese Sydney; his mother Karen Gebhardt Cunningham; his sister, Melissa Cunningham, as well as the countless other family, friends, and co-workers whose lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to www.armyofrich.org, www.thetjlfoundation.org or www.challahfoundation.org.

Happy Birthday to you

2009-09-04T12:24:00.004-04:00

I'm a big enough fan of Aveda that I'm going to post this on my blog...

Join Aveda's Birthday Program today and get a free, full-size product on your birthday!

You get a little post card that you take to your nearest Aveda store and they give you a lovely little gift. All for the trouble of just signing up - nothing more.

Easypeasy and Happy Birthday to you!

That CA & NJ were somehow not so far apart

2009-09-02T16:07:00.012-04:00

Stephanie & Sadie came to visit at the end of August. I hadn't seen them since March, when I went out to visit them in California. I can't believe how much Sadie has grown - she is walking, not crawling - and saying TONS of words. She's such a smart little thing, it blows my mind.

I picked Stephanie & Sadie up in Middletown Sunday afternoon, so they wouldn't have to be on the train so long. We drove on a road and passed a school with a really funny name.

It was really hot and humid the day they arrived, so we mostly just sat around the house and tried not to sweat. In the late afternoon, we went up to the beach where I surfed and Sadie and Stephanie played on the sand. We didn't eat dinner until SOOOOO late - first all the sand had to be washed off and food prepared. Nothing too fancy, just some pasta & sauce with some fresh Jersey tomatoes thrown in.

Monday we stopped by Kate's house before her next European adventure and then I took Stephanie for her first Wegmans experience. In the afternoon we hit the beach again for more surfing and running around.

Tuesday we made some Cantaloupe Soup in the morning (the recipe is from The Joy of Cooking) and then hit some stores, did a lot of walking around, hit the beach late in the day again and then took Stephanie and Sadie to Vic's for the first time. The food there is always delicious - Stephanie loved it and for the holidays I will try to overnight her some sauce. It's THAT good.

Wednesday was kind of sad, since we had to go to the airport and say à bientôt. Stephanie wrote about her time in on the Right Coast here. You can also see her photos of the visit by clicking this link. You can check out the rest of my photos of their visit by clicking here.

I wish Emeryville wasn't so far from Bradley Beach... (sigh)
Can't wait til the next visit!!!!
xoxo

I love this kid

2009-09-02T12:08:00.004-04:00

I don't want kids of my own.
But if I did have a kid, I would want her to be just like Sadie.

UPDATE ON BENEFIT SHOW @ THE COURT TAVERN

2009-08-18T09:56:00.004-04:00

My friend Brenda has informed me of the following info in regards to donating money to the Cunninghams - in conjunction with the benefit show @ The Court Tavern...

"There is a Paypal account, that will go directly to the Cunninghams. You can click on send money, type in email: heatherette74@hotmail.com"

Thanks Brenda!!!