July 19th, 2009 22 Weeks Of Surf - Molly's Magical Monday Swell.

A Celebration of Molly Rowlee's Life will take place on August 22nd at 8th Street
at The Wall at North Beach, Hampton, NH. at 8:00AM for a Surf Paddle. Followed by KB's Bagels and ending with a Block party in Hampton *Details to follow in the weeks ahead. The World is invited.

There can be no denying the incredible power of the Internet. It is hands down, the most powerful tool at our collective fingertips. The vast amount of information that is available at the click of a mouse, is just mind boggling- incredible. I know I speak for most of you, when I say, we would be lost without it. It sustains us in virtually every aspect of our lives. From our source of entertainment, to where we need to go to find waves, to the who, what, where and when of what we need to do, in almost everything we do in our lives. Truly remarkable. And it is this same Internet, that from time to time, brings us news of complete sadness and shock.

Last Sunday, July 12, 2009 was one of those times.

I had just finished writing this column, and was ready to post, when the latest Molly Rowlee CarePages Update came in from Buck and Meg. The days prior, were incredibly intense for the Rowlees, and every update that came through, was met with a mixture of dread and elation. The 'Celebrate Molly' heading, was the saddest thing I have ever read on the Internet. The little girl, that had captured our hearts in the last five months, was gone. The incredible writings of Buck and Meg Rowlee, that had kept us all full of love and hope, for these past weeks and days had come to a halt. And to a single person, it hit us all hard. Those who knew Lil Miss Molly, and those who only knew her through the Care Pages. Numbing.

Again, the power of the Internet cannot be denied.

We all became a little bit closer through our high speed connections. We all prayed together through the Internet. We all expressed heaps of positive energy, and sent them through the Internet. And in the end, we all grieved together, through our cyber communication. And as sad as it all is, something remarkable took place that night, and into the very next day. And it happened through these same high speed phone lines. We all became connected spiritually, and it has passed on through our community, like some airborne virus of goodwill. And it came through the missives of Buck and Meg's writings. The very two parents, who stood head and shoulders above it all, came back to us, with more words of positive reinforcement. Words of love and hope, and most importantly, their words of celebrating Lil Miss Molly's life.

Just when we thought, we had read and digested, all that a human being was capable of giving, we were once again, showered with incredible words of wisdom and love, from Buck and Meg. And that in turn, had opened the flood gates, of even more words of comfort and love, from so many in the surf community. And, it all came pouring through the lines of the Internet.

I know I speak for all of us when I say. Thank You Lil Miss Molly, for bringing us so much joy and happiness in our lives. And Thank you, for the incredible heaps of love, that was cultivated in our Surf community, and for having such brave and loving parents, and a truly classic little brother. Thank you for showing us, that the things that really matter, are the simple things in life. Thank you for allowing us, to open our hearts and eyes, to the wonders that surround us. Our ocean and beaches. The waves and weather. Our family and friends. The simple act of reaching out, to lend a hand to someone in need.

Thank You Miss Molly, for all of that and more.

And yes we will join your Mom and Dad, and Lil brother Kieran, and we will celebrate your life not only on your special day next month, but each and every day. We all know there is a heaven. And we all know that you are there, and that you are happy and free, and that your spirit will be felt forever in our surf community. We Love you Lil Miss Molly.

A big part of the mystery of life, occurred the very next day. Monday, July 13th, 2009. Not a single Surf Forecast, or Surf Report, had predicted what we had waiting for all of us, the next morning after Molly's passing. Surf. And not just surf, as in some longboard waves. I'm talking about significant chest high, and clean surf. Hollow surf. Shortboardable surf. And it came with the sun shining through our clouds of grief, and sadness. There was no explaining this surf.

Except for one thing. That Little Angel Molly Rowlee saw a grieving surf community, and somehow convinced the Lord, to send us a groundswell. I don't know how that happened, but it does not surprise me. Knowing Buck and his unbelievable positive attitude, and savvy salesmanship, you'd have to think, that some of that rubbed off on Molly . And she somehow was able to go right to the man in charge, and ask for a little ground swell. Am I right people? Damn straight I am! We're talking about a Rowlee here.

That's why I am calling this week 22 of waves, "Molly's Magical Monday Swell."

I don't know what else to say, as to why we got waves on Monday. People kept asking each other, "what is this from?" "It has to be Molly." I'd say to anyone within earshot. "It has to be."

Do I know for sure, that Molly sent us waves? No, but on the other hand, do I know she didn't? The answer is No. There are many unanswered questions, about life and beyond. We all have our own beliefs, and they are for the most part, based on combinations on our religions. I do know for 100% certainty, that there are many things, that have happened, to some people and some of whom, that are highly respected, that we just do not have logical answers to. Things have happened to me personally, that I can't explain. But I don't need an explanation. I know what I know. And I believe in something beyond all of this. What it is exactly, I can't say. But I believe, that the world that Molly is in, is a beautiful world. And that it is at times, almost transparent with our world. And that you simply, have to open your hearts and minds, to see it.

Most of you regular readers of this column, know that I end each column with the line..."Surfing Heals All Wounds" Well, I know Buck was out surfing the day after Molly passed, and while I know he is certainly not healed, I know that the healing process has begun. And it began with the simple act of going surfing, and communicating with his little girl.

Speaking of Surfing. The waves on Monday had attracted quite a few of the local crew as well as the many others who are here visiting. I surfed twice during the day and as cold as it was, it was very refreshing to be able to catch and ride waves of that quality when no one was expecting anything over ankle high. I even surfed with my old friend Jack. And it had been months since we paddled side by side. It was a good day. At one point during my first session, I I saw Jimmy Dunn take off on a solid chest high wave on his Kayak. I was inside hooting when he suddenly stood up. He was standing on his Kayak. Then much to my horror the wave pitched over him and he lost his craft. That craft came at me like a loose freight train. Jimmy of course was laughing. He said he was SUK-ing. As in Stand Up Kayaking. Very Funny. What is it with comedians? All in all it was a real good day for surfing.

And by the way...so was the next day. Surfing heals all wounds.

Now for some of my weekly Global observances:

Here's one of those "I thought he was dead already announcements". Walter Cronkite dead at 92. The most trusted man in America is gone. Personally, I think Walter was 100% off the mark when he reported on the Tet Offensive in 1968. I hold him personally responsible for turning the tide against America in Vietnam. And if you don't believe me, read a history book. America did not lose a single battle in the 1968 Tet Offensive. But to hear good ole Walter Cronkhead, he said the war was lost. Thanks Walt. Rest in peace while you can. There's a few dead American heroes, waiting to have a few words with you.

Is it me, or am I not alone when I say...Who cares if the CIA had plans after September 11, 2001 to capture and Kill Terrorists? Are you FREAKING Kidding me? All the things wrong in this world, and we need to spend money investigating that? Call me old fashion, but I'm all for wanting to kill and capture Terrorists! I mean WTF is wrong with the media?????

Monday July 20th marks the 40 anniversary of the First Moonwalk (No not Michael Jackson). Anyone old enough to remember that? July 20th 1969 Man walked on the Moon for the very first time. Speaking of MJ I'm still looking for the First Ever Recorded Moonwalk on a Longboard. Come on! Get it on video and send it to me.

In the sad news department, the sounds of WBCN will be silenced forever as 104.1FM will shut down on August 13th 2009. The AMERICAN REVOLUTION was born in March of 1968 and I for one remember that time and will miss the greatest Rock Station of all time. More on BCN at a later date.

The WOUNDED WARRIORS are coming back to Hampton Friday August 28th, 2009 at North Beach for the 2nd Annual HIT THE BEACH! Surf event. Stay tuned.

Get well Bruce Crisner. NJ Surf Photographer who lost his eye in a tragic surf accident. *It was by his own board. People listen Up! Always come up out if the water, with your hands in front of your face. Hang in there Bruce (Hare).

CHECK OUT This Cool Surf Flick at The Ashworth on July 28th, 2009 at 8:30PM.
Thank You WBCN for 41 years of Great Music and Entertainment.
Happy Birthday Tami Heide July 23rd!
Happy Birthday to Judith Rastl July 23rd!
Happy Birthday Janelle July 23rd!
Happy 20th Anniversary Kevin and Kim Grondin! (Someone get Kim a medal please).

CALL FOR SURF ART! The Annual RALPH'S SURF ART COLUMN WILL BE POSTED ON JULY 26TH! Start Sending your work now. Make sure they are either JPEGS or PDF files. Make sure they are 700 to 800 pixels wide. *You can send up to 5 pieces per artist. Just make sure you include the Title, your name (or artist name), the medium and surface it is painted on. ALL Artists, including sculptors, and other mediums are welcome. NO STILL PHOTOGRAPHY please for the Art Column.

Deadline for all Art submitted is Friday July 24th 2009 at 6:00PM. Thanks and I'm looking forward to seeing this year's Surf Art.

Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 6 years.

Remember my friends...Surfing heals all wounds....
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surf For Fun.

Ralph

Yesterday- Ronnie Freeman Smashing Fashion in 1975! (Below) Last week I posted a series of pics, with a guy wearing his surf trunks over his wetsuit. Well, to be fair, a good friend of mine who surfed here in the late 60's and 70's and who now lives in Central California, had copped that look back in the day. And while the jury says..."It's still Kooky looking!"I had to run this in case last week's fashion disaster felt bad about his expose Sorry Ron. Video frame grab from Super 8mm movie by Ed O'Connell

Today 2009- Week-22 "Molly's Magical Monday Swell"
The Empty Wave Gallery July 13, 2009

(Above) Can you say Hollow? Molly's Magical Monday Swell. Monday July 13, 2009. To see more EMPTY WAVES click on Photo. Photo by RALPH Click on the image above to see more. (Above) Sorry Johnny... Molly's Magical Monday Swell. Monday July 13, 2009. To see more EMPTY WAVES click on Photo. Photo by RALPH Click on the image above to see more. Today 2009- Week-22 "Molly's Magical Monday Swell" The RALPH Action Gallery July 13, 2009 (Above) Look if this guy was only 4' tall it would still be worth it. But he's not. This was Molly's Magical Monday Swell. Monday July 13, 2009. To see more Molly's Magical Monday click on Photo. Photo by RALPH Click on the image above to see more.   (Above) Mike Moran is a creative individual who always takes the unbeaten path. He caught so many waves on Monday it was hard not to post them all. Molly's Magical Monday Swell. Monday July 13, 2009. To see more Molly's Magical Monday click on Photo. Photo by RALPH Click on the image above to see more. (Above) Melanie is one of a handful of local Women rippers. She was all over this surprise swell. Molly's Magical Monday Swell. Monday July 13, 2009. To see more Molly's Magical Monday click on Photo. Photo by RALPH Click on the image above to see more. (Above) Anthony Currio on Molly's Magical Monday Swell. Monday July 13, 2009. To see more Molly's Magical Monday click on Photo. Photo by RALPH Click on the image above to see more. Today 2009- Week-22 Monday July 13th, 2009 Sequences (Above) Kenny Sakurai back in form on Molly's Magical Monday Swell. Monday July 13, 2009. To see more Kenny's ride click on Photo. Photo by RALPH Click on the image above to see more. (Above) Mike Moran's Fin First Sequence. Molly's Magical Monday Swell. Monday July 13, 2009. To see more Mikey's ride click on Photo. Photo by RALPH Click on the image above to see more.   (Above) Mike Moran's Lefty Sequence. Molly's Magical Monday Swell. Monday July 13, 2009. To see more Mikey's rides click on Photo. Photo by RALPH Click on the image above to see more. Today 2009- Week-22 "Molly's Magical Monday Swell" The Ed O'Connell Action Gallery July 13, 2009 (Above) BHD Monday nite. Note the next three pics and see how our hands are held. Monday July 13, 2009. To see more Click on pic. Photo by Ed O'Connell Click on the image above to see more.

(Above) Brian Nevins. Monday July 13, 2009.
To see more Click on pic. Photo by Ed O'Connell
Click on the image above to see more.

(Above) Jacko. Monday July 13, 2009. To see more Click on pic. Photo by Ed O'Connell
Click on the image above to see more.

(Above) BHD Monday nite. A salute and a point for Molly.
Monday July 13, 2009. To see more Click on pic. Photo by Ed O'Connell
Click on the image above to see more.

Today 2009- Week-22 "Molly's Magical Monday Swell"
The Chris Shipley Gallery July 13, 2009

(Above) Unknown Grom gets his 15 minutes of fame. Monday July 13, 2009. To see more Click on pic. Photo by Chris Shipley
Click on the image above to see more.

(Above) Nevins takes a stroll. Monday July 13, 2009. To see more Click on pic.
Photo by Chris Shipley Click on the image above to see more.

Today 2009- Week-22 "Molly's Magical Monday Swell"
The Mixed Bag Gallery July 13, 2009

(Above) Adam Coates Monday July 13, 2009. To see more Click on pic.
Photo by Abby Field Click on the image above to see more.

(Above) Mackey V Monday July 13, 2009. To see more Click on pic.
Photo by Abby Field Click on the image above to see more.

RALPH'S VIDEO CLIP OF THE WEEK BELOW.

RALPH'S VIDEO CLIP OF THE WEEK *SHOT in 1975
CLICK ON THE PHOTO IMAGE BELOW FOR SHORT WINDOWS MEDIA FILE VIDEO CLIP.

(Above) Click on this image of Robin Rowell For a clip taken in 1975.
Video Super 8mm Frame Grab by Ed O'Connell

Today 2009- MONDAY July 13th, 2009 Blatant DROP-IN

(Above) The weekly Crime captured on film. BAD BOY- BAD BOY -Whatcha Gonna Do? When de come for you? BLATANT Drop In. Monday July 13th, 2009. To see more and other Drop-Ins click on image. Photo by RALPH Click on the image above to see more.


Today 2009- July 13, 2009 West Coast Action

(Above) UPPERS. Shot Monday July 13, 2009. Photo courtesy of the Internet.

(Above) Got Hollow? Shot Monday July 13, 2009. Photo courtesy of the Internet.

Today 2009- Sunday July 12, 2009 Molly's Memorial

(Above) The local Groms built this Memorial the night Molly passed. Shot Sunday July 12, 2009. To see more- click on image. Photo by RALPH
Click on the image above to see more.

(Above) Children reaching out... Molly's Memorial the night Molly passed.
Shot Sunday July 12, 2009. To see more- click on image. Photo by RALPH
Click on the image above to see more.

Today 2009- MORE Insane Indo July 2009

(Above) July 2009. Insane G-Land surf. Photo courtesy of Mike Rizzic

(Above) July 2009. Insane Gland surf. Photo courtesy of Mike Rizzic

Today 2009 PARTING SHOT- Lenny working on his Wing Chun Kick July 13th, 2009

(Above) This can't be good. Unless he pulled it off. My guess is no. Wing Chun or new Surf move? July 13th. Photo by Ed O'Connell