March 25th, 2012 The RUN is 55 out of 57 Weeks.
Waist high or better, at least once a week.
There was NO surf this week. We Start a NEW Run when the next swell starts. |
"How is it that you always seem to find something to write about week after week?" My friend asked me the other day. Truth be told, I've been asked that same question many times over the last 9 years. Wait, did I just write 9 years? I did. It's going to be 9 years since I started this weekly blog on April 15th, 2012. Nine years? Yikes. It does not seem that long. But it is.
So getting back to my friend's query. Well, this week alone is a good example.
I was going to write about how wonderful the MOLLY Fundraiser went at The EXTER RINKS when we hosted the 3rd annual BOSTON BRUINS Alumni vs the SURFERS. It was another successful outing. I love seeing the smiling faces of the whole community come together during this fun filled day at the Hockey Rink. The Pink colors just circulating throughout the entire building is such a great atmosphere to be part of. The dozens of volunteers all helping out is so up lifting. And it is wide spread.
From the little groms and Moms to the dads and grandparents.
It's just a great day all around. And it is always a gas to see some of the GREATEST Hockey players to ever
lace up a pair of skates in the NHL skate with a bunch of local surfers. Such a fun filled entertaining afternoon, that my face hurt from laughing and smiling so much.
And throughout the day, that MOLLY logo was everywhere.
To think that this 5 year old sweetheart, who lived such a short life has touched so many in the community is truly a blessing for us all. Molly's legacy will be this fund that bears her name. That logo and that smiling face of her's, will forever be linked to helping other families who have children who are battling cancer.
Long after we are all gone from this earth, the hope is that the MOLLY ROWLEE Fund will still be in affect. Still helping families, still giving hope, still putting smiles on people's faces. Isn't that an amazing thought? I know that Buck, Meighan, Kieran, and soon to be little brother TJ, are forever grateful for the out pouring of love and support that they have received from this community and beyond. It warms the hearts of all of those who knew Molly, and to those who only know of her spirit and what it has brought forth to this seacoast.
So it is easy for me to find something to write about week after week.
And because I am a vehicle of sorts for all the Surf related news on the seacoast, there are times when the news is not always good. That was the case this week. When I found out that we lost two individuals who have strong surf ties to our community. It breaks my heart to say that Dwight Hamsley and Toby Parke's love of his life Joanna Rob passed away this past week.
Once again cancer has raised it's ugly head and snatched away a young life.
Toby and Joanna are the loving parents of baby Myles. Toby is one of us. A surfer. He's a great guy and a good surfer. I've known Toby for many years. I've taken many photos and video of his surfing here along with his buddies Stanek, Sashi, and the many others he calls a friend. There are too many of you to name. Toby is one of those humble individuals who sort of slips in and out of the water without making a lot of noise.
At the end of one of my movies (The RUN) Toby speaks of he and Joanna and the birth of their son
Myles. It was such a happy moment to have captured on video. I was genuinely stoked for the two of them. Having a family and sharing that love of surfing with your family, is one of the best experiences we can all share in. It seems there are so many new parents who are surfers.
I love hearing about all the young surfers who are raising families here in NH.
We recently had a Fundraiser for Joanna last Fall that Matt and his friends put together. We had three local bands play. Todo Bien, Kings Highway, and BHD. It was a fun night, and we seemed to have raised enough money to help out with the never ending expenses of dealing with Cancer. Things were looking good for Joanna that night. The days and months that followed had similar positive results. But cancer is cruel. It knows no boundaries in it's cruelty.
Rich or poor. It strikes all and leaves nothing but heartache in it's wake. But cancer cannot kill love. Cancer cannot kill support. Cancer cannot kill all friends and family.
It may try, but it can't kill us all. Some day, some way, we will kill it. And that day will be one for the ages. The day we kill cancer. That day will be a day for the history books. A day to celebrate. Hell, it might even become a Holiday. Meanwhile, we will pick up the pieces and hold on to each other a little tighter. There is a service for Joanna this coming Saturday March 31st, 2012 at 12 noon. See poster below. Surfing, Community, and Love.
Dwight Hamsley was a surfer. He was also an incredible athlete who broke all kinds of Football records at Portsmouth High School and at UNH. In 1981 at the young age of 22, Dwight was seriously hurt in a fall in Hawaii, where he was spending time surfing with his friends. He became a quadriplegic and spent the next 31 years confined to a wheelchair. Most people would of spent the rest of their lives upset and despondent after such a devastating accident.
Not Dwight. He was always upbeat and positive whenever I saw him. Always.
He went on to hone his skills as an artist, as a writer, as a photographer, as a musician, as a poet, and he would be dammed if he just sat idly in his wheelchair as well. Dwight took up adaptive rowing, where he actually rowed to the Isle of Shoals and back. He rowed down the Hudson River in New York, and he also competed in the world's first handicap rowing regatta in Perth, Australia where he came in second place.
For years Dwight was the driving force in the "Tidal Wave Of Art" show.
He loved art with all his heart and soul, and he was the first to push the surf art theme in the surf community. Jay Gould, Stan Chew, Jon Grady, and some of the other older surf art enthusiasts will attest to that. He once did a painting for me. It is still hanging in our kitchen. He didn't have a title when he gave it to me. "What's it called Dwight?" I asked him that day. "You can call it whatever you want Ralph." I looked at the painting and looked at Dwight. "I'll call it the Light at the End of The Tunnel." He smiled. "I love it." We shook hands.
Dwight is Free now...he is out of that chair. Just like he always said he would.
There is a service for Dwight on Saturday March 31st, 2012 at 1:30PM at the RYE CONGREGATIONAL Church on 580 Washington Road, in Rye, NH.
I plan on attending after I attend Joanna's service at 12 noon in Portsmouth.
Saturday is going to be a day of celebration and tears.
And it will be no surprise to any of us who know, that if there is surf before or after, we can all use a good cleansing that only that salt water can provide.
Rest in Peace Dwight and Rest In Peace Joanna.
"Surfing Heals ALL Wounds...".
Now
for some of my Weekly Global Observances:
The whole Nation is up in arms over the senseless killing of Trayvon Martin the young 17yr old black youth who was killed by a local watchman George Zimmerman in Florida. By all the accounts I heard this is a simple case of Murder of an unarmed youth. Zimmerman should be arrested and tried for murder. Why are we wasting time on this? I mean Good Lord. The only people who think Zimmerman is innocent is Zimmerman and his lawyer. Come on. Throw this loony bird in jail and let's get on with our lives here. That poor family has suffered enough.
OK last week was one for the ages as far as the NFL goes. First Peyton Manning officially becomes a Denver Bronco for $96 Million freaking dollars! And Tim Tebow heads off to the NY JETS? Oh boy...like the NY Media is not gonna crucify Tebow? wait that's a bad choice of words there. But you know what I mean. The NY POST will crush Tebow the first time he loses a game. Crush him. Start praying Tim...
Then down in New Orleans the SAINTS were dealt a severe blow by Roger Goodall. Man oh man don't mess with that man. Head Coach Sean Payton GONE for one year. The Defensive Coordinator gone INDEFINITLY! GM out for 8 games. And the killer the loss of two second round Draft picks for two years. Ouch! All because of the BOUNTY that the coaches had for the players to take out opposing players by means of injuries. Like a bonus, if you hit someone and they are carted off on a stretcher. WTF? You know, we have suffered here in New England after that asshole hit on Brady back in 2007. The thought that players are TRYING to hurt other players on purpose to make a few extra bucks is sickening.
I say good for you Roger Goodall. Lay down the law.
Finally...I never got into the whole Youth Vampire craze the last couple of years and I admit I have no idea what this HUNGER bit is all about. What I do know is, someone is making a ton of money here. And I have never knocked success.
So feed the HUNGER kids...if it fills your bellies. I'm going to pass.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Arthur Beauchesne March 26th!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY John Hintlian March 26th!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Noelle Fatello March 27th!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Austin Helm March 28th!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Chris Caisey March 29th!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Manford Carter March 30th!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Brenda McKenna March 31st!
Congrats to Jimmy and Judie Dunn on their recent marriage.
Congrats to Mr and Mrs Steve Dillon on their recent marriage as well.
REST IN PEACE Dwight Hamsley age 53 Rye NH.
REST IN PEACE Joanna Rob longtime partner to Toby Parke.
REST IN PEACE Olga Titone grandmother to local mom Angela Titone
.
GET WELL Soon Steve "Surfer Crow" Watson...(Steve just came through a recent 12 hour surgery and they got all the cancer!) He's still going to need some rehab so PLEASE keep Steve in your thoughts prayers!
COMING SOON This SUMMER 2012 the Return of EMPTY Clothing.
Don't forget to go back and read the whole DAILY BLOG on My CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY. (Click On the Banner on this page.) Started on July 26, 2010 ENDED July 26, 2011. A Wave a day for 365 consecutive days. Just click on the banner ads on this page.
CHECK
OUT THE NEW/Old YESTERDAY PAGE! ALL OLD New England and
beyond Surf Pics! *NEW PICS added each week!
*Check out the NEW updated DROPPING
IN ON RALPH blog Section. I will have March,and April up soon (I promise).
Please
Support ALL The photographers who contribute to Ralph's Pic
Of The Week
every week for the last 8 years. **Think about BUYING a Photo
from any of the weeks
on RPOTW as a GREAT Gift Idea. A nice framed photo of your favorite
Surfer!
Remember
my friends...Surfing Heals All Wounds....
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surf For Fun.
Ralph
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| (Above) The NEW Movie is coming along...we're trying to get it out as soon as possible. It's all original music (QWILL, Todo Bien and more), and local footage:Joe Carter's GITV, my own, Granite Stoke, and a few others. Plus the many stills from Ed O'Connell, Brian Nevins, my family, and more. A portion of the proceeds will go directly to The MOLLY Fund. |
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Yesterday- Noelle Is Introduced To Surfing- Summer 1997
(Below) Our youngest child is turning 17 this week. Damn. Where did the time go? It's hard to believe that our little baby is looking at colleges, has her own vehicle, works two jobs, and gets good grades in school. All you young parents out there, believe what everyone tells you. In the blink of an eye your little baby will be all grown up before you know what hits you. Enjoy these precious moments now. Happy Birthday Sweetie Boid! Or is it Tweetie Boid? Photo by Cory Fatello |
Click on the photo above to see the larger version. |
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Today- LEFTOVERS January-February-March 2012
Photos By RALPH |
(Above) Stepping out the Longboard. Sunday March 4, 2012. Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery. |
(Above )Arms akimbo. Tuesday January 24, 2012. Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery. |
(Above ) Some of you know where this is. Less than an hour from where I'm sitting. Tuesday January 24, 2012. Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
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(Above ) Yes this day was thumping. Friday January 13, 2012. Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
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(Above ) In fact, it was ass kicking, neck throttling, gut wrenching madness out there.Friday January 13, 2012. Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
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(Above) Casey Lockwood had this all to himself on February 3, 2012. Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
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Today- The BOSTON BRUINS Alumni vs The SURFERS in the 3rd Annual MOLLY ROWLEE Fundraiser Hockey Game
March 18, 2012 Photos By RALPH
(Above) 9 out of 10 of these players were actually surfers. *Including the guy in the BRUINS uniform. Can you guess which one is NOT a surfer? Sunday March 18, 2012. Photo By RALPH * Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
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(Above) Buck and Stevie. Sunday March 18, 2012. Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
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(Above) Classic. Surfers Coach Kevin Grondin showing Buck some moves on the bench. Sunday March 18, 2012. Photo By RALPH * Click on the photo above to
see the Whole gallery.
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(Above) New Jersey Devil fan Earl Tree Todd Davidson was my favorite player.
Earl even scored a goal and almost got another one before his knee gave out. Sunday March 18, 2012. Photo By RALPH * Click on the photo above to
see the Whole gallery. |
Today- The BOSTON BRUINS Alumni vs The SURFERS in the 3rd Annual MOLLY ROWLEE Fundraiser Hockey Game
March 18, 2012 Photos By Ed O'Connell
(Above) Dean Hager battles Terry O'Reilly for the puck on Sunday March 18, 2012. Photo By Ed O'Connell * Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
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(Above) The BRUINS seemed to be a better team all around. Sunday March 18, 2012. Photo By Ed O'Connell * Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
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(Above) There was a lot of this. BRUINS Breakaways. Sunday March 18, 2012.
Photo By Ed O'Connell * Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery. |
(Above) In fact, to give their goalie some action the The BRUINS would shoot on
their own Goalie. SHOEBOTTOM lets one go. Sunday March 18, 2012.
Photo By Ed O'Connell * Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery. |
Today- Spencer Pirdy WEDGE Sequence Photos by Ben Ginsberg
(Above) Spencer Pirdy commits to a sand sucking WEDGE Barrel. Does he make it? Click and find out. Thursday March 15, 2012. Photos By Ben Ginsberg
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery. |
Today- Spring time comes to Sunset Beach Oahu
Photos by Bernie Baker
(Above) Groms can relax during the Spring swells on Oahu. Thursday March 22, 2012. Photos By Bernie Baker
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
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(Above) Buttons and Jimmy Dunn Hawaii. March 17th, 2012.
Photo courtesy of Jimmy Dunn.
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.
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(Above) Nicaragua is the Land Of The Lefts. Look at this wave. March 19th, 2012
Photo By Brennan Natoli
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.
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(Above) Nica. Like Lefts? March 19th, 2012
Photo By Brennan Natoli * Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery. |
(Above) OK it was almost 90 degrees on March 22nd, 2012 in Hampton, NH.
Photo by Amy Kane * Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.
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CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON on each clip to view videos
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Zack H. 2012 from Zack Humphreys on Vimeo.
I've seen this kid surf in ESA contests for years.
He's a freaking monster! Check this out.
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BELOW- This is the third 5 minute trailer to the NEW Surf Free Or Die -Memory Lane Movies documentary called SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS.
"SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS Trailer III"
Back in 1985 I wrote an article on "What Surfing Means To Me" in a local magazine. This is in part a video of that article. All the footage was shot by me and others during my yearlong "Catch A Wave For Molly" July 26-2010 to July 26-2011. The music is by BH and it is simple but effective.
COMING SOON
This is the NEW 5 minute trailer to the NEW Surf Free Or Die -Memory Lane Movies documentary called
"SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS"
It's the true story of the man who surfed 365 consecutive Days in memory of a 5 year old girl (Molly Rowlee) who lost her battle to cancer in 2009.
He called it "Catch a Wave For Molly".
Music is by QWILL
COMING SOON
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NO Crackie Video this week. Crackie is having some emergency dental work and will be back next week. Meanwhile, if you have a question for the Crackmeister send it here...crackie@adlantic.com
Crackie has his own Facebook Page. You should Friend Him...though there are no guarantees that he'll be nice to you.
Hope you all learn something from this informative Q&A.
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The Three Stooges Official Trailer - Farrelly Brothers Movie (2012) HD
I CAN'T WAIT FOR THIS TO COME OUT!!!
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(Above) All
Rise: 10th
Street District Court of Surf Justice
is now in session, the
Honorable Judge
RALPH presiding. CASE 154 BLATANT DROP IN OF THE WEEK-
Shot in California last month. Click the photo to see the outcome of this Surf crime
and the verdict. Photo by Ben Ginsberg |
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Click above graphic for The Daily BLOG I wrote from July 26-2010 to July 26-2011
Yes you can STILL DONATE to the Fundraiser.
THE "CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY" video by JOE CARTER and
GET IN THE VAN is NOW on the SURFER'S JOURNAL Website and
now
the ESPN website too! Wow!
To see it on this site go to the Molly Page.
http://www.surfersjournal.com/journal_entry/molly-motivation |
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(Above) Different pics from around the Globe.
Photo via the Internet...COMING NEXT WEEK!
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(Above) Different pics from around the Globe.
Photo via the Internet...COMING NEXT WEEK! |
(Above) Different pics from around the Globe.
Photo via the Internet...COMING NEXT WEEK! |
(Above) Different pics from around the Globe.
Photo via the Internet...COMING NEXT WEEK!
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*Click masthead above to read the original
ISM story.
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(Above) Put the cursor over the images above to
see happens when you DROP in on someone. You
become Invisible. Simply put the mouse over the photo to see the
original photo and then marvel at
the results of what happens when the criminal
becomes invisible.*Put the cursor over the photo to see the Real
image.
Photo by Ben Ginsberg |
Today 2012 With All That Warm Weather This Week I thought I'd remind you all of what Summers is really like.
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(Above) Oh Boy...Can't wait for Summer 2012 Photo Via The Internet |
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on Wave to return to top of page
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