The TEMPORARY Home at 62 Lafayette Rd in North Hampton, NH Tel. (603) 929-7467

MOTHERS DAY PAINTING. MOLLY PHOTO REVISITED. GARDEN TIME. SEACOAST MAGAZINE. CELTICS BEAT 76'ers BUT NOW FACE ELIMINATION TO THE HEAT!
GIRLS ON CURLS UPDATE!



MOTHER OCEAN MOTHER'S DAY May 14th, 2023

So on Mother’s Day I did a special painting for my wife Cory. And by special, I mean I had all three of our children, our son-in-laws, my son's girlfriend, and all four of our granddaughters paint it. I started on Saturday May 13th, 2023 at 5:31 PM and finished Sunday (Mothers Day) May 14th, 2023 at 1:15PM. Everybody (all 7 of them) signed the back. FYI I work strictly from memory, when it comes to my wave paintings. No photo references. Just the millions of empty waves I’ve seen in the last 60 years. They are all embedded in my mind. Oh and the title? Why MOTHER OCEAN of course.



Our oldest granddaughter Avery (who is quite the artist herself) adding her
little piece of Fatello history.



Next up was Brylee. She is another super talented entertainer.



Then our horseback riding little Champ Reighlynn added her paint.



Our latest granddaughter Malia, with a little assistance from mom and dad,
adding her little whitewater paint. This is not the first time I have done this.
Back in May of 1996 I did the first Mother's Day painting for Cory and like this one, I had all three of our kids contribute to that piece as well.



This MOTHER OCEAN painting still hangs on that same wall. The little girl on the right along with her husband and little baby, is now the owner of that painting and the wall it hangs on. The more life changes-the more it stays
the same.

Ed O'Connell was one of the most loved surf photographers in New England. A US ARMY Vietnam Veteran who saved the lives of so many ARMY Grunts in Nam in 68-69 as a Medic on board those Dust Off Hueys. He was a dear friend of mine. When he passed on July 1st, 2014 I swore I'd keep his memory and legacy alive by giving him this weekly corner. He loved surfing and he loved taking photos of all the surfers. Not just those who could really stand out. He shot every one. As long as I shall live and breathe the salt air, there will be a corner dedicated to Ed.

ED'S CORNER APRIL 21st, 2023



This pic was shot in May 18th, 2012 at the Wall. I believe I got pretty impacted on that wave before the roof collapsed on me. But hey that's surfing. Sometimes you pull in and make it out, and sometimes you do not. This was one of those times.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.

BOSTON CELTICS IN GAME 3 TONIGHT
I'm really hoping that they win tonight. Thought it's not sounding good. Last week they won in GAME 6 and then they won in Game 7 against the 76'rs with Tatum scoring 51 points! But this guy (above) BUTLER? Man he is practically beating the C's single handedly. It is not looking good.

This is usually about the time I question myself as to why I invest so much into these sports teams that I have no control over. What the hell is wrong with me? With us? Those of us who put everything we have into these professional sports teams, only to lose year after year. I'll tell you why we do it. We do it because of those rare times when they do pull off a sensational victory. We live for those times. We all do. That's why we do it. But they are down 3-0. It's gonna take a miracle to pull off 4 games in a row. Can it be done? Well of course it can. But, I would rule it HIGHLY UNLIKELY. What's the old saying? It was fun while it lasted. Just like the Bruins.

WELCOME TO GARDENING SEASON



Rototilling by hand is a mighty difficult task. But alas my dear friends, I was able to do this in two days. It was difficult for sure.



Then came the 10 yards of loam. Anyone care to guess how many wheelbarrows it took to move this loam from our driveway to the garden out back? Anyone?



I'll tell you exactly how many wheelbarrows it took to move 10 yards of loam to the garden. Ready? 108! ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHT WHEELBARROW FULLS. 108.

THE PHOTO FROM MAY 15th, 2011

"So by now, everyone I assume, has heard about "The Photo". But if you are one of those who has not heard, I need to back up a bit. Yesterday at 2:00PM it was pouring rain. I mean, it was coming down hard. I went to 10th Street to get my wave. I saw Lenny across the street at a party for a local surfer DJ Sparks. His photo is posted in yesterday's blog.

It was going to be the first time surfing on Big Black since I got hurt on May 6th. To say I was a bit hesitant would be an understatement. I was all of that and more. Not because the surf was big, but more of a "freak accident" happening again. With my luck? Ha! Please, anything could happen.

So I paddled out in the driving rain.

I felt something strange in the water, but just thought it was due to the combination of me being slightly nervous about surfing on the same board that damn near killed me, and the fact that it was pouring rain. I felt a coolness around me. The air was cool. I sat on my board for a few minutes...bobbing in the water and saw a wave come at me. It was a left. My last ride on Big Black was a left. "Perfect" I thought.

I stroked into the wave and struggled to my feet. I tried to plant my feet in a stable position. I slowly felt myself gain confidence as I rode the small wave all the way inside. I even said out loud, "OK I've got this. I'm back on Big Black. I can do this!"

I went right back out and caught a wave for DJ and then headed home.

I found two whoopee pies on my windshield. A friend had left them for me. My good friend Barbara Savastano. Apparently she showed up while I was out surfing and left the pies. Before she left, she leaned over the wall and took a photo of me riding that first wave.

And that's when everything changed. This is that photo.

If you look closely, there appears to be an image standing directly behind me. The image appears to be a small child. And that child appears to be placing a hand on my back. Supporting me. Almost like I do when I place my hand on Molly's name at 18th Street. You've all seen the photos of that. This has, as you can very well imagine, turned into something bigger than any of us could possibly imagine.

Of course the obvious questions arose. Is it Molly? If it is not Molly then what is it? Or who is it? *If you click on the image you can see it slightly better. There are other side stories to this amazing photo.

First, I wore my Molly T-shirt all day on Sunday before going down to get my wave. Big deal? Well it is, because I usually only wear that shirt when I am attending Molly events. When I pulled it out of the closet yesterday I even said to myself. "Why am I wearing this today?" And of course my reluctant approach at riding the board that almost killed me 2 weeks before.

And unbeknown to me at the time...?

Down at 14th Street, out surfing on his SUP was Buck. Molly's dad. I even waved to them. They did not wave back because they didn't see me. I just waved to be friendly to those who were out in the same pouring rain.

Is there a logical explanation to all of this? Perhaps. Could it be explained that somehow this image that appeared was a result of some digital malfunction? Sure. But for me? I'm sticking with what I see and what I believe. That was Molly. Supporting me. Holding me up. Being with Buck in the water and then comforting her mother and little brother at home. That's my take."

Here's the actual link to the Month of May 2011. You can scroll down and read all the days that lead up to this day. There are those who are going to say that it's just a coincidence, or that the image is just a piece of debris on Barbara's cell phone. To which I say, if it was a piece of debris? What are the chances that it ended up looking like a little girl? Read what I wrote here. Go read the days leading up to this day. I was feeling all these emotions at the time of this. The bottom line? I know what happened. I was there. There is NO other logical explanation to this story. I know what I believe. And I know what happened that day and the days leading up to it.

And this? This is not the only time something like this has happened to me in my life. And yes, they will all be in my book, just like this story. LONG LIVE MOLLY ROWLEE! http://ralphspic.com/Molly%20May%202011.html



The "GIRLS ON CURLS" Derryfield Surf Project/Documentary Update.
DAY 5 Saturday May 20th, 2023 at The WALL at North Beach, Hampton, NH.



This week it was just Alyssa, Christine, and Elena. Ava was at a show on Saturday night. These three GIRLS ON CURLS turned yet another corner.
For the first time they all paddled out alone, sat up on their boards and were able to pick the right waves to paddle for. They caught waves and angled down the line following the breaking portion of the wave. Progress is being made. Then we came back to my studio and did some interviews. This project is not only the four of them learning how to surf, but also a short documentary on their journey.

My role has always been to be a mentor out in the water and in the studio when it comes to filming and editing. I think I fit that criteria.

We are all looking forward to the "Sunrise DAWN Patrol" session. I believe that session will be the best of them all.

I posted another gallery of their progress.

CHECK THIS OUT! Lily Hartman who's dad is a local surfer did this cool piece on NH Surfing in this latest SEACOAST MAGAZINE. You can pick up a copy at the local supermarkets and beach stores, or you can click on the image below and read it Online.



"I spend a lot of time at The Wall at North Hampton beach. When I can’t get up to the mountains, it’s a place where I find peace and joy. That’s what is cool about New England though; you can surf in the morning and hike/ski in the afternoon. New England really is a special place, and my dad showed me that at a young age. He’s an avid surfer and skier, and has been taking me to Cape Cod since I was born. I think that’s why I’m so drawn to the seacoast around here. I’m reminded of all of the places I fell in love with as a kid. Of course, I thought of this story idea because of him. The NH surfing community seemed pretty special, and I had the urge to put it into words. So, here it is. What a fun, inspiring, and amazing experience it was to write this article! Hope you enjoy." Lily Hartman

“SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

Though it looks like a heart shaped garden it's actually L shaped.
Only those who have gardens and farms know what it's like to grow your own crops. My wife and I along with our children reap the rewards of a well managed garden every season. Especially if we have a good corn year. Cory and I have spent many a summer night having sweet corn from the garden. There's nothing quite like walking out your back door, and picking a few ears of corn for dinner. Not to mention all the salad goodies too.

My grandmother always had a garden and so did my father.

I'm just keeping the family tradition going. The old Yankees always said, "Plant on Memorial Day Weekend". While that may still be true, but with this Global Warming? I plant a week or two earlier. Except this year. I got a late start. But I'm still in the game.
Unlike the Bruins and the Celtics.

Oh why do I have to be so damn hurtful?


The NEW HAMPSHIRE SURF DOCUMENTARY.
A documentary that has been 59 years in the making. Hear from Local Legends Surfers from all over New England talk about New Hampshire. Coming the Summer of 2023

“SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

Here's another story straight out of the tabloids. Everyone knows about the Duke and the Duchess and their alleged "Dangerous" Paparazzi car chase through NYC last week. Well depending on which news source you read or watch, it appears that it was not that dangerous. Mostly because you can't drive that fast through NYC. The traffic simply won't allow it.

However, I was completely unaware that Khaliddy himself was sitting across from the Duchess's mother. Why KSM was in the same vehicle as these three, is yet another KSM mystery. Personally, I'm just glad that there's a weekly story for me to use to insert our boy into every week. Looks like Harry is ready to snap a pic of any unwelcome guests in his limo. I wonder if he got a pic of the Sheik entering the vehicle?



And so my friends, please take advantage of this weekly photo shop of the mastermind who planned 9-11 and resulted in the deaths of 3,000 innocent civilians by KSM (Khalid Sheik Mohammed). *Note to self -must pick up a case of "MY LIFE AS AN ANNOYING PAPARAZZI" Books by Seymour Celeblosers at Home Depot this week.

REST IN PEACE Running back/Actor Jim Brown.
GET WELL SOON Bruce Aquizap US NAVY Vietnam Vet.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Brylee Welch May 22nd, 2023!
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY SUNDAY MAY 14th, 2023!
TO ALL THE MOMS OUT THERE!
KEEP FIGHTING Robert Gerard! You Got This Brother!
Please keep LOCAL LEGEND Surfer Norm Murphy in your thoughts and prayers.
GET WELL SOON Sofia Nardone!
GOOD LUCK Gary Ritchie with your shoulder surgery!
GREAT NEWS on Mike Keefe's latest med report!
Finally, I'm calling this a special request.
LOCAL SURFER/MUSICIAN PETE KOWALSKI NEEDS A KIDNEY. A TYPE A KIDNEY. PLEASE if you know anyone with a Type A Kidney please contact me at ralph@adlantic.com


SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS!
Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to
Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 19 years.
** BUY a HIGH RES Photo from any of the weeks on RPOTW.
Remember my friends... Surfing Heals All Wounds.
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surfing Is Supposed to be Fun.

Ralph

34 YEARS AGO, I CAUGHT AND RODE MY LAST WAVE IN HAWAII.
I realize I am basically saying I'm never going back to Hawaii to surf again there. But the truth be told, unless I'm on a longboard surfing the gentle waves on the South Shore, I will never surf on Oahu's North Shore again. I'd go again to shoot the surf, but my days of surfing the North Shore of Oahu ended on this wave at Rocky Point. I can't complain, I surfed many times from 1971 to 1989 on the North Shore. But make no mistake about it, it is a youngman's game. Not someone my age. I still have the movies and the memories. And that's all I need. Photo by Kevin "Doc" Grondin.
*Click on the photo above to see a larger image

I kept a daily Blog on my CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY surf campaign, when I surfed every single day for 365 consecutive days. Click on the Banner above to read entries of my daily journey. There's some really interesting and true experiences
that happened during that year. Some of which are to this day, unexplainable. Some are just mind blowing. But all true.

I started on July 26th, 2010 and ended on July 26th, 2011.

Some rainy Sunday, pour yourself a cup and go through the journal. Pay close attention to the month of May in 2011. Read that month and let me know what you think of that. Be forewarned it will change you forever.

All photos taken this week unless otherwise noted.

Today- GIRLS ON CURLS DAY 5 May 20th, 2023.
Photos by RALPH



(Above) They are always so stoked just to be on the beach, let alone going surfing. Christine pulling on the gloves. Saturday May 20th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Click on the ad above to see the Menu and other
important info on their Somerville restaurant and all the
other AMERICAN FLATBREAD locations.

(Above) The face of being stoked. Alyssa. Saturday May 20th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Elena at 14th Street, The WALL. Saturday May 20th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) They love not wearing hoods, until they go under the water.
Then they wish they had them on. Saturday May 20th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Best EAST COAST Coverage on the Internet.

Click on the ad above to find out more about
more about local surf artist Stan Chew's art

Clark Little's new book
Click on the ad for more info.

(Above) This is is a good stance. Christine racing own the line.
Saturday May 20th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Elena into a glassy left. Saturday May 20th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

The SURFER'S JOURNAL is in a league all of their own.

DIPG THE CURE STARTS NOW
To learn more about Evan and his journey click here  https://thecurestartsnow.org/sup.../view-heroes/evan-austin/

(Above) Alyssa cranking a pretty decent bottom turn.
Saturday May 20th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Christine on another waist high right. Saturday May 20th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Elena dropping into a fun glassy left. Saturday May 20th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

If you love the Beatles and you love the guitar
click on this ad above for an amazing instrumental
band playing all of your favorite Beatles songs with
the coolest arrangements. Johnny A is one of the
best guitar players on the planet.

Peter Stokes is one of the BEST guitar techs in
all of North America. He's the BEST guitar tech
in New England.

Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page

(Above) Alyssa leaning into a fun looking right. Saturday May 20th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Christine pearling, but controlling. Saturday May 20th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page

Produced by Steve Sadler.
Visit our Facebook page

The VINNY Band was around from 1976 to 1984




July 30th, 1979 headlining the Paradise Club
In Boston, MA

(Above) They are all still learning the proper etiquette.
Saturday May 20th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- RANDOM RALPH SURF PICS
Photos by RALPH



(Above) This was a day in January of 2017. This place used to be my hometown break. I never missed a swell here for many years.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

The art of Donna Baldassari

Hannah Vokey is one of my favorite surf artists.

(Above) This was a cold day in February of 2019. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This was a super warm day in August of 2011. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is the same place, only a year earlier August of 2010.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) August 31st, 2017. Unknown on a hurricane Irma swell.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is a big buck that my dog Patch jumped in September 2018.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

I love Erica's whimsical Gull art. So cool and unique.

ONLY THE DURHAM STORE IS OPEN.
Due to the massive fire back in August the
Hampton store is closed. We will let you all
know when SECRET SPOT is back in
operation on the seacoast.
Thank you.
Jon Gozzo and family.

(Above) Billy Ritchie slotted on August 23, 2009 during Hurricane Bill.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Matt Colby in deep during a BombOGenesis January 5th, 2018. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Dave "Crop" Cropper on the inside, while Brian Avante gets a beauty out the back. January 19th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is Carter Walsh perfectly slotted on August 31st, 2017.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Coldest day of the year. January 21st, 2019. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I climbed up to the top of Comsat Hill on Oahu in 1985 to get this shot of Sunset Beach. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Click on this image to visit Driftwood Photography

"GIVE YOUR BUSINESS A KICK IN THE ADS"
Since 1985.

Everybody has a story to tell

(Above) This is what we call a "Steep and deep" drop. Dave Cropper's late drop on January 15th, 2019. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is a PERFECT WAVE. December 4th, 2009.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- The DESIREE LOY Street Dedication.
Friday May 19th, 2023. Photos by RALPH



(Above) As long as I have known Sheila Nudd I have known about
Desiree Loy. Friday May 19th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Sgt Desiree Loy was killed in an Air Accident on August 27th, 1985.
That's Bobby Nudd (Sheila's husband) in the foreground.
Friday May 19th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) As always, American Legion POST 35 was on hand, supporting Sheila's long time mission to honor the late Hampton resident, and student of the Hampton School system. Friday May 19th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) She is a fighter and a dedicated patriot of those who have served our nation. We may not agree on every political subject. But when it comes to respecting and honoring veterans, there's no bigger advocate than Sheila Nudd. Desiree Loy will never be forgotten because of Sheila Nudd.
Friday May 19th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Long after we are all gone from this earth, SGT Desiree Loy NHNG
will never be forgotten. Friday May 19th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Send your SURF Pics to me directly to: ralph@adlantic.com.
Need photos by 10 AM on Saturdays. Seriously.
By 10AM. Make sure they are 1300 to 1555 pixels wide.
If you have more than 10 pics please use wetransfer.com it's free up to 2 gig. Please DO NOT send me over 10 pics without first contacting and communicating with me.
Thank you.

Click on Archives link to see all the past Blogs and pics.

My friend Rick McAvoy from Maine is the creator
behind this unique Surf Company

(Above) AMP Surf in California this last week. May 11th, 2023.
Photo c/o AMP SURF
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) AMP Surf in California this last week. May 11th, 2023.
Photo c/o AMP SURF
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

He's more than just a good photographer

(Above) All Rise: The 10th Street District Court Of Surf is Now in Session. The Honorable Judge RALPH presiding. Case # 724 BLATANT DROP IN OF THE WEEK. Click the image above to see the outcome of this Surf Crime and the verdict that was rendered.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the outcome

This is what happens if you are found GUILTY. You become invisible.

Click on this image above to buy this book
and more cool KING'S X merchandise and music

I see a few bumps on the horizon

I'm picking Wednesday as the best of the week 5-24-23

May 21st, 2023

This did not end well for Christine "GIRLS ON CURLS."Hey this is surfing. Everybody eats it. If you're not falling you're not trying hard enough.

(ABOVE) Christine pearling up to her neck on Saturday May 20th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH



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