Rough House Studios
January 27, 2013 by RHAdmin

Maytag Corduroy

Made it to the cost for a surf/SUP session with an old friend. Amazing time. Started off in a fog, literally and figuratively as we missed an exit, then a ferry and ended up looping to get where we should’ve been originally! Laughing in our un-caffeinated morning hysterics we both appreciated the time together, two guys heading out with a ‘plan’. What could go wrong?

Surfing in WA is a pretty epic endeavor. Cold water, cold air, thick wetsuits, hard wax, long drives, fickle waves and it’s just cold! If you have a decent paying job then you need to drive to get to surf because jobs on the coast aren’t ‘decent’ paying. WA surfers are a diehard group. This weekend was no exception. Swell forecast was looking good. Had to make the trip.

While my buddy did most of the talking, the conversation seemed to center around…..me. Basically I’ve spent the better part of two years trying to figure out what I ‘want’. it’s been a curve ball of a few years and I’m trying NOT to do the atypical mid-life crisis crap. “Den, I don’t believe I’ve EVER know what I ‘want’.”

We arrived late afternoon to find 6-8’ semi-closeout sets, fast offshore winds and….SUN!! Suiting up my friend asked me “If you can have what you want right now, would you want it a little bigger or a little smaller?” “Well….this is a tad over my skill level, I’d probably get frustrated quick, so a little smaller would help with my learning curve.” He grinned and said “The guy I was talking to said it was bigger this morning and has been going down. So….you’re getting what you ‘want’. If we would have caught the first ferry, we would have been here in bigger stuff than you would have wanted.”

I squeezed into my new wettie, grabbed Koru and ran down the beach. Hadn’t been in the water since Kauai and I’d been missing Mother Ocean. The sets lined up nicely and, as always, timing is key in paddling out. You want to paddle out between sets. Makes it a little easier.  Today the strong offshore helped push us out to the lineup. Then it pushed us well past the lineup. Really need to pay attention when you’re in the ocean! It was just great to feel water underneath, the gentle rise and fall of the swell underneath.

As many others have written before surfing and Life really do go hand in hand. Unless you surf I don’t believe a person can’t really understand that metaphor. You paddle out, get thrown around like you’re in a Maytag Washer on ‘spin cycle’ and paddle through the struggles. Sometimes you get in over your head or get really dirty, but it all washes off once you start to paddle back out. Why paddle back out over and over? Because that ride is just…..so amazing. Like those special moments in Life all the struggles just wash away.

The sets came in, like corduroy lines on the ocean. I waited patiently trying to remember old lessons – “paddle, pop, look”. I caught and rode a few, but started to get frustrated. Then I heard “Really? Quit being so damn hard on yourself!” I paddled back out with a smile on my face since I realized I was telling myself to ‘settle down’ and enjoy. This sport of surfing has been one of the most frustrating fun activities this Midwestern boy has ever done.

Setting myself up I waited for sets, taking the 3rd or 4th wave. Caught good rides, making moves on the actual face of the wave, not just riding the whitewater this time. “(Paddlepaddlepaddle) Don’t be afraid of the drops, don’t look at the nose, look where you WANT to go!”

I learned many lessons that weekend with several actually ‘re-learned’ –

  • My self-worth and ‘want’ from Life is still coming into its own
  • I have SO much to offer the ‘right’ person
  • Part of my personality is a “Healer” and I need, and deserve, someone that is already ‘healed’ and happy with who THEY are and THEIR place in Life. Just as I am in mine. Being the “Healer/Pleaser” isn’t where I should gain my ‘worth’.
  • I need to figure out what I ‘want’ AND to be careful for what I wish for
  • Lastly – Stop being so damn hard on myself and enjoy the struggle because the rides are SO worth it!

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September 15, 2012 by RHAdmin

Be Where You Are

This summer I had the priviledge to meet two amazing women at a local backyard bbq. In my usual complimentary sass I noticed a blonde gal at the party wearing a smoking pair of boots. Sidebar – I have a ‘thing’ for women’s shoes/boots – not the in kinky fetish way, but like good styles. I commented on her boots, she said thanks and was off to chat with others. It’s a party, right?!

As the evening went on I saw another women who’s outfit was pretty stunning and it was obvious she wasn’t from my little hamlet. WAY to stylie for The Ham. Again, I commented on her outfit and said, “I really like her boots too…” and pointed to the previous gal. “Well good, that’s my partner!” “Well of course she is….” Was my response. I have no idea why I said that, but it struck a pleasant cord with Claudia.

Turns out Claudia and Monique are owners/designers/creators of some amazing leather work you can find at A Trace of Grey based out of Vancouver, BC. Off to another engagement I tucked their card in my pocket.

Finding their website a week later I was stunned by some of the pieces they have created. Definitely needed to pick-up something from them, but what? Following their Instagram feed I saw something that piqued my interest. A quick response and it was a small passport cover with the phrase “Be Where You Are”. “Bugger. I thought it was a laptop sleeve.” “We would LOVE to make you one!” From there the emails started to fly. Between these electronic messages a friendship between the 3 of us was quickly created. Through this I’ve come to greatly adore these two women.

We decided to meet and discuss design ideas. Sure we could have done it all via email, but it was a great excuse for me to hit VanCity, my third ‘home’, and actually converse face to face with this two amazing women. We discussed design ideas over wonderful dim sum and cocktails created by the talents at The Keefer Bar, but I tossed up my hands and said “I have complete faith in your abilities. Create something for me.” With that business finished I introduced the Dynamic Leather Duo to Lola Frost who was performing with the ladies of Sweet Soul Burlesque that night. Sidebar #2 – If you’re in Vancouver on a Thursday night – Sweet Sip Thursday  at The Keefer Bar is a ‘must do’.

About two weeks later I into possession of one very handsome laptop sleeve for my Macbook. The thick rich leather top and bottom are supple to the touch and the Macbook fits snugly in place. It reminder a co-worker of an old letter carriers parcel pouch with brass rivets and buckle to secure the cover flap.

 

Claudia then used two stitching types, both blind and exposed along the outer side edges. I really like the transitions ere as the design retains its integrity with the slight transitions. The hand-stitching is very apparent and I can’t stop looking at it. Their logo “atog” is quietly embossed on the lower corner of the cover flap while the “Be Where You Are” is embossed across the entire flap.

 

Claudia said she recalled my liking of the phrase and it’s a very appropriate reminder for the grey matter tucked into my skull. Stuff that tends to wander rather quickly to ‘what ifs’ and ‘what abouts’. I’ve slowly learned to ‘be where I am’. I will cherish this gift of leather from two new wonderful friends for a long time. I’m already thinking of the next piece….

Cheers.

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August 7, 2012 by RHAdmin

Travel home.

I’ve gone from sea level on the west coast, to the Mile High City, and landed in the Motor City.

I’m back to my mid-western home to visit my family. If you’ve read through some of these posts, and read the “About” section, you’ll notice this blog has changed tone. What started as a fun little blog in which I attempted to practice my GoPro/iMovie creations seems to have morphed into a sporadic life experience narrative.

Occasional glances out the plane window I noticed the Rocky Mountains underneath me. Maybe not the Rocky Mountains that Mr. Denver crooned about, but nonetheless, ‘rocky somethings’. The slopes seemed barren of any vegetation, the odd cul-de-sac in the middle of nowhere, the hillsides scarred by drainage of a prehistoric rainstorm. The white clouds cast black shadows on the ground.

 

This trip should be an interesting test on my heart. Again, if you’ve read here before you know my life has had a recent turn of event – “Life Happens”. My heart still healing from the past hurts, this trip home will be a curious review of whether to return to the place I started. Not sure I’m ready to go full circle just yet, but I’m excited for the visit.

 

My Grace always fills me with joy. She is already ready to play with “Unka Bian”. She’s grown some since my last visit and I’m ready for my piece of time with a 5 year-old that still sees Life as the wondrous thing it truly is. I have 3 younger nephews, but she’s the first born, and only girl, and holds a special place in my heart.

The pull to return to MI to be close to family and try a fresh start has been strong, nearly as strong as my pull to Maui. Reading “Kook” by Peter Heller, I hit a segment where he wonders, “So is surfing a giddy escape, skipping over the surface of a great suffering, or is it a triumph of courage? To find joy in an always-painful world?” Would I, by moving to Maui, just be looking for a giddy escape? Would I do the same to return ‘home’?

Again, if you’ve read here you know the power of the oceans pull on me and my struggle and joy of surfing. My Grace offers something similar to the ocean – her waves of laughter soothe her uncle’s battered heart much like the hug from saltwater loosens years of emotional crust, much like voice of my dear friend Ekolu Keala.

I guess this is part of the trip where I’m going need, and hopefully find, a little Strength, Courage and Wisdom.

 

 

 

 

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July 18, 2012 by RHAdmin

Buddha

Sifting through a few years of pictures, I found one taken in 2004 in Kamakura, Japan. It startled me because I had just taken a similar picture on Maui, circa 2012. Not sure if I subconsciously tried to replicate the previous picture, but it’s pretty darn close. I wondered why I’m drawn to these statues and how the lighting was similar in each photo.

I dimly remembered the trip to Kamakura as an all day trek involving 2 hours in a car, another hour on a ferry, then another hour in the car. A small tropical storm sullied the view during the entire drive. Warm and humid the early October rains weighed heavy like a wet wool blanket over Yokohama city. Grey grit on the warehouse windows matched a sky of patchy clouds. Unlike the building windows there were no breaks in the clouds. Windshield wipers streaked the glass, traffic cluttered the roadway and the warm drink was growing cold in my hands.

My mood matched the weather since trudging around in the rain wasn’t exactly my cup of green tea.  The unwavering graciousness of my hosts overpowered my sulking disposition as attempted conversations brought the enjoyable challenge of using my crude Japanese and their excellent English. They didn’t know it, but I was grateful.   I remember breathing deep and settling in for another day of “entertain the tourist”.

 

 

We toured the first temple and, as is my habit with old objects, I just kept touching the building. My hands touched the wood, the stone, even the trees, anything I was allowed, and even what I wasn’t. I didn’t mean any disrespect but I just couldn’t help myself. The history within Japan overwhelmed me at times. Normally I can easily adapt to new cultures, but here I felt totally out of place, an absolute gaijin. I had to soak in as much as I could. In Tokyo or Kyoto I might see other Caucasians, but here and in Tateyama I was totally immersed in Japan and it felt disarmingly agreeable.

 

From the temple we began walking the narrow city streets. Clueless to directions I made sure I could see my ‘sitters’ but was also sure I was taking in everything around me. I noticed the traditional ladies in kimonos and umbrellas in hand, the noodle house with dried fish on the rack, and two young sisters dressed for a wedding.

 

 

The rain had eased off and the humidity had me quickly shedding my jacket. Weaving through neighborhoods I began to wonder if we’d ever find our way back. That anxiety quickly vanished as we I walked through a small alcove into a massive plaza. I remember this enormous statue completely taking up the space of what seemed like a 5 story building. Buddha was sitting so peacefully in the middle of the square with that small iconic smile to his face. I looked up and the sky cleared. I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity. Somehow the camera came out of my pocket and I took this shot.

Fast forward the time machine to Maui, 2012. As some would say, “Life Happened” and I was solo on this third trip to my island home. Here to clean the soul, shed some old ghosts, surf as much as I wanted and reconnect with friends, I found myself at the Lahaina Jodo Mission. Not sure why I was there other than seeing a ‘talk story’ episode on the Olukai website months before. The episode was of a Japanese fellow retracing his family crest through archery. After watching that short film a few times I knew I had to visit such a spiritual place.

It was my last full day on Maui and the sadness of leaving was slowly settling in but I intended to enjoy it fully. My shoulders finally cried “Uncle” after a morning surf session and I wandered through Lahaina town to meet a new friend. A tan blonde angel who truly seemed to be Heaven sent. We met in a park a few evenings before and connected like old friends. I told her about my mission to find the mission. She said, “Keep walking until Ala Moana Street, turn left, you can’t miss it. Aloha.” Pretty simple directions so I was sure I could find it.

Wandering down the street was peaceful; traffic buzzing by, the heat of the afternoon sun, gazing into peoples gardens. I was being a tourist and enjoyed it. After awhile I was beginning to wonder if I walked to far or underestimated the distance. “The path is the journey.” I somehow remembered. So I kept on my journey. Sure enough Ala Moana Street appeared. Since I was told to turn left, and left was the only way I could turn, I did.

As I approached the entry to the Jodo Mission I bowed and deposited a donation. Again, I had to touch the ground, the plants, and the temple walls. I even walked the grounds without my slippahs. I maintained my tourist nature and continued to take pictures. I finally made it to the Buddha. Sitting on a high plateau the statue had the same slight smile as the one in Kamakura. The sky behind this statue was just as clear and blue as in Japan.

 

 

I wondered why I’m drawn to these statues and how the lighting was similar in each photo. still don’t know. I guess the path is part of my journey.

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May 18, 2012 by RHAdmin

Instagram

Been a little dry in the creativity lately. Then Instragram released their app for Droid. Happy Day (!?!). The app is a little quirky, or maybe it’s the Droid itself. Anyway, have just been playing with the ‘filters’ and it’s actually been pretty fun. (Click on the picture for more details)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From there I began messing with the ‘filters’. The tag of ‘filter’ kind of makes me smirk because you really don’t add anything to the lens of the phone camera. So, while it’s been enjoyable to mess with, leaves me wondering about actually learning to use a true camera properly. Again, we’re talking about a camera that’s actually part of your phone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then it’s on to the focus of the Instagram app. With the original camera on the phone the auto focus is pretty good, just hit the button, it focuses and picture is pretty solid. With the Instagram app, I’ve found that I have to hit the image first, let the camera focus, then actually take the shot. It’s kind of a pain actually. You can see the sprinkles and whipped cream above are fuzzy. That’s NOT the ‘filter’. It’s the operator.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then next one is a little ‘black and white’ shot. Which, I think is probably one of the best ‘filters’ for the Instagram. Black and White images, to me, still evoke a pretty solid reaction. It’s no longer the POP of the color, but truly the lighting, shadows and what you don’t see in the image that always makes me appreciate a really great black and white photographer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well, that’s it for now on my limited review of the Droid Instagram app. It’s a fun toy for sure, but truly shouldn’t be anything more than that, a toy.

 

 

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April 14, 2012 by RHAdmin

humbling

Squeezing into my wetsuit, I couldn’t help think how different this experience was from the last time I was in the ocean; 80 degree air temp, 78 degree water temp, sunscreen and a Kona wind, wearing board shorts and a rash guard. In contrast, I’m encasing myself in neoprene to ward off hypothermia in the 58 degree water running down the Oregon coast.  I can’t help but laugh at myself and wonder ‘what on Earth are you doing?’

I grab my board and pack and start walking to the beach.  Following a trail through the thickening forest along a creek gully the road noise is easily quieted. A light rain adds to the hilarity of summer surfing in the northwest. Soon enough my steps quicken down the trail by the sounds of waves,  feelings of excitement, apprehension, and fear, are all backed by an adrenaline chaser. Sure enough, the trees open to a blue sky, sandy beach and the dark bluegreen water of the Pacific.

Like a kid seeing a playground through the school doors, I just can’t wait to go play, but I know better.  Paddling out into the surf can be a little unsettling regardless of temperature, wind, or sea beasts. Try to muscle out and you’ll be spit out like a sour grape. Standing on the beach I try to fall into the ocean rhythm as the swells arrive. I watch waves break over unseen sand bars and water retreat back to the sea.


Surfing is by far the most challenging sport I’ve ever tried.  Beyond the triathlons, road/mountain biking, ice/rock climbing, mountaineering, or snowboarding. All these are difficult in their own right, but yet the medium you’re on is static.  The road or trail isn’t moving under you, neither is the rock or snow . With surfing, the water is moving underneath you, pushing you. The wave can change pitch in an instant either sending you on the ride of your life or bouncing you off the bottom.  I’m spent plenty of time on the bottom and it’s a very violent place. A very humbling place. At the same time I’ve never felt more calm, more safe or more at peace then the few times I’ve ridden a wave.

The five second ride on a little piece of foam and fiberglass is the single most enjoyable experience.  It’s as if God is pushing me along, this pure joy of riding a wave.  To explain, rather to ‘relate’ this feeling to another person, is nearly impossible unless they have had that experience. I guess ‘blissfully focused’, that would be a very good description. That moment in time, doing whatever you’re passionate about, where time goes by and you have no idea where it went, and yet you don’t care.


I can say that this is where I feel closest to God. This is where my mid-western Methodist upbringing starts to make sense. It’s really the only place where God ‘makes sense’. You are in The Moment, the Only Moment, nothing else is in your head – this is where God and I are spending time, being ‘blissfully focused’.

Metaphorically, I spend my life paddling and paddling, trying to catch that one wave, in hopes to repeat that incredible feeling. Time and time again I take one on the head, get sucked over the falls, or pushed to the bottom. If I stay there, I die. I swim to the top, suck in air, grab my board, paddle back out and wait for the next set. When it arrives, I work hard to catch that next focused moment of absolute delight. That moment when nothing else matters, when your mind is quiet and your heart is filled with Joy. That alluring humbling blissfully focused moment with God.

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April 8, 2012 by RHAdmin

Koru

“Koru” 

I had no idea she was waiting for me, but her timing was perfect. 

The 5 lb sledgehammer made short work of my wedding ring, smashing it until the gold and platinum turned hot. It finally broke with the last strike and I tossed the chunk of metal into my car ashtray.  At Deception Pass bridge I watched as the fractured piece of metal fell 180’ to the tidal torrent below. The ‘final step’ of my divorce over, I walked back to the car, my eyes looking forward as a clear sense of relief washed over me. Like the height of the bridge, my life had taken a 180 degree turn.

The smell of old neoprene filled my nose as I squeezed into my wetsuit. Driving up, my buddy Bay was asking what the surf was like before he was even out of his car. “Don’t know, man. Don’t care. Today isn’t about waves, I just need to get wet.” He understood my mindset and let me be as he headed down to check the break. 

The musty neoprene smell was replaced by the scent of cold salty water. Walking down the beach I watched four guys in the lineup waiting for the wave sets. A few rolled through, but since I wasn’t really needing to surf, I just watched.  Just watched the water rise and fall. Much like my emotions. 

58 degree water will ALWAYS take your breath away, but for me paddling out, regardless of water temp, is always a treat. A blessing, really, to feel the waves move under me, lift me, push me, calm me. Being on the ocean has such a soothing effect on me. Like being rocked by my grandmother as a little boy. 

A head nod to the boys the lineup, I took my place, and patiently waited for sets. You NEVER paddle out and scratch for the first waves you see. Politeness counts. Besides, I was content to just bob around and look. Look at the dark green water underneath me, the grey clouds above with the sun trying to poke through, the snow on the Olympic Mountains.

After a few hours small shivers rippled through my body telling me it was time to get warm. 4mm of neoprene can only keep you warm for so long. Besides, I was happy being cold, wet, salty and ‘clean’. Walking back to the car I felt ‘better’. Years of emotional baggage were starting to wash away. 

Peeling off the wetsuit, I watched as Bays car rolled up again, with another car close behind. The new guy was scrambling to suit-up. He was really fired up to get in the water (I love that feeling!) and pulled out a Purple and Orange ‘fish’ and another board. What struck me was the logo. “Blk Frn” lettering in old typewriter font and a black ‘fern’ image. Bay introduced me to Mike, the shaper, and with a quick handshake between us, he was off and so was I.

A month later I was surfing the internet and looked up ‘blackfern surf’. Liking what I saw, an email was fired off.  Expecting to wait months for a response, I mean, I HAD just emailed a surfer, the quick reply was on par with my semi-emotional, semi-question email. While he couldn’t relate to my specific hardship, he understood how surfing is ‘the ultimate healing device’.  All about fun, friends, scenery, and being in the water to get “clean.”  

From there we talked about his designs, my ability, where I surfed, how I wanted my surfing to grow. After years of frustration and pain, I’m looking to have a LOT of enjoyment so I wanted a board that was sporty but fun since I try to surf like I snowboard; big fat Cadillac turns, but a little tricky. I’ll admit though, I really do suck at surfing. 

“What does this have to do with your divorce and a surfboard?” you wonder? In 2010 I won a silent auction at a local surf contest. A bone carving from a Maori artist that I’ve worn religiously since, never thinking about the meaning of the shape. I’m also a fan of the All Blacks, the New Zealand rugby team whose logo is a silver fern. I also have an affection for Polynesia, rum, Hawaiian Islands, tiki, and the ocean. Between the name of the shapers company (Black Fern), my fondness for the All Blacks, Polynesian culture, and that I won a hand carved necklace only pointed to Mike and I meeting, on THAT day, to shape THIS board. 

Mike wondered what he should name this board. Nervously, I emailed back asking for the honor to find a name for this board. At first I thought “Haka” which is a traditional ancestral war dance of the Maori people of New Zealand. But I wanted to be sure and respect the culture.
Then I thought of the carving around my neck. Pulling the box from my dresser I read what it symbolized. A “koru” (Maori for “bight” or “loop”) is a spiral shape based on a new unfurling fern symbolizing new life, growth, strength and peace. The circular shape conveys the idea of perpetual movement while the inner coil suggests a return to the point of origin.

Koru was created at the beginning of my new life, has grown a friendship, strengthened my love for surfing and the ocean, and helped bring peace to a very broken heart. She’s also brought me full circle, back to Me, my ‘point of origin’. I am now in a state of perpetual movement forward.

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February 17, 2012 by RHAdmin

Whiskey Wailers ReBorn

The Whiskey Wailers were (or are for this one night) a local Bellingham band. Hard rockabilly, played well, is somewhat hard to come by these days. WW warmed up for another band, and frankly, I preferred the warmup.

The bass player (Brandy Bones), is the much better half to my friend Big John Bates. John has had his own group (http://www.bigjohnbates.com) well before I met him about 2003. Brandy became the bass player for Big John Bates a few years back.

Just by chance I found out that the Whiskey Wailers were warming up for the main act.  Fresh back from the Legendary Banked Slalom at Mt Baker, I still had my camera, so more play time.

Entering into the venue, WW kicked right off and I was quick to the front. The stage presence of this four person group is pretty powerful. I was surprised by the intensity, and they continued to build as their set continued on. 

The lighting was difficult at the stage left area, but I tried to use the camera and messed with the settings. Having it set at 5fps made it a little easier to get a series of shots that allowed be to edit religiously after download.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The superzoom on the Panasonic ZS-10 is really nice. I’m impressed with it in pretty much all conditions, even really close, with my jitters, the stabilization in the camera really helps. Again, just learning the camera, and photography as a whole, I know these shots can be better.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are several in here I like the most, that seem to really affect me. The rhythm guitarists bloody fingers, Brandy’s neck veins, and the drummers intense focus really shine through. The lead singer had a solid stage presence. and pulled the audience in. All in all, I think Brandy really pulled this small group of eclectic people together. I hope they recorded their last song, as I would love to edit that into a ‘crash and burn’ reel.

I’m out.

 

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February 12, 2012 by RHAdmin

Grateful

After reading my friend Rosalyn’s post on Gratitude http://rosalynwrites.com/?p=695, I was rather  unsettled by my own lack of gratitude. Roz is right (hhhhmmmm, bumper sticker??), that it’s VERY easy for us to drop into thought patterns that focus on what we don’t have, what others did to us, how Life can be very unfair. The Judgement Gavel hit hard recently and had me assessing my ‘spoiled brat’ antics.

So, with that I’m grateful for my friend that has opened her house to me. Allowing me stay with her family while I hit the “Reset Button” of my life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m grateful for a healthy and strong body allowing me ride my bikes, ride my boards, practice yoga, and feel ALIVE with every bump, bruise, and blister.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m grateful for my dog Kenya, who blessed me with nearly 16 years of companionship. Her grace, strength, face licks and smile are sorely missed.

 

I’m grateful for my niece and nephews who’s antics keep me young. Their fresh young spirits always make me smile. Action figures, hockey games, lightsabre noises and start/stop conversations always have me guessing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m grateful for this time period, when I can sit here, express my thoughts, read others thoughts, and realize that we’re all pretty much the same. We all hurt, we all love, we all trip and fall. We all get up and keep going. Why? because we realize that Life really is worth LIVING.

I painted this as a house warming gift. Fiddle back Maple, One-Shot enamels.

 

 

 

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February 9, 2012 by RHAdmin

Outdoor Research “Tiny House”

My friend Chris and I have been talking and dreaming about these ‘tiny houses’, ones that can be built on a double-axle trailer. Chris is exceptionally handy with tools, as well as a creative and detailed oriented brain. A bit of contrast to the author of this post!!

 

After showing me a series of clips from Outdoor Research’s “Sidesessions” video blog, I was pretty stoked on the idea of building one of these myself. We both recalled seeing Molly and Zack on the ‘big scree’ during the Mt Baker Filmfest, so seeing their faces again created a bit of familiarity, and a ‘if they can, so can we’, attitude.

 

 

A day later, Chris called, obviously excited, and said “Dude, guess what I’m standing in front of??” “A free flatbed trailer??”  ”No Man!! That “OR Tiny House!!” Sure enough, it was here in Bellingham and parked on a side street.  We met were it was parked and had the distinct pleasure to meet Molly Baker.

 

 

She and Zack were routing through Bellingham on their way back to Whitewater, BC with this ‘tiny house’ in-tow. They’re travelling to ski areas in the PacNorWest and British Columbia interior, living out of this house, searching for new OR Ambassadors, and truly living “The Dream”. Molly was very gracious, answering our questions and letting me take a LOT of pictures.

 

I have to admit I gushed like a schoolboy seeing this house and meeting Molly. It was pretty exiting to actually talk to her about living out of this small house. Chris and I were bummed that Zack wasn’t around to ask more detail oriented questions, as he’s the one who built the house.

 

 

 

Seeing this in person really inspired Chris and I to each start the planning for our own individual ‘tiny homes’.

You can watch Zack and Molly’s travel episodes here. I would highly recommend that you do. You’ll be glad you did.

http://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/video/sessions

Now get out there!!!

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