Surfing Community Tearfully Honors One of Their Own

I'm not sure if this was an omen or not. But on Monday, I saw 
the first "Greenhead" of the season. It was on my passenger 
side window in my vehicle, and I couldn't tell, if it was inside or outside. But for one fleeting moment, I almost panicked. 
Because if you know anything at all about the dreaded Greenhead Fly it's this. If they smell flesh, they are coming. 
And they are relentless.

I often said, that the Greenhead has no real purpose on this 
earth except to wreck havoc on the human population on the beach. I mean, in the Big Eco System picture, what is their role? Seriously. Any scientists want to weigh in on this devil bug? Or, as I am fond of calling them, "Satan's Little Helpers."

Because they work for Satan. No question. Straight from hell.

Any ways, later that night the Bruins lost game six to the Chicago Blackhawks with a little under a minute and a half left in the game. We were all thinking about Game 7. They were winning 2-1 when the Hawks tied it up. 17 seconds later, they went up 3-2. Game over. Series over. Hawks win the Cup. What happened?

The irony of the Maple Leafs Game 7 comes to mind here. Down by 3 goals midway through the 3rd period in that qtr finals, the B's made a miraculous comeback, and win it in OT. The reversal of that good fortune is haunting. Shocking. Devastating. Ugh.

However, our loss was tempered. Because the Chicago Blackhawks organization are a class act. I mean it. Class act.
They took out a full page ad in the Boston Globe thanking the Bruins and their fans, for treating them with so much respect. It almost made the loss bearable. Almost. 

Because the very next day, Aaron Hernandez was arrested for Murder and the Patriots subsequently dropped him from the roster. I guess somewhere in the contract that Hernandez signed for $40 million dollars it states, that "if you murder someone, the contract is null and void." Who knew? Apparently not number 81.

The internet can be a cruel place. It was only a matter of minutes before the photo shop wizards were making their sarcastic skills come to life. This image above was one of many. It would be funny, if it was not so damn sad. 

How many of us would let $40 million slip through our hands? 

I don't know anyone who would. I mean, you get paid that kind of money to play a game, and you knowingly blow it? Really? I'm sorry Aaron, but you would be what is known as, a bona fide dumb ass criminal. There are criminals. And there are dumb criminals. You are one of the dumb ones. 

But wait, the next day had even more bad Boston sports news. 

These three icons of the Boston Celtics were now gone. Paul Pierce, Doc Rivers, and Kevin Garnett. What is happening? The only good news this week is the Sox. They have been winning. Now I am not a baseball fan the likes of some of you. I usually start to pay attention to baseball somewhere around late August or early September. So I can breathe easy until then.

But clearly, this has been one hell of a week as far as Boston Sports go. I can't think of another time when three major Boston sports teams had news like this. In fact, I hope we never have to deal with this much sports stress again in our lifetime. It's taxing on so many of us who live, breathe, and eat this stuff.

I needed a break. And I got one later in the week.

[Photo 2] Here's a photo from the "SURFING WITH SMILES" night at the Wall. I can't say enough good things about this night. It was one of those events that really hit hard on the heart strings. I saw many volunteers (some of who are good close friends of mine) help teach young and older children who are dealing with Autism
how to surf . It was so refreshing to see this and document it.

What a great concept. "Surfing With Smiles". Lindsey Mercer and Taylor Thomas are the originators of this successful program. Cinnamom Rainbows sponsors the event. And it runs all summer long. Visit the CR website to find out more on this wonderful program.

There's an extensive photo gallery here that you should take a look at. It will become quite apparent why it is called "Surfing With Smiles." Again, to quote myself, there are more good people doing good things in this world, than there are bad people doing bad things. 

Surfing With Smiles is proof of that.

As a casual observer this week at North Beach, I wanted to take a moment to praise the Soft Top Surfboard. Thank God for soft tops. From the Surfing With Smiles program, to the gaggles of kooks from everywhere USA, the soft top has been a savior. Not sure who invented the first soft top, but I am going to say, that the soft top has enabled more people to safely try surfing than any other feature since the sport was discovered. 

Thank you soft tops. Gee, I just realized how mellow I really have become. Just 5 to 10 years ago, I would of been snarling at Soft Tops. But now? Now I see clearly. The Soft Top has been a boon. I mean, it is huge. I know a lot of you guys are shaking your heads right now. But stop and think about it.

If you are paddling out, and a big set whips into the section of the beach you are surfing, which would you rather be facing? A loose soft top, or some old longboard that has taken on water? No need to answer. I already know . My guess is the soft top is going to be around for a long time. Thank God.

[Photo 1] After I left the Surfing With Smiles event, I went to a more somber and much more sadder surfing event. It was a Memorial Surfer's paddle for Michael Marrone. Marrone was a local surfer who passed away earleir in the week. He left 
behind a young wife and a young toddler. Not to mention 
many friends and loved ones.

Rest in Peace Michael Marrone. *See photo gallery of the entire paddle here.