Trip 2005

Jenny knew about this guy somehow. Moreover, she knew about his craft. I think one of her friend's either in California (from when she lived there in 2001) or Wisconsin had one of these done before. Essentially, it's just a word, but like a lot of things, it's the presentation that counts. Each individual letter is hand-crafted in whatever style and color that the artist chooses, and paints using some weird tri-color brush. Watching this old Asian guy paint butterflies and trees and somehow form them into letters was a total mind blower man.

I saw some boats out on the water, and I instantly became jealous. My few experiences with boats have never been pleasant, but if I could afford one, I'd learn how to stand on my very own sea legs and properly recite boating terminology.

The old Asian guy was starting to give me weird looks, mostly because I was peering over his shoulder and taking pictures, essentially compromising his artistic talent. I used my Spidey sense to detect that I was weirding him out, so I left to find some cheap food. For just $2, I was able to get a slice of pizza and a strawberry slushie. Now that's good eats. The Old artist was finished with Jenny's sign, and in the end, it read peace. As you can see, there are plenty of objects and colors incorporated into the word. Animals such as butterflies and plant life such as flowers liven up the letters. I don't know about you, but when I think of peace, butterflies and flowers are the first things that come to mind.

This guy on the right is one of the regulars that anyone who has been there will remember him if you simply mention he is "the roller skating guitar player." Upon further research, I found out that his name is Harry Perry and he refers to himself as the Kamakosmic Krusader. Perry has been playing guitar and skating up and down the beach since 1973. Jenny and Timmy recognized him, and therefore were not amazed by this guy. I didn't really get to hear him play, but he has some audio samples on his website. He's been featured in several movies in background scenes filmed at Venice Beach, and I recently saw him on the Travel Channel's show on the Top 10 California Beaches. He quite literally rocks and rolls. Heh heh heh.

Jenny and I continued to stroll along the path that has been well traveled, and we ran into a whole lot of unique individuals. First, we came upon a few filthy guys who held signs reading, "we need money for weed." Those guys rock because they are honest. There's nothing worse than people who hide who they are, especially when they have dreadlocks and don't bathe. We all know that you guys are stoners. Those twp guys chillin' on a bench (of which I forgot to take a picture) rocked, even though I am anti-drugs. Their honesty got to my heart, but not my wallet. I've got two jobs, those skeevy stoners can't get one?

About this time, I got in touch with the kids and headed back to where the action was happening, because it sure wasn't happening on the beach, despite it being May. It took me like 10 minutes, but I eventually made it back to my family.