Last Tuesday I arrived in New York. It feels like a yearly pilgrimage as members of the world renowned Explorers Club congregate to take part in a night of festivities as well as three day's of lectures. It's by far a fascinating weekend where you have the opportunity to rub elbows with Explorers like James Cameron, Elon Musk, Walter Monk, Buzz Aldrin and the hilarious Don Walsh. There are so many extraordinary fascinating people out there! 
This was also a weekend where my step-father, Alan Nichols decided to step down as President of the Explorers Club. I really didn't know his plans until he spoke at our Explorers Club Annual Dinner at the Museum of Natural History. I do believe it took many by surprise. It was the only time during the dinner you could hear a pin drop.
With that I thought I'd show you photos of what went on these last few days. I hope you enjoy them! 

The San Francisco International Gift Fair was my first Expo. I really didn't know what to expect, the whole idea of it scared me for some reason. Anything new for me is a fish out of water experience. But with the amazing support of my family and friends it wasn't really all that scary. 
The best part about the show was learning from local artists and their tricks of the trade. I can't tell you how many people helped me with their personal insight. It was a mind explosion of of how generous everyone was, I never expected that. 
Here are some pics of the event!

I can't believe how time has flown by. It wasn't so long ago, or so it feels that I came across an article about Plastiki. It also turned out that that lovely little catamaran was being built here in San Francisco. 

I've always been drawn to people who's curiosity and determination has guided them to fulfill their dreams no matter what the outcome. I've also found that these people of exploration LOVE what they do. You can see it and you can feel it. There's nothing more inspirational than that. 

So what is Plastiki? It's a boat made completely out of recycled materials, PET plastics and of course reclaimed plastic bottles. The focus is to bring awareness of the frightening amount of plastic in our oceans, as well as environmental issues caused by global warming.

Plastiki sailed from San Francisco to Sydney, Australia in March 2010. The expedition leader of Plastiki is David de Rothschild and skipper Jo Royle along with co-skipper David Thompson, as well as Olav Heyerdahl (Grandson of Thor Heyerdahl), Max Jourdan, and Vern Moen.

Plastiki name was derived by the Thor Heyerdahl Kon-Tiki expedition back in 1947. If you want to understand the oceans before being polluted by plastics and castaway materials read the book: Kon-Tiki by Thor Heyerdahl. It's also a true adventure of man and nature. 

Back in 2010, all it took was a phone call and an interview, and I was able to volunteer with this wonderful team. Although it was for a short period of time I still had to pinch myself as the company I was with was extraordinary.  I'm going to pinch myself again, I can't believe I was able to do this! Special thank you to Kevin Williams who took me on as a volunteer and Martin Metz who taught me all about Plastiki, and who was a fun weekend volunteer partner.

I just wanted to share a few photos I took during a blessing ceremony in February 2010. It was one month before the crew took off on their adventure. My goodness Five years ago this month!

Spoken from a true explorer. Drink it in:

                  "Boarders I have never seen one. But I have heard they exist in the minds of some people." 


                                                                                                                - Thor Heyderdahl

Natures music is the best.

I can't believe how quickly time has flown by! Last year at this time I had no idea I'd be creating an educational line with my art work leading the way. Who would have thought all my doodling and card making would put me in alignment to starting my own business. 
I also never thought I'd complete a children's book with my kookie traveling pals, Shrimp n' Lobster. Every time I look at them I crack up. I can't wait for all of you to see for yourselves. Shrimp n' Lobster are a fabulous reminder to me. The amount of work I put into this book flowed out so easily, the artwork was never something I HAD to do, it was something I enjoyed doing. Time didn't exist. Does that make sense? I enjoyed every little bit of this creative process. And that goes with Catch The Cuteness too! It's lovely to see fresh eyes look at my line and crack a smile.  
One thing I know for sure is that it takes guts to start something new especially if you have never made your own tracks before. I have a huge support group that help guide me on my way which has made this journey unbelievably rewarding and calmed the fear that comes up every once in a while...well, a lot. Hell I always ask myself, what am i doing!!? I've never done this before! Well, I'm learning, and I'm learning big time. Thank goodness for a surprise email I received from a customer who got one of my Adult T's as a gift. (the adult T isn't online yet) It made my year! How amazing was it that she took the time to write me a little note. What a magical moment for me. Thank you! I hope I continue to make people smile as they look at my under the sea creatures. This is all in celebration of 2014. What a year!!
As for 2015 I look forward to being at the San Francisco Gift Fair in February and taking to the road by sharing local explorations. Sounds like fun and I can't wait! I will also be submitting my Shrimp n' Lobster book to a Publisher. I'm excited, nervous and letting go has never felt so good! I'm sure as things move forward I will come up with other fun ideas to share Catch The Cuteness. In the meantime I will share a cute photo of my cat MOMO! He cracks me up all the time. It's true, he's cute, he runs around and sometimes I catch him. Talk about Catch the Cuteness!! 
Love,
char 

This awesome kid pretty much summed up the afternoon. She LOVES the Manatee. She is probably the Manatee's number one fan, and I mean that whole heartedly. 

As soon as her mother purchased the t-shirt, this cutie threw it on. Stoked to show it off. She was jumping up and down! And then she drew a picture of a manatee in the snowflake she's holding. 

This is the stuff I love. And this is why I enjoy sharing my love of mother nature. I see happy faces a couple chuckles and most importantly a conversation. 

Let's talk about the Manatee! 
Right now the Florida Manatee is cozying up to warm freshwater springs to keep from freezing in the winter. They do a seasonal migration, beginning in November. Which is called Manatee Awareness Month! This means boaters have to keep a keen look out for these slow moving creatures and reduce speed so not to bump into them. They will be relaxing in these warm springs eating yummy greens until they return to the Ocean in the Spring.
Guess what the Florida State marine mammal is? Thats right, it's the MANATEE!!! 

 

Back in August Catch The Cuteness Ran with the Seals, at the Marine Mammal Center. While we were there we adopted this little guy! How cute is he?! 
I'm a little bias with this place since I used to be a volunteer way back in the day. Every little bit helps to assist in marine mammals rehabilitation. If this little face melts your heart as it did ours check out the Marine Mammal Center and make a small donation.
The center is also designed to educate so swing on by! They give fabulous tours! And meet the patients, from a distance of course.    

This morning I woke up, walked to my favorite little bakery for my cup of coffee and felt fall in the air. It's a little chilly out there. California chilly. So here's a view I'll share. Grab your cup of coffee and take it in. San Francisco can be quite lovely can't it? How can an artist not be inspired?
Today I'm going to take in all inventory and begin preparations for the next Market. This time we will be going to the Alameda outdoor market! Onto meeting more amazing people who stop by that love the ocean..and also shrimp n lobster.