Uneventful smooth sky sailing into Bali, and here we are in one of the most beautiful locations I have ever seen.

David Booth and Sam Holcomb of East Bali Poverty project “get it” when “it” means hospitality apparently. The villa they arranged for us to rent in Ubud is far and away the most amazing location I have shot in. I will save the description for the images which hopefully I can scare up time to post.

Long days ahead. Colorful and bright, dark and pulsating, with a richness  that one from a society with less dimension, would appreciate and relish.

Fashion, Art, Design, Creativity Love and Perseverance. All capitalized with intent.

Bali has long been an inspiration to artists. Here is a link to what may be the greatest collection of stories and surf art ever. The book was compiled by Rob Havassey, whose love and inspiration we all wish we had along. Rob is amazing. I am so grateful he included me in this impressive project.

Aaron Marcelino lands tomorrow, to lend his considerable talents to this project. A talented young film maker Aaron defines the term savant in his unassuming mannerisms and high standards. Mary Osborne and Jeanette Ortiz will arrive three days hence.

The list of concerns we will produce work for is a bit lengthy. Multiple fashion lines, several art based projects, and a film that defines Donna’s strange life, dedicated to making a difference, one person at a time. Funny thing about altruism, when you  do what seems right, the blessing turns around and catches you. Same goes for Art. Art does not imitate life, it is life, and death, and rebirth.

Shot motion picture of a pig being slain in the family compound of our friend Gusti Made Merta. Part of two days preparations for a ceremony. Sierra came with me and met the large extended family. Me, I was just the guy with the Canon5D M2 on a steady cam mount with a migraine, using a wide angle and on camera mic, I had to get close. Interesting experience with the pig. He knew. Standing next to his trussed form he was all about communicating the knowledge of his fate.

I listened, held the lens steady and felt him go, as salty smelling blood splish splashed into a blue plastic bucket.  Watched the pain and struggle,  heard the last breath go, as his carotid drained bright crimson arterial flow and life.

You appreciate life when you experience death. Part of the circle. The Balinese embrace it with a bit more honesty than most. I have always thought it essential to the family centric nature of this society. Part of privilege and duty.

Sierra post experience, biting down into a fresh cake, green from the banana leaf if was wrapped in. Quite the amazing woman. It was out of respect she drank ginger tea with Gusti and ate the cake, probably the last thing she wanted to do. I declined the offer to watch the cleaning of the carcass. More due to the headache, than any sense of wanting to spare Sierra the experience. The cake was especially good. Life moving along in a tempo unique to us.

” My family helped make me who I am…and they join me in dedicating this book to our larger families, those countless millions around the world who lack money and security, but possess dignity and an indomitable spirit. For there time is coming… and this story is for them. ” Dedication for “The Blue Sweater”.

The word family goes a long way here on Bali. If we were able to institute it in similar fashion in the US, a lot of social illness would expire.