Hip Hop Bringing Dancers Together in Pacific Grove

I dare you to watch this 30-second video and not smile!  It was filmed at the 2013 Pacific Grove Good Old Days.

There are dedicated dancers in Hollister (Sammy's Animation Dance Company). There's a local organization working towards establishing a specialized therapy clinic for those recovering from spinal cord trauma (the Walk and Roll Foundation). You can research them, or you can simply enjoy the video and know that practical, life-changing things are happening on the Central Coast of California. Or both! 

Did you enjoy the video? Did you want to dance? Please share it with your friends via email or your favorite social media. There are some handy share buttons below for your sharing pleasure. Thank you!

Marina's Win-Win-Win Collaboration

Visit the Monterey Peninsula and see its attractions, but do check for great events like this one in the City of Marina: joyful, high-energy kids singing and dancing for a cause that will put a big smile on your face.

Pianos, Crabapples, and Contra Dancers in Monterey

Monterey is a fantastic place to overdose on the arts.  Fun!  In March 2013 Monterey County was home to 11 "homeless" pianos that had been decorated and left in strategic places for the public to enjoy.  See for yourself, and then please make others smile by sharing this video on your favorite social media.  Thanks!

Monterey Bay Roller Derby

Roller derby is starting up again, so come to the Monterey Peninsula for the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium, and stay for the roller derby! 

The Cannery Rollers, Babes of Wrath, and Beasts of Eden---this is Steinbeck country, after all---are waiting for you! Check the schedule at montereybayderbydames.org for the next roller derby bout and plan your trip to the Monterey Bay area (Marina is a 10-minute drive from Monterey) accordingly. You won't regret it. Venue: Water City Skating and Hockey Center, 2800 Second Avenue, Marina, CA 93933. Photos by Amela Sadagic 

Are you a roller derby fan? Please comment and share this post with Your People. Thanks!

What do you mean "it's not a travel video about Monterey"?!  That's Colton Hall in the background.  Upstairs is a museum and downstairs is part of City Hall. 

Colton Hall is a historic building---it's where California's Constitution was written---and I think you're missing out if you haven't at least stood outside.  And perhaps taken pictures on or next to the bear sculptures.

There's also a lovely little park a few steps away that even has a Space Tree!  Yes, my friends, Colton Hall is a must-see, and this 15-second video is a good start.  So there!

I filmed this video on my birthday with the help of my truck-operating friend, Donna.  If nothing else, I want you to have a sense of joy and fun in anticipation of your time in the Monterey area.

As always, please tweet, Google+, Facebook, and e-mail this and anything else that strikes your fancy on this blog.  Thanks very much.

Quest for Purple Sand - Big Sur

Even if there is no purple at the end of your quest---I think it depends on the season and how windy it is---you'll be glad you didn't stay in, because Highway 1 is stunning. There are spots where you can pull over and just stare and drool at the rugged coastline and see the ocean in all its different moods. 

Don't gawk while you're driving, though; it's a winding road and, as a new driver, I grip the steering wheel just a wee bit tighter when I'm behind the wheel there.

Enjoy, and if you feel so inclined, please share with your social media friends.  There are handy little social media buttons for you to click on!

Family-Friendly New Year's in Monterey

Musicians, arts and crafts, dancers, both outdoors---free!---and indoors---buy a button and show it to enter.  Start planning to be in Monterey next New Year's Eve!