Chris, Canon Digital Rebel
Just got back from a long weekend in Santa Barbara celebrating the 40th birthday of one of my best friends in the world, Chris Harrington {I wrote more about Chris here}. He was whisked away by his partner Jacques to an undisclosed location (he was even blindfolded at the airport) and landed in Las Vegas where a group of his friends were waiting at the Bellagio. He was totally blown away.
The next part of the adventure was when they flew to another undisclosed location, Santa Barbara, and Matt and I were there at the airport waiting. Actually, we were jumping up and down doing a silly dance as they walked across the tarmac. He was so surprised it took him a while to register who we were. I forgot how much fun it is to surprise your loved ones.
Jacques, Canon Digital Rebel
A pool party and a slumber party followed.
Matt looking adorable in his towel, Canon Digital Rebel
Martine and Chris, Canon Digital Rebel
The beautiful woman pictured above, is Martine Beswick, and she was a Bond girl in her day. (From Russia with Love, Thunderball, etc.) I love looking at old photos of her. She is still as gorgeous as ever…
…….
If you ever find your way to Hana, Maui you should definitely stay with Chris and Jacques at their beautiful rental property called Malanai. {Matt and I built their web site.} You will have the time of your life.
Happy Birthday Chris! We love you.
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A,
One of the things I’ve always admired about you is the way you celebrate people. When I read the way you speak or write about your friends, the people you admire, the other artists that inspire you I notice that always you celebrate, support and love so openly. There’s no jealousy or judging to be seen. Not many of us can do that and I have to say how inspiring and refreshing it is to see this in someone. You constantly give me new goals to stive for and I love it.
Thank you Andrea for just being you.
Jenn
So well put Jenn, so well put. All I can say is dito. I couldn’t agree with you more.
Love you both,
xoxo
Tine.
Andrea, unless I’m mistaken, you’ve been to Hawaii in the last year or two…are these the guys you stayed with?
Anyway, I think this is the perfect way to celebrate a birthday, and I’m glad you were able to take part in it…
What a beautiful story !
My dear friend Andrea,
You were the icing on a long weekend of very decadent birthday cake! And you know how much I like my sugar! After three days of hoopla in Las Vegas, I thought I was coming to SB for a little family time, and how right that was since you were there! Jacques and I have been talking about how glad we are that you and Matt found eachother in the world. You two are the perfect couple. It’s really an extra blessing when a freind you love meets a partner that you love just as much. We are so thankful for you guys, we are so thrilled with the magic you worked on our website and mostly we are alway exicited to see you for whatever fun and mischief we get in to (whether it is dousing ourselves in beet juice at Burning Man or rolling down hills escaping avalanches).
I am sure all the people that read your Blog have an idea of how special you guys are, but I just want them to know that they don’t know the half of it. We can’t wait to see you in Hana again, which will be soon. I love you….
Mahalo Nui Loa and Aloha Pumehana,
Chris
Andrea… There should be a Nobel or Pulitzer prize for friendship… and you should receive it each and every time it is awarded. You are a Fulbright Scholar of ‘buddies studies’ and every university should endow a chair in ‘Friendship Sciences’ in your name!
I’ve never met you (and living literally half a world away – likely never will), but after following your life for almost two years, I’ve develped a terrible case of friendship envy just looking at these wonderful people through your eyes… and knowing what a true friend they have in you.
I love that cake…it looks so yummy and the surfboards are awesome! You have such great friends, what’s cooler than a Bond Girl?? Nothing!!
Agreed, Jenn. Your open celebration of others, and of yourself, is something I find really delightful about the beautiful online universe you’ve created.
Also, I know he’s off the market, but Jacques is just about the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.
I just love it how all the people you post photos of , seem to radiate this inner joy and zest for life! As I’ve said before….. you and Matt are such an adorable couple, and you all have the most beautiful friends. OH…. and you all seem to go to the best parties and gatherings too!!! Thank you for sharing all these intimate and happy moments. 🙂
Looks like Chris had a wonder-full day. And Bond girls rock!