Post #645752 by tikilongbeach on Thu, Jul 26, 2012 8:15 PM

Hi,
I've actually been a member since August 2011, but never posted an introduction.
My fascination with tiki started when I was kid growing up in Dallas during the 1970's. My parent's frequently drove past the Trader Vic's and I was fascinated by the giant flaming tiki torches and the huge moai standing guard out front. Alas, they wouldn't take me there because it was 'for adults'. By the time I got my driver's license the place had already closed and I no longer lived there when it briefly reopened.
Fast forward 30+ years and I now live in Long Beach, CA. Dallas is a tiki desert compared to the tiki wonderland of So Cal. I've been like a kid in a candy store exploring all of the cool places with my thankfully bemused girlfriend.
My first event I went to was the inaugural Tiki Highway last year where I bought my first 2 Tiki Farm mugs. Since then I've put together a collection of new and vintage mugs, tiki and nautical decorations, masks and tropical paintings. It's my sanctuary after a stressful day at work.
-Lori