DC/VA/MD Tiki Party Wrap Up (2/7)

To Scottes, Leisure Master, Urban Tiki, and Bargoyle
for coming down to DC to making our tiki evening a real event. All of you regaled, entertained, informed, and above all showed the very best of Tiki spirit. Each of you are a credit to to Tikiphiles everywhere.

Because every party like this includes some who are new-to-tiki, I particularly enjoyed their reaction to the evening of rum, fun, friends, and tiki. Several people were amazed that we had tikiphiles who would come from 8 states to participate and help make such an evening possible for all to enjoy.

At one point someone asked Scottes why he drove all the way down from Massachusetts with his rums (and Rummys) to do something like this? Scottes smiled and said "Because Jeff asked us". They were amazed. I told anyone who asked "that's the tiki spirit - people who love tiki, and love even more to share it with others". No tikiphile is an island, but they are all islanders at heart.

Perpetual Mahalos to our Miss Tiki J. At one point in the weeks (and weeks....) of planning this evening, we almost had to give it up for lack of a place which would accommodate 25+ people. Karma brought Tiki J back to Virginia in the nick of time. Though I had just gotten to know her over a couple of Mai Tai evenings, she stepped right up and offered up her (just) newly found condo which saved the day - litterally. Her incredible hostess-ing prowess and tiki lounge, combined with Scottes, his rums, and his ready rummys - made for an unbeatable combo. All that was left to do was to stir in a fresh batch of local ohana. Mahalos to our guests, many of which pitched right in to assist like RugbyMatt (he IS everywhere).

There are lots of incriminating photos to come, and more stories to tell of this weekend, tho' I will leave some of the storytelling to others - after they post bail.

Thank you all, but especially Scottes for staying with me on this from the first posting about this months ago. Without him we'd all still be drunk on rum, but know we know so much more about the rum.

It was MORE than a pleasure to have you all! My home was never so happy! All are welcome back whenever they wish! THANK YOU SCOTTES for educating the savages, for little more than the joy of it. If that isn't Aloha Spirit, I don't know what is!!!

Please put me on your invite list for the next event in NOVA/DC areas. I've got rum and tapas that need a home.

The Beauteous and Talented Elinor and I would like to thank everyone for such a fine and warm welcome we were given at the first Maryland DC & Virginia Tiki event we've been able to attend, especially our wonderful hostess and host, Miss Tiki J and Jeff. We are looking into the Lake George Ohana and hoping to attend that as well, with Elinor bringing treasures from her vintage clothing store in Old Town Alexandria to share with the assembled multitudes. Mahalo to all who made us feel so welcome.

Some folks expressed interest in obtaining info on the panel (bowling) shirt and Tee shirt I was wearing, and I hope the following helps:

The Tee shirt was designed by a surf artist named Rick Rietveld. Rietveld shirts and other clothing can be found on Ebay for sale, with different styles and designs coming up at different times: http://clothing.shop.ebay.com/items/Mens....d=p3286.c0.m282

Although Rietveld has a website as an artist, he doesn't offer anything from there for sale (http://www.rietveldart.com/), so you have to go to Ebay to buy anything.

I bought my Tiki panel (bowling) shirt at a store called Gargoyles on Decatur Street in New Orleans in 2005. I've learned the store is now called Wicked Orleans, specializing in Goth wear, and they don't have an active website

The panel shirt was made by Steady Clothing (www.steadyclothing.com), which has a website worth visiting, but which only sells wholesale. However, you can find the shirt I was wearing at a website called Daddy-Os: http://www.daddyos.com/retro/dshirt1.html

Other interesting Tiki shirts they sell are located at http://www.daddyos.com/retro/coc8.html and http://www.daddyos.com/retro/tiki.html They sell other Tiki designs as well, and I think Miss Tiki J would enjoy perusing their womens' clothing line, too.

[ Edited by: Dr. Zarkov 2009-02-18 11:57 ]

On 2009-02-09 10:00, Dr. Zarkov wrote:
The panel shirt was made by Steady Clothing (www.steadyclothing.com), which has a website worth visiting, but which only sells wholesale. However, you can find the shirt I was wearing at a website called Daddy-Os: http://www.daddyos.com/retro/dshirt1.html

Thanks again for both of you coming. The shirt is bookmarked, waiting for me to order after I recover from the weekend.

Dr. Zarkov, please remind me of the name and address of Elinor's shop. I know she gave me a card, but the rum got the best of me and I misplaced it! I'd love to visit very soon!

On 2009-02-14 17:09, Tiki J(essica) wrote:
Dr. Zarkov, please remind me of the name and address of Elinor's shop. I know she gave me a card, but the rum got the best of me and I misplaced it! I'd love to visit very soon!

Her shop is Elinor Coleman's Vintage Mirage, 210 North Lee Street, second floor (between Queen and Cameron Streets) in Old Town Alexandria, 22314. The hours are 1 to 6 p.m., Wednesday Through Saturday. We will be out of town this weekend, but there should be someone at the store, or you can wait until she gets back.

Hot damn! 'Twas a fine time indeed. Have posted some faux-toes on my flickr account here:
http://flickr.com/photos/74188640@N00/sets/72157614137597342/show/

MAHALO!!!! To our hostess, organizers, tasters and all-around helpers. This was a fine event indeed.
~Rööp