They come to gather, to exchange news, stories, and memories, but mostly they come for the joy.

Joy is a valued community asset in our troubled world today, and in Long Beach, NY, we find a reason for it anywhere we can.

My Blue Planet Brothers and Sisters, America’s little city by the sea will hold a joyful get-together for just about any reason. We celebrate sunrise, moonrise—and, just blue skies:

Even rainouts are celebrated

As was the Woodstock/full moon/ Hedy Page, “Back to the Garden” party so celebrated.

Kennedy Plaza was the  intended venue, but as plans were carefully made—“life happened.” Rain and wind swept across our little sea city, making our Kennedy Plaza site undoable.

So, the venue changed to our local Bright Eye Brewery. Many celebrants were not too saddened to hear that the venue had changed from—humid park—to cool brewery. You see, we’re flexible about embracing joy; when the weather’s not clear—we’ll just have it with beer.

So, yes, the party went on inside with beverages, best Buds and Benoir. 

Ilene Fox, the Long Beach “Doodle Lady,” captured in pics and videos: the doings inside.

The venerable Harvey Weisenberg had heartfelt words for the crowd. Harvey’s words have always been from the heart. He recently lost his special son, Ricky, his “angel God gave to me,” at age 66. Rickey’s voice has always come straight through Harvey’s heart. And it always will.

But when the rain stopped some moved outdoors for fun in the sun.

Laughter was the order of the day—along with an order of cold Bright Eye beer.

Kent Almqvist and Lars Petersson traveled again from Sweden to honor Hedy Page. It was a sincere pleasure to speak with them; it always is. Sweden exports Joy through these emissaries.

Joy ruled on Park Ave, Long Beach, NY:

Much of the celebration’s success—and most other Long Beach celebrations—goes to Johanna Mathieson-Ellmer, Director of Long Beach, Artists in Partnership. She is a long-time good friend of Hedy:

So, Long Beach, NY, America, and all you “others” out there on our tiny blue planet, keep finding joy wherever possible. Keep the laughter flowing in all your different voices, like the varied paints flowing off Hedy’s brush.

Be well,

Leebythesea