How many of you knew these words were from a song named Big Yellow Taxi. Or, that it was originally written and performed by Joni Mitchell? Does your memory of this song have Adam Duritz from the Counting Crows singing it featuring Vanessa Carlton? Or maybe you remember the sweet voice of Amy Grant singing her version. Well… the verse that always grabbed my attention was this one. 

They took all the trees and put ‘em in a tree museum
And then they charged all the people twenty-five bucks just to see ‘em
Don’t it always seem to go
That you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone
They paved paradise and put up a parking lot 

One of my favorite aspects of living in Nosara, Costa Rica is

I’m sorry… I can’t help it! TWO posts in a row now on surfing and two references to the Beach Boys. BUT… I ask you, “how can you talk about surfing and not mention the Beach Boys?”  It’s just not possible. BTW: the Beach Boys link above is to their inductee page on the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame web site. Check it out… it’s on the shores of Lake Erie in the heart of downtown Cleveland, Ohio where rock and roll icons have a home. Come on now… I had to give a little lovin’ to the town where I grew up. Seriously… if you haven’t been… GO… it’s very interesting and of course, IT ROCKS!

How many of you just love that song by the Beach Boys –Surfer Girl? This song has always touched me… and I have fond memories of going to Beach Boy concerts at Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio with my good friends.

Well today… my little girl officially became my little “surfer girl!” Sage had her FIRST surf lesson and WOW… did she do great. Her surf instructor was a very hip dude name Andrey… great tan, awesome dreadlocks, in good shape with a wonderful laid back and friendly personality… you know, what I would classify as the existential surfer.

Right before we left the house for her lesson, Sage said to me, “Daddy, I’m a little scared to take my surf lesson this morning.” My first thought was how cool it was that my daughter felt comfortable enough with me to share her fears and to be so open and honest about them. I just wanted to give her a big hug right there… and so I did.