The Redfish Kids Clothing Swing Dress

As seen in “Eat, Pray, Love” with co-star Julia Roberts

Last week Lorraine and I (partners in crime in all things Redfish) set out on a whirlwind buying trip to Los Angeles. A combination of work, family and life had put our long overdue trip to LA on hold so many times it had accumulated a mile-long hit list.

Like all good guilt-ridden mothers (I’m sure many can relate), we were determined not to be away from our families for one minute longer than necessary.  Dutifully burning the candle at both ends prior to our trip and packing a week’s work into a three day marathon of meetings, fabric-buying, and planning sessions, we were exhausted before we even left the ground and knew we’d leave even more so.  It was only the notion of finding time for a brief respite during our trip –naïve as it may have been- that carried us through.

Landing in LA, we breathed in the air and sunshine (okay, smog too) and hit the ground running.  Despite having only 30 minutes sleep the night prior, we plowed through our first day like warriors-fueled by thoughts of a civilized dinner out, movie, and maybe a little shopping….REALITY CHECK!  We had left out one critical part of the equation in our planning- we were both so exhausted at the end of each day that despite our best efforts, we could not muster the energy to rally for much of anything …..reality BITES! It seemed our carefully laid plans for a brief sojourn had hit a major roadblock… except for one saving grace….DAD!  Yes, Dad, whose Manhattan Beach home provided us the perfect base camp during our stay, turned out to be our unexpected saving grace and hero.

Catering to our every need, Dad (Randy to those not joined by the bonds of blood) nurtured us with the determination of  an Italian mother (a side of him I’d never seen) – cappuccinos appearing the moment our eyes first fluttered each morning and poured wine and fresh sushi waiting each night.  My dad provided that little bit of emotional nourishment we needed to propel us through each arduous day- he was indeed our guardian angel!

 Tummies full and eyes half mast, Lorraine, Dad and I sat enjoying the Southern California air on the last night of our trip. The three of us talked for hours and as we polished off the last bottle of wine,  Lorraine and I mulled over our successful working trip and how relaxing it had been to hang out with my Dad at the end of each day.  We had miraculously gotten to almost everything on our list- a list that was impossible at best and we joked  that the only “must do” item that remained was to indulge ourselves with a trip to see “Eat, Pray, Love”.  We both knew the chances of finding time to see it at home were scarce at best, and we desperately needed a hit of “feel good” in our frenzied lives.

 To our astonishment, my Dad jumped up rather suddenly and reappeared moments later with a Googled list of  “Eat, Pray, Love” showings.   “If we leave in ten minutes you can catch the last show- come on! I’ll drive you!”  Truth be told, we were so tired we could hardly keep our eyes open but we just could not resist the temptation of “doing it all” …so off we went!

Sitting in the theater we giggled at the incredulity of the situation…still a little shocked we’d made it in time for the last show but excited to be there.  Ten minutes in however, we started to slide into our seats like noodles, heads nodding as our brains denied what our bodies would not…we were just not going to make it through this show!

Looking at Lorraine (the morning bird of our twosome) confirmed this for me, and we both agreed it was going to have to wait for another night- our beds were calling!  

Reluctantly, we slowly started to gather our things- praying for a sudden burst of energy that wouldn’t come – we were just about to get up but sat back for a minute longer – the movie was at the “hope chest” scene …Julia’s friend was showing her a chest full of treasures she had been saving for the baby girl she dreamed of ….Julia then reached in and pulled a little black and white dress from the chest … trying to make sense of what we were seeing, our heads cocked like puppies as we watched …something was so familiar about that dress but so out of context it was hard to name…like when you are in an airport in a foreign country and see someone you know so well but you almost don’t recognize them because your brain can’t comprehend them there. 

 That dress….what was it about that dress? It took a few moments for our eyes to relay the message to our brains and I think Lorraine had me by a few seconds on this realization because just as I was digesting that it was OUR DRESS – our signature Redfish Dress– I felt a jolt of pain in my arm, followed by a wave of pains all over the left side of my body as my subsequent “oh my god, our Redfish Dress is in “Eat, Pray, Love” beating began.  In the midst of hollers, hoots and words I couldn’t even distinguish, Lorraine must have hit my arm about 50 times -and not in any kind of girlish way-these hits carried the intensity of a Redskins linebacker! (Note to self- send Lorraine to deal with any future bill collection issues.)

The usher arrived moments later mentioning something about complaints and asking us to be quiet …which was not going to require much effort from me.  Still speechless, I tried to comprehend what I had just seen on the screen…on the screen with JULIA ROBERTS!! How did our dress get there? Who picked it out?  OUR DRESS! And it wasn’t just any dress, this was our signature Swing Dress– the one on our business cards, the one on our website, the one on our hangtags…this was the dress that had been there from the start! 

Lorraine and I looked at each other…it felt big.  In the big scheme of things – it really isn’t – but to two mothers slugging away with everything they have and falling asleep on the floor every night…it felt pretty darn good…you might say it was a jolt in the arm! Our energy renewed,  we were determined to stay and enjoy the rest of the movie- it didn’t matter how good it was – it was amazing!  Ten minutes later I woke up and realized Lorraine was curled up in the seat next to me, her head in my lap.  My partner in crime and all things Redfish and I…had found our respite – not in rest or shopping but in an affirmation of everything we work for and sacrifice for each day.  Our dress, debuting in a big movie…. co-staring Julia Roberts!

“I decided that adventure was the best way to learn…” Lloyd Alexander

Considered one of the top five boating waters in the world, the Gulf Islands of British Columbia (there are over a dozen large and more than 200 small!) are a west coast paradise blending a small taste of the Mediterranean with a uniquely Canadian flavour…and sometimes a step back in time!  If ever you are on the hunt for a unique get away that will make you feel like you actually GOT AWAY, British Columbia’s Gulf Islands are full of adventure for kids.  We explored the islands on a recent “Redfish Kids” boating adventure…and met lots of courageous kids along the way!

Bald eagles perched in the trees above the marina, curious seals and their babies poked their heads up as we went by and orcas could be viewed within a few minutes boat ride. The kids were fully ensconced in the surroundings at Pender Island’s “Poet’s Cove”.

Leaving the serenity of Poet’s, we ventured over to Salt Spring Island to enjoy the Saturday Market where the kids made friends with some Salt Spring “locals”….

and while not particularly chatty… they did prove to be good dance partners.

The Salt Spring Island Market is a treat to the senses ….and an unbeatable place to take the kids! Potters, jewelers, fiber artists, woodworkers, and fine decorative arts collide with farmstead cheeses, organic produce and flowers and non stop music….

Isn’t sheeee loooooovely???….local flowers -beautifully arranged in recycled milk cartons – surrounded this young merchant…could she have been more beautiful?

Salt Spring Island’s beautiful, fresh organic produce would inspire just about anyone to cook.

Monster Lab’s Diane Perry enjoyed the day while shoppers enjoyed her unique designs.

Entreprenuers, musicians, boaters…COURAGEOUS kids come in all forms and you never have to look far to find them……

from aspiring merchants…..

…..to budding musicians – there were Courageous Kids wherever we looked!

A break at the playground was cut short when the kids heard a familiar voice singing in the background and decided to go check it out …

they could hardly believe their good fortune…

when they discovered that beloved local resident, Raffi had stopped by jam with the crowd.

Baby Beluga, You Brush Your Teeth…Banana Phone – Raffi played for a multi generation crowd who knew all the right words…..

had all the right moves (with a few improvisations along the way)…

and all the right props…(will SOMEONE please answer that banana-phone!)

Back at Poet’s Cove we settled in and enjoyed the tranquility and a beautiful sunset…

which provided the perfect backdrop for a “hot tub” at the end of a long day!

….and that my deer- is the tail end of our blog- but don’t be bummed- there are Courageous Kid Adventures around every corner -so bye….but just for now!

History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again. Maya Angelou

Hello everyone and THANK YOU!!!!!!!

Woo hoo! We are just finalizing results from our “Courageous Kids in Kenya “ web drive during which we offered to match purchases made on Redfish Kids Clothing’s website with Redfish Kids Clothing donations of the same retail value.

“Wow!” is all we can say! Your support allowed us to donate even more than originally hoped -we are happy to be able to report that between our web drive and spring visit to Kenya we have been able to donate over 40,000.00 dollars worth of Redfish Kids clothing to some pretty great kids and families in Nairobi.  We can’t WAIT to tell you about them! I’ve included a few sneak peaks from our trip below and have more coming soon!

We are so grateful for all your notes and personal stories and have so many stories and photos of our own to share with you ….ahhh but the day job…suppose I better get back to THAT!

Stay tuned for upcoming stories of COURAGEOUS and inspiring kids from Africa, Vancouver, Iraq and around the world- and keep sending YOURS- we want to hear about courageous kids everywhere!

Cheers- Kristy & Lorraine

4 am at Vancouver airport- 17 bags (not including the ones under our eyes)…..now just have to get them across the world..no problem!

…had he walked into opportunity… or nightmare-he could not be sure..

Thank you to to all the kids who rallied to support Sole Tree’s shoe drive! As you can see- the shoes you collected and cleaned so beautifully will definitely be put to good use and they put some huge smiles on these faces! What a great job – your efforts are making a huge difference in the lives of these kids- you ALL rock!

During field visits with Mapendo, we met Thomas and Ester and their 8 children,  a family of refugees who narrowly escaped ethnic war on the Rwandan border and managed to get all of their children out safely.

Three of Thomas and Ester’s  8 beautiful children

Throwing rocks -a universally popular past time for two year old boys!

Kwaheri! More to come…stay tuned!

With courage you dare to take risks, have the strength to be compassionate, and the wisdom to be humble.  Courage is the fountain of integrity.  Keshavan Nair

How “What Is Courage” began

Born shortly after the launch of Redfish Kids Clothing’s website, “What is Courage” was created simply as a small forum for sharing and celebrating the random acts of courage witnessed daily in our children.

We are continually inspired by the stories of Courageous Kids shared by the Redfish Community.  From the most simple (and sometimes hysterical) to the momentous and occasionally heart wrenching, your stories illicit a belly laugh at times and others a tear.  More often than not however, they make us smile and serve to remind us of the precious innocence of children and the beautiful tenacity of their spirit.

Thank you! Your generosity of spirit and willingness to share your stories has inspired us to dedicate a special space on our blog for this interaction to continue to thrive and grow.

Please visit often and keep sharing stories and photos as they are what keep us going and give US the courage to keep on doing what we do!

Warm regards, Kristy & Lorraine

Redfish is now on Facebook- visit us at
www.facebook.com/redfishkidsclothing

Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.   Lao Tzu

Make a difference in the lives of Kenyan children with every online purchase at Redfish Kids Clothing!

Visit www.redfishkidsclothing.com from now to May 31st and we’ll match the amount of your purchase with Redfish Clothing donations directly to children in Kenya.  Enter “Kenya Kids” in the comments section at checkout and we’ll do the rest- it’s that simple!

Get Courageous too! As a small thank you from Redfish get Courageous with a ”What is Courage” tshirt -included with each “Kenya Kids” order- while supplies last (when they’re gone they’re gone!)

It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are. e.e. cummings

Redfish International has been visiting Kenya this month and meeting some of the most Courageous Kids and families on the planet!

From beautiful landscapes to poverty stricken slums, Nairobi is a city of jarring juxtapositions.  The children we’ve met here have left us inspired and hopeful despite their seemingly insurmountable challenges.  We are both humbled and awed by their spirit, their strength, their beautiful smiles and their beautiful, beautiful hearts!

THESE are Courageous Kids!