10.31.2011

NYC + Fam = :)

Scents are distinct. But New York City wafts on a different level. I visit NYC often because my Dad and sister live there and I must say, the minute I get that subway smell 'city mode' kicks in. Non-stop meals, walking, camera action, family frenzy's and people watching ensue. It's generally not a vacation because my California roots generally equate vacations to beaches and relaxing. But not in NYC. Not in that metropolis filled with human interest gems.

But on this particular trip the focus was not NYC, but rather my wonderful family. For the first time ever, almost the the entire entity of the Ratto/Whitson group was in the city. We celebrated the engagement of my sister Kaylen and Martin Geaninni. Together, the two are on the cusp of completely infiltrating and influencing mass factions of the performing arts world in New York.

Below is a video of our time in NYC.



My family is rad.

...get Lost my friends.

Raleigh, NC

Have you ever seen something big, before it could even be considered small. Like, have you ever seen a child athlete that didn't know the double-dribble rule but still dribbled with one hand. Or have you ever heard a friend sing at a causal occasion and thought, "Whoa, that voice could really move people."

Talent before greatness. Seed before Sequoia. Bricks before skyscraper.

I am referring to my brother, Sam, and his wife, Star. Together, they are constructing a shoppe, creating a brand, articulating artisan chocolate and building a dream, one coco bean at a time.

Liz and I visited Sam an Star for four days and really got to see their lives in motion as they build their bean to bar chocolate company. I must say, 'proud' comes to mind. 'Excited' too. Shoot, 'overwhelmingly impressed by how they are doing things the right way!' continues to go scroll through my head. It's just fun to see the guy that helped guide you through life continue to set an example for everyone around him. And to be partnered with a genius of all sorts, well, it's sweet. Videri Chocolate sweet.

Here is a little video of our time in Raleigh.

Raleigh, NC-'11 from Mark Ratto on Vimeo.



Videri baby.

...get Lost my friends.