Finger Painting for Adults During Afternoon Tea Time - Talking Story with Arlo

Talking Story with Arlo

Sipping afternoon tea while finger painting as an adult is a delightful escape. 

The warm, soothing tea—perhaps a fragrant chamomile or robust chai—complements the playful mess of vibrant colors smudging across paper. 

It’s a carefree, tactile joy, blending creativity with relaxation, as tea’s calming aroma enhances the whimsical, hands-on fun

Finger Painting for Adults

Finger painting is a fun and creative activity that is often associated with children. 

However, finger painting can be just as enjoyable for adults. In fact, there are many benefits to finger painting for adults,

Reducing stress and anxiety. 

Finger painting can be a great way to relax and de-stress. The act of using your fingers to manipulate the paint can be very therapeutic.

Boosting creativity. 

Finger painting can help you to tap into your creativity and explore new artistic possibilities.

There are no rules when it comes to finger painting, so you can let your imagination run wild.

Improving fine motor skills. 

Finger painting can help to improve your fine motor skills, which are important for tasks such as writing, eating, and dressing.
Encouraging mindfulness. 

When you finger paint, you are forced to focus on the present moment and be mindful of your movements. 

This can help to reduce stress and improve your overall mental well-being.

If you are looking for a fun and creative way to relax, reduce stress, and boost your creativity, then finger painting is a great option. Here are some tips for finger painting for adults:

Choose the right materials. 

You will need some acrylic paints, a canvas or paper, and some old rags or towels for cleanup. You may also want to wear gloves to protect your hands from the paint.

Start with simple shapes.

If you are new to finger painting, it can be helpful to start with simple shapes, such as circles, squares, and triangles. 

Once you have mastered these basic shapes, you can move on to more complex designs.

Don't be afraid to experiment. 

There are no rules when it comes to finger painting, so feel free to experiment with different colors, textures, and techniques.

The more you experiment, the more creative you will become.
Have fun! The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process. 

Finger painting is a great way to relax and de-stress, so let your imagination run wild and create something beautiful.

Here are some ideas for finger painting for adults:

Abstract paintings. 

Abstract paintings are a great way to express your creativity without having to worry about creating a realistic image.

Simply let your fingers wander across the canvas and see what happens.

Landscape paintings.

Finger painting can be a great way to create realistic landscape paintings. Start by painting the background, then add the foreground elements, such as trees, mountains, and rivers.

Floral paintings.

 

Finger painting is a great way to create beautiful floral paintings. Use your fingers to create different shapes and textures, and experiment with different colors.

Animal paintings. 

Finger painting can be a fun way to create animal paintings. Start by drawing the basic outline of the animal, then add the details using your fingers.

No matter what your artistic skill level, finger painting can be a fun and rewarding activity for adults. 

So gather your supplies and get creative.

ArloTeas.Com

Premium Loose Leaf Tea -Talking Story with Arlo

Talking Story with Arlo

Premium Loose Leaf Tea

In a world where convenience often trumps quality, there’s something deeply satisfying about slowing down and savoring a cup of premium loose leaf tea. 

Unlike the dusty tea bags found in most supermarkets, loose leaf tea offers a rich, full-bodied experience that engages all your senses—from the vibrant colors of the leaves to the complex aromas that unfurl as they steep. 

ArloTeas.com full leaf loose teas are packaged in 5, 10, 20 and 40 gram pre measured pouches that can also be used to brew.

If you’re ready to elevate your tea game, ArloTeas.com provides an exquisite selection of premium loose leaf teas that cater to both seasoned connoisseurs and curious newcomers. 

Let’s dive into what makes their offerings so special and why premium loose leaf tea deserves a spot in your daily ritual.

Why Premium Loose Leaf Tea?
Loose leaf tea isn’t just a beverage; it’s a craft. The difference between a generic tea bag and premium loose leaf tea is like comparing fast food to a chef’s tasting menu. 

Tea bags often contain fannings or dust—tiny fragments of tea leaves that lose flavor and nuance during processing. 

In contrast, premium "Full Leaf" loose leaf tea, like the varieties offered by ArloTeas.com, uses whole or minimally broken leaves. These retain their essential oils, antioxidants, and intricate flavors, delivering a cup that’s as robust as it is refined. 

Plus, loose leaf tea allows for customization—you can adjust the strength and steeping time to suit your palate, something tea bags simply can’t match.

ArloTeas.com takes this a step further by sourcing high-quality leaves and blending them into unique, memorable profiles. Their commitment to excellence shines through in every sip, making it clear why premium loose leaf tea is the choice of those who value quality over convenience.

Arlo Tea’s Standout Offerings

Arlo Tea’s product lineup is a treasure trove for tea lovers. Take their Premium Darjeeling First Flush, for instance. Sourced from the misty hills of Darjeeling, India, this tea is harvested in the spring when the leaves are at their most tender. 

The result is a light, floral brew with muscatel notes—a delicacy that’s often called the “Champagne of Teas.” It’s perfect for an afternoon indulgence, especially if you’re looking to impress your taste buds or a guest.

For something bolder, the Premium Assam Black Tea delivers a malty, full-bodied punch. Grown in the lush plains of Assam, this tea is a wake-up call in a cup, with its deep amber hue and brisk flavor. It’s an ideal companion for breakfast or a mid-day boost, especially when paired with a splash of milk or a touch of honey.

If you lean toward wellness, ArloTeas.com Premium Green Tea is a must-try. Packed with antioxidants, this vibrant tea offers a clean, grassy taste with a subtle sweetness. It’s sourced from top-tier gardens, ensuring you get the health benefits and flavor that only premium loose leaf tea can provide. 

Whether you’re sipping it hot or cold, it’s a refreshing way to nourish your body and mind.

The Ritual of Brewing

One of the joys of premium loose leaf tea is the brewing process itself. With ArloTeas.com, you’re not just making a drink—you’re crafting an experience. Start with fresh, filtered water heated to the right temperature. Use about a teaspoon of leaves per cup, and let them steep for the recommended time—usually 2–5 minutes, depending on the variety. Watch the leaves unfurl, releasing their essence into the water. 

The aroma alone is worth the effort.
Arlo Tea also offers accessories like infusers and teapots to streamline the process without sacrificing quality. It’s a small investment for a big reward—a cup that’s uniquely yours.

Why Choose ArloTeas.com?

Beyond the exceptional taste, Arlo Tea stands out for its dedication to sustainability and quality. Their loose leaf teas are packaged with care, ensuring freshness without unnecessary waste. 

By choosing ArloTea.com, you’re supporting a brand that values the art of tea-making and the planet it comes from.

So, next time you’re tempted to grab a tea bag, consider the premium loose leaf teas from arloteas.com. It’s more than a beverage—it’s a moment of luxury in your day. 

Whether you’re unwinding, energizing, or simply exploring new flavors, ArloTea.com has the perfect blend waiting for you.

Naturally Sugar-Free Tea for Healthy Hydration - Talking Story with Arlo

Talking Story with Arlo

Naturally Sugar-Free Tea for Healthy Hydration

Staying hydrated doesn’t have to come with a side of sugar or empty calories. Our premium tea offers a delicious, naturally sugar-free alternative that quenches your thirst while keeping your health goals on track. 

Unlike sodas or sugary drinks that pile on the pounds, this tea delivers smooth, refreshing flavor without the guilt. 

It’s the perfect way to enjoy a sophisticated beverage that supports your body’s need for clean hydration, leaving you energized and refreshed all day long.

Premium Tea to Combat Obesity Epidemic

The obesity epidemic is fueled in part by the overconsumption of sugary beverages that sneak excess calories into our diets. 

Our premium tea steps in as a game-changer—crafted with natural ingredients and zero added sugars, it’s a smart swap for anyone looking to cut back without sacrificing taste. 

With every sip, you’re choosing a beverage that aligns with a healthier lifestyle, helping to curb cravings and reduce the risks tied to weight gain. It’s not just tea; it’s a step toward lasting wellness.

Replace Sugary Drinks with Refreshing Tea

Why reach for a soda when you can enjoy a crisp, refreshing tea that’s free of sugar and artificial sweeteners? 

Our premium tea blends bring bold flavors to the table, making it easy to ditch the sugary drinks that sabotage your health. Whether you’re lounging by the ocean or unwinding after a busy day, this tea offers a satisfying alternative that hydrates without the crash. 

Say goodbye to sticky sweetness and hello to a cleaner, tastier way to sip.

Hydration Tea for Weight-Conscious Travelers

For those always on the move, finding a portable, healthy drink option can be a challenge—especially when sugary sodas dominate convenience stores. 

Our naturally sugar-free tea is designed with the modern traveler in mind, offering a lightweight, premium hydration solution that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. 

With no sugar to weigh you down, it’s the ideal companion for staying refreshed and focused, whether you’re jetting off to a new destination or simply navigating a hectic schedule.

Sugar-Free Premium Tea for Guilt-Free Enjoyment

Indulgence doesn’t have to mean compromising your health. Our sugar-free premium tea brings a luxurious taste experience that’s as good for your body as it is for your palate. 

Perfect for pairing with a light snack or savoring solo, this tea lets you enjoy life’s little pleasures without the added calories of sugary drinks. 

It’s a guilt-free way to elevate your hydration game, proving that you can treat yourself to something delicious while still keeping wellness in sight.

ArloTeas.com

A Tale of Water Skiing, Sun, and Stitches -Talking Story with Arlo

Talking Story with Arlo

Arlo: The Beatnik King of the River

A Groovy Tale of Skiing, Sun, and Stitches

Gather ‘round, cats and kittens, and let me spin you a yarn about the grooviest dude to ever grace the sun-soaked shores of Parker, Arizona. 

This ain’t just any story—it’s the legend of Arlo, a 58-year-old beatnik businessman today, but back in the day, a wild-eyed, 20-something water-skiing wizard with a single ski, a ’65 Volkswagen bus, and a heart full of pure, unadulterated gumption. 

Picture it: the summer sun blazing, the river roaring, and Arlo, mop flopping in the breeze, ready to turn a humdrum beach trip into a cosmic comedy of epic proportions. 

Buckle up, because this tale’s about to take off faster than a blower boat with a triple-shot espresso engine!

It all kicked off when Arlo, a Long Beach State dropout for the summer, got tired of the tame waves and sandy vibes of the coast. “Too mellow, man,” he grumbled, stroking his scruffy chin. “I need some real action—something to make my soul sing and my ski dance!” 

So, with a gleam in his eye and a tie-dye shirt so loud it could wake a coma patient, he fired up his trusty VW bus— "Betsy", he called her, a rattling relic of peace, love, and questionable brakes—and set his sights on Parker, Arizona. 

Why Parker? Because, daddy-o, Parker was the promised land of river rats, party cats, and boats so fast they’d make a cheetah blush. 

Big engines, blowers sticking out like proud peacock feathers, and the kind of horsepower that’d leave you grinning like a fool—that’s where the real groove was.

Now, Arlo wasn’t just any ski bum. Oh no, this cat was a world-class single-ski maestro, back when wakeboards were still a twinkle in some yuppie’s eye. One ski, one rope, one chance to carve the water like a jazz solo—sharp, deep, and oh-so-smooth. 

Problem was, Arlo didn’t have a boat. Didn’t even have two nickels to rub together half the time. But what he did have was a plan so crazy it just might work. He rolled into a primo camping spot near Sundance Bar and Marina, Betsy was a camper van, which came in handy and hatched his scheme. 

Picture this: Arlo, decked out in a life jacket that’d seen better days, ski in one hand, thumb in the air like he’s hitching a ride on Route 66—only he’s standing knee-deep in the Colorado River, grinning like a madman. 

“Throw me a rope, cool cats!” he hollered, as boats zipped by, their chrome gleaming in the sun.
The boaters—greased-up gearheads with shades and mullets—couldn’t believe their eyes. “Who’s this nutjob hitchhiking for a ski ride?” they muttered, jaws dropping faster than their beer cans into the cooler. 

But Arlo’s charm was unstoppable. Before long, a hulking speedboat with an engine the size of a monster truck slowed to a halt, spun a donut in the water, and tossed him a rope. “Hit it!” Arlo bellowed, and WHOOSH—he was off, slicing through the river like a hot knife through butter. Deep cuts, elbow dragging in the water, long hair whipping like a metronome—he was a one-man symphony of cool. 

The boat crew whooped and hollered, amazed that this scruffy beatnik never fell, never flailed, just rode and jumped the wake like he was born on it.

When he’d had his fill, he’d twirl his finger in the air—Arlo’s universal “take me back” signal—and they’d drop him off, still grinning ear to ear.

That night, the Sundance Saloon was hopping like a jackrabbit on a hot plate. Arlo, still buzzing from his river antics, sauntered in, his ski-tanned skin glowing under the neon lights. 

The place was packed with sun-fried river babes in bikinis so tiny they’d make a postage stamp look modest, slugging back brewskis like it was their last day on Earth. 

Arlo, being the smooth-talking storyteller he was, regaled the crowd with tales of his day—each cut deeper, each boat faster, until folks swore he’d skied upside-down just to mess with the fish. 

The ladies, liquored up and loopy from the sun, were all over him like bees on honey. “Oh, Arlo,” they cooed, “you’re the grooviest cat on the river!” 

Before he knew it, one river beauty—let’s call her Candy, with hair like a bonfire and a laugh like a hyena—latched onto him, and the night took a turn for the wild.

Now, Arlo’s a gentleman, even when the world’s spinning. After Candy had one too many tequila sunrises and started doing the cha-cha with a barstool, he escorted her back to Betsy. “You take the bus, doll,” he said, gallantly spreading his sleeping bag on the dirt outside. 

“Ol’ Arlo’s cool with the stars.” She passed out snoring, and he drifted off counting constellations, dreaming of tomorrow’s ski runs.

Cue the drama, cats! Next morning, as Arlo’s brewing coffee over a campfire a beefy dude in a tank top storms up. “Where’s my girl, beatnik?!” he growls, fists clenched. Arlo, cool as a cucumber, swings open Betsy’s door. 

There’s Candy, drooling on the upholstery, safe and sound. Tank Top softens, Candy wakes up giggling, and Arlo—ever the opportunist—spots the guy’s boat keys jingling in his pocket. 

“Say, man, how about a ski ride to square things up?” Tank Top shrugs, “Yeah, man, hop in.”

Three-quarters through the ride, disaster strikes! Arlo’s carving the water like Picasso with a paintbrush when—CRACK—his trusty ski snaps in half. The jagged edge flies up, clocks him square in the forehead, and it’s lights out for our hero. 

Blood’s gushing, he’s bobbing in the river like a dazed buoy, and Tank Top and Candy? They’re too busy smooching to notice! The boat roars off, leaving Arlo floating in a crimson cloud of beatnik despair.

Thank the groovy gods, another boat—piloted by a kindly old-timer with a beard like Santa’s—scoops him up. “Hang on, son!” he yells, gunning it to the hospital. 

Ten stitches later, Arlo’s back on his feet, forehead looking like a Frankenstein audition, but still flashing that million-watt grin. That afternoon, he bumps into Tank Top and Candy at the saloon. They’re red-faced, stammering apologies. “Man, we didn’t see you go down!” Tank Top mumbles, shoving a cold beer into Arlo’s hand. 

“No sweat, daddy-o,” Arlo laughs, clinking cans. “Takes more than a broken ski and a little head-banging to knock this cat off his groove!"

And that’s the gospel truth, folks. Tank Top learned a lesson that day: always keep eyes on your skier, and Arlo maybe invest in a sturdier ski. But fall? Never! “It took a cosmic conspiracy to take me down,” he’d boast, winking at the scar that became his badge of honor.

From then on, he and Tank Top were river brothers, Candy stayed a pal, and the legend of Arlo—the hitchhiking, single-skiing, beatnik king of Parker—grew taller than the tallest blower stack.

Groove is in the Heart - Arlo

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Green Tea Benefits for Pilots - Talking Story with Arlo

 Talking Story with Arlo

Benefits of Pilots Sipping’ Green Tea.

Hey there, cool cats and flyin’ aces! It’s your ol’ pal Arlo, the beatnik businessman with a suitcase full of stories and a heart full of groove. 

I’ve been crisscrossin’ this wild planet for 58 years, and lemme tell ya, I’ve seen some far-out sights—like the time I swear I saw a UFO over the Andes, but that’s a tale for another day!

Today, I’m here to rap with you high-fliers, the pilots of the skies, about somethin’ real smooth: green tea. Yeah, man, that leafy brew’s got the magic to keep you sharp, cool, and cruisin’ at 30,000 feet without turnin’ into a jitterbug!

Green tea benefits for pilots

Picture this: you’re in the cockpit, the clouds are dancin’ like cotton candy hippies, and you need to stay on the beam. 

Coffee? Sure, it’s a jolt, but it’s like ridin’ a rocket-powered unicycle—one minute you’re zoomin’, the next you’re crashin’ into a cactus patch of nerves. Green tea, though? 

Subtle caffeine in green tea for flying.

Oh, baby, it’s the mellow marathon runner of caffeine! It’s got just enough of that pep—moderate, steady, long-lasting—without sendin’ you into a tailspin. I once flew with a pilot in Nepal who swore he navigated a storm by the light of the moon and a cup of green tea. 

Exaggeration? Maybe. Truth? You bet!
Now, here’s the real cosmic kicker: green tea’s got this groovy amino acid called L-theanine. Sounds like a sci-fi hero, right? Well, it kinda is! 

This cat’s a mood-lifter, a chill pill in liquid form. While caffeine keeps your eyes peeled, L-theanine swoops in like a jazz riff, smoothin’ out the edges. 

L-theanine mood boost for pilots.

No jitters, no fist-shakin’ fury—just pure, extended cognitive coolness. Pilots, you dig? You’re makin’ split-second calls up there, and this combo gives you the brainpower of Einstein and the calm of a Zen monk ridin’ a lotus leaf.

I’ve seen it, man! Once, over the Pacific, I watched a pilot sip his green tea while dodgin’ turbulence like he was playin’ bongos with the wind. “Arlo,” he said, “this L-theanine’s got my head hummin’ like a sweet saxophone.” 

Green tea vs coffee for aviation focus

And science backs it up, dig? Studies say L-theanine chills out stress and anxiety—perfect when you’re wrestlin’ with a stormy squall. It boosts brain function, ticklin’ those neurotransmitters—dopamine, serotonin—like a cosmic light show in your noggin. 

Plus, it’s got antioxidant vibes, keepin’ you feelin’ fresh as a daisy even after a red-eye flight.
And there’s more, daddy-o! Green tea’s got a rap sheet of health perks longer than a Kerouac poem: better gut vibes, a boost for your immune system, even some anti-inflammatory jive. 

Natural energy for pilots with green tea

I once told a flight crew in Tokyo it could cure a mid-flight hangover—okay, that’s a stretch, but they laughed ‘til the runway lights twinkled! 

Point is, pilots, this brew’s your co-pilot for the long haul. So next time you’re gearin’ up to soar, skip the java jive and grab some green tea.

Stay groovy, stay sharp, and keep the skies smilin’—Arlo’s orders! Peace out!

Teas for Private Aviation - Talking Story with Arlo

Talking Story with Arlo

Arlo’s High-Flying Tea Circus: 

A Chef’s Quest for the Grooviest Brews

Picture a $100 million private jet blasting through the sky, a chrome-plated dream machine zipping at 40,000 feet, stuffed with folks who think “economy class” is a swear word. 

Inside, meet Arlo, 49, going on “who’s counting,” a beatnik with a grin so wide it could double as a runway and a vibe so chill he’d nap through an alien invasion. 

This guy’s a world-wandering businessman who claims he once sold sand to a desert sheik, a chef who swears he grilled steaks for a Loch Ness Monster barbecue, and a storyteller so over-the-top he makes a circus look tame. 

Draped in a tie-dye apron that screams “I hugged a rainbow,” Arlo’s all about “the groovy thing.”

Today, he’s the head chef in this airborne mansion, chasing tea suppliers like a caffeine-jacked Sherlock Holmes on a unicycle. 

With ArloTeas.com blazing on his laptop, he’s about to brew a storm—and a comedy show that’ll leave you snorting.

Arlo’s no dime-store cook. He’s a high-talent tornado, a spatula-spinning nut who’s fed rockstars, royals, and that one time he insists he catered a ghost convention (BYO ectoplasm). “Food’s gotta shimmy, man,” he says, twirling a spoon like it’s auditioning for a talent show. 

On this jet, where the forks are probably diamond-encrusted, the tea can’t just be meh—it’s gotta be bananas. So, he’s raiding ArloTeas.com, eyeballing Premium Teas, Loose Leaf Teas, Organic Teas, Specialty Teas, Gourmet Teas, High Altitude Teas, Rare Teas, Artisanal Teas, Luxury Teas, and Exotic Teas. 

“Hold your hats, cats,” he whoops, “I’m about to turn this flying toaster into a tea riot so crazy, the wings’ll flap to the beat!”

High Altitude Teas

First, he pounces on the High Altitude Teas. “These leaves grew so high, they got altitude sickness and a therapist named Bubbles!” he bellows, spinning a whopper about tea farmers zip-lining with rabid squirrels as backup dancers. 

He snags a High Altitude Oolong—floral, punchy, and sassier than a flamingo in flip-flops. At 40,000 feet, where taste buds throw tantrums like divas denied Wi-Fi, this tea’s gonna scream like a goat on a rollercoaster. “I brewed this once and it proposed to me!” he swears, clutching his chest.

Rare Teas

Next, the Rare Teas tackle him. “This ain’t your granny’s mothball-flavored swill—this tea’s so rare, it’s got a velvet rope and a bouncer!” He grabs a Rare Pu-erh, aged so long it’s got a beard and a walker. “They say it’s guarded by pirate monks and a disco-dancing octopus named Reggie,” he says, straight-faced. Earthy and woody, it’s a gut-fixing ninja for passengers who’ve been snarfing caviar like it’s popcorn. 

Arlo’s pairing it with chocolate mousse, muttering, “This tea’s so old, it babysat the pyramids!”

Luxury Teas

Of course, the Luxury Teas strut in. “This stuff’s so posh, it comes with a yacht and a restraining order against peasants!” 

He picks a Luxury White Tea, delicate as a unicorn fart and pricier than a dictator’s toupee. “Harvested by giggling pixies with diamond tweezers—or maybe my nephew with a hangover, who knows!” he shrugs. It’s hydration for the jet’s VIPs, who sip like they’re auditioning for a crown. “I served this to a sultan; he traded me his camel—and its therapist!” Arlo cackles.

The Exotic Teas

The Exotic Teas? He’s drooling buckets. “These come from jungles so bonkers, the compass just explodes and calls its mom!” He snags an Exotic Chai—cinnamon, cardamom, and a kick like a bull in a bouncy castle. “I drank this in a swamp and turned into a disco ball—true story!” he insists, planning to serve it warm with a foam swirl so extra it’ll demand its own agent. The hedge fund guy in 4C might actually unclench his jaw.

Artisanal Teas

Finally, the Artisanal Teas lasso him. “Hand-rolled by tea weirdos who knit sweaters for the plants—far out!” He grabs a floral green tea, picturing a shaman juggling leaves while riding a pogo stick and yodeling. 

“This tea’s got more soul than my uncle’s Elvis impersonation,” he says. Up here, where flavors can tank harder than a clown at a funeral, this brew’s a champ.

What’s the tea pandemonium in flight? Arlo’s a deranged ringmaster, tweaking brews like he’s wrestling a greased pig. 

The jet’s dry air and pathetic boiling point (190°F, thanks to physics being a total killjoy) mean he’s got a pimped-out kettle and a timer he’s screaming at like it stole his lunch. 

The Oolong gets a 190°F lightning zap; the Pu-erh steeps like it’s chilling in a hot tub with sunglasses. He’s slinging it in pre-warmed cups, dodging whines from the “my tea’s colder than my ex” crowd. 

“I’m the Tea Emperor of the Clouds!” he roars, striking a pose.

The guests? They’re howling. Arlo’s yarns—“I swapped a pet rock and a kazoo for this chai with a three-headed yeti!”—and flavors popping like a clown car crash have them doubled over. 

The Pu-erh unclogs a mogul’s truffle-stuffed gut; the White Tea has a starlet texting “TEA IS LIFE” in all caps. By landing, Arlo’s a legend—a beatnik tea lunatic with a smirk and a steep. 

“Keep it groovy, you funky freaks,” he grins, already plotting his next sky-high tea meltdown. Outta sight!

Ding-A-Ling Days - Talking Story with Arlo

Talking Story with Arlo

Arlo’s Ding-A-Ling Days: 

From Beach Bum to Surfer Mag Superstar

Hey there, cats and kittens! It’s your ol’ pal Arlo, the most insightful  58-year-old beatnik this side of the Pacific, spinning a yarn so wild it’ll make your flip-flops fly off! 

Before I became the king of coffee and tea—y’know, slingin’ the finest brews and blends to keep your soul buzzin’—

I was a full-on beach bum, livin’ the dream at Huntington Beach, lifeguard tower 17, right smack next to that rockin’ SeaLegs concert joint. 

Life was a sandy symphony of sun, surf, and pure, unfiltered good vibes. And lemme tell ya, it was a trip worth takin’!

Back in those golden days, I was a free spirit with salt in my beard and sand between my toes. My RV was parked like a palace on wheels, my faithful dog Tex ridin’ shotgun, and my trusty electric bike was my chariot to paradise. 

Picture this: me, zippin’ up and down the coast, the wind whippin’ through my mop, ridin’ from Huntington all the way down to Newport Beach. 

I’d pull up to Blackie’s, grab a cold beer, tip my shades to the bartender, and soak in the flora and fauna like some kinda beatnik botanist on wheels. 

The crashing waves, the squawkin’ seagulls, the palm trees swayin’—man, it was like Mother Nature was jammin’ just for me!

One fateful day, I’m cruisin’ along when I spot a posse of silver-haired surfer cats, all 55-plus, decked out with their own electric bikes. 

These weren’t your average grandpas—these were the raddest old dudes this side of a Beach Boys record! They’re Peelin’ out, tires hummin’, and one of ‘em hollers, “Hey guy, come ride with us!” Well, I ain’t one to turn down a good time, so I kick my bike into gear and join the pack.

Turns out, they’d seen me around—the dude in the RV with the electric plug, always ready to juice up their rides. We bonded fast, a crew of old souls ridin’ the coastal breeze, laughin’ like kids who’d just dodged curfew.

Now, this gang had a habit, see. We’d roll along, 25 strong, and whenever a lovely lady strutted by in her bikini—pow!—we’d turn into a chorus of ding-a-ling bells. 

Ding ding ding ding ding! Little bells on our bikes, ringin’ out our appreciation. We were too old and too cool to catcall—nah, that’s for squares—so we let the bells do the talkin’. 

The prettier the gal, the louder the dings, especially for those smokin’ chick cops in their tight uniforms and shorts. Ding-a-ling-a-ling-a-ling! 

The local fuzz caught wind and dubbed us “The Dingalings”—a name we wore like a badge of honor. We were the grooviest gang on two wheels, and the beach was our kingdom.

Then, one day, the universe threw us a curveball bigger than a tsunami. Me and my Ding-A-Ling buddies are chillin’ by the RV, bikes plugged in, Tex snoozin’ in the shade, when—bam!—ten super-luxurious buses roll up like somethin’ outta a Hollywood blockbuster. 

We’re sittin’ there, jaws dropped, when who steps out but Ryan freakin’ Seacrest! Mr. TV himself, all smiles and slick hair, strolls over and starts shootin’ the breeze with us. 

We’re ding-a-lingin’ like crazy, half-laughin’, half-stunned, and next thing you know, he’s hirin’ ten of us—me included—to be waterboys for a Miss America beach shoot. Waterboys! Us! A bunch of salty old surf dogs haulin’ H2O for the prettiest gals in the land!

Yup!

So there we are, hoofin’ it across the sand, deliverin’ water, settin’ up props, and sneakin’ into a few background shots. They wanted “authentic surf dudes” for the pics—old ones, mind you—and we delivered. 

Picture this: me and the boys, weathered faces and sun-bleached hair, posin’ with boards we hadn’t ridden in years, lookin’ like we just paddled in from Pipeline. 

The Miss America girls are struttin’ their stuff, the cameras are snappin’, and we’re just soakin’ it all in, bells jinglin’ softly in the breeze. It was a day for the ages, man—a righteous, groovy blast!

When the shoot wrapped, we’re back at the RV, kickin’ back with some cold iced teas, when a gaggle of those pageant queens wander over. They’re laughin’, chattin’, and hangin’ with us Dingalings like we’re the coolest cats on the beach. 

Naturally, we crank up the bells—ding ding ding ding ding!—and some hotshot photographer snaps the shot of a lifetime: ten old surf dudes, me front and center, bells in hand, Tex pokin’ his head out the RV window, and a dozen beauty queens smilin’ wide. 

We’re all holdin’ tall glasses of my signature iced tea (yeah, I was brewin’ even back then!), and the vibe is pure magic.

I didn’t think much of it—another wild day in Arlo’s world, right? But a month later, I’m strollin’ by the newsstand, and—holy mackerel!—there we are, plastered on the cover of Surfer Magazine! “

"The Dingalings of Huntington Beach,” the headline screams, with me, Arlo, front and center, my grizzled mug grinnin’ like a Cheshire cat. 

Tex is stealin’ the show behind the wheel, my boys are clustered around, and those iced teas are glistening’ in the sun. The thrill, man—the thrill of seein’ yourself on the cover of Surfer! It’s like ridin’ the biggest wave of your life and stickin’ the landing with a double ding-a-ling!

That day, that picture—it was the spark, y’know? I started thinkin’, “Arlo, you’ve got somethin’ here.” The iced tea, the good vibes, the groovy spirit—it all clicked. It has been awhile since I traded the beach bum life for a coffee and tea business, slingin’ brews that keep the world buzzin’. 

But I’ll never forget my Ding-A-Ling days, rollin’ with the crew, ringin’ those bells, and livin’ life like every day was a beach party. 

So here’s to the flora, the fauna, and the funky fun of Huntington Beach—keep it mello, cats, and maybe I’ll see ya on the coast with a tall glass of Arlo’s finest!

Groove is in the Heart. - Arlo

ArloTeas.com