Here is some stuff to take your mind of things...

Places we are going: Overseas for a few weeks! 

I'm heading out to Japan and China for a few weeks to source and check the quality of some frames and new products (hint hint). I can't wait to show you what we come back with.

I love going over there to have design meetings with our manufacturing team and to share incredible meals with them. Seriously, the food is some of the best I've ever had. 

When I get back we'll send you a little sneak peek of the trip along with a little info on the upcoming 2017 products, so stay tuned friends! 

What we are watching: Westworld! FTW! 

Has anyone else seen this show yet? I am OBSESSED with it. In case you haven't seen Westworld yet... it is a sci-fi series on HBO that was created by Johnathan Nolan (younger brother of Christopher Nolan) and Lisa Joy. It is based on the 1973 film of the same name, which was written and directed by American novelist Michael Crichton (yes, the man behind Jurassic Park).

This season also has some help from people like J. J. Abrams, Jerry Weintraub and Bryan Burk. It takes place in a futuristic "wild west" where people can fulfill their wildest fantasies... For a price of course...

Give it a watch and let me know what you think. The Nolan brothers seem to making hit after hit, so I'm not surprised that this is one heck of a thriller. 

What we are reading: Seth Godin

Seth Godin is the man. At least to me he is. Ever since I started doing this whole "I don't want to work for anyone else" thing I have been reading Seth's work.

He is prolific, from his books, to his blog, to even his twitter feed; the man is always on point. He has given me the drive and strength to get through many hard times in this business (as well as others).

If you want a great example of his work click this link here; don't worry it's a short read. If you have some thoughts on Mr Godin's work please shoot me an email back. I would love to hear them. 

What we think is rad: Japanese Red Mape Bonsai

This is perfect for children (like me) or any individual who wants to get their hands dirty and learn the hobby of Bonsai and hopefully not kill it right off the bat. The seeds in this kit will germinate and continue to grow for many years. Plant it. I dare you. 

Cool fact: The Red Maple is deciduous, which means the tree will lose its leaves every year in the fall then grow new leaves in the spring. 

Random fact of the week: DINOSAURS!

The time difference between when Stegosaurus and Tyrannosaurus lived is greater than the time difference between Tyrannosaurus and now!

Also, we make the best sunglasses in the known universe.

If you haven't gotten yourself a pair...you probably should...

It's guaranteed for life. 

If for some crazy reason you no longer want receive these emails I wont be sad... actually I will probably cry a little bit. 

You can unsubscribe here. 

and ill take you off the list as tears stream down my face.

Sent with love from your friends at

William Painter 4603 Mission Blvd Suite #217 San Diego, CA 92109