SAN DIEGO — Sandy Snakenburg has found there's something magical about bubbles.
"You pause and take in the moment for as long as it lasts," he said.
His performances have brought joy to people's faces for nearly a decade.
CBS 8 first reported when a San Diego man was ticketed for blowing bubbles back in August and cited for ’liquid littering. CBS 8 checked back in with him and found much more to know about the man behind the bubbles.
"I always ask people if they wanna see something really cool. I pause for a moment, and I say me too. That's why I do it. I think it's really cool; it makes me tremendously happy to be in that moment. I do it because it gives me purpose," he said.
In August, he feared it might all be in jeopardy. CBS 8 reported that park rangers ticketed him for blowing bubbles at La Jolla Shores. The citation said he was in violation due to ‘liquid littering.’
For now, he says the ticket isn’t stopping him. Snakenburg started blowing bubbles after he served in the Navy. He then worked as a fitness coach in Singapore but says he was addicted to smoking cigarettes. He found bubbles as his new addiction.
"I made my debut performing a Ted X Talk in Singapore as the bubble pirate, and then I just continued," he said.
His journey has not come without obstacles. He experienced heart failure, which ended his travels and came close to ending his life, forcing him to return to the U.S.
"I showed up back in San Diego with $50 in my pocket," he said.
Snakenburg is considered a disabled, homeless veteran. He looks to break the stigma around homelessness and show people there is hope to turn things around.
"Homeless doesn't mean hopeless. Everyone wants to do something and have a purpose," he said.
He has found his purpose and hopes others can find theirs, too.
"Wow, just wow. Wow is the magic word. Wow, transcends every culture I’ve ever been in," he said.
By definition, he's homeless, but he says his Bubbleworld van is his home or, in some references, his ship, which is where he makes the bubbles.
"I refer to it as being in the Navy. Everything has maritime influences. That's the upper deck. It has 100,000 lumens of lighting," he said.
He's founded his own non-profit, Bubbleworld. Tips are welcome, but his shows are free. His mission is to encourage people to live in the moment, connect with others to find happiness and create an environment of positivity and hope.
He's gained considerable popularity and support. CBS 8 asked how he feels when people know his story.
"Inspired and appreciated. I think it's a lot of other people's stories as well. Everyone is trying the best they can," he said.
That's his message. To try the best you can and spread some joy along the way.