Home is Where the Heart Is.
Between the both of us, and before we met, we have lived in 9 different places and have traveled to 15+ countries around the world!
In the presence of truth and honor, there is embrace and acceptance.
Our experience of life without each other in so many different places have enabled us to be stronger individuals and a more cohesive couple.
Now that we have found each other, our journey has just begun! We share with you these special places where we have been, and the unique culture and personalities of each region that are inherently a part of us today.
In the presence of truth and honor, there is embrace and acceptance.
Our experience of life without each other in so many different places have enabled us to be stronger individuals and a more cohesive couple.
Now that we have found each other, our journey has just begun! We share with you these special places where we have been, and the unique culture and personalities of each region that are inherently a part of us today.
Washington State & Portland Oregon Area
Vancouver, Washington / Portland, Oregon Area
We never thought, ourselves, the day would ever come when we feel it is time for us to 'settle in.' We trust and we know that Spirit is ever pointing us in the direction of our higher path - but, we hear it calling so loudly of late.
After many conversations about sending Cayden to Chinese Immersion School, we decided that we couldn't give up on the idea of home schooling. So we set out and found an area where community supports both activity and schooling options for our family. Vancouver / Portland, here we come! (posted 12/2010)
We never thought, ourselves, the day would ever come when we feel it is time for us to 'settle in.' We trust and we know that Spirit is ever pointing us in the direction of our higher path - but, we hear it calling so loudly of late.
After many conversations about sending Cayden to Chinese Immersion School, we decided that we couldn't give up on the idea of home schooling. So we set out and found an area where community supports both activity and schooling options for our family. Vancouver / Portland, here we come! (posted 12/2010)
Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington Seattle has been our 2010 "cave." Despite the occasional reluctance, we have embraced and learned to 'be' with the weather. Even the sun sets differently here as we are higher north in the latitudinal line. From our Southern California, Southwestern United States upbringing and our Hawaii loving residence of five years, we have discovered flannel pants and jackets! As such, we are no longer freezing...just occasionally chilled is all :-)
Just to share, here are some fun facts about Seattle
Just to share, here are some fun facts about Seattle
- Seattle was the first American city to put police on bicycles.
- Seattle has the highest percentage of people riding bikes to work compared to other US cities its size.
- Seattle's houseboat population is the country's largest at almost 500 and largest outside of Asia.
- Seattle's Harbor Island is the largest man made island in the nation.
- The Farmer's Market at Pike Place Market is the longest continuously operating farmer's market in the US (1907).
- In 1961, the restaurant atop the Space Needle became the country's first revolving eatery
Northern California: San Francisco, Marin County & Monterey
After leaving Manhattan, we decided to go back to the Bay Area. Separately, both Cliff and Evie had lived in this area before. Generally, speaking, seems Cliff's experience was more endearing. Cliff lived in the heart of San Francisco for about five years. He lived in the Marina, Nob Hill, and then Pacific Heights (Fillmore district). He loved the city while he was there. Still lots of friends and fond memories. Evelyn lived in Alameda (East Bay) the first time she lived here. She lived with her sister and enjoyed lots of great Vietnamese food at her sister restaurant in Oakland. Oddly, both Cliff and Evie also lived on the Monterey Bay Peninsula at different times too. So many beautiful places in the same place just not the same time. . .
Our most recent foray in living in the Bay area, we were together. This time we chose to live in the North Bay near San Rafael. The Bay Area is beautiful and we enjoyed it but alas it was time to move on. Next Stop. . . Seattle!
Our most recent foray in living in the Bay area, we were together. This time we chose to live in the North Bay near San Rafael. The Bay Area is beautiful and we enjoyed it but alas it was time to move on. Next Stop. . . Seattle!
Manhattan, New York, New York
The Big City: glitzy lights, people to meet, places to go, things to do. The cliche "if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere, baby!" Indeed.
It appears many people have a pre-stereo type of New Yorkers: rude, impersonal, and always in a hurry. So much of the city life is portrayed as "fierce:" glamorous, pretentious, unforgiving. But, as with everything, doesn't the energy of what you put out into the world return to you?
Evelyn's experience living in New York City from 1998 - 2002 is quite different. Life is New York and New York is life: ever-changing, abundant and vibrant. Some of the most descent people she has met, she met in New York City - from strangers that she's never talked to (nor have seen) to friendships that were cultivated in The City and continue to flourish today.
For instance, Evelyn's wallet was unexpectedly returned to her with all i.d. and cash contained, not once, but both times she has managed to drop it while riding the subway. (A surprise at first, but, aren't people in New York from all over anyway? And doesn't that somehow make them fit less into the stereo-type of a New Yorker?)
Oahu Island ~ Honolulu, Hawaii
The beauty of the islands continues to unfold with our adventure on Oahu. Now that we are in downtown Honolulu, we have the privilege of living a different 'panel' of Hawaiiana and relish every minute of it. What is it that guides our way and keep us so safe in the presence of light? This is the mystery of life, and we are so grateful to have loving souls that support this hapai (pregnant) period and transition. (Afterall, isn't all of life a transition anyway? We are here for only a short period and it is all an education).
This abundance and energy that is ever present helps us become better people. As we evolve and learn from our life education, we return in kind the generosity of the universe and the kindness of strangers. We find that declaration, gratitude and affirmation of whatever we need opens the 'chi' to enable us to manifest effectively...
This abundance and energy that is ever present helps us become better people. As we evolve and learn from our life education, we return in kind the generosity of the universe and the kindness of strangers. We find that declaration, gratitude and affirmation of whatever we need opens the 'chi' to enable us to manifest effectively...
Us as Ohana: ...Finding each other on Maui was just the beginning. Here in Honolulu, we have be preparing to greet Baby Bee into the world. We have been able to explore all the Hawaiian Islands from here and appreciate the beauty and diversity each island exudes. It is in the balance of these islands that we are able to "nest" and nurture not simply our flourishing relationship, but our growing family and spiritual circle as well. How can we be anything but grateful for this amazing abundance?
Maui Island ~ Kihei, Hawaii
There is magical quality about us finally coming together here in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. In a sense, our (re)union is natural order - somewhat like how bees were made to make honey and like how oceans were meant to be expansive and vast. Where Our Hearts Met: Finding each other is as much of a miracle (if not more) as finding a needle in the hay stack...or perhaps, it is simply because we are on the magic isle...and timing, as it always has been, is perfect.
Maui is an incredible place to be, not simply because of the obvious, but because of the spiritual and energetic draw of the island.
Maui is an incredible place to be, not simply because of the obvious, but because of the spiritual and energetic draw of the island.
They say that Maui sustains a sort of "mother energy." The island nurtures and embraces, never in a rush.
Those who come seem to "fall" into the arms of the island. The norm of the island is to embrace all that is spiritual, holistic, heart-centered and true.
It is said that when a couple comes to the islands, you will either be strengthened or torn apart. In either case, your relationship is stripped to its core and the truth unfolds. There is nothing to do but to surrender...We'll take our sweet union here on Maui as a sign of what is - bliss.
Those who come seem to "fall" into the arms of the island. The norm of the island is to embrace all that is spiritual, holistic, heart-centered and true.
It is said that when a couple comes to the islands, you will either be strengthened or torn apart. In either case, your relationship is stripped to its core and the truth unfolds. There is nothing to do but to surrender...We'll take our sweet union here on Maui as a sign of what is - bliss.
New York City is a place of wonder. Discovering The City as a tourist is not the same as residing there as a local. The tourist see what is obvious and surface level: the Empire State building, ground zero, the hustle and bustle of daily life. Locals experience life on a whole different level.
There is community amongst a community, like a conglomerate of small towns without borders. When we keep this in mind, we are able to connect to others (if that is what we choose) and those who choose to reciprocate, do so warmly. If we choose solitude in The City, it could be as simple as taking a different route to work and meditating the whole journey there. Nothing is as simple and and as blissful as sweet, silent reflection amongst (literally) millions of people. There is no place quite like it.
And of course, there are sharp-witted people in New York. After all, it is The Big City. A smart person still uses his/her head when making decisions, but, the practice in The City is to remain present, despite the overwhelming urge to "numb-out" from all the stimulus. The duality of these two opposing forces (staying present versus shutting down) make returning to New York all the more anticipated for Cliff and Evelyn.
Cliff and Evie look forward to the ease of traveling around the world, experiencing (again) city life and better understanding what it means to be a world citizen for their personal education, and in the rearing their son, Cayden Amadeus.
There is community amongst a community, like a conglomerate of small towns without borders. When we keep this in mind, we are able to connect to others (if that is what we choose) and those who choose to reciprocate, do so warmly. If we choose solitude in The City, it could be as simple as taking a different route to work and meditating the whole journey there. Nothing is as simple and and as blissful as sweet, silent reflection amongst (literally) millions of people. There is no place quite like it.
And of course, there are sharp-witted people in New York. After all, it is The Big City. A smart person still uses his/her head when making decisions, but, the practice in The City is to remain present, despite the overwhelming urge to "numb-out" from all the stimulus. The duality of these two opposing forces (staying present versus shutting down) make returning to New York all the more anticipated for Cliff and Evelyn.
Cliff and Evie look forward to the ease of traveling around the world, experiencing (again) city life and better understanding what it means to be a world citizen for their personal education, and in the rearing their son, Cayden Amadeus.
New England: Massachusetts
Evelyn lived in Marlborough and worked in Worcester when she first got to New England in 1997.
Marlborough offered the serene country landscape with the convenience of proximity to the City of Boston.
The best part of Evelyn's experience in Marlborough was that her best friend came to live with her for a few months, easing her into the transition of living on he east, versus the sunny and warm west coast. She then lived in Boston for a couple years and then onto to The Big Apple...
Marlborough offered the serene country landscape with the convenience of proximity to the City of Boston.
The best part of Evelyn's experience in Marlborough was that her best friend came to live with her for a few months, easing her into the transition of living on he east, versus the sunny and warm west coast. She then lived in Boston for a couple years and then onto to The Big Apple...
Southern California: Los Angeles Metro
Evelyn grew up in the Los Angeles area and lived there until she was 23 years old.
All the nostalgia of growing up and charms of California return when she remembers her Southern California "home."
The best part about L. A. is her family and friends that still reside there, the memories of childhood and growing up and of course, the beautiful weather.
All the nostalgia of growing up and charms of California return when she remembers her Southern California "home."
The best part about L. A. is her family and friends that still reside there, the memories of childhood and growing up and of course, the beautiful weather.
New Mexico: Albuquerque & Carlsbad
Cliff grew up in Carlsbad and enjoyed the freedom of the open space & wilderness of the desert.
Growing up in Carlsbad is probably like growing up in most small towns. Carlsbad is at the end of the Rocky Mountains or maybe the beginning. It is really quite beautiful. It is situated in the low desert. My experience is that there is something mystical and engaging about the desert. As I was growing up, I would often take long rides out into the desert; away from most anyone or anything. There are caves and abandoned mines and all sorts of wild wild west type experiences to be had in the desert. As a teenager, I always had a four-wheel drive so I could go bounce around. As with most teenagers, I had my challenging times figuring out what life was all about and I would always find peace when I would go lose myself in the great expanse of the rocky mountains. At times, when I was confused or lonely or sad, I would go to a special place where I could drive up on a hill and see for miles and miles in every direction. I would see the jack rabbits and sometimes deer and other wildlife. I could watch the mountains as I looked across and they dropped off into unknown vallys . At times I could see giant, glorious thuderstorms rolling in from the distance. I would watch the lightening. Right when I saw the lightening, I would start counting 1. . .2 . .3. . 4. . .Somebody told me one time that every 6 seconds accounted for a mile. I liked to believe that I knew exactly how far away the storm was. It all was truly magical and spiritual and soothing. I have lived in many beautiful places since then and I love them all but sometimes, I go back to the desert, back “home” . In many ways, I feel close to God there.
Growing up in Carlsbad is probably like growing up in most small towns. Carlsbad is at the end of the Rocky Mountains or maybe the beginning. It is really quite beautiful. It is situated in the low desert. My experience is that there is something mystical and engaging about the desert. As I was growing up, I would often take long rides out into the desert; away from most anyone or anything. There are caves and abandoned mines and all sorts of wild wild west type experiences to be had in the desert. As a teenager, I always had a four-wheel drive so I could go bounce around. As with most teenagers, I had my challenging times figuring out what life was all about and I would always find peace when I would go lose myself in the great expanse of the rocky mountains. At times, when I was confused or lonely or sad, I would go to a special place where I could drive up on a hill and see for miles and miles in every direction. I would see the jack rabbits and sometimes deer and other wildlife. I could watch the mountains as I looked across and they dropped off into unknown vallys . At times I could see giant, glorious thuderstorms rolling in from the distance. I would watch the lightening. Right when I saw the lightening, I would start counting 1. . .2 . .3. . 4. . .Somebody told me one time that every 6 seconds accounted for a mile. I liked to believe that I knew exactly how far away the storm was. It all was truly magical and spiritual and soothing. I have lived in many beautiful places since then and I love them all but sometimes, I go back to the desert, back “home” . In many ways, I feel close to God there.
