Friday, November 2, 2012

Surprise!

Hey y'all! We're back- on the blog, and back to Oregon. During our 3-week visit to the East Coast, we caught hell for not following through with the blog this summer. Of course it was not our initial intention to keep a running blog after the roadtrip, but I did write that we would post at least once a month and obviously that didn't happen. Woops. Maybe this can be a special events blog...

Anyway, life on the farm this summer was great, definitely what we wanted and needed. We worked hard to be sure, but had weekends to rejuvenate our bodies and have fun! Southwestern Oregon is such an amazing location. We love it here, nestled in a valley surrounded by old wrinkly mountains (that previously were the bottom of the ocean), and nourished by tall trees (Fir, Pine, Madrone, Oak, etc.) and day after day of the glorious sun. Here are a few glimpses of the sights, though frankly we dropped the ball with photos. Too much fun exploring, swimming and making new friends!

The view from Mt. Ashland looking south into California at Mt. Shasta. Love me some wrinkly mountains!


Our farm stand at the local market. Sweet abundance!

The wild and scenic Rogue River. (Take note of red tahiti that tossed Andrew and I
 unprepared into some fearful rapids nearly sealing our fate!)

The beautiful, crystal clear Smith River, bordered by the magical Redwoods in very upstate California.

My mom standing beside a massive Redwood tree during her visit to Oregon this summer
(though technically this is just over the border into northern California).

Smoky view of the sun setting from Mt. Ashland during the heaviest day of forest fire smoke in August.

After 6 months, we're convinced that this is the region that feels like home. It's amazing to experience the manifestation of our dreams and intentions that were conceived in such a cold, dark place that in many ways feels like the polar opposite of this abundant oasis. The physical landscape here is only the beginning. We've been so blessed to be included in such a nourishing and joyful community- at the farm and among other local farm interns and community members. So naturally, when we decided very recently to get married, we knew we had to make you all come here to Oregon.

Yep, no typpo there kids. It's true. And shocking to those of you who know me best! We're going to get married, and have a wedding even!! After 4 years together (and many more years swearing marriage was not for me), I changed my mind. I realized that marriage can be whatever we want it to be. It feels really good to choose to walk forward together in love, with our eyes and hearts fully open, creating our future from the purest intentions and doing our best to stay true to ourselves. I'm so grateful for the amazing journey it's been for me to simply arrive at this decision. Here I am; here we are. Yeah! Thank you to so many of you for witnessing and supporting me- and us- at so many different stages and places in the journey. We're so excited to celebrate with you!

Choosing a 'path with heart,' decked out with Ruby's magical gifts of engagement bling!

It felt really wonderful to announce the news to both of our families gathered together for the first time- from Pennsylvania, all over upstate New York and even Alaska! Here are some shots of our families together, a definite highlight of our East Coast trip.

This is the next day at the roller rink.
Newell vs. Simmons family spoon game.

My brother, Superman Greg, with little Spiderman Moxy. So cute we could hardly stand it!

And some photos of the rest of our visit and travels throughout upstate New York (where both of my siblings recently relocated) and good ol' crazy PA:

Uncle with the Bethel-born-and-raised Eddy, Ruby & Moxy. Note that Ruby is wearing
an old La Salle field hockey jersey of mine- sweet! 

Simmons farmily in front of the historic Simmons abode in upstate New York.


Woah rollerskating!! Michele, our derby Queen, inspires us all!


Me and my sister-lu, Ashley, in way way way upstate New York
purchasing some hot cider and local apples which we used to bake the best pie EVER!
Another highlight of our travels was attending the wedding of my dear friends Lindsey and Louis in Cape May, New Jersey. It was super fun and I was so honored to be a bridesmaid to my old college field hockey bud. Sorry no pictures of the bridal party, this was all I got:

The woodsman cleans up pretty nicely, huh?  I even shaved my legs!

We're happy to be home on the farm now for what is a slower, simpler way of life that feels really good to us. You can find us here this winter and definitely in the area at least if we do happen to move around next spring. We're looking forward to creating a beautiful space of our own in the near future hopefully. In the mean time, we'll occupy ourselves with work, training, and delicious food, while we seek creative ways to acquire land and move in the direction of our dreams. It's all about the journey though, right? What a blessing to be alive on this beautiful earth during this time of change and expansion!

Thanks for checking in with us. Love you guys!


1 comment:

Aakash said...

Alaska is very beautiful place....
travel write for us