Showing posts with label explorer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label explorer. Show all posts

My Big Forrest

2:18:00 PM

   

     Every so often you find yourself up so high that you feel like there is nothing that can touch you. You forget all the little things and you focus on one factor in your life, and nothing else matters. One day leads to the next, and then to the next, and before you know it all the time is gone.

     I tend to find myself lost in these kinds of days too often lately. Waking up, looking around, and going through the meaningless motions just to find myself on the same spot from when I awoke. I remember the days when I felt the drive to do more, to create, to see more, and to live more.

     It's only until I slow down and really take a look around that I really understand where I am. I sit back, look up in the sky, take a deep breath, and slowly close my eyes. So many thoughts run through my head as if it was trying to catch up, ideas, regrets, feelings, and dreams all the same. I become reminded of who I am, and what is really important.

     Today of all days, I was able to shut my eyes and remind myself, and with that reminder, I came across two of my favorite movies. Ones that, remind me of what life can become, no matter how crazy you might se it, or how little your might understand it. The moment when you experience something so profound, so life changing, and you don't even know it until someone wants to hear about it. Its movies like Forrest Gump and Big Fish that remind me of such things, that help me get back on track.  Lets me think about what stories I have to tell, or will have to tell, what I have already done, or have yet to do.

     Take a minute to get back on track, because you never quite know what you mind find.

Mt Rainier - San Juan Islands

3:53:00 PM

          So, I woke up in a quaint room of eight beds, stacked in counts of two. Feeling as fif I was out of place I questioned my motives for being here once mor. The lingering doubt of, "What are you doing!?" entered my mind and plagued all others that reassured my thirst for adventure. So I sat in bunk 7 in room 409 in the Green Tortoise Hostel figuring out what to do next. Before I can say another thing, my stomach spoke for me, and with a big gargle sound, it was time for me to eat. Luckily this hostel was a great deal offering an array of breakfast options, if you know how to cook it yourself. This was not a problem for me, egg whites and pancakes it is! At breakfast I sat with my roommates (3 girls stranded in Seattle from Wisconsin because of their car, an asian guy that didn't say much of anything, and a Peruvian/Colombian girl from Toronto) and two girls from Calgary in Alberta. Together with laughs and minds full of curiosity, we began chatting about our adventures trying to out due one another. It was only until the 3 girls from Wisconsin mentioned a place called Mt. Rainier and all of its beauty that I began thinking of my agenda for the day some more. They described the "Skyline Trail" and how it was the most beautiful thing they have ever seen. So with the last bite of eggs, I looked around and asked who was down to go? So with my new friend from Toronto named Pilar, we began packing for the day. 





          A little more than two hours away, we found all kinds of ways to keep busy. We blasted oldies in my rental, looking up how to say phrases in different languages, FaceTime family members, and talk about our home towns. With time and the sunshine on our side for once, we find ourselves crossing the "Mt Rainier National Park" sign and jumping for joy. We didn't know what we were getting into or what we will see, only that the magnificence of Mt. Rainier was nothing less than jaw dropping. It didn't take long for us park and start out trek up the trail, even with signs saying it may take 3-4 hours to get to the top. As we hiked up, we met all kinds of people that have already been there all day, giving us tips and tricks on where to stop, the best views, and how it feels when you reach the top. We even came face to face with a few Yellow Pine chipmunks and a mountain beaver that liked to check out the view (see video). Finally, after too jolly ranchers to count, numerous granola bars, and a ton of water, we made it to the top and we say the beauty of this natural monster of a landmark. We found a place to lay our heads to get lost in natures soundtrack. The waterfalls, the wind blowing, and  the whispers of the icy top as if it was teasing up to climb higher. This was what made my stay that much better. It was all worth it in the end, and with that came the trek down and the drive home. Onward to the next adventure!





















          So after I found myself close to the top of the world, closer to the heavens than I have ever been, I still had much to see. After getting back to Seattle, to re group and drop Pilar off, I found myself looking up, not to the heavens, but north. I began my trek towards Vancouver, and boy did I stumble across a gem of beauty along the way. As I drove north, I saw a sign that simply said, "Ferries" with an arrow pointing west. So naturally, I went with my gut and turned and with that I found myself stumbling upon a place that I never knew existed. I parked my car and ran to the terminal as the ferry began their last call. As I reached the ticket booth the attendant applauded me for making it just in time. She handed me the stub and I raced on the ferry and thats where it all began.





          I found myself in Orcas Village where I stumbled half witted off of the ferry. Groggy from a much needed nap I found myself on an Island where I've never been, I know no one, where I have no signal and no idea what to do. So I did what I naturally do, I went exploring and with no other mode of transportation around the island left, I decided to go hitchhiking. I met an awesome girl named Ana that was a school teacher on the Island, and just like that I was her first hitchhiker and she was the first person I had ever hitched a ride with. Along the way I stopped in the city to get a bite to eat. Stopping by the black bear bakery, I stumbled upon the best double chocolate muffin I have ever had, and partnered with the view of a small inlet in the middle of the island, I was in the midst of the best view in town. What an amazing place this was, sitting on the beach wood I had nothing but awestruck moments, every shade of green glistening even though the glouds slowly lingered overhead. There was a cool breeze that slightly touched you but can easily turn against you if you feel the need to take your jacket off. Even with all this beauty, I still wanted to see more.




          This is when I get the bright idea to take a hike, in the local park, called Mt. Constitution. This was a great idea at first, but at the same time I didn't know what to expect. I hitched a ride to the park, and with that ride, came the sense of adventure. I was dropped off at the mouth of the trail, a trail that I was definitely not prepared for. I began the trek at a fast pace, and found myself tired out quickly as I stormed up the steep turns. I was way in over my head, and 3 hours later without seeing one person, the sun disappearing amongst the trees and the rain coming down slowly, I began to understand it more than ever. It was only until a ray of hope came upon me where I saw a campsite a mile away. I ran uphill towards it only to find that it had been abandoned due to the coming rain. Needless to say I was beginning to freak out. I finally came upon a road in the middle of the mountain, and like the confused explorer like I was, I followed the road home. It was only until I heard a car 30 minutes later that I was able to find a ride back to the ferry on the other side of the Island. Cold, wet, and tired I waited for the ferry to arrive but just before meeting some awesome ladies Lisa and Ana on the ferry back home and we cracked up the whole way. They were awesome to share some great stories amongst tips for things to see on my travels. They even offered to show me around if I am ever back in town!



          But as I stepped off the ferry it was back to the road again, and there was much to see and do...

(To Be Continued)

Seattle, Washington (Part 2)

6:27:00 AM

     So where do I find myself at this moment? I landed in Seattle a few hours ago and sitting at the top of the hill here at Kerry Park, I couldn't help but to wonder, where will this trip take me? Where will I go and who will I meet? I have 8 days to travel, and this is just the beginning. I began with checking out the area, seeing what kind people I will find around town. I was staying at "The Green Tortoise Hostel" right next door to the Pike Place Market on the corner of Pike Street and First. There was so much happening here that I spent a whole day trying different foods, listening to different music, and just sat back and enjoyed the sights.


Some amazing swing dancing!


Traveling street performers!

Don't try this at home!

      The music scene was absolutely amazing. I couldn't help but to stop and admire the entertainers on every corner. Not only did the food stun me with its vibrant flavors and options but the friendliness of the mixture of locals and tourists was unlike any other. I must've tried 10 different "snacks." I had a moment of calmness (or a food coma) come over me as I sat and sipped my coffee at Cafe D' Arte. I waited for life to happen, and at that moment was rewarded by some pretty cool people I met around the city.


I met the girl in the photo that was on the Gum Wall!


A few games in the park with the locals!

     There were so many ways to enjoy the city but nothing was like sitting back and enjoying a nice read while the sun set. There were people fishing, playing soccer, and bird watching as I got lost while reading, "The Alchemist." I found myself about to enjoy the night until I came across a free show of Joan "El Duque" Soriano playing some amazing bachata on stage. This was definitely a way to end this trip!





Seattle, Washington (Part 1)

7:27:00 PM

   


     So, what can I say, I am currently mid air, flying across to another corner of the U.S. and filled with emotions. I decided quite some time ago that before I began my travels overseas to see the world, I wanted to see what America was all about. This year alone, I have seen places I would have never otherwise thought, but every time I visit somewhere new, I feel as though I am doing what I need to. I have climbed to the top of the appalachian mountains, hiked through Arches National Park, and stood at the tallest tip in Los Angeles. Now, I am on my way to a place, where from what others have told me, is the most majestic places of them all, filled with green mountains and rushing waters, weather that would cloud the sun for days but still allow for a run or bike ride. It has much to live up to, many stories of enchanting landscapes as well as mood changing foods. What a strange place to never have visited, wouldn't you agree. Why would anyone stray away from such a description. I mean, if this were a blind date, I would be excited and nervous to meet such a person. Little did I know, this is what I would feel as the wheels lightly caressed the ground of the runway and as I can now officially say, "Hello Washington State, it's my pleasure to meet you."


     As soon as I landed, I had a sense of relief, a feeling rushed through me as I whispered, "I finally made it." Not just because my plane had landed but due to the fact that I am one step closer to calming my inner itch (see last post). As soon as I stepped out of the airport, I felt the welcome of the fresh Seattle air wash over me. This was like nothing back home, even when I was riding in my rental car I had the urge to stick my head out the window with my tongue out. Lets just say, I left the flat sandy swamplands for a city that has so many curves you would thing it loved to squat. This was met by green for as far as the eye can see, earning its name, "The Emerald City." My first state of business was to get some grub, so I raced down to the first place I can think of, Pike Place Market, and like every other tourist in these foreign land, I wanted a fresh coffee to wake me up.



     So I finally parked my car in garage a few blocks from the market, and it caught me off guard to be standing on a road that sat at a 30 degree angle. Just walking down it made me feel as though I would fall forward. Although it was a little hike I finally made it. With the hustle of the market you can hear the faint hymns of street performers and the smell of seafood whether cooked or raw. This was the center of big commerce, and I was ready to begin my duty of trying it all! After looking around for an hour or so, I grabbed some coffee at "Local Color" and grabbed a little something at "Three Girls Bakery" followed by a detour at a little park around the corner where you can see the Seattle Ferris Wheel and the pier. As I sat there looking at the crowds of people spending cash, having laughs, and soaking the sun, I figured I'd check out the best place to get a view of the city. This is when I found out about a place called Kerry Park from some locals. So I slowly made my way back to the car and began my short trek.



      As I came to the end of the steep roads I notice myself pulling up to a small strip of grass. Parking a block before getting there, I wondered how this can be one of the best views in Seattle. It was only until I walked pass a sculpture they have in the middle that I was able to gaze at the magnificence of Seattle. It was like something I have never seen before, and it was all mine to enjoy. I sat there for what seemed like hours just gazing and thinking of what was yet to come of my trip. I even befriended some travelers from Chicago who I only remember by their nicknames, "Lollipop and Hariette the Spy" (inside jokes). It was amazing to sit there, like I was at the end of the world looking back, and knowing that even though I came from the opposite corner, there is more to see over the horizon.

     I realized it was time for me to go, and finally check in to my hostel, and boy did I have a great time!

to be continued...

The Itch...

3:14:00 PM

          So, as I sit here in the airport, practically falling asleep in my chair like an exhausted toddler, I once again feel the itch within me for adventure. The funny thing is, it took up until now to feel it again. See, this all started about 2 months ago, when I found myself at my (at that time 3 month in) "new" job (since ending the 2 month road trip across the U.S.), when I was sitting attentively writing a "very important" e-mail to a peer of mine. Alone in the back room, I leaned back to give my eyes a rest, and as I looked up at the ceiling, I noticed a lizard sitting very still. Yea, I know, random, but there was literally a lizard on the ceiling. I was fixated on how it just stayed completely still as if attempting to blend in to the blandness of the egg shell shade of white panels. For minutes, I just sat there, staring at it, and I thought, I have never seen a lizard on the ceiling before, let alone at work. As I chuckled and bent my neck back to look at my screen, the 3 paragraph explanation that I had prepared was suddenly swept away by an unexpected "Force Close" by the magnificent machine we call a PC.


          At this point, any of us would be distraught to have this happen, but I just sighed at the unfortunate dilemma and went right back at admiring the lizard. It was at this exact point that I felt the "itch". It crept upon me slowly right between my eyes, as if to tell me to take off the figurative glasses I had to put on to live in the "real world." Once off, I felt I didn't understand how I was getting sucked in again.  Into the idea that the seat that I am currently imprinting is my true calling. Although I have been working hard and don't attempt to be mediocre, this was not what my life needs me to do. Like the lizard, I was attempting to blend into something that didn't make sense for me, a bland, egg shelled background. I bet it didn't think it would be stranded on ceiling of some office building surrounded by gigantic monsters doing crazy dances and speaking noises, noises that even if it understood english, would still sound odd to him (thanks to accents and mostly nonsense).


         All this going through my mind, I felt the itch moving towards my chest, at which point I felt a sense of hollowness come upon me. Why am I settling once again? What is it that my heart really wants from me? If I look back at my life and I found out that tomorrow was the end, what would I really have to show for it? What would I have failed at? What would I have learned? We all think of it at one point or another, some more than others, and some put it off because of other things that cloud their hungry minds, but for me, it was an all too eerie feeling. You see, like you, my readers, my friends and family don't quite understand my hunger for experience. I have always thrown myself to the wolves to see if I'd survive, or jumped in the deep end to see if I'd float, or driven on E to see how far I'd get (ok so I made up the last one but you get my point), so why aren't I doing that with my life now?


          With that feeling, I took a look around and saw my life as if it was a still painting, and just like those pieces of art, there are always things the jump out can create deeper though. For example, I have 3 friends of mine who are avid travelers, and without ever expressing my view they come to speak to me about their inner struggle with life and how we are formed to think the way we do. How life isn't all about staying put and feeling comfortable. This is scary thought even for me and as I press my finger into every button I feel the cold chill come down my spine thinking that I can leave it all behind someday. Then I thought about a commitment that I made to myself at the beginning of the year, about seeing much of the world before I turn 30, and what huge leaps I have made thus far. How, before I go overseas, I wanted to see North America for what it was. This is where the itch went to the top of my head and I came up with the brightest idea in quite some time and why, 2 months later, I am sitting in this airport, partially drooling as I type this. Let me finish that commitment to myself, let me see what it is again to see beauty in the unknown rather than fear, let me know that if I can dream it, it can happen. So here I am, my zone was just called to board, as if asking me one last time if I really want to do this, and I just gave them my boarding pass. Hello again, Kenneth, lets see where your heart takes us again...




Los Angeles, California

10:56:00 AM

         

          Well well well, here I find myself in the City Of Angels, what a place this is. I was first met by, what everyone in L.A. knows about, the smog. It is a blanket of thick covering that hides the treasure that Los Angeles offers. It was definately an experience to see how people lived in such a crowded city, but definitely not a pleasant one if your stuck in traffic...like I had the pleasure of being...for an hour in a half...to go 7 miles (yeahhhh...) Besides that, I had the pleasure of staying with 3 different people on my total of 4 days there and I have never had such an action packed adventure, nor expected to meet such great people along the way. I was able to meet a long time local, an old friend, a family member, an inspiring director, drag comedian, TV host, someone I met across the country a few days earlier and someone who just moved there from another country just to name a few. It all started with a last minute request to stay with a gem amongst the rubble, and her name was Hadass.


A photo of Hadass and her partner on their front porch

Hadass' cool looking home on one of the many L.A. mountains

          Hadass moved to the United States a few months back from Israel for an education here as well as for love. She took me in last minute due to my host canceling on me, and boy was I glad it was her. I arrived at her place up in one of the many winding roads up Los Angeles many mountains. She invited me in with nothing less than a smile and instantly whipped up some yummy things to snack on. As I spoke to her I can instantly feel the appreciation she had for the project and what community meant to her. It was a huge eye opener to listen to her story from back home as she has seen and done so many things while still being so young. She had life in her eyes, she shared her passions, her experiences and her thoughts with me as if we've known one another for years. It was a very enlightening feeling to meet someone like her and I was lucky enough to have recorded our conversations. Even after I left she continued to write me to make sure I was ok and never hesitated to let me know that I had a place to stay in case anything were to happen. Thank you Hadass, you are a very special person.

                           
The children posing for a photo 

                           
Miranda, Ling, and I close to the top of the Griffith Hiking Trail

                        
My dear friend Sandy trying to do a pull up on a statue (haha)

          The next day I had the pleasure to explore the city on bike and on foot. I started by biking through different cities to get some awesome views of the city, from some high peaks, to the inner city. I was even able to meet some local elementary kids in East LA selling candy for an upcoming field trip. I naturally bought a few and joined in on the venture by selling three more with them to some locals. They took particular interest in my GoPro and camera, where I was able to get some great photos of them, they were super cute. Later, I had checked out the Griffith Observatory where I ended up climbing one of the highest peaks with two community members I just met while climbing, Miranda and Ling. I must say, this was an amazing experience and a very tiring one at that as we helped each other up the steep shortcuts to the top. There is nothing like seeing something for the first time with people you just met, it was definitely something I never felt before. After a great day, I had the opportunity to reunite with an old friend named, Sandy. We went to high school together and have been chatting for quite sometime. Of course I come into town and she decided to take her to the gym to show her some cool workouts (lol, I am so out of shape from so much driving) and later she took me out for an AMAZING chicken sandwich just before parting ways (it was awesome to see you Sandy!) 

My cousin Ralphy and I on the Santa Monica Pier



   
One of the coolest girls ever, Carla


          I spent the night with another host named Carla, an amazing artist that lived just outside the city, along with her sis Gabby and her boyfriend Tim. I arrived very late to her place and she was still very accommodating to me, not to mention her couch was super comfy. The next day she was so nice she invited me to a family get together that night, I was surprised that she would invite someone she just met to such a personal festivity but if she felt anyway similar to the same way I felt, it was like we've known each other for so long, so it was was my pleasure to accept. So I decided to spend the day with my cousin Ralphy C. A.K.A.- Raphael Antonio (an aspiring neo-soul music artist) at the Santa Monica Pier where we enjoyed some awesome rides, great views, beautiful weather, and met some interesting characters. We just sat back and people watched and laughed...alot, but that's the kind of relationship me and him have always had. We are the only two cousins around the same age so it was always me and him hanging out and I must admit when we are together, there is never a dull moment, love ya cuz! So after an amazing day at the pier, it was time to head back and get ready for the festivities. After 1 1/2 hours of traffic, I made it back to Carla's place and we were on our way. We arrived and her family treated me like I was one of them, making sure my drink was always full, dancing, great laughs and some good conversation. I was fortunate enough to meet such a cool person out there and as the night ended, she reassured me that I always have a place with her there in L.A.



Our tiny dino for the night

Some new friends with my favorite triplet, Shelby

          The next morning was the last full day I had in L.A. So I went with no expectation of who I would meet next in this wild city. I spent most of my morning at a local coffee shop where I met some older Armenian gentleman that were interested in what I was filming, but didn't speak much english, talk about an interesting conversation (haha). Shortly after, I met a upcoming film director while she was working on her dissertation in the crowded coffee shop. I had the opportunity to chat with her and explore the ideas of film and her experiences with community. I must say, she definitely has passion in what she does. Fast forward to the night, I received an message from Shelby, one of the triplets I referenced and met in my Nashville post. She was in L.A. the same time as me and wanted to hang out (I couldn't say no to that smile). Long story short, her friends and her, took me in and showed me an awesome time the last night there. I met so many people in a short amount of time that night, but each one of them were all about having a great time! My cousin and had a bit of hiccup  late that night but once that was out of the way, the night continued to be one of the best during this whole trip. Thanks again Shelby, I look forward to seeing you guys again in Nashville! 



      Next stop I find myself in beautiful San Diego and I get to hang with my brother and sister-in-law around the city. Check out the trailers to the documentary I am making below. Use the hashtag #TheCommunityMadeOfUs, repost the video on your pages, and remember, it doesn't take much to be part of The Community, and when someone helps you, make sure you pass it on.

Follow and support The Community Made of Us here:

Facebook.com/TheCommunityMadeOfUs
Instagram:@TheCommunityMadeOfUs
Twitter:     @TCMadeOfUs
Support by donating: http://www.gofundme.com/TCMadeOfUs

Phoenix, Arizona

12:16:00 PM


          I want to start off by saying that I have been to Phoenix twice but only during a layover, and while driving through so I did already have expectations of what or who would be there, so I thought. I remember it being 114 degrees and everything being very spread out. During my layover I remember leaving the airport to explore but I only so far that I never really saw much of anything, I was in what I thought was close downtown, heck, I was wrong. Not to mention, I have gone to the grand canyon, so I thought that was all to see in Arizona. Granted the drive in was littered with amusing signs...


What an awesome sign

          As I arrived to my destination to meet a girl named Callie and her roommates, I was still unsure on who I would meet considering my previous assumptions. I pull up to her place, with a cool looking courtyard in the middle that connects 4 adjacent apartments. I knock on the door, she opens and greets me with a huge smile. She gives me a quick tour of her place and introduces me to her roommate "Bri" and roommates boyfriend. She instantly start chatting up about what I am doing, and how life is in Phoenix and after a beer or two, we are off to grab a bite to eat. She took me to a local restaurant that was walking distance, (when's the last time you walk a few blocks to grab a bite to eat?) We order a few drinks, some food, and little did I know she ordered some huge corn cob delicious...thing (haha) I've never seen something like it, so naturally I taste and it was DELICIOUS. We were plagued by the "itis" shortly after, so we began to walk home and she showed me some amazing artwork that I had to revisit in the morning.

Meet Callie!

Some cool street art on some local houses

Nom nom nom on that corn!


          So the next morning I was joined by her roommate Bri and boy was she cool too. She took me to a local coffee shop and introduced me to some more DELICIOUS food, as well as some cool characters. Before she left for work she filled me in on some cool places to check out, handed me her keys, and bid me farewell. So as I sat there typing up a post and updating, I met some pretty cool newly engaged locals, Eric and Torri. They met because he saw her at a local restaurant and he said he immediately fell for her and had to speak to her. From there, after dating for quite some time, he popped the question. They were good people and we all about filling me in on the area and what their experiences with their community means to them. What a great feeling to meet people that are so open and willing to share their story. After my chat with them, I decided to go for a bike ride, so what better way to check out the SuperBowl festivities then by bike and GoPro? It was NUTS and packed with people, and at one point I had to walk my bike around. Definitely something I was happy to experience. 

Breakfast with new friends

More awesome street art

Superbowl view on a bike!

          So, what can I say about how Callie and everyone in Phoenix changed my perspective on the city? Even though they were all different in themselves they were part of a community there, they proud of their city, their culture, and one another. The Super Bowl crowd definitely hyped up the city a bit more than usual but the locals were just worried about the traffic more than anything else. Overall, I would go back to visit again, no doubt!


     Next stop will be to San Francisco, where I meet one of the most spiritual people in my life. Check out the trailer to the video I am making below. Use the hashtag #TheCommunityMadeOfUs, repost the video on your pages, and remember, it doesn't take much to be part of The Community, and when someone helps you, make sure you pass it on.

Follow and support The Community here:

Facebook.com/TheCommunityMadeOfUs
Instagram:@TheCommunityMadeOfUs
Twitter:     @TCMadeOfUs
Support by donating: http://www.gofundme.com/TCMadeOfUs

Roswell, New Mexico

4:10:00 PM



          Oh boy, Roswell, NM. The extent of my knowledge about Roswell extends only to what I have seen on Independence day, and technically, they just talk about it. I am not going to lie, the idea of aliens, excites me as much as it freaks me out and although this is just another city on the map, you can feel the "sci-fi-ness" driving into the city. There are UFO sculptures, alien dolls, space this and unknown that everywhere, and what was a curiosity of the unknown quickly turned into a realization that it's tourism. Granted, it's pretty cool to walk in the downtown area, but unless your going to by an alien movie or an UFO t-shirt, theres not much else to check out but the UFO museum and to talk to some of the locals. But this post is more about if you continued pass the city, roughly six miles passed it, on a patch of land called 6 mile hill. Here is where my host lives and I have never been in a place like it.

Check out where I stayed!

           I drove up to this cabin on about 4 acres of land, where in all honesty, had me question what I was going to be sleeping. The picture above is exactly how it looks, but again, I arrived at 9:30pm, where it was pitch black outside, and in the distance (6 miles away) you see the lights from the main city of Roswell. No matter what my hesitations were, I made it this far and my host seemed nice when we spoke so I walked up and knocked on the door, and there was nothing but friendly faces all around me. She had some HelpX(ers) staying with her to help out with the farm, two older couples and a child, one from Canada, and the others from Russia. It was awesome to see how people from all over the world can come to one place and live as if they were family. I spent about an hour speaking to them about their experiences and what brought them to this point in their lives. These people were as free as it gets, traveling from place to place, helping out on farms and ranches, and exploring the world in the process...amazing.



          After chatting with them, my host, Karen, finally arrived, and she came fully equipped with cookies and alien beer (haha.) I gave her a hug and we began conversing. She has lived on her ranch for quite sometime now and has become a writer for local schools amongst other projects. During this time, she began to procure some animals along the way. She now has two llamas, two goats, about six chickens, two ducks, and two cats (talk about a cool mix.) We hung out by the fire place and talked  for so long. About her experiences, her travels, and her life. I tell you what, there is was much that I learned from this lady, and how it is to live on a ranch, not to mention hanging with the llamas. Great times!



           Next stop will be Phoenix, Arizona. Check out the trailer to the video I am making below. Use the hashtag #TheCommunityMadeOfUs, repost the video on your pages, and remember, it doesn't take much to be part of The Community, and when someone helps you, make sure you pass it on.

Follow and support The Community here:

Facebook.com/TheCommunityMadeOfUs
Instagram:@TheCommunityMadeOfUs
Twitter:     @TCMadeOfUs
Support by donating: http://www.gofundme.com/TCMadeOfUs