Grateful, Hopeful

I just realized that this is my 100th post since I started sharing our life in the blogosphere 11 years ago. I think it's quite fitting that it starts off with a display of gratitude.

We are three months shy of our 4-year mark here in the Bay Area. Moving here took a major leap of faith, as I had lived in Arizona my whole life (36 years at that point) and we had just begun to build a community around us in Phoenix when Quincy was in Kindergarten. My dad dying only four days after we arrived in our new home threw me off my square in a major way, and it took me six months to a year before I (honestly) even made an effort to rebuild for our family. One thing at a time, brick by brick you could say, I started to slowly open myself up, and with each new activity or new friend, we started to make our little space in this lovely Piedmont community. 

The various activities available to my kids refueled my many passions, and allowed me to reconnect with them, while simultaneously working with elementary-aged kids (so much fun!). Directing Quincy's 1st grade class in Beach Revue was the first thing that made me fall in love with the school, and it's community; dozens of creative and devoted parents investing every weekend for three months to bring this show to life. Coaching Paloma's softball team reinvigorated my love and passion for the game, as did playing co-ed Summer softball with Solon on the Beach Bums (2018 PRD Champions!). While teaching Lunchtime Art and After School Enrichment (Art Explorations), I was able to use the example my Dad had set for me at a young age, when he was an “Art Guide” at our grade school. Teaching Moves and Grooves after school, and even a few Zumba routines at the Berkeley YMCA, helped me remember how much I LOVE to dance, and that you can do it well, and have fun, no matter what your size or shape or ability is. Ultimately, all these things allowed me to FIND JOY after the loss of my father (and two years later, our dog, Forrest), and the people and connections I made throughout it all were the cherries on top!

It’s hard to make friends as an adult. Having kids and bringing them into a school community makes it a little easier, and, as I said, it took me a while to put myself out there (not normal for me). But the beauty of Piedmont isn’t necessarily the place itself – it’s the people that live here – people who fully encompass the definition of a good neighbor. The people who made us feel welcome immediately, who received us with open arms, are still some of my favorite people that we have met in our time here. From the first dinner a neighbor made us when we came back from my Dad’s memorial service, to the many baked goods and Instant Pot soups that have been shared across our culdesac and with my dearest friend here, to the way our neighbors and nearby community celebrated my Mexican heritage on Cinco de Mayo. That party in particular is a perfect example of the growth we have had in this community. What started as an impromptu Happy Hour (with our seven sets of neighbors) in our driveway (with chips/salsa/margaritas) three years ago, turned into an 80+ people pot luck fiesta this year, where we closed off the street to through traffic, and had a fully-stocked piñata on either side of the street!! 

I'm familiar with the saying, “You get out what you put in,” but here in Piedmont, everyone puts in so much that you feel like you (figuratively) won the lottery by living here. The school community is so tight-knit, filled with parents who give so much of their time and talents despite (mostly) everyone working a full-time job. The teachers are seriously all so wonderful, that my kids can’t pick their favorite – they love them all. 

So, in a nutshell, here’s what I want to say:

Dear Piedmont, CA and our Beach School Community,

Thank you for welcoming us with open arms.

Thank you for helping us grow our village, filled with support, love, laughter, trust, carpools, and lots of food.

Thank you for loving our kids.

Thank you for loving our dogs, past and present.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my joy and my many passions with your kids.

Thank you for having a co-ed softball league, so Solon and I could relive our High School days, and showcase our competitiveness to our kids. (hahaha)

Thank you for being filled with creative, compassionate, civic-minded people, who inspire me daily.

Thank you for everything else I have forgotten to say here.

You have made a mark on our hearts in a way that I’m not sure I can fully express. We are so grateful to have found this magical place, we will never forget this experience, and we look forward to the next time our paths cross again.

* * * * *

So, with all that said, it’s time for our family to embrace our next adventure, in Portland, Oregon!

Solon was personally recruited for a new position that is truly a fantastic opportunity for his career, and our family. He officially signed the offer earlier this week.

We will move to Portland at the end of the summer. After he enjoys a 6-week sabbatical in which we have two epic family trips planned, as well as some summer softball games in between.

Here's what I know about Portland so far - it is known for:

1. FOOD - Portland is a town for people who really love to eat. Not only does it have access to the amazing Northwest seafood, but the (sustainable) farm-to-table movement is so prevalent in almost all the cuisines available, and food cart "pods" are a thing, in every corner of the city where you can get literally any kind of food you want, from crepes, fresh vegetable bowls, to fish and chips, tacos to vegan BBQ.

2. THE GREAT OUTDOORS - Portland is one of the most lush, green places I have ever seen. Just 20 minutes from the city provides access to over 100 hiking trails, tons of beautiful waterfalls, and breathtaking scenery. One hour to the west is the Oregon coast, and there are vineyards, flower farms, lakes, rivers all around, not to mention the Columbia River Gorge.

3. COFFEE - It's an essential part of the city's character, and attracts visitors from all over the world. Portland's coffee is known for being one of the country's best (behind Seattle of course). There is an entire website devoted to guiding you to what's brewing in and around the city. www.caffeinatedpdx.com

4. GROWN-UP BEVERAGES - Breweries. Distilleries. Urban wineries. Enough said.

It will be a new adventure for sure, and we are ready to find our way in our new space, as soon as we figure out exactly where that is.

* * * * * 

Here are some things that have brought us joy since my last post:

Not only has Paloma advanced to Level 3 in gymnastics, she also got to try the trapeze for the first time, and nailed it LIKE A BOSS! My heart practically stopped while watching it, yet I had tears of pride in my eyes at the same time!


Quincy has made approximately 100+ Stop Motion videos, and you can see them all on my YouTube Channel. He just recently learned how to add effects and sound.

Star Wars Stop Motion (with Quincy playing the piano)


Superhero Battle (voiceover by Quincy)


Sunny has been living her best life, and her favorite place in the world (besides home with all of us) is the dog park where she is a social butterfly (like her mama). She is always exhausted afterwards!

Quincy got to participate in California Living History Day at school, which gave the kids an idea of what it was like to live here pre-Gold Rush. They made candles, ground Nixtamel corn kernels to make their own tortillas, pounded holes in leather to make a satchel, and more. It was a really cool experience.

We enjoyed a visit from the Belanger family 

over our Spring Break

We celebrated Easter with Lisa and Tony

Tommy and Geena spend a whole weekend with us!

Paloma has discovered a love of baking, and made me 

a delicious marble cake from scratch for Mother's Day

* * * * * 

Our summer will be filled with many adventures. We will be GRATEFUL for all the remaining experiences to be had with our Bay Area friends and family before we leave at the end of summer, and we are HOPEFUL to find the the same kind of community when we get settled in Portland this August.

Wish us luck!