Summer in Seattle (Thus Far)

Boats at South Lake Union

Pablo and I enjoying the sun!

So, Pablo and I have been living in Seattle for about 6 weeks now.  I am working with youth and families at a community mental health agency and so far it has been a wonderful experience.  Pablo is busy doing design work and putting together 'VA QUE VA' The Magazine.  The intention for VA QUE VA is to unite the Latino community by promoting Latino businesses and events in an entertaining way.  Right now he is focusing on South King County, but hoping to expand.  He is hard at work and constantly looking for contributors....so if you would like to contribute an article, comic, or advertise your business, email Pablo at vaqueva@jpacstudio.com.  

Meanwhile, we have had a lot of fun exploring the city and getting involved with our favorite pastimes--soccer and yoga.  We have discovered George and Dragon in Fremont, www.georgeanddragonpub.com for all our soccer viewing needs and Breathe Hot Yoga, www.breathhotyoga.com for an intense, but calming yoga experience.  Lastly, I want to give a shout out to El Diablo Coffee in Queen Anne, www.eldiablocoffee.com.  What a fun and whimisical place for coffee and conversation!

And to think dear Seattle, "we've only just begun..." (in my head I hear my mama singing the Carpenters).

Ciao! 

A sweet part of my favorite mural in El Diablo Coffee!

PEACE

'Silent Walk for Peace in Mexico' 

Seattle WA May 8, 2011 6pm

Walk from the Space Needle to the Mexican Consulate in support of the Mexican people's plea for peace in their violence torn country.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=216512738375826

Back to the NW

After a whirlwind year, I am back to blogging...

Pablo and I have now celebrated our first year anniversary and moved to the state of Washington.  We figured we might as well live close to one of our families, since we can't live near both.  So, here we are in the cloud covered, drizzly weather trying to stay positive while searching for employment.

Once again, we find ourselves relying on hope and faith to sustain us.  Interesting how when we clear one hurdle in life (immigration, unemployment, loved ones dying, difficult reationships) another one is just a few meters away.  To overcome our obstacles, we have to grab each others' and our loved ones' hands and get through the challenges together.  Growing closer when we could easily fall apart; living in a spirit of community instead of independence.

Hope, faith, partnership, family, community.  Let's cultivate these because in the end they are what life is about.

“…when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” –Harry Burns, When Harry Met Sally

 This quote speaks to the feelings of anticipation and impatience that have surrounded me for the past eleven months since Pablo and I chose to solidify our relationship. This event was marked by initializing his immigration to the United States and, in doing so, confirming that we both had intent to marry. The “proposal” was a mutual shrugging of shoulders in our attorney’s office…both agreeing that February 19, 2009 was indeed our “official date of engagement.” He left for Mexico the next day and I was left to endure feelings of surprise, disbelief, excitement, rejection, anxiety, and loneliness on my own.

Those who know me well know how easily I get ahead of myself and allow emotions to conquer reason, especially when things do not go according to plan. This year has definitely not gone as planned. This year hasn’t had a plan, but still, I had my own ideas of how the events of the year would unfold. While I have had a good share of “break-downs” this year, I have also grown tremendously. I am learning to be flexible and accept realities different from my expectations. My empathy for both my partner and others, who endure obstacles greater than mine, is developing. I am adjusting to Pablo’s pace. What wonderful premarital therapy, right?

Right.
But, even after all I have learned this year, what I really want is to be in Pablo’s arms now and forever.

The soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience.  -Emily Dickinson

A client shared this hopeful message with me today, forcing me to change my outlook.  So often my thoughts are absorbed by all that is wrong in the world.  All the inequity--the tragic accidents, the strategized deeds of hate, the ignorant prejudices.  Today, I saw a bright smile, a strong woman, and grace.

I have you in my heart.

You can kiss your family and friends good-bye and put miles between you, but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, your stomach, because you do not just live in a world but a world lives in you.
~Frederick Buechner

Waiting.

I am on the edge of tears. My mind is unfocused, scattered, swirling. One image is haunting my mind. I see people, lines of people. Pablo. A face among the crowd. All waiting to find out if the endless amounts of work and money and emotion sacrificed to preparing their immigration case will end in positive results. Or, was it all in vain? We shall see.