We’re on a mission to find the Northwest Trolls. First on our list is Jakob Two Trees, troll number 123.🌲 🌲 A 14 foot tall, recycled wood sculpture by artist Thomas Dambo. He has a ponytail with a band designed by the Snoqualmie Tribe and a birdhouse necklace.
#northwesttrolls #jakobtwotrees #thomasdambotrolls #washington #pnwwanderlust
For my daughter and every survivor 💜
My daughter and family are the MOST important things to me in life. Everything I am and do is for them, and when they are hurting, I am too. This is a father's WORST nightmare, and it feels like I can’t wake up from it. So many emotions flooding through, sadness, anger, frustration, betrayal, grief and a stabbing pain in my heart every minute of the day. There’s so much I want to say and do, but right now I have to stay focused on what’s best for my family, no matter how hard that is.
Jaz is a survivor. I am incredibly proud of her and the strong young woman she is and will continue to be throughout all of this. I commend the courage it took for her to tell her parents and to always stand for what she believes is right. She has nothing to gain from this, if anything, there is more to lose, as she is putting herself in an uncomfortable and vulnerable position. For many, the fear of not being believed or being doubted is what keeps them silent. I believe her strength will empower other young girls, women, daughters, sisters, and mothers to find their voice and speak out against sexual assault and any situation where they have been taken advantage of.
This has been the most difficult situation we’ve ever faced as parents. From taking her to the hospital and sitting through multiple therapy appointments, to packing up her life and selling her belongings, to accepting the painful decision for her to move away from her home, her family, and her friends. Every step has been about helping her begin to heal, both mentally and physically.
All this stems from a deeply painful situation involving someone whom we trusted to help raise, guide and protect our baby girl from monsters! I believe this situation goes against everything we value, morally, ethically, with family and friendships of 29+ years. I am no longer associated with them in any capacity, nor do I want to be with individuals who support them or that type of behavior. I am willing to leave it all for her.
Love you Jaz!
trigger warning: assault
the world is at a divide. there are those who are empowered to use their voice and make a stand and there are those who choose to hide behind a clear cloth, afraid for their own reputation, their own ego.
i am a young creator, a young explorer, a young woman, who was taken advantage of, who was sexually assaulted in my own home. the home i was raised in, the home my family was raised in. by someone i trusted, who was a family friend, a crewmate, my godfather.
it has taken some time for me to fully grasp what happened. i didn't work for months, i couldn't bare to be in my own home, i couldn't eat, i didn't want to talk or go out in community. but i am continuing to do what is necessary for recovery, for healing, everyday.
this isn't just about me, this is about your daughters, your sisters, your mothers, your partners, and protecting your village. i am telling my story to empower the other women in the community. you are not alone, your voice matters, and there are people who are undeniably on your side.
however, there are those who are "50-50" on your side. people who claim to have your back but are wrapped in perception and popularity. i am immensely grateful for the OGs who hold the same values i do, who are ready to let go of over two decades worth of work for a cause that is so often overlooked and kept hidden. this "new gen", my peers, or others who can't stand on their own words, f*ck them and f*ck that.
you write the pages to your own story, you create your own legacy. you can be a voice for others as pillars of the community.
this type of sh*t is not okay. this is not the world i want our future artists and future leaders to be brought into. do better for yourself, for your loved ones.
this is nowhere near close to an easy subject. but this is so real. this is real life. i am literally shaking as i write this, but i am not keeping quiet. not hiding anything. i have so much more to say, i haven't even scratched the surface. but i am not letting this f*cker slide under the radar. f*ck you.
25 Valentine’s together and I still feel like that 17 year old girl in love 💕
Still blushing.
Still giggling.
Still choosing each other every single day.
From young to grown, our love grew up with us. And somehow it’s softer, sweeter, and more magical than ever. ✨
Endless adventures, being silly together, too many inside jokes to explain, we’re truly best friends.
I love you. 🤍
Rodelio R Francisco Jr It's been 3 years since you became our guardian angel looking out for us and tagging along on everywhere we go. We see all the signs you give us to show your presence, please continue to be there with us. We all love and miss you so much little/big brother.
We're back to where it all started for us, Jefferson! 26 years ago, after the community center closed, we didn't wanna stop, so would keep practicing at the tennis courts late nights.
Come session, practice, vibe out or just kick back with us at the park. FREE! every Tuesday evening throughout the summer.
Also, up to $100 stipends for youth participants.
✨️ Us in our 40s vibing with our adult kids 🫶
Zayden wishes he could be with us because he loves EDM the most. This is one of my fave festivals to go to and happy to be sharing it with Florenzo for his graduation gift. I love my family so much! 🥹
#beyondwonderland #beyondwonderlandpnw #beyondwland #beyondwlandpnw #rave #ravefamily #edm #thegorgeamphitheater #thegorge #pnw #seattlefamily