Thank you.

Richie, a PNW native with an insatiable craving for creativity and enjoys long hikes with his faithful pup, Luna. SWIPE RIGHT. Jake, hailing from all over the East coast, has eye lashes that anybody only dreams of having, and can name almost any plant, bug, or tree from memory. SWIPE RIGHT. The conversation started as most do with greetings and pleasantries, compliments, and pictures from the day. It wasn’t long before there was an interest to meet in person. Richie’s love for Hawthorne and Jake’s interest in the local oddities of Portland combined into the perfect location; The Space Room. The date was set, the venue decided, and these boys were on the road to what would turn into a four year long journey to why we are gathering together soon.

They were in the last leg of their Italian vacation, appropriately titled: “Roma con Mamas!” Jake, Pam, Mariann, and Richie were on the way to the island of Capri. This island had been the talk of the trip from conception to execution and they were finally aboard a boat taking them to the vibrant destination. The trip thus far had been nothing but sunshine and limoncello! This particular day, however, not so much. As they approached the sprawling mountainous landscape of Capri, they saw storm clouds and foggy mountain peaks. Nobody was about to let that bring them down, even if they were dressed as if the welcoming warmth they’d grown accustomed to was waiting with open arms. They disembarked the vessel to a light sprinkle and a bustling harbor. The main reason for adventuring to Capri was to explore the Garden of Augustus. Along the journey to the garden they took in the beautiful sights and stopped at every shop along the way. To their great luck, by the time they found the garden, the sun had broken through, the fog had dissipated, and the cameras started rolling. They took pictures here and there, here again, there again, almost as if searching for the perfect spot. Folks, when I say they found the perfect spot, I mean it! The ocean was glittering while the fishermen sailed by, the Faraglioni di Capri were shining for all to see, and Jake was getting down on one knee. He popped the question and had to prevent Richie from falling off the cliff face from glee. Mothers cheered, strangers gawked, and the deal was sealed with a ring and a kiss.