Hola Mi Familia

Hey crew... I am in Cusco having a dreamy time...today I started spanish lessons and am staying with a family who are willing to help me figure out the language, which at this juncture is a lot like telling a blind kid how to build a model car. However the people are warm and friendly. I will be arriving in the new year a few hours ahead of you and will definatly tell it to treat you right. I have made some new friends and this evening I will be partying in the PLaza De Armas as thousands of Peruvians run through the streets in yellow knickers symbolizing prosperity. I am currently appreciating my new friend Cipro who I had this misfortune of meeting after buying food from cute lite old ladies in the streets...but I am on the up`and up and soon my intestines will be partying less and I will be partying more. I love you all so much and th radiance of you shines brighter than the Peruvian sun 3300 meters in the sky. After my classes I wil be heading out of Cusco towards Machu Pichu and then hopefully the Jungle...>Love you all...I`ll keep you posted...Glad you are all having such an epic time...

that time of year

Well hello to all you stinking beautiful people. Looks as though the holidays are being done up in perfect style. My holiday plans changed a bit along the way. I am currently smack dab in the middle of them Ozark mountains. Yes, I cut my central america trip short a bit and came to the old home for the holidays. Its been a few years since I spent it with the family, and I do have a new little nephew I need to make occasional apperences for. So basically my trip consisted of weeks and weeks of surfing hours a day, some volcanos, lots of gallo pinto and amazing poeple and stories. Ah, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. I will just have to make a seperate trip later to visit the rest. I heard there is good surf in El Salvador and I want to experience Guatamala without being rushed. But with that said I shall be spending the new years here in the middle country, then returning to that oh so beautiful land of mountains and bendites. I look forward to kicking off my shoes on the porch and stepping foot into the goodness company.
much love and even more love
allan

Merry Chrismas to the GC

I spent my Christmas Eve swimming in the Mekong River, jumping off cliffs, and mountain biking around Don Det Island, followed by a beautiful sunset Lao dinner and party on the beach lit by the full moon.

I got to say the G.C. gathering looks off the hook, and you all look smashing. Everytime I check the blog I grab the attetion of who every is siting next to me at the internet cafe and brag about my friends.

I Love and Miss the whole Bend crew,

Brent

Snowflakes and Slippers

Unfortunately the slideshow was the best option since the website was giving me some difficulty with image posting.

The Goodness Collective has successfully hosted yet another gathering of beautiful inspiring people. Costumes were beautiful and many pairs of slippers were present. I have seen many of my friends in extravagent costume, but it was quite pleasant to see everyone in satirical formal wear. The house residents (in the photo above) were in fine form and hosted in classic GC fashion.
The food was of the greatest quality! There was ample food for the party as well.
David Bowers and Julia brought amazing energy to the event! There was the mellow beginning and then the fantastic last half wherein at least 15 people created a train and danced around the house. I believe the song was called "Locomotion". Dancing was unavoidable, and fully embraced throughout the night.
Then of course there was the slight disruption wherein Nick and myself acquired a few burns from attempting to blow flames. There were a few problems that contributed to the accident. First, I had not practiced it previously, and thus ignorantly stood next to Nick. Secondly, the wind was not in our favor, and lastly safety for the act was not adequate. Nick acquired more burns, but as of this posting he has been healing with miraculous speed. His left arm is still wrapped I believe, however it appears to be healing nicely. For myself, my face is almost entirely clear and my chest (I didn't have a shirt on) is coming along perfectly well. Tam has been monitoring both of us. We were accessed by a medical team and they agreed that there was no need for medical transport. Nick and I returned to the gathering after the appropriate evaluations and everyone continued to revel in the love and energy of good folks.
Someone brought a portable hookak! It was well recieved and was passed around for quite some time!
The house was quite full by around 8:00 and it was amazing how many people were able to fit in the kitchen and common space.
The wigwam was the relaxation area. There was a fire in the stove and christmas lights created a beautiful ambience. Loretta was playing guitar when I visited, and there must have been around 5 people enjoying the quiet.
And of course there was the cuddle puddle on the couch. They were all Kitties. We tend to find each other as the mayhem of any party subsides. It was a great night.

The Goodness Collective thanks you all... we send you love and sweet vibes!

And so it is, and so it was.....and there we were . -James

I am there...feeel mee!!! Touch my Mullet!!

Have an excellent formal... I love yous....All of U's... I will fly in on my private...hairdo...

Edgefiled never new what hit it

Crew you have all earned a degree in Mayhem...Leisure Class 2007...congrats!

TEX-ASS

Hello bright and shiney northern hobbits...I have wandered to the land where styrofoam still roams I am doing the best I can to fit in withthe locals...upon landing I ingested Chik-fil-a...I am not sure of the long term sideffects of my behavior but I figure the large dose of merriment and fungus should keep me from smelling like old spice before I make it out of here for PERU! Thank you all for such an epic send off! If I were a large red squirell I would pick all of you from beneath the acorn tree...I would hide you in the trees and keep you safe from wind and snow...then each day I would take turns nibbbling on each and everyone of you!!! I am looking forward to seeing all of you dance when we are old! LOVE as bright as a thousand camel hairs falling towards the sun! XOXOXO!!! Love you !!!

No Snow Here

Ahhhh, It's quite pleasant in the North. I jumped on a bus and came all the way up to a town called Pai. Upon arrival I decided to get outside of the town and look for some where I could pitch my tent. As I was walking past a house next to a rice field an english women (Sara) came out and started a conversation with me. Eventually she offered her yard to me and later gave me access to her home as well. Turns out there is quite and large community of foriegners who have taken residence in this area. Through Sara and other people I have met many of the guest house owners, hotspring managers and various other people involved in the

community.

I've gotten some pretty sweet tips on hidden water falls, villages, and hotsprings in the area. Sara is also hosting a meditation group that I have been invovled in. There is even a posibility of house sitting for someone else for a while.

I'm stoked for the upcoming GC event I hope to hear all the deets and see the photos.

Allan you are a stud I can't wait to be reunited with you to share stories.

Trav make sure and give my love to the guest of honor.

Love Always,

Brent

Nicaragua

Well hello beautiful people. It sounds like life is good for everyone. The warmth and love moving around the ogden house is ever so enviting. And Brent sounds like he is torn apart by options. At this moment I´m hanging out in Granada, and as many of you have experienced its a pretty neat town. Before Granada I spent a few days on Ometepe. What an incredible place. I hiked Madera and had some great views of Concepcion. While we where on the island Concepcion started blowing large clouds of ash. Which I guess is somewhat normal, but the size of the cloud was not. Even the locals where looking at each other with concerned faces. Before that, Jim and April and I met a guy in San Juan Del Sur. We stayed at his house out by Playa Madera and I had a few splended days of surfing. The waves where great and the sunsets too. I also went spear fishing with Matt, the guy I was staying with, which was very cool. So with all of you in my heart I´m off to find some more waves. This whole ocean thing seems to have gone to my head.
much love
allan

Winter Formal

That's the fire burning in our house on a cold, late fall day. Today the rain turned to sleet/snow as I walked down the COCC hill.

And so, with all that chilliness coming to town, with school out, with people traveling back and forth this month to visit family and friends, with the holiday season here, with sharing and goodwill on our minds as the year begins to dwindle...


It's time for The Goodness Collective's 1st Annual Winter Formal/Slipper Potluck!

Yes, dress up (but be liberal with that idea!) and bring your slippers because nobody likes cold toes crammed into narrow pointy shoes. There will be music, fun, terrific food, and maybe even some contact improv dancing.

Please see the attached fliers for details. There will be music all night, including your own if you bring instruments...bring a dish of food if you can.
PLEASE avoid disposable plates, cups, silverware, etc!

Also be aware of food allergies and preferences...make whatever you like, but let me know if the dish has wheat, meat, nuts, or dairy in it, just in case.

Hope to see you! Dec. 16, Sunday, 6:30pm-??, at the Goodness Collective (our house on Ogden) in Bend.

Here we see Colin cutting his hair in eager anticipation of the big night...

So join us, have a lot of fun, and take care--

Trav

Thai Or No Thai?

So I made it to Thailand, it is certainly a change of scenery over here. I have been in Thailand for nearly a week now and I'm now thinking that I would like to try something else, perhaps a different country. From what I am observing so far, I'm not so sure Thailand is the place for me right now. Don't get me wrong it is quite beautiful here, and there are alot of amazing things to do. But I'm not really feeling comfortable here, I think maybe the very strong preasure seeking vibe put off by the mass quantities of tourists is throwing me off a bit. Don't get me wrong the splunking, sea kyaking, deep water soloing, cliff jumping, frisbee on the beach, Thai food, island hoping, hiking, and snorkeling had been incredible.

But I'll keep you posted.

Steve thank you so much for teh GC update, it appears that things are better then ever over there. Much Love to all for the GC, I miss you all.

Summer is gone... A Goodness Collective update!

And so it was that the Goodness Collective spent its first summer... Fall term is nearly complete. The house is beautiful (Kelly cleaned the bathroom and Ashley the kitchen). We have a large potluck on Dec. 16 to expose Trav's girlfriend Emily to the Bend community. David Bowers has offered to play a set here for us. I think we'll accept! There has also been a recent art installation as well. Artists, Ashley Stone and Chelsea Jolly contributed.

A film crew was here, and we did what we had spoken of in jest, and what I (Steve) secretly desired! A night of G.C. reality Tv. They are following Rachel Scdoris through her preparation and ultimately the completion of the Iditarod.

Josh will be leaving us soon. There will likely be no replacement of GOOFY, we shall simply not have them! His farewell will take place at Edgefield in Portland where a crew of Bendites and Portlanders have been invited by Trav and Emily to join them for a night.

Ethan has left us, he intends to travel to India where, not surprisingly, he will be practicing rigorous yoga for many hours a day. He left us all very precious gifts. A part of which is a cd of the Summer here. He took the photos below.

Its been raining and quite windy here. A tree fell across Portland Ave. this morning. Had it been in my path to school I would have ramped it with my scooter.

And tonight, the house has a peaceful settled air about it... Josh Ritter sings a nostalgic tune. Travis has just started a fire, and Tex has completed what Trav insists shall be the official flag of the house. We're home, we are peaceful, and we send love to those of you in far-away lands: Allen and Brent!

This just in: Ashley Stone has arrived with my early Christmas present. It was inspired by my Grinch performance in acting class! She came to my class with me. It is a full green furry suit with amazing cuffs and a fantastic hood!









Franger




Film Crew





The Fall Community Potluck








Mike, Vinny and Brent doing stunts

Posts From the Home Base

Just wanted to say that you don't have to be traveling to post on the GC Blog. This is the Goodness Collective blog it would be sweet to see some posts and pictures from the GC.

This weeks adventures of Egyptian Pyramids/Jordanian Rock Cities/ Sinian Snorkeling/ Bedouin Villages/ Red Sea Camels/ Israel Fortress Goodness

I have had very busy conclusion to my time in the Middle East. Now I am prepare to get on a flight to Thailand to chill out for a while I need a bit of a vacation so my plane is leaving tommorrow morning. I am in a bit of conflict right now I have been in contact with so many great people travelers and locals and I feel like there are still many beautiful places to see in Israel, it would be very easy for me to stay here a while longer, but then again Thailand is sounding pretty good to me as well I hear the beaches are great along with some sweet islands, cliffs and jungles ( not to mention the other surrounding countries). But you know these are the kind of struggles that a person faces when traveling. I want you all to know that despite me being in this very difficult situation (trying to decide which incredible place I should spend my time) I'm going to work it out and it is going to be ok. Its not an easy job but somebodies got to do it. I don't want anyone to feel bad for me because after I was the one that put myself in this situation. Just keep me in your thoughts, and if anyone feels the need to come over here and help me out in my efforts I would gladly welcome the support.

Much Love,
Brent

a simple flight across a continent

My goodness!

Well, my day is much less outwardly dramatic or exciting that the recent ones of Brent...and not as clearly relaxing and smooooooth as those of Allen...but I AM sitting in an airport.

I fly out today to visit my beautiful darlin' in North Carolina, a vacation before my vacation. It's been three months since I've seen her, built upon a two week relationship, but I imagine that things will just be richer and more exciting as a result.

I love my community; we're going to scatter soon, many of us, and I'm fully aware that I will never be able to have such a beautiful group of friends or share a house in such a beautiful way. There will be more friends and circles for all of us, of course, but there can never be another Stephen, another Colin, any more Brents, Tessas, Ashleys, Ethans, Jons, Jennas, Chelseas, Texs, or any of the other several dozen (literally...I counted) people who I count as good friends and who have significantly contributed to my growth.

Thank you! I love you.

I hope sincerely that the Goodness Collective floats about all of our lives. Today I get a taste of leaving again, knowing I'll be doing it indefinitely in a few months.

And now...I fly...Fly!!!

take care...seriously--

--Trav--

surfing at sunset

Well hello friends. Im still in costa rica, I got back from montezuma last week. We took a boat ride across to the nacoya penensula. We hiked the waterfall and jumped about 40 feet into the pool, all that fun stuff. I have just been surfing and hanging out lately. Some friends I have been staying with are throwing a big thankging fiesta at a local cabinas, it should be pretty fun. So I'm gonna hang here till then and head for Nicaragua.
much love
allan

I have returned from the desert

It has been a whirlwind of festivals, camping in the desert, rainbow gathering, and hitchhiking, in the southern part of Israel over the last three weeks. Life is good I have been learning and growing a lot here. The picture to the left is where I spent many hours over looking the desert in prayer and meditation while at the rainbow gathering. I feel like I have been coming to some amazing relizations during my time in Israel. Right now I have less then two weeks before I will be getting on a flight to Thailand. I am leaving today for Egypt and if I have time I will also go to Jordan. The following posts are from my adventures over the last few weeks.

Much Love thanks for reading, and I apprieciate your comments,
Brent

Rainbow Gathering

The Rainbow Gathering lasted for about 4 weeks, I was there for two weeks of it. There were 100-200 people camping out during the week and then on the weekends the numbers grew to 400-500 people. It was an amazing experience it won't be the last rainbow gathering that I spend time at.

Weightless

At the lowest point in the world its like the Dead Sea is saying that you've gone to low and if you try to go lower beneath the surface of the water it says no.

Dead Sea Mud Meditation

After a nice mud lathering I meditated on the shore of the Dad sea until the mud was completely dry before rinsing of in the salty water

Sunset Trance Party

This is the most recent festiva that I was at located near the Dead Sea. It was a music and dance festival.

hola

well just to make it clear a few people might have recieved an email that was a little more than informative. I did not send it. I think i forgot to sign out at the internet cafe and someone went to town with my account. If you think chelsea was a little taken back think how it was explaning that one to my mom!!! I did a bit more surfing lately and hiked some really cool waterfalls outside dominical. this weekend im heading to montezuma and malpais. hope all is well.
allan

Oasis in The Desert

I'm still rock'n it in the desert. I'm currently at an Ashrum in the desert and will be going to a dancing festival on the Dead Sea soon. More stories and pictures to come soon.

Much Love
Brent

costa rica!

hola mi amigos/amigas
well ive been slacking with the whole keeping in touch. but here it is. san jose was
a pretty crazy town, but all went well i got to jaco last week then went to quepos. then to manuel antonio which was pretty touristy, but the park is beautiful. sloths and monkeys and all that fun stuff. I went to a halloween party in manuel antonio with people from jims teacher training. a couple of them are renting a sweet apartment and thats where the party was. Costumes mandatory, it got pretty rowdy but it was cool to party with people from all over. I met a really cool girl nicole,she is a yoga teacher and she quit the english teaching school and is teaching yoga instead. Her and i cruised down to domincal yesterday and its a sweet laid back surf town. Ive only surfed 3 or 4 days so far but i'll be here for the next week or so surfing and taking spanish classes.
adios and with much love
allan