WORD IS BORN

I started this blog WAY back in 2007 as "Word Is Born." The spirit remains the same: my thoughts and photos, random as they are. Enjoy.

Latest Grams:

WE THREE ARE ITALIAN CITIZENS! 🇮🇹 🎉 (Note: Super weird to celebrate anything considering COVID-19 and Black injustice crises.) Twelve years ago -- way before I had kids, right before I met Amanda -- I started exploring dual citizenship. Perch&egra

WE THREE ARE ITALIAN CITIZENS! 🇮🇹 🎉 (Note: Super weird to celebrate anything considering COVID-19 and Black injustice crises.) Twelve years ago -- way before I had kids, right before I met Amanda -- I started exploring dual citizenship. Perchè no? I didn't know what the future would hold, but I knew opening more doors for education and work in my father's country and greater EU would be good for me and future generations. Oh, and the history, culture, landscapes, pride of lineage, etc. I wanted to power up from half Italian to full citizen. I set a first citizenship appointment in San Francisco in 2010, the same year Amanda and I married, but didn't get enough paperwork together time. I had some other stops and starts but thanks to some major legwork led by cousin @mikebaiocchi I finally set an appointment two years ago for a January 2020 appointment at the consulate in San Francisco. We made it a fun little family vacation. The appointment itself went well (after some fair shaming about my language progress). We came home and waited for confirmation but of course COVID-19 devastated Italy, and I didn't expect to hear anything soon. Well, the surprise came in the mail today 🙌🏻. Eliza and Matteo automatically gained citizenship. Amanda has a few more steps (notably a high level of language achievement) to gain citizenship through marriage, but I am super pumped to reach this longtime goal! Forza Italia! 🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹

Took the family for a (peaceful protest) walk around the neighborhood. 👊🏻👊🏽👊🏿

Took the family for a (peaceful protest) walk around the neighborhood. 👊🏻👊🏽👊🏿

Last day in Kent HQ (but not my last at REI!). I've spent some of my best years here in the Kent valley.

I remember after leaving Eddie Bauer, my next stop had to be REI. They had a co-op model, big stores, real community events! I knocked on t

Last day in Kent HQ (but not my last at REI!). I've spent some of my best years here in the Kent valley. I remember after leaving Eddie Bauer, my next stop had to be REI. They had a co-op model, big stores, real community events! I knocked on these doors and many kind people responded. @nattyluna and @jordowilliams kindly met me for informational interviews. @lux2, after intense interrogation, finally conceded and offered me a job on the social media team to join @kelly_ann_walsh. Shout out to some of my other bosses over the years: @rowleycraig, @sarahjeanneisme @mrajet and @ph9er. Too many colleagues and teammates over the years to tag but so appreciative of the shared time. The work we did in this place will define my career and the brand for years to come. OptOutside, Force of Nature, etc. I’ve been able to pay it forward and meet people for informational interviews and hire some of them myself. I’ve met a lot of great people and forged a kit of friendship with people who were also willing to come to Kent. Because the location doesn’t matter so much as the mission. Shout out to those who literally drove with me and endured the I-5 commute that future generations won't comprehend: @jruckle @angelafgow @halleyrebecca @shelb_hall. Next stop, REI Tacoma (work at home) and a smattering of new Bellevue HQ. Onward.

I published monthly letters for these Puget Sound saltwater 🐟. Link in profile. #deareliza #dearmatteo

Snowshoeing on Mt. Rainier

January 10, 2014 in Best Of, Personal

The ski resorts have been barren for most of the winter so far, so last weekend we went up to Paradise at Mt. Rainier for some snowshoeing adventure. [flickr_set id="72157639518424934"]

Christmas in Indiana and Washington

January 07, 2014 in Personal

This was one of those alternating years when we go to Indiana for Christmas but still "have Christmas" with my family around the travel. It can be a little stressful traveling and trying to get presents from one place to another but it's fun seeing both sides of our family in short time. Lots of pictures here, but they capture lots of great memories. These photos start with our time in Valparasio and Fort Wayne, Indiana, and then back in Tacoma with my family and the Chaffee's.

[flickr_set id="72157639502503263"]

Findlay Hats

December 11, 2013 in Personal

Shout out to Mr. Jimmy Hickey for the launch of his new brand Findlay Hats. Awesome product and vibe. There's more to the line than hats, but I picked up a couple and especially like the laces integration with the flat bills. Big fan. Photos by Amanda Mottola.

[flickr_set id="72157638496490343"]

Birthday Luau at Tacoma Cabana

December 09, 2013 in Personal

Last weekend we celebrated December birthdays for Amanda, Scott, Jorge and Walker at Tacoma Cabana. It was a blast! [flickr_set id="72157638490857214"]

Chaffee Family Fall Photos

December 07, 2013 in Personal

I shot a session with my best friend Scott and my best friend in-law Courtney for their Holiday cards. Always fun making photos with lifelong friends. Location: Wright Park, Tacoma

[flickr_set id="72157637978021945"]