reconnecting with family Archives - Jared Kuvent

Finding Roots In Maine After 3,500 Miles On The Road

Jared Kuvent — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 22:38:15 +0000

Finding Roots In Maine After 3,500 Miles On The Road

I woke up to the kind of morning that only Maine can deliver. The crisp fall air had filtered in through the open window, and I could smell that unmistakable scent of damp leaves and cool earth. After weeks of being on the road, it felt grounding to know I’d be here for a while. The house was peaceful; Scott was already working away in his attic office. If you’ve never met Scott, he’s a historian and preservationist with a profound respect for the past. He’s worked with the Portland Historical Preservation group, consulted on major projects, and even wrote a bestseller, Restoring Your Historic House: The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners. His love for historic preservation is everywhere in this house, from his work restoring this place to the endless stories he uncovers about its history.

Today, I had no plans for the road, no new town to explore, just a day to settle in and catch up. I made my coffee, sat down at my workstation, and spent the morning editing the footage from my drive into Maine. I had already driven more than 3,500 miles, and as much as I loved the journey, it was a relief to finally pause for a while. Between driving, documenting, and keeping up with the blog, it’s been a balancing act to stay on top of everything. It’s no small feat to capture the essence of this trip in a way that does it justice, but I’m grateful for every mile and every story it’s allowed me to share.

A Morning with AJS

A bit later, I logged into my morning AJS meeting. AJS is an interactive networking group that’s become an important part of my daily routine. It’s a support network for people actively searching for work, and the group has grown into a circle of encouragement and inspiration. Today, I filled them in on my recent interview with Angel City Data, a software company in LA that develops custom business applications. Working with them would be an incredible opportunity, and the team at AJS shared my excitement, cheering me on. Kyle, one of the group members, even said that my blog has inspired him to start creating more content himself. I think it’s amazing how sharing your own journey can ripple out to others, sometimes in ways you don’t expect.

Being on the road can be isolating, but having this group has been a constant reminder of the connections I’ve built over time. And it’s all part of what this journey is about—not just the places I visit, but the connections I maintain and strengthen along the way.

Reuniting with Ethan

After the meeting, it was time to reconnect with my brother, Ethan, who recently moved to Maine. First, I stopped by Amato’s for lunch—the Original Italian sub from this place is legendary. This sandwich is the best of New England: house-made ham, American cheese, pickles, onions, green peppers, and tomato, all soaked in a vinegar-oil blend. For Ethan, I picked up a meatball sub, and Josh, his roommate, got a roast beef Italian. Rounding out the meal with some local root beer felt like the perfect touch for a real Maine lunch.

Ethan’s new place is a cozy duplex that has a sense of home about it—warm, welcoming, and unpretentious. We sat down at the table and dove into our sandwiches, catching up on life, work, and my road trip. It felt good to be back with him, sharing a meal and talking like no time had passed at all. After lunch, we decided to pay a visit to the Terison family in Falmouth. They’ve been lifelong friends, and stopping by felt like reconnecting with family.

Surprising the Terison Family

Arriving at the Terison farm, I knew a big surprise was in store. John Terison is an old friend, a musician and someone I met back in high school choir. His house is filled with musical instruments, including not one, but three pipe organs, which speaks volumes about his love for music. John married his college sweetheart, Ashley, who is one of the warmest people you could ever meet. Her calm presence and gentle voice bring a real sense of peace to their home.

They hadn’t known I was coming, so when John opened the door, his shock turned to joy as he pulled me in for a hug. Inside, Ashley was across the room, and as I looked closer, I realized she was expecting—due any day, in fact! It was the best surprise, and I couldn’t be happier for them. The Terison farm is like a little world of its own, with John’s parents, Mark and Nancy, living just down the path.

John poured me a glass of fresh-pressed apple cider, a taste of Maine in a cup. As we sipped, he told me about the anticipation of becoming a dad. You could feel his excitement mixed with a healthy dose of nervousness, which anyone would feel so close to that life-changing moment.

We walked down to Mark and Nancy’s house, a classic New England farmhouse with big windows and a view of the rolling fields. Nancy had just returned from running errands, and her face lit up when she saw me. “Jared!!” she exclaimed as she came over for a big hug. The Terisons have been there for me through everything, and spending time with them was like being wrapped in the warmth of family. Even their three corgis joined the welcome, sniffing and wagging around us. Nancy introduced me to her new kittens in the basement—three adorable gray fluffballs, one of whom took a liking to me, attempting to scale my pant leg.

Visiting the Welches

After leaving the Terison farm, Ethan and I headed over to see the Welches, another family close to ours. Jodi, Josh’s mom, greeted us with a hug, and we spent the next hour catching up, laughing, and sharing stories about the road. My mom and Jodi go way back, and it’s a reminder of how close our families have always been. It’s grounding to know these connections are still here, unchanging, no matter where life takes us.

A Quiet Evening in Topsham

When I returned to Topsham, Andrew was just getting home, and we dove into dinner prep. Andrew made a spiced chicken and rice dish, and we all sat down to enjoy a comforting home-cooked meal. Afterward, we set out to pick up Gabrielle, a friend we met through Outright, an organization providing safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth. Outright is a vital part of our community, and it’s where Gabrielle and Andrew first met. Gabrielle’s energy and infectious laughter make any evening more memorable, and she has a knack for adding humor to even the simplest moments.

Our first stop was the L.L. Bean flagship store in Freeport, open 24 hours and sprawling across a campus of buildings. There’s something special about walking through L.L. Bean late at night, with the store nearly empty and the staff ready for a chat. We wandered through the aisles, admiring winter gear, and reminiscing about old times.

But the night wasn’t complete without a visit to Gelato Fiasco. Andrew and I have a tradition of going multiple times each week whenever I’m back, and it felt just right to stop by for Maine Blueberry gelato. Gabrielle spotted a secret menu item—a milkshake—and quickly ordered one, while I enjoyed my classic blueberry flavor.

Thinking the night was winding down, they surprised me with a visit to Kristie’s Creations, a tiny roadside shack offering cakes and cupcakes on an honor system. The little stand is open 24 hours and is stocked with all kinds of treats. I picked out a blueberry-filled cupcake, perfectly chilled and covered in buttery frosting, an indulgence I couldn’t resist after a long day.

Reflections at the Whitten House

By the time we returned to the Whitten House, I was ready for rest. Heading upstairs, I opened the window to let in the crisp night air and settled in, my mind turning over the day’s moments. This wasn’t just another stop; it was a return to familiar faces and places, each one carrying pieces of my past and grounding me in the present. Here, in the heart of Maine, surrounded by the people who shaped me, I felt a quiet sense of belonging. The road still calls, but tonight, I know I’m exactly where I need to be.

If you could spend a month in one place after a long trip, where would it be and why?

Subscribe to "Miles with Micro"!

The post Finding Roots In Maine After 3,500 Miles On The Road appeared first on Jared Kuvent.

Finally in Maine: A Journey’s End and New Beginnings

Jared Kuvent — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 01:38:45 +0000

Finally in Maine: A Journey’s End and New Beginnings

I’ve finally arrived in Maine—my home for the next month and a half, and the last stop on this long cross-country journey. It’s been over 3,500 miles of highways, unfamiliar towns, beautiful landscapes, and countless memories, but the feeling of landing somewhere familiar, with time to truly settle in, is incredible. Maine brings a new pace, a chance to unwind, and the joy of reuniting with lifelong friends.

A Rhode Island Send-Off

Before Maine, I spent one last morning in Rhode Island, taking things slow and enjoying the company of my mom and brother, Zack. Waking up to the smell of coffee drifting up the stairs, I joined them in the kitchen for one last round of conversation. We caught up on life, the road so far, and what was coming next. It’s those simple moments of sitting together, without the hurry, that feel grounding and make it hard to say goodbye.

After coffee, I joined my AJS networking group and updated everyone on my interview with Angel City Data. This group has been such a supportive part of the trip—they know the demands of this adventure and were excited to hear about the interview’s highlights. It feels great to have that kind of support, especially on the road. Knowing a few of them are following the blog brings an extra sense of connection to what I’m sharing.

Saying goodbye to family is always tough, and leaving Rhode Island was no exception. Mom and Zack have been my core support for so long, so those final hugs held a lot. I could feel the weight of the miles already covered and the relief that I was so close to the last destination.

Hitting the Road for Maine

As I drove through New England, a familiar sense of calm washed over me. The skies were partly cloudy, with just enough sun to light up the landscape of tall pines, rugged terrain, and the remaining fall foliage that New England is known for. The crisp 60-degree weather reminded me of all the reasons I love this part of the country.

After weeks of travel, I’m feeling the weight of balancing the blog, the videos, and the driving. Documenting everything has been rewarding but demanding, requiring careful planning and a lot of energy. As much as I love capturing each piece of this journey, I’ve been craving a chance to stay in one place, to focus on these reflections without the need to pack up and go again the next day. Maine is my chance to do just that—capture, reflect, and let the experience unfold in a more settled way.

Arriving at the Historic Whitten House

I finally pulled off the highway and arrived in Topsham, where I’ll be staying with my close friends Andrew and Scott. They live in the Whitten House, a beautiful 200-year-old home with layers of history. Originally owned by the Whitten family, it was later a public library before Scott began restoring it to its original charm. There’s something timeless about this place—the way it stands proudly in its own little piece of Maine history.

Andrew and I go way back to our childhood karate classes. For years, we were inseparable, always finding a way to connect even as life took us in different directions. Coming here feels like returning to a second home. I was greeted with hugs, immediately caught up with tales from the trip, and settled into a familiar setup. I’ll be working from Andrew’s desk, a space I know well since I helped him build this computer. With my light and microphone in place and a fantastic BenQ monitor, I’m ready to get to work and bring all these stories to life.

Reuniting with Traditions and Maine Flavors

After a quick nap, I woke to the smell of dinner—Scott had prepared a home-cooked meal, and the three of us gathered to eat. There’s a unique comfort in sharing meals like this after so much time on the go, grabbing meals from diners or take-out along the road. The food, the laughter, and the stories felt like the grounding I’ve been looking for.

Later, Andrew and I picked up on a tradition we’ve had for years with a trip to Gelato Fiasco, our favorite spot in town. This place is a must whenever I’m back in Topsham, with friendly locals, cozy seating, and flavors that never disappoint. I went with Maine Blueberry Cobbler and Toasted Coconut, two of my favorites, each bite bringing back memories of past visits and long conversations. Simple traditions like these feel like bookmarks in life, grounding you in the here and now.

Settling into Maine for the Long Haul

With dinner and gelato behind me, I settled into bed with a deep sense of relief. I left the window cracked to let in the crisp night air, wrapped myself in the quiet of the Whitten House, and drifted off to sleep. This stop is more than just a pause in the journey; it’s a place to dig in, reconnect, and embrace the slower pace I’ve been looking forward to.

Being in Maine feels like the perfect setting to wrap up this adventure, to let the miles and memories settle, and to enjoy the presence of lifelong friends and familiar landscapes. There’s work to be done and stories to be told, but for now, it’s time to rest, reflect, and make the most of this New England season.

Subscribe to "Miles with Micro"!

The post Finally in Maine: A Journey’s End and New Beginnings appeared first on Jared Kuvent.

Embracing Stillness: A Day with Family and Community in New England

Jared Kuvent — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 17:11:40 +0000

Embracing Stillness: A Day with Family and Community in New England

Yesterday was one of those days that reminded me why I love being with family. After a solid rest, I woke up feeling energized and ready to take it slow. No plans, no rush—just family time. Coming down the stairs, I was greeted by the smell of coffee and the warm sight of my mom with a cup ready. She knows me well. We spent the early morning in quiet conversation, just the two of us, sipping coffee and enjoying the comfort of home. These small, simple moments have a way of grounding me, offering a sense of stability after so many days on the road. Soon enough, Zack joined us, and we settled in to chat about life, catching up on moments big and small.

Animated Memories of Dad

My mom’s house holds so many pieces of family history, including some of my favorite reminders of Dad. Among them are the animation cells he collected—original Looney Tunes cels, including characters like Marvin the Martian and Road Runner, his favorites. Seeing them framed on the wall is like a nod to the early days of my fascination with animation. My dad and I spent hours watching cartoons together when I was young. His love for animation became my own, and it eventually led me toward a career in creative technology. These memories, and these frames on the wall, feel like little threads connecting the past with the present.

Wildercraft Community Reps Meeting: Celebrating 8 Years

After some quality family time, it was time to hop online for the day’s first Wildercraft meeting. For anyone new to it, Wildercraft is a cooperative Minecraft server focused on community and creativity. What started as a simple survival server has grown into a strong, vibrant online community that’s lasted eight years—an impressive run for any Minecraft server. Over the years, Wildercraft has become a unique place where players find connection, creativity, and a sense of belonging.

One of the initiatives I’ve brought back to Wildercraft is our Community Reps program, which was initially created by a former staff member. The Community Reps serve as a bridge between the players and the staff team, giving us insights, ideas, and feedback straight from the player community. These reps are active players who answer questions, provide guidance, and help create a welcoming environment for new members. We meet weekly to discuss ideas and issues, and it’s been incredibly helpful for staff to have player perspectives in the mix.

Yesterday’s meeting was lively, with brainstorming sessions around upcoming events to celebrate Wildercraft’s 8th anniversary. Eight years is a significant milestone, and we’re planning a big event that highlights how far the server has come and the memories we’ve made together. We also discussed our annual Thanksgiving build contest, where players can showcase their creativity through impressive structures. Wildercraft has some exceptionally talented builders, and these events give them a chance to shine.

Building and Innovating with the Wildercraft Team

Working with the Wildercraft team has been a rewarding experience filled with creative challenges. As a staff member, I help manage various aspects of the server, from community events to technical troubleshooting. We rely on a range of tools to keep the server running smoothly, from plugin management to custom configurations that create unique features for players. One of our biggest tools is LuckPerms, a powerful plugin for managing player permissions, which allows us to create a structured, tiered experience for players while keeping everything organized.

There’s always something to problem-solve or improve, whether it’s fixing glitches, optimizing the server’s performance, or introducing new items and experiences for players. The technical side of running a Minecraft server is complex but fulfilling. We work with plugins, configure YML files, and occasionally dive into custom Java coding to make sure the server remains engaging and user-friendly. Every new challenge feels like a team effort, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see players enjoying the end result of our work.

Editing the Drive from Madison to Providence

Once the meeting wrapped up, I switched gears to work on my blog and edit the timelapse video from my drive between Madison, CT, and Providence, RI. The footage was beautiful, capturing the clear autumn skies and the golden sunlight filtering through rows of bare trees. Each video I edit is a chance to relive these stretches of road, to remember the sights and sounds, the calmness of the drive, and the anticipation of reaching my next stop. These timelapses are like a visual diary of the journey so far, each one holding moments and memories I’m excited to share.

Productive Planning in the Wildercraft Staff Meeting

After editing, it was time for our Wildercraft staff meeting, which Redbau, the server’s owner, joined as well. Our discussions are always focused on enhancing the player experience and building a stronger community. We planned logistics for the upcoming anniversary event and discussed upgrading to the latest version of Minecraft—a big step that brings new features, but also challenges for a server as established as ours. Our team is dedicated to making Wildercraft the best it can be, and every meeting reinforces our commitment to that goal. Seeing everyone’s ideas and enthusiasm for the future is a reminder of how special this community is.

Dinner and Reflection

After a full day of meetings and creative work, I decided to take a short nap to recharge before dinner. We headed to a nearby restaurant known for its warm atmosphere and great food. I ordered the strip steak, and it was exactly what I needed after days of road food—perfectly cooked, seasoned with a peppery kick, and served with rich gouda mashed potatoes. Dinner was filled with laughter and conversation, from catching up on family stories to reflections on life. It was a reminder of how grounding it is to be around family, to have those familiar faces and voices that bring everything back into perspective.

Ending the Day with Gratitude

Back at the house, I could feel the weight of the day settling in. With a full stomach and a full heart, I felt ready for bed, grateful for a day of family, community, and the comforting sense of home. This trip has been filled with movement, but days like this bring everything to a quiet, welcome pause. As I drifted off to sleep, I felt recharged and ready for the next chapter, knowing that more family, more moments, and more memories were just around the corner.

Subscribe to "Miles with Micro"!

The post Embracing Stillness: A Day with Family and Community in New England appeared first on Jared Kuvent.

A Day of Family Reunions and New England Charm

Jared Kuvent — Sun, 10 Nov 2024 18:54:30 +0000

A Day of Family Reunions and New England Charm

After days on the road, Saturday came as a much-needed break, a moment to step back from the constant motion and soak in some family time. My destination for the day was Providence, RI, where my mom and brother, Zack, were waiting to welcome me. But before heading off, I had the morning with my Uncle Chris, Aunt Kara, and my cousin, Eva, in Connecticut, a send-off that made the start of the day special.

A Cozy Morning in Connecticut

I woke up well-rested, grateful for a full night’s sleep and knowing that familiar faces would greet me downstairs. And sure enough, Aunt Kara, Uncle Chris, and their pets were waiting to start the day together. Phoebe, their dog, gave me the warmest welcome, bouncing up to lick my face, her way of saying good morning. We gathered over coffee, chatting about everything from family updates to the day’s plans. It felt so comforting to start the day in their company, surrounded by the kind of warmth and familiarity that only family can bring.

Aunt Kara shared that she’d soon be doing a “cold plunge,” her new wellness ritual. If you’re unfamiliar, a cold plunge involves jumping into near-freezing water, and it’s said to be fantastic for the body and mind. Kara swears by it, saying it invigorates her, though the idea of plunging into ice-cold water doesn’t appeal to me much! But knowing her, it’s no surprise—she embraces life with an adventurous spirit and loves trying new things.

As I got some work done on my blog and videos, Uncle Chris was busy in the kitchen. Before long, the smell of bacon and eggs filled the air. We enjoyed a family-style breakfast, complete with laughter and good conversation. It was such a simple meal, but it reminded me how much I’d missed these home-cooked moments. After breakfast, we said our goodbyes, and I felt grateful for the time we’d spent together. It was a short but sweet visit that set the tone for the rest of the day.

Hitting the Road to Rhode Island

The drive to Rhode Island couldn’t have been better. The sun was out, the air was crisp, and the roads were practically calling my name. The scenery shifted to reveal the familiar charm of New England—bare trees standing tall and clear skies above, capturing the season’s beauty in its quiet simplicity.

When I finally arrived in Providence, my mom was already waiting by the door, beaming as she rushed to greet me. She met me with a huge hug, and it felt amazing to be home again. It’s been a year since I last saw her, and standing there with my mom, I felt like I’d finally come full circle on this journey. Soon, my brother Zack joined us, sporting his signature geeky t-shirt. Zack’s one of those rare people who combines strength with kindness—he’s tall, broad-shouldered, but gentle and sweet at heart. After a round of hugs and a quick rundown of my travels, we headed inside.

After greeting me at the door, Mom led me through her new home, a charming row-style house with three floors—a space that feels perfectly hers. It’s cozy, inviting, and filled with personality. The first floor has a garage and a guest suite, while the second floor opens to a spacious kitchen and a warm, cozy living room. Upstairs, there’s a guest room and her own sanctuary of a bedroom. What took my breath away, though, was the view from the back of the house: a serene lake, sparkling in the sunlight and framed by trees. Mom had moved here from Phoenix six months ago, and seeing her settled into this space for the first time felt deeply gratifying. After all this time, she finally has a place that’s truly her own, and it suits her perfectly.

The rest of the evening unfolded in this new setting, making the home feel instantly familiar and comforting. It was as though every corner, every fixture, told a piece of her story—inviting me to feel right at home.

Catching Up on Life and Adventures

Inside, we all settled in, and I shared highlights from the road—meeting Darter from Wildercraft, my interview with Angel City Data, visiting family, and catching up with Uncle Chris, Aunt Kara, and Eva. It felt surreal to recount these experiences with them, as if reliving each memory with a new lens. Zack and Mom were all ears, asking about each stop along the way, and it felt great to finally share these stories face-to-face. I even found myself looking forward to the next family gathering, knowing it would be a special time to reunite with more of the family up in Maine.

After a while, I took some time to work on my blog and video edits, capturing the day’s stories and moments. Before long, dinnertime rolled around, and we headed out to a nearby pub and grill called The Trap. It was a lively place with a warm atmosphere, buzzing with chatter and laughter. A live band was playing in one room, but we found a quieter spot where we could continue catching up. We kicked off the meal with some fried mozzarella that was, quite simply, amazing. Our waitress had that friendly, laid-back Northeastern charm, making us feel right at home.

Deep Conversations and Family Moments

After our meal, we returned home, but the night wasn’t over yet. We gathered in the living room for more conversation, a ritual that’s almost sacred in our family. Whether it’s science, politics, or just recounting family memories, our discussions always run deep, weaving through big ideas and the smaller details of life. That evening was no different—just the three of us, unwinding and sharing thoughts long into the night.

As I headed to bed, I felt that familiar sense of comfort that only comes from being with family. The room was cool, the bed was soft, and I sank into the covers, feeling completely at ease. Within minutes, I was fast asleep, surrounded by the peacefulness of home and the anticipation of the days to come. This journey has brought me many unforgettable moments, but there’s something about being with family that grounds it all, giving every adventure a sense of meaning and belonging.

Subscribe to "Miles with Micro"!

The post A Day of Family Reunions and New England Charm appeared first on Jared Kuvent.