Harper Buonanno

Harper walked into a bar on first hill, where me and a friend were playing pool. Harper took initiative and introduced himself, and started giving us some good conversation. Him and his family just back from their family farm on the Hood Canal where they produce oysters & ship them out to the Markets around the sound. Harper's family had a couple more days in the State and decided on seeing the city for the last few days before their departure back home to New York.

The next day I was able to go out to coffee with Harper, where he expressed his utmost love and appreciation towards his family, and the farm that they all had built up together. It had been a couple years since he had been back there, but as soon as he settled in he found more and more value in the place he was surrounded around. He felt that bond with the property, family, and his love for the wilderness.

Over the course of time that he spent there at the farm, Harper started to describe the scene that he was encircled in.

{Hanging around the wheel}

One of the things he was proud of was this Hama Hama Bridge that is on their logo. Its a culture bridge in that town that can be seen from the family property in Lilliwaup, WA.

He would use great description of how beautiful the land is. Green, lush, and alive. Harper would be recounting the scenes of where he just was for weeks, and it seemed like he didn’t want to depart from it. Being away from the busy city, and all the noise, was a newfound glory that he wants more of. It sounded so peaceful, like a Washington State get away.

Being closed in by that wilderness had made Harper conscious about his passions for the family business and farm they all had built up together, even though, family sometimes can have different politics, they all still had a strong family bond.

Check Out the Hama Hama Company

http://hamahamaoysters.com/

Harper started to tell me more about the “nerdy” side of him, which he took a bit of pride in. He didn't get to feel out his nerd side back at home in NY, and it was something that he wished he was more around. He was happy and content when he and all his cousins had really got into Dungeons and Dragons. I then mentioned that PAX was going on down the street from where we were, but I don't know anything about the event. His response, “You mean...THEE PAX event”

{Costumed guy that surprised us}

While finishing up of coffee, Harper’s face slowly started going into that “Ahhh” pose. Where his mouth was dropping, and his eyes showed confusion. So I turned around to see this guy walking towards us, and Harper just laughed. What if I somehow didn't just mention that PAX was in town?

Harper had to soon meet his parents at Pike Place to get lunch with them. He wasn't sure where Pike Place was, and I offered to show him. We trekked down the city streets with costume guy until we reached the convention center. While we skipped down through the convention center, to get to Pike St, Harper wanted to somehow get a pass, but they were all sold out. He bumped into a guy on the street selling passes for the next day, and out of generosity, Harper bought me one as well. Manifestation at its best.

I know nothing about PAX, or anything about gaming, but I loved the fact that everyone there was showing their own expression to something they love. Showing something that they are passionate about. Harper bought me a ticket out of the generosity he was feeling, because everything seemed to come into place for him. I could tell that he was really happy in those moments.

We got to Pike Place, planned on departing and meeting up for the convention the next day, and said our goodbyes. That was until his sweet, parents told him to bring me along. And then I was even more grateful! I love the fact that this family was so open to enjoying a strangers company, and it was beautiful.

{Pike Place from the 3rd floor restaurant}

We talked more about the family farm that they just got back from. We got into the conversation about foods, fruits and vegetables, about some chefs they know back home, where there are restaurants galore. One of which Harper works at.

{The Lovely Buonanno Family}

Overall, I think The Bounanno's are a wonderful and generous family. They treated me to a Delicious Lunch, shared some knowledgeable information, and created great conversation. I could picture how family events go, and it seems like it would be a good get together. Whenever I'm in New York, I will have to stop by to see them all again. Next time, it will be my pleasure to take them out to lunch, and out to an event!

More information on The Hama Hama Company. Check out their Website! There is a ton of interesting facts, and a awesome blog (With Pictures!) about the farm and oysters.

http://hamahamaoysters.com/blog/