Lollyrae

Holly ang Ben were very nice hosts. We had a good time exchanging stories and watching "weird" music videos. Holly:"you have strange tastes"!!! lol. Later in the evening, Ben, Patrick(house guest) and I played a complicated game "infernal combustion" or some other odd name that I hardly understood...probably due to my tiredness. Thanks a lot guys.

 

Holly is such a lovely lady. I had met her several times before but last night was the first time I really got to know her. Stupid me, I knew she was attached to Benjamin but never thought to add her to my friends separately.

 

We had a great time with Holly and Ben and their lovely family on our way to Burning Man Festival. Our time with them was very enjoyable. They have a great family and their sofa bed was so comfy. Thanks so much for accepting to host us last minute! I'm sure we'll meet again, just cause we love Portland and their lovely company!

The time I spent with Ben & Holly was short but I would have to say that all of these other references are right on point. Ben & Holly rock. :-)

I had an amazing time couchsurfing in Portland and I think that people like Ben & Holly are to thank for making it CS what is it by being such dedicated members! Thank you!

Holly has a quiet intensity about her that makes any conversation with her in some way profound. She is incredibly hospitable and sensitive to her surfer's needs. And each of the 3 kids is engaging and awesome in their own ways. (And quite mature for their ages, too.) She's doing a excellent job raising them!

Simply put, Ben & Holly are incredible. Being accepted into their home is a very special experience for me. Very rarely do I feel so safe and comfortable while traveling than I did when I visited them. I might even say that the house has a healing atmosphere, something intangible. We need to reinstate the EXTREMELY POSITIVE rating!

I can't wait to see you all again! You are all beautiful diamonds in a world that (at times) seems like it's filled with sand.

I could not have asked for a more lovely place to stay. I decided last minute to ride the 204 miles from Seattle to Portland (STP) therefore I had to do some last minute couchsurfing requests. I was to the point where I was going to pitch a tent in a park when Holly wrote me back and saved my day. Thank you SOOOO very much for that. We played mondo croquet with other CSers(bowling balls and sledge hammers!)....go team Nice and Hammered, and had a few drinks at a local bar. I had a great time in portland, want to move there soon, and can not thank you, ben, and the kids enough for taking me into your home and taking time out of your life for a stranger. You really are all that couchsurfing should be. Thanks.

 

Holly is a sweet and gentle spirit, but one who is also forthcoming and honest in a great way. I was lucky enough to surf her couch and hang out with her family as well. She is beautiful and humble, hospitable and generous, as is everyone else in the household.

I had an amazing time sharing our stories with one another, and learning about our (surprisingly similar!) histories (go Texas, ha...).

She mentors her kids in a way that is honest and beautiful, teaching them to love and to carry open hearts toward the strangers that are constantly in their home.

I would love to hang out with Holly and Ben and the kids any day again, and I would host ALL of them in a minute in my home in order to do that. Thanks again for everything, see you soon lovely!

Holly and Ben were very nice and helpful and their house is very comfortable. Their kids were very mature and interesting to talk to. The only shame is that we didn't have more time to get acquainted.

 

The very lovely Holly and the very cool and multi-talented Ben are a great couple and amazing hosts. It is amazing how they make time up for hosting people !! They are the first people to host me and made me feel at home instantly.

Even the cats in their house make you feel welcome and happy :)

 

i recently got to hang out with holly's sprouts and it was so much fun. i have actually spent more time with them than i have with holly but maybe we can remedy that before i leave portland...? we'll see. i do still know that holly is a very warm person that doesn't just keep her warmth for herself.

 

I met Holly at my first-ever CS Meetup, which was at her house. I walked in a little apprehensive, not sure if this whole CS things was going to work out, but she quickly calmed my fears with her warmth and generosity. By the end of the night, she felt like an old friend. I'm always looking forward to our next meetup :)

Holly is kind, sweet and far too humble for the talents she has. I felt right at home the minute I met her and Ben. Her art work leaves a presence on you.

Holly's like a flower; the more time you spend with her, the more she unfolds and the lovelier she becomes. She strings words together like jewelry, yet she's an even better listener. She can somehow offer you complete attention while preparing a meal for 12, topping off guest drinks, and kissing the kids goodnight. I kept hoping this coveted talent would rub off on me.

And she's funny. Delicious wit with a superb delivery. From an unassuming, sweet face will slip zingers that tickle and impress!

The family energy in her household makes makes you yearn for a sprouthood like her children have. They're lucky to have a mom who imparts such wisdom and grace, and you're lucky if you get to surf her couch.

 

Holly was a wonderful, gracious host, and I greatly enjoyed staying with her. She really is sweet. (Ben and the kids are great, too.)

Holly and co were some of the nicest folk you are likely to meet!...They invited me into their home, showed such hospitality, and made me feel part of the family straight away. And an introduction to Mondo-Croquet will not be forgotten!...A true host in every sense of the word!. Thanks guys for making the start of my trip so memorable.

She's amazingly great capable of the most perfectly strange conversations, and paradoxical situations. She even stays crispy in milk.

Holly is an amazing spirit; warm, & receiving at every passing encounter, she literally has the grace of angels. Her and her bubbling bundle of joy family were ever so thoughtful for my odd hours of work during my stay, allowing me to decompress when needed, and just BE me with no judgement. It was a refreshing and supporting nest, freeing me to have the experience I was in search of. Thank you ever so kindly Holly! :)

holly is a lovely host and i look forward to hanging out with her more! i also look forward to photographing her :D i will most likely add a lot more to this reference after i meet up with the lovely lady again :)

Holly's so patient, warm, friendly, kind, calm and sweet. Not sure how she does it all. Makes time fr people to help em out while juggling so many other things. I can't really add much to all the awesome references she's received :)

Holly/Lollyrae is a bundle of joy. She and her family are very welcoming to all.

Holly is very generous and sweet, especially to have us all over. She is a great mom, and we hope to see them again in the future.

 

She was one of the Co Hosts of the Portland CS discussion. We had a great time at her house and lots of yummy food. She had a lot of great ideas and I enjoyed talking with her and the group about CS issues. I am so grateful she helped host this event and I look forward to seeing her more in the future.

 

Holly is an invaluable member to the Portland CSing community. She is very willing to open her house up to CSers. I am looking forward to growing in this community with her.

 

holly is incredible as she has 3 fabulous smart children who excel at origami, works, takes classes, and still let me become a member of the household for my time in portland. thanks!

Thanks so much to the whole lollyrae fam! I had a great time hanging out in your warm little home. I hope next time I can spend more time and really start to be a force to be reckoned with in Monsters Menace America!!! Take care yall!

I had a very good time with Holly and her family. There was always something going on in the house. After the warm welcome I had a lot fun talking about all kinds of thing, playing with the kids and having fun with the cats.

I would always come back when I'm in the area. Hopefully that doesn't take to long.

 

Yay!! How wonderful to find such an awesome cser in Portland! I brought a cser from England over to Holly's place for a scrumptious home cooked meal- such wonderful food and conversation- we are fast friends. I am very much looking forward to a continued awesome friendship full of shinanigans and laughter!

 

Ah, sweet Holly! Heart and smile bigger than life. This woman is amazing, SO kind, and her kids are just lovely (she has a real *princess* with whom I am very much in love!). I missed a family environment so much and staying with them really gave me the strength to continue on my long journey.
Thank you for the family, the bed, the trust, the laughter, the pub and the snow... I hope to host you on the honeymoon, mah dear! ;P

 

Holly is officially the sweetest person on the planet. No, really she is. A Special Assembly of the UN issued a declaration to that effect yesterday. Google it. She hosted me on my recent trip to Portland and was kindness itself. Her couch is comfy, her sprouts are lovely and her heart and mind are wide open. Simply the best advertisement for CS.

 

Met through couchsurfing host! Very lovely lady!

I was fortunate enough to be able to stay with Holly and her children for a few days when I was in Portland. I had a cozy couch to sleep on with kitten cuddle buddies sleeping at my toes. I was welcomed and felt very comfortable staying with the family. and holly's kids are a blast!

 

Holly and her kids are really nice! Even though we didn't meet a lot her nice notes on the table and the good vibes when we met makes me recommend everyone to surf their couch and host them! (And I bet benjamin is super as well, he was out of the city while we were there)

Holly is great! Hospitality extraordinaire.

 

Holly is a wonderful person to know. Too bad I live in Portland most of the time, or I'd definitely seek her out as a host. I have this one vivid memory of a kitchen dripping in good eats and a house full of laughter...

Holly is a wonderful person! I had a blast spending time in Portland with her and her kiddos. She definitely is someone to surf with; Fun, hospitable, and a great person to sit and talk to. Can't wait to meet up with her family again!

Holly opened her home to us and welcomed us as family. She is a truly beautiful and kind spirit, and she has the most amazing children. Their family is one of creativity and love, and I feel so lucky that they welcomed us in for a few days. You must meet Holly if ever given the chance! :)

Holly made me fall in love with portland culture all over again! She is an amazing, beautiful, fun, frisky, increadibly wonderful being! Thank you Ben for BEing with her... you are the Luckier of the two of us!

Holly- you are sooo great! Thanks so much for hostin Buci and I and bein the third person to email tyler who hosted us in SF. Your kids are so fantastic and wish I had more time with all 3, especially the little one, he was so sweet waving at us in the mornin :)

I really admire the life that you are living and the environment that the kids are growing up in- thanks for bein such a cool mom.

Also the call to let us know Obama got it just in case we didnt hear the good news... classic!

We only spent a short and pleasant night in Portland with young ambassadors Darian and Erin showing us some funky computer stuff and shared some experiences with Holly. Thank you a lot for having Chris and I staying at your place and helping us finding a host in San Fran. Wish you all the best with the CS experience- hope to see you again.

 

Lollyrae and Benjamin were two of the most accommodating, friendly, outgoing, charming and engaging hosts i've met in a really long time, not just in the world of couchsurfing.

They welcomed me into their home for a really long time! I stayed with them for nearly two weeks off and on and they extended every possible hospitality as well as many great suggestions for fun in the city. if you are in portland, or anywhere in the world and they are there too, i highly recommend looking them up.
Lollyrae, please call us up whenever you might be on the east coast, particularly in dc. we've always got a space for you with food and drinks and tours and fun, hopefully. thank you so much!

And after all of that wonderfulness, Lollyrae woke up the day of my flight at 4am and drove me to the airport so I wouldn't have to take a super expensive. biggest swoon ever.

It's worth a visit just to see the amazing photographs and art lining their walls. Thanks so much!

Holly and Ben are very hospitable people. Easy going, helpful and fun to hang out with. Kind, interesting, refreshing.... O.K., that's enough.

The kids are fun and sweet. Thanks for playing with Dominik. He still talks about you guys!

If you go to Portland you definitely should try to contact them, they will brighten your day.

I hope we will get a chance to return the favor.
____________
Holly forget about alge-bra and do art! :-)

Holly is as genuine as can be, but it's her warm heart that will win you over.

Holly and Ben are amazing hosts. Open to the nth degree. Verily trusting. It was so very refreshing to have a place that felt like home so immediately! The children are hilarious and will gobble up every nanosecond of entertaining energy that you merrily offer, and pour it back on top of your head while giggling and running away in triumph. Thank you all so much; any and all of you are always welcome with me, wherever that may be!

Oi Oi Oi. Bio Luminescence. Electromagnetic Fields. Dragonfly Dynamics. What a cool experience surfing with Ben and Holly -- they took me in last minute and somehow I managed to get many conversations and late nights on the porch with them amidst their kids, other surfers, jobs, and school. I learned a lot from them and left very inspired (and my meatloaf in their fridge)!

 

Holly already had a full house when she took me on as yet another surfer. She's totally awesome and is a good listener with interesting ideas of her own to share as well. I also had fun interacting with her three creative kids. I'm really glad I got to meet them and look forward to seeing them again!

Benjamin, Holly and the kids are great hosts! They live in a safe and quiet neighborhood. They are also very helpful. You are awesome ;-)

 

Holly opened her doors to me (well, they were already open I just got her permission) when I was stuck for somewhere to stay, and I couldn't have been more grateful.

Dare I say it, when couchsurfing you get somewhat used to uncommonly friendly, open and generous people, yet Holly's one of those people who still catches you by surprise, far exceeding the expectations you begin to take for granted while couchsurfing.

Incredibly easy going and great conversation, she really welcomes you right into her wonderful home.

Worth couchsurfing with if only to see her paintings.

Stasying with Benjiman and Holly was a trip, and a pleasure. The kids are an adventure--you never know what's going to come out of their mouths, in a good way. They are a worldly and enlightened bunch who had a lot of pertinent information to share with me, and a comfortable place to sleep. WE also met a few other awesome travellers.

the holly estate was our first couchsurfing experience. it was also our first time to portland. ben, holly, and her exuberant kids made us feel welcome and comfortable, so far away from home. darian, erin, eric, we had a blast and i look forward to visiting you guys again soon!

 

I totally dig this lady!!
I had such a great time with Holly, her 3 beautiful sprouts and her kick ass man. I could have sat on her porch for hours just listening to her words of wisdom. She is truly an amazing person. Thanks for taking me in!!

Holly, Benjamin, and the kids+cats make a beautiful, welcoming family. I really enjoyed their creative energy and hospitality. They're all a lot of fun!

 

Her family was very welcoming and her kids were AMAZING. They were ery adorable and energetic...specially Eric! She lives in a very peaceful neighborhood and Columbia Park is great to just relax and read a book.

She made her house open to a lot of people during the Invasion. The whole family is awesome. They are very nice. Had them over for a party and they where some of the few that stayed and helped clean up a bit before leaving! The best part is how awesome her kids are! My nieces where up visiting from Cali and loved to meet and play. They are now pen palls. And my sister may get into couchsurfing!

 

My word!
Miss Holly and her offspring are so awesome.

Really. You have no idea.
Either they are the coolest people in the Universe or they are evil geniuses... geniii?

I love them.

a Great thx to your help and to your awesome family, I can visited your beautiful city (really a good place to live in US!), one day I hope come back in Portland more than 1day ! Kisssss+++++

Holly, Ben and the kids are so much fun to stay with! We enjoyed some anarchist soccer and recycle bin races during our stay. Also there's beautiful art all over the walls and music fills the air there :)

her and benjamin and the kids were great hosts. i felt quite at home and wish i wouldve hung out more and got to know these two better because they came off as some of the most gentle people i have ever met. thanks a bunch and i hope i see ya down the road

Holly was my first couchsurfing experience and put me at ease! She lives right across the street from Columbia Park, which is great to play/take naps in. Her kids are fun, too.

Holly hosted me (and about 6 other cs at one time)during the Portland!
She was a awsome host!
She handeled the whole crowed also during the brunches at her place!
THANKS AGAIN AND AGAIN !

Holly is what Beyonce would refer to as an "Indpendent Woman." Really, though ;) She thinks for herself, she has a great sense of humor and even more amazingly, she's managing to run "the embassy", study, work, raise three wonderfully energetic children, and find time to kick back and sit on the porch in the middle of the night and entertain her current couchsurfer with stories of Texas and motherhood. In a nutshell, she's the perfect woman to stay with on your journey. I don't know how I got so lucky to stay with Holly and her family- they were very open with their house, the couch was so comfortable, and I even got to join in on some of the birthday celebration. When people ask me about how couchsurfing works, I'll tell them of my experience at Holly's house. Thanks so much for everything, Holly!

Hey y'all! D'ya ea' ye? Holly was the best! She and Ben hosted us together with their 1000 other couchsurfers. No, really 1000. maybe 999. Come to Amsterdam and we'll play sexy tunes together! Or we'll come back to Portland and we'll have a cajun/creole party...

Ben and Holly are supercool and funny! They're house is always filled with people and good energy. They tried to teach us Louisiana slang and introduced us to good music. It made going to Portland worth it!

holly is an absolute doll! we met her and benjamin right before a thunderstorm and sat on the porch and talked for hours (literally, hours). the whole experience was really great and showed us what couchsurfing is all about. and, not to mention, they're the embassy! you can definitely depend on holly for a nice warm place to stay.

 

holly, ben, and the kids are a fantastic and hospitable and funny group of people. go southern drawl and louisiana sang-which you apparenty cannot youtube.

p.s. holly makes great coffee!!!

 

Meeting Holly an her three extremely wonderful children was something so unexpected when I intended to surf with her boyfriend Ben. Holly is the epitome of a wonderful hostess and an extremely gifted individual when it comes to relationships, community and life in general. I am going to kidnap this woman and bring her into my world. All attached individuals are welcome to come along for the ride. Holly is a goddess!

What can I even say about Holly that everyone doesn't already know? She's beautiful, amazingly sweet, patient, welcoming, talented and laid back. Her kids are awesome and Dog and Pedro (cats) are adorable. I had a great time with them and I seriously hope I will get the chance to hang with them all again. I don't think my Portland experience would have been half as good if I hadn't met her.

Holly has been an extremely gracious and wonderful host not just to me but for many CSers visiting the area. She's a wonderful person to be with and she just relaxes you like a caring sister would. I've had the wonderful experience introducing her to my other CS friends and friends and meeting his lovely little bundle of joys who are amazingly full of endless entertainment and distractions. It is a great environment to be at and reminds me of home a lot. Thank you very much for everything!

 

Holly was a wonderful host that was very sweet and hospitable. Enjoyed staying with her and her three energetic kids. A really good cook too. She was open and rather endearing. Hope to meet up again.

 

During the joint Vancouver/Seattle invasion of Portland, Holly happily fed both invaders and defenders (with Benmamin & the kids' help, of course). She is a kind and generous person, and quick to throw a smile (or a quiche) your way. Meeting Holly should be on every visitor's to-do list in Portland.

Our trip to Portland happened to coincide with the recent 'invasion.' They welcomed us into what already could have been considered a full house (the more the merrier, it turns out.) Ben and Holly were wonderful hosts, and I only wish we had more time to stay in town and hang out with them.

Holly is completely awesome! I'd recomend her and Ben's floors, couches, or whatever they can offer over my floors any day! They are extremely knowledigible and active members. Definitely worth meeting and getting to know.

 

holly was very nice enough to set up a ride from the airport to her house and got back to my couchsurf request in like 2 minutes. she seems full of life and seems to have a high spirit and is positive. if i spend more time in the area, i would definitely couchsurf with her again

 

A super artist, a super mom, basically Super-Woman. She made me feel like part of the family and i can't wait to visit Holly again!

 

I cannot describe Holly Patton with human words. I love and respect to many aspects or her being. You can instantly recognize her beauty, after a brief conversation you can tell she has quick wits and a brilliant sense of humor(so key), and after talking about her life you know she has taken knowledge from the past. Not to mention Darian (let me know how to spell it), Erin, and Eric; you guys rock!

Socks huh?

Holly made our first couchsurfing experience wonderful. Our family had a great time with her, Ben and the kids at the zoo. My daughters had so much fun with Erin, they didn't want to leave. We hope to visit again this summer and go berry picking.

My band and I really enjoyed our stay with Holly and her sprouts. They were all wonderful! It made our trip to Portland a lot of fun! Please let me know if you ever come to San Francisco!

 

Holly is great! We had an experience finding the place in the dead of the night, but it was all worth it for a short conversation in the kitchen!

- yeah! we made it to voodoo doughnuts! thanks!

Holly is a wonderful & warm host and I really enjoyed having dinner at her place!

 

Holly, fiery muse of a CS host, goddess of all things social and great. Threw a dinner to welcome us to Portland, then hosted a family of four and still made it to another dinner a night later. She is a joy to be around...funny, feisty, smart. Miss her already.

 

Holly is a very trustworthy and caring person.

I had a great time at Hollys and plan on visiting again sometime very soon!

Thanks for letting me stay with your lovely family! I love your hyperactive kids! The cats should be an interesting subject for a bunch of psychiatrists^^ And Erin: Thanks for your room! (Very comfy mattress...)

Holly has two cute kitties... and she very very hospitable! :)
May I add a great painter.

Holly was amazingly accommodating and allowed us to tip toe in and out of her house at all hours of the day... Unfortunately we got swept away by other places and people and didn't get to spend as much time with her as we had planned... But we definitely appreciated our time there! Thanks so much!

 

We met Holly at her Mondo Croquet match, and had such a wonderful time meeting her and her children. None of us had played before, but it was extremely fun, especially in the rain. We had a lovely time, and hope to see her again soon.

 

Yo, Holly is awesome. And she said she would bake me bread.

It's hard to describe Holly's energy, because it's so amazing that my day is brightened just from standing next to her. Beautiful kids, and just an all around amazing woman. The end.

It was really nice to stay at Holly's and meet her great family. Her place is not too far from the bus stop, once you get on the right bus. It was great to talk about Texas and Kansas and other places familiar to both of us. Dog the cat thinks the couch is his. Holly was very kind and gave me a ride in the morning. Oh yeah, she has good muffins too!

Holly and Co. were so much fun to stay with, from the greetings by Erin to the sweet long goodbye with Spiderman Eric. Holly, is very generous and sweet and staying with her is a wonderful experience. Portland rules!

Holly offered a welcoming home, enthusiastic children, great advice on where to go, tasty blueberry coffee, geeky Princess Bride references, and an uber-comfy couch. Her home is a real gem, and her hospitality is thoughtful without being suffocating. I am most obliged.

Not only did Holly and her family serve as the bright and joyful bookends of my trip home (as they played key roles in both the welcoming and the sending-off), but she also shared her beautiful home and heart with my Portland fam.

You are the epitome of hospitality and grace, and I genuinely hope to see you again soon...with or without Veggie Tales.

Holly was great fun to stay with and we had some very funny chats about English and American words! Her kids are lovely - very friendly and talented. A true testement to how they were raised! Thank you very much for letting us stay the night guys - from one broad to another!

Holly and her family are so much fun to spend time with! Her kids are great and taught my friend and I some new things. Holly and Ben are hilarious and we had some good conversations the night we stayed - c u next tuesday then guys?

 

Holly's a great host. She is very warm and friendly. I hope to get to know her better through CS'ing.

Holly is a sweet host with three energetic and fun kids. Holly is full of life, and the more you talk to her the more your smile will spread from ear to ear.For a "Coolest Kids" contest, Darian, Erin, & Eric would rock your socks off!

Holly was extremely kind and generous to let me stay with her and her kids. We had some fun board game adventures. Her help was instrumental in my getting an apt. in the area. Very cool person!

Holly is basically a superhero. Not only an obvious candidate for Wonder Woman, she can also be compared with the most dangerous man on earth, Batman. Obvious gender issues aside, she has the same intelligence, wit, and physical ability that the man of Gotham uses to beat his opponents. Holly also has not one, but three cunning sidekicks who help her save the day. I wouldn't be surprised if they also have a secret cave full of shark repellent spray.

Holly is a gracious host, she is extremely intelligent and fun. Oh! and she makes the most wonderful breakfast!

From sushi bars to vampire movies Holly is an intriguing lady of sassy and classy. I wish we had more time together, she was awesome fun and her laugh brightened up my evening... even when I was chokeing on natto! hehe* miss you!

 

wonderful conversationalist!
I could have gone on for hours, one of those great connections where you can talk about nothing and everything

Holly is a couchsurfer now! awesome. i had the opportunity to meet her and her beautiful children at Ben's house in Portland. She is warm, personable, and engaging, I recommend a CS experience with her.

Holly makes the most spectacular blueberry tarts this side of... well anywhere. She's a lot of fun to be around.

Fun loving person, positive, and I don't mind having her ice cream in my fridge.

 

This wonderful woman has opened her home to countless travelers over the years, friends and acquaintances both, and has the boundless compassion to make it 'official' with us here. I cannot wait to see how we benefit from her energy, and I'm very happy to have her along.
-=Benjamin