Mary\u2019s overall plan is to return to Cambodia, where her companion Jim Mayer and son Sen Mosoe currently reside. <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI have purchased new land in Kep, so I will return in early August to build my dream home, art studio and gallery,\u201d she says. <\/span><\/p>\n As a full-time artist and professional photographer for 42 years, Mary is intent on pursuing her passion exactly the way she wants. Her art studio will include everything from glass to abstracts, monotype prints, encaustics and ceramics. <\/span><\/p>\n Fortunately for her quality of life, Mary has gone to great pains to ensure her \u201cwork\u201d has always run on a parallel track to her \u201cpassion.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAll my jobs have been passionate pursuits,\u201d she explains. \u201cCreating a livable city and educating the public. A communicator and journalist before, are all noble pursuits.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Following these passions dovetails quite nicely with who Mary is as a person. <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI find people so interesting,\u201d she says. \u201cI have a degree in both psychology and sociology, so I love observing and helping people.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Helping people, working on creative pursuits, and building her dream environment in Cambodia, it\u2019s all part of a broader concern for everything from the health of the planet to clean water, education and equal access to opportunities for everyone. <\/span><\/p>\n So, perhaps the ultimate question is what precipitated the choice to make her next destination Cambodia, of all places.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI had been considering Central America as a location for a warm winter home\u2026 but I fell in love with the Cambodian people,\u201d she says. \u201cHands down, the sweetest country I\u2019ve ever visited.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n And yet, her desire to spend time in Cambodia goes far beyond simply occupying her dream home in a land she loves.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI have adopted three families who, like most Cambodians, struggle to make ends meet,\u201d she explains. \u201cI do what I can for these families and am generous with anyone when I am able. Honestly, the people are very poor, but are so happy and generous themselves.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n And in a brilliant bit of serendipity, the Cambodian environment provides a welcome parallel with life in Oregon.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cEverything is fresh, the fruit, vegetables and meat are harvested the same day,\u201d she says.<\/span><\/p>\n From non-GMO foods to a lack of huge amounts of processed foods or unfortunate ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup, Cambodia sounds like a foodie\u2019s paradise. <\/span><\/p>\n Still, Mary\u2019s heart has a place in Portland, despite what she describes as its severely compromised livability.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201c[From] the traffic congestion, lack of affordable housing and dramatic increase in homelessness, it feels like someone took their eye off the ball in city government around 2005,\u201d she laments.<\/span><\/p>\n She even ran for City Council in 2010, but was unsuccessful running against someone who she describes as \u201ca very rich incumbent.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Yet, despite all that, Mary has gratitude for the work she did working for the city of Portland.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI am grateful I was able to tell the world about what a great community Portland is,\u201d she finishes.<\/span><\/p>\n And it\u2019s <\/span>PDX People<\/span><\/a> like her who contribute to the great community that is our fair city. As she builds on an amazing life in Cambodia, Portland would benefit from her continued presence as a creative force and noble resident. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n William Bessette<\/strong> \u2013 PDX People Contributor<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Follow William on: <\/strong> Facebook<\/u><\/span><\/a>\u00a0, Twitter<\/span><\/u><\/a>\u00a0 Connect with William on:<\/strong> LinkedIn<\/span><\/u><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n ![\"Mary](\"http:\/\/pdxpeople.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Mary-Volm-enjoying-life.jpg\")
<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>William Bessette is a journalist and freelance writer who has been covering politics, entertainment, culture and travel for over thirteen years. When he\u2019s not profiling Portland-area restaurants and residents, you can find him reporting on national and international travel and eco-tourism through his travel brand, <\/em><\/strong>Floppy Hat Adventures<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n
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