Welcome to MariLark

MariLark was established in 1997 to honor the memory of Marie and Larkin Smith. They built MariLark in 1941, they themselves calling their home "MariLark" a combination of their two names, Marie and Larkin. To honor their dedication and passion for their home and the local community, a sign was carved in 1997 and placed on the corner of the property to commemorate and continue the tradition of passion for the home and local community. This website is also a place to find out more about the creator of the new MariLark, Charlie Costello and to act as an online portfolio of sorts. Check out his dog Zack's Z-blog :)

Charlie recently completed his Masters degree at the University of San Francisco where he received his MA in Asia Pacific Studies. While in the program, he presented a paper at the Harvard East Asia Society Graduate conference in February 2004. This paper dealt with recently declassified documents that revealed an interesting but troubled relationship between Jimmy Carter and the Japanese government during his presidency. He also another paper at the University of Toronto's "Movement" conference in March of 2005. This paper dealt with the 2008 Beijing Olympics, how they are acting as an agent for change in China. He continued this research with a trip to Beijing in May of 2005 and completed the paper and online website that can be found by visiting the "Beijing Project" link above.

His most recent academic work includes research for the China World Network with a paper titled, "The Irony of the Cranes: Labor Issues in the Construction Industry in the New China." He presented this paper in March of 2007 at Collingswood College at the University of Durham's China World conference in Durham, England. He attended the Beijing Olympics and just published his photo book, Beijing Bikes.

Living Your Passions and realize your dreams!