How others have described me....
Fun to be with; naturally giving; active listener; nurturer; spiritually open; loyal friend; easy to talk to; intuitive; very positive; flexible; adaptable; organized; interested in learning from people and experiences; non-judgmental; inquisitive; a connector.
For the past 11 years, I have counseled people by phone for a mission called Operation Restoration, and created a website to help people overcome crisis. I am currently creating another project called Operation Discovery, a website of tools, interviews, and inspirational stories to help people bridge from trauma to triumph.
I believe in “showing” I care rather than talking about it: “Walk the talk”…
Another phrase I love, which comes from an encourager in my life: “Bloom where you are planted”.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I love meeting new people, sharing experiences, and even helping when I can. My contacts can be categorized in all age ranges, in the U.S. and many countries. I love interaction with all kinds of people because each individual has a unique story, which I love to hear (and learn from).
I was once verified in the Couchsurfing arena, but did not use it. I have not yet had the opportunity to participate on this platform (however would appreciate the opportunity to do so!). I do have verification on Airbnb and references https://www.airbnb.com/users/reviews/94531797.

Interests

What are my interests? Toxins in food, body products, water, air, medicines and sharing healthy alternatives with others (I have not been sick with cold, flu, or body ailments for over 13 years!); organic gardening (even in homemade containers); simplifying life and living for “meaning” rather than “stuff”; meaningful, thoughtful conversations; nature; listening to streams and birds; exploring.
I embrace different cultures with a child-like curiosity and immerse into it…. In 2000, I left the corporate world (after 10 years), went to school in Costa Rica to learn Spanish, and lived with an amazing host family who awakened me every morning with hugs and laughter! Upon returning to the U.S., I missed the experiences so much that I moved to Costa Rica for another year!
In high school, I lived with a very, very nice family in Vichy, France (south of Paris) for 2 months and learned to love escargots (I did try the steak tartar and decided politely to avoid the calves brains….).
I love, love, love the water: scuba diving, water skiing, sailing, kayaking, tubing (and I really want to learn kiteboarding). I love hitting the tennis ball with a partner (for fun and exercise). My interests are varied because I try new activities, and like most all of them!!!
Places of travel include: Places of travel include: England, Italy, France, Austria, Germany, Greece, Turkey, Israel, Costa Rica, Mexico.
Places I have lived in the U.S.: Richmond, VA; Baltimore, MD; Jacksonville, FL; Detroit, MI, Atlanta, GA (in several metro counties); Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Panama City Beach, FL.

• wine tasting
• organic food
• meditation
• traveling
• socializing
• instrumental music
• scuba diving
• tennis
• beaches
• mountains
• travel
• laughing
• social justice
• waterfalls
• health
• different cultures
• living abroad
• counseling
• italy
• healthy food
• comedy
• watersports
• healthy living
• spain
• healthy eating
• healthy lifestyle
• costa rica
• crystals
• crystal healing
• natural medicine
• nature walks
• organic
• nature lover
• awakening
• sound healing
• purpose
• helping others
• health and fitness
• living overseas
• beauty of nature
• empath
• indian flutes

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Zen (spa, soothing) music, Indian flutes, Instrumental (piano, soft congo drums, violin)
Movies: Anything with embedded meaning, relevant to what is happening in the present or planned for the future, or silly, slapstick comedy.
Books and Articles: Books/Online articles that educate and awaken us; articles which center us from distractive mainstream programming.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Stunned by the massive numbers of foreclosures occurring in 2008, I began to counsel people, basically for free, and learned (by doing their cases) that they were trying to pay and payments were being rejected. You can imagine the helplessness... elderly, veterans, disable, single moms and dads, and others. It reached far beyond the people who were socially judged "those who shouldn't have bought a house"... there was a definite pattern and reason "behind the curtain" and people called from all over the U.S. desperate for guidance. In an attempt to raise awareness, I put up a teaching website and presented to attorney generals, governors office, house, senate, FBI, sheriffs, and the news about fraudulent practices. My life was consumed by a drive to comfort others in the face of loss of the "sense of home" and the resulting trauma in their lives. A calling, for sure.

Teach, Learn, Share

I am an interested and engaged "absorber" of information (all kinds) and ask authentic questions (I am really curious). Your story is important. And, because of my varied interests, I usually can relate to something, or many things, which makes it fun.
I am told I "am fun" and super positive and that will rub off (smile).
I am also capable of talking about serious subjects (yes, I am an advocate and very open to listening to ways I can help). It is natural instinct, and it makes me happy when I can give.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Connections in the U.S. and different countries (and I love to make introductions!)
How to identify toxic substances in food, water, body products.
Healthy products and foods, effective natural healing options.
Living in Costa Rica.
How to live more simply and smell the roses. :)

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Costa Rica, England, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Turkey, Turks and Caicos Islands

Countries I’ve Lived In

Costa Rica