I'm a citizen of the world born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, and I currently work as a visual artist and art instructor. I'm also dabbling in some writing endeavors that are currently shared via blog only, but which I hope to have published by 2016. My writing is fueled by my fascination with people and learning about the different places and ways of life within this crazy beautiful world. This love has continued to grow ever since I began traveling internationally on occasion 10 years ago. Because of this, I've been planning to travel more throughout the world and began by taking a two and a half month road trip around the US this past spring! It was incredible, and the couch surfing experiences I had along the way were some of my favorite memories from it. I just love to learn of and be inspired by the very different cultures that exist around us! I find the world to be such a beautiful, fascinating, inspiring place and each and every person within it plays a role in contributing to that beauty.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I find Couchsurfing to be an incredible idea that closer links human beings to one another in ways that wouldn't be possible otherwise, and I appreciate that. Hotels, resorts, hostels, etc. provide much more privacy and independent space, which is also great in its own right, but I love the aspect of Couchsurfing that calls for guests and hosts to interact a little bit more closely and actually get to know one another. I just really like the community that it provides all around the world. I'm happy to be a part of that community however I can!

Interests

God, painting, drawing, writing, singing, dancing, reading, yoga, acroyoga, playing, laughing, smiling, meeting new people, learning new things, talking about life, talking about nothing, cloud gazing, friendly people, overcoming challenges, hugging, cuddling with my pup, learning about health and nutrition, living what I learn, and living a cruelty-free life.

• arts
• writing
• singing
• beauty
• dancing
• yoga
• instructor
• reading
• traveling
• blogging
• painting
• drawing
• equestrian
• surfing
• zip-line
• rock climbing
• medicine

Music, Movies, and Books

I love pretty much any and all music, but I have a special place in my heart for reggae, country (don't hate), jazz, and inspiring experimental jams that I can paint all day to.

As far as movies go, I love comedies, rom coms (again, don't hate), and inspiring movies that intrigue my thoughts. My favorites are A Beautiful Mind, What Dreams May Come, and Anchorman (it's cliche for a reason, people ;) )

Books- anything that gives my mind a workout and some expansion, or anything that fills my heart with inspiration and feels. Mitch Albom is my favorite author, so I absolutely love anything by him.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I try to live my life every single day as if it's the only day I have to live in the most loving, giving, happy, healthy, amazing way possible. I'm constantly seeking and appreciating opportunities to learn and grow and to share my blessings with others. I think one amazing thing I've done has been coming to the point where I'm confident enough to give all that I have without fear of losing and not having enough left for myself. That is something to be cherished, and I'm grateful for every opportunity I have to do that.

Teach, Learn, Share

During one of my few trips to Costa Rica, I broke my arm on an ATV adventure. It took my 6 hours to get treatment by a sketchy doctor 3 hours away, and he set my arm with absolutely zero medication, but I was a trooper through it. My friends and family offered to help get me home afterwards, but I refused because I still had about 5 days left in my trip, and I was not about to let something silly like a broken arm get in the way of amazing experiences. I simply wrapped that arm cast up in plastic and went on my merry way with rock climbing, zip lining, horseback riding, white water rafting, and of course dancing. It's not the most incredible story, but I'd say it was a pretty solid show of my general attitude in life, and I appreciate it for that. We can't let silly things get in the way of loving life... we've just gotta bandage it, wrap it up, and continue on- with caution of course, but not with fear.

What I Can Share with Hosts

What I have to share is my heart, as well as anything that I've learned along my own journey. I meet a lot of really amazing, really interesting people on a daily basis, and I'm constantly learning in fascinating ways about fascinating things. I love to share this however I can and I love simply sharing my heart, in kindness, in happiness, and in openness to new experiences. I know that that's something that I value in others, so I'd like to think it's a valuable asset of mine that I have to offer anyone who's willing and wanting to receive it.

Countries I’ve Visited

Costa Rica, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States