CURRENT MISSION

To make friends, do good work, enjoy life, and make the world a better place.

ABOUT ME

Note: This summer has been an incredibly busy time at Creekside Cottages, so Danielle has been helping to manage reservations and my CouchSurfing page. She's wonderful ~ don't be surprised if she responds to your messages instead of me. :) ~holly jo

INTERLOCHEN, MI. A native to Traverse City, I recently returned to the area and am trying to find my niche. I took over management of a small group of cottages from my family, and am organizing an all-generations hostel and travelers lounge, located 14 miles (23 kilometers) south of downtown Traverse City, close to Interlochen State Park and Interlochen Center for the Arts -- and not too far off U.S. Bike Route 35.

I have a degree in History of Art, City Planning, and have traveled all over the U.S. (and beyond), doing community and cooperatively-focused work. I'm grateful for these experiences and the amazing network I've made. Now I'm excited to connect that work to local community by meeting new people, hosting travelers, and learning from their stories and experiences.

PHILOSOPHY

If I can stop one Heart from breaking
I shall not live in vain
If I can ease one Life the Aching
Or cool one Pain
Or help one fainting Robin
Unto his Nest again
I shall not live in Vain

~Emily Dickinson

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Space-permitting, I can host couch surfers for one free night (minimum 2 nights) on our pull-out sofa or in the large yard space, where you can camp or hang your hammock between the locust trees. You are welcome to use our shared kitchen, bathroom, and traveler's lounge.

We're also interested in hosting bonfires, local activities, or community potlucks. Would love to meet others who live in the area, love the area, and share an interest in the world.

Sometimes, we also host work-exchange interns or travelers, who are willing to stay for an extended time and help out with hosting and housecleaning duties.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

The concept and my experiences with people I've met on CS so far has been amazing. Creekside Cottages wouldn't exist without the amazing energy of CS guests, work-exchange interns and volunteers.

Interests

I have a degree in History of Art, City Planning, and have traveled all over the U.S. (and beyond), doing community and cooperatively-focused work. I'm grateful for these experiences and the amazing network I've made. Now I'm excited to connect that work to local community by meeting new people, hosting travelers, and learning from their stories and experiences.

• arts
• cycling
• camping
• history

Music, Movies, and Books

Too many to name, too little time.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Meditating among the big trees at Sequoia National Park, which is my favorite place in the world. I love being among trees that are older and wiser than Modern Civilization.

Teach, Learn, Share

I help people put ideas into action.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, Germany, United States