CURRENT MISSION

ABOUT ME

Hi EveryOne,

Namaste.

While my birth certificate and passport say one thing and when I look in the mirror I see a few more wrinkles and grey hair as the years go by :), I feel younger, happier, freer and more whole than I did when I was 25. Can still do a split and cartwheel. Being flexible/doing some yoga helps. In a way, I'm starting life anew, bringing all my life experiences with me.

Unexpectedly, but maybe, "destined," I have finally, after all these years, made my way to Europe, a place that I appreciate and feel more "at home" in.

When I was a teenager, I actually wanted to be an ambassador. Still do. Just not through formal diplomatic channels. I have always loved accents and languages, especially the romance ones. I have a big heart, with lots of Love and compassion to share. I aspire to be a "queen of love," a goddess, an innocent and playful girl and a "cheerleader" for young, sensitive and creative people I meet along the way.

My home is here in Holland, with my Dutch partner (he likes to travel too), as well as in my heart, wherever I go. You could say I'm on an adventure of self-discovery, faith, and creative self-expression. Words to describe me: heart-centered, loving, passionate, sensitive, friendly, kind, welcoming, unconventional, sweet, a good dancer, decent singer, a creative, mom of a 23 year old, whom I adore, strong and coordinated (not competitive), funny, but can't tell a joke, childlike, in a good way, nurturing, grateful. Happy to be here now.

PHILOSOPHY

I live life to know me, to know you, to learn, to grow, to share, to Love.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Although I have had a profile on here since 2014, I have not used couchsurfing (yet). So, you could say that I am new here. :)

Now, that I have "settled" in North Holland, it is possible that I might be able to host people from time to time, with the understanding/agreement of my partner, who works as a life coach/counselor out of the house.

It's been awhile, but I'm not a stranger to welcoming guests from around the world and hospitality. When I was in my 20's and living in Chicago, I managed urban bed and breakfasts and was delighted to host people from around the world in my own home. In those days, virtually nothing was automated, and there was no such thing as Couchsurfing, Air B & B, Home Away, etc. I've also worked in an eco-friendly hotel, spent time in youth hostels, had roommates from different countries, have taught English to people from different places and was the director of a language school, before my son was born. And, for any of you who appreciate astrology, I'm an Aquarian, with moon in Sagitarrius. So, seeing the world as One, and traveling to different cultures, speaking different languages, appreciating spirituality, philosophy, people from different walks of life, is just how I'm naturally wired. :)

I love my sweet, simple and grounded home and relationship life here in Holland. AND, from time to time, I love/must do something different, explore new horizons, be in the flow of my spontaneous, free-spirited side. So, I'm looking forward to traveling in a way that nurtures that side of me. I have a lot of time these days (relatively speaking), but not a whole lot of money. So, couchsurfing seems to be a way to combine my love of travel and people, while honoring the "suchness" of my financial pockets. :)

Additionally, my intention is to master speaking Spanish, Italian, Dutch, French and Portuguese within the next 10 years or so. Currently, my Dutch is minimal, but learning day by day, I speak Spanish fairly well for a non-native speaker, having never taken an Italian class in my life (although so want to), I can actually speak Italian (must have lived there in other lives :) ), my French is rusty, having studied for four years many years ago, and I don't speak Portuguese, but have friendss from Brazil, whom I'm begging to talk to me in their beautiful language. :) So, couchsurfing would, I feel, really be a great way to move further in the direction of my dream to be conversationally masterful in four or five languages! And, it would probably help my brain to age more slowly over time. :)

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I'm new here, so just learning and making my way, as best as I can.

Interests

youthfulness, young people, innocence, children, creativity, kindness, openheartedness, laughter, color, fashion, art, writing, photography, other cultures, other languages, especially Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, dancing, singing, beautiful music, beauty in all forms, Love!

• arts
• writing
• singing
• fashion
• photography
• coloring
• beauty
• dancing
• yoga
• music
• cheerleading
• languages

Music, Movies, and Books

I don't follow popular culture very well and am fairly technologically, well, let's say, "not caught up," but I do love beautiful music, movies and books that touch my heart, inspire my soul, uplift me, wake me up or get me dancing!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Being the mom of my one and only son and witnessing his magnificence has been the greatest ongoing gift of life.

Teach, Learn, Share

I have never really considered myself a teacher or master of anything. That said, I am sure I could be a helpful, supportive, kind and loving presence in your home. Of course, I'd be happy and able to help you with your English. I speak and write quite well. I've been told I'm a good and compassionate listener and friend. I imagine I could "zoom in on things" and help you to see the reflection of yourself and your dreams. I have a passion for people following their hearts and doing what they are vocationally called to do, so I could help you with that. I could share with you how healthfully and simply I eat and take care of my body (I have eaten as a vegetarian at various times in my life, but not now). I'd be happy to sit in silence and meditate/pray with you. I can't show you how to dance, but would be more than happy to put on music and sing and dance away. I can easily enjoy "smelling the roses" and enjoying beauty, in all forms, with you. I love going to second hand/goodwill/recyclables/upcylables stores and being creative. So, if you like doing that, I'd be happy to join you. And, while I'm not competitive, I'd be happy to work out a gym, take a walk in nature, play ping pong, tennis or catch, and go for a bike ride (I hadn't biked since I was a teenager, and now, I bike regularly here in Holland!)

I'd love to learn and speak in Italian, Spanish, Dutch, French, and Portuguese.

I'd love to learn and share more about photography, fashion, textiles, art and music. I'm envisioning and creating a fashion brand that has to do with the young people of the world, consciousness, inspiration and connectedness. :)

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Puerto Rico, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

Netherlands, United States