I am fascinated by culture, language, and music. My dream is to appreciate small miracles, feel gratitude more often than resentment, be kind to everyone I meet, play music and sing harmonies, and travel to the farthest corners of the world.

Allergy alert for guests: I have a cat! However, several people with strong cat allergies have not had any reaction to mine. She's special :P

I am living in Pittsburgh, PA. I work as a paralegal with child immigrants.

In my free time, I read, play music, ride bikes, listen to podcasts, try new teas, and explore nature's wonders.

For the past two years, I have been traveling in Europe, North America, and South America, keeping my options and my heart open.

I grew up in the mountains of West Virginia and Veracruz, Mexico. The mountains will always call to me.

When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
-Wendell Berry

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

When I travel, I like to meet people and make connections. I have often been amazed by the generosity and kindness of strangers. I believe Couchsurfing is a great way to meet people and pay it forward.

Interests

Reading
Writing
Practicing Spanish
Walking in the wilderness
Biking
Swimming
Running
Yoga
Hula Hooping
Singing harmonies
Playing banjo
Finding the next adventure

• writing
• singing
• dining
• yoga
• running
• walking
• reading
• traveling
• socializing
• music
• cycling
• swimming
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

I play guitar, cascas, old time banjo and I am learning 2 traditional Mexican folk instruments (requinto and jarana). I love to sing harmonies!

In terms of listening, I like folk music and lots of miscellaneous songs with beautiful melodies, lyrics, harmonies, and subtleties. I love traditional music from my home (the Appalachian mountains) and from around the world.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Witnessed the sun rising from the top of a volcano.

Teach, Learn, Share

I have experience teaching English as a Second Language, Spanish, and old-time banjo. I also love helping children learn to read. Let's sing harmonies and jam! Also, I really, REALLY want to practice Portuguese.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Music, stories, singing, ideas, laughs, handmade gifts, and food.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland

Countries I’ve Lived In

Ireland, Mexico, United States