CURRENT MISSION

To introduce couch surfers to Southern Arizona and to see the world "one couch" at a time

ABOUT ME

I grew up in the Desert southwest. A Tucson native, I grew up immersed in a rich meld of Scot/Irish, Hispanic, Sicilian & Native American culture & customs. Lucky enough to be raised around horses & cattle, I began writing poetry in the fifth grade. I writes about the land, its people & the only way of life I hav ever known. Rodeo & ranching are in my blood, as is the Code of the West. I rode roughstock in high school, saddle bronc & bareback bronc, entering any jackpot rodeo and amateur rodeo that would take my entry fees. Whenever someone would say that a girl ought not to be doing such a thing, I would answer, "If it was good enough for the boys then its good enough for me." I am just as at home horseback, on a dance floor or in the back chutes. I divide my time between my children, close knit family, a menagerie of animals, my day job, my jewelry designing,photography, my writings, leading workshops on the connection between Cowboy & Celtic Music & performing the same.

I have published Cactus Faeries, a Children's picture book illustrated by Leila Megan Montiel, released in February 2006, and Rodeo'n, Romanc'n & Remember'n, a compilation of poems written by myself & Jacob MacCallister, which was released in 2003. I have two more books inthe works, Mis Raices Estan Aqui ~ Life's Lessons Learned, my second book of Western Poetry, and Critter Sitter, my second children's picture book. Also on the horizon, I hope to release my first CD, One More Renegade Rose.

I have a passion for music of all cultures. I have a soul deep connection to Ireland and her people. I help people plan their vacations to Ireland. I also help people get to know another side of the desert southwest here in Arizona.

PHILOSOPHY

Maireann croí éadrom i bhfad. (A light heart lives long)

I am the quintessential Pollyanna. I believe that you ae presented with a choice each day when you wake up. I choose to be happy and look for the blessings in each moment.

I have been known to burst into song and break into a dance step at random moments. To dance for love & joy of dance alone gives the soul wings. To sing for the love and joy of music gives your soul voice.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Having just joined, I am hopeful that I can act as a touchstone for those traveling to the desert Southwest. I also hope to meet people in various countres, as I travel.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Though I never thought of it as cuch surfing, I have had many spontaneous offers for lodging as I have traversed Ireland. The first occurred during a breakfast conversation at a B&B in Co. Mayo. The couple with whom my friend and I were sharing a table were sharing "get to know you" chatter.We happened to mention that we hadn't set-up lodgings for our last night. They lived just north of Dublin and invited us to stay with them. When we arrived at their home, a neigbor came over, handed us a house key and advised that our hosts were tied up in traffic and would be delayed by at least an hour. We were stunned that they would be so open about allowing us in their home. We had the most wonderful evening sharing whiskey and songs, stories and more whiskey. It set-up a life long friendship.

Interests

All things Celtic, Folk Music of all countries, horses, motorcycles, antiques, cultural history, dance, photography, poetry, singing, cats & dogs, laughter

• animals
• cats
• dogs
• horses
• culture
• writing
• books
• poetry
• singing
• photography
• dancing
• breakfast
• baking
• motorcycles
• traveling
• socializing
• knitting
• coding
• music
• folk music
• equestrian
• surfing
• history

Music, Movies, and Books

I am an avid reader of all genres. Poetry & Mystery being my favorites. A few of my favorite Poets are Gerard Manley Hopkins, Maya Angelou, and Edgar A. Guest

I listen to Western Music, Some Country, Folk music from all cultures, reggae, classical, jazz and R&B

Some of my favorite artists are Geraldine MacGowan, The Elders, Randy Travis, Michael Bublé, Marc Cohn,Round the House, Brian Burns, Jqurney, Bon Jovi

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Just one thing? Life is an amazing journey! Every day is another chance for adventure. If I have to choose just one, I would have to say that one which stands out is a moment when the veil between past & present thinned whilst standing in the ruins of a crofter's cottage in Co. Armagh. In stepping through the doorway, I felt arms embracing me, smelled the strong aroma of baking bread & simmering stew. It felt like a "coming home". It was only a brief moment but it bound me to Ireland forever

Teach, Learn, Share

I can share my knowledge of the connection between Celtic music and the "traditional" songs of the American West

I can share my love for my home state of Arizona, her rich meld of cultures and her phenomenal landscapes

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Chile, Ireland, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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