CURRENT MISSION

learning to sail

ABOUT ME

Friends say, "Rita is a health nut "foodie" who loves her family, her yoga, to dance, to hike, to travel ...to be on the move."
The oldest of 3, I am a native of Atlanta, Georgia. While acquiring my BA in Religion from Agnes Scott College in Decatur, GA, I spent my Junior year abroad in Israel. After college I taught Ballroom Dancing with the Fred Astaire Studios in Atlanta and earned a license from the Atlanta School of Massage. When my father became ill, I earned an Associates Degree from Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service and came home to work full time for my family's funeral business. For the past 20 years I have lived through my daughter. I enjoy teaching. Being a mother has been the most rewarding experience of my life. Now that my daughter is away getting her master's in Italy, it is time for me to find ways to grow and to explore the world on my own. I love to escape city life and learn from the land and the sea.

PHILOSOPHY

Live and let live. Be the light.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

My daughter has traveled all over Italy couch surfing. I have a room to offer just outside 285 on the west side of Atlanta and plan to begin exploring as a traveler

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I love the people I have met through my daughter's photos and couch surfing stories.

Interests

I love to really connect. I taught ballroom dance for 5 years after college, before working with my family business.
I have enjoyed the joyous nature of contra dancing at Warren Wilson College in Asheville, North Carolina for several years. I have discovered Contact Improve Jams, Asheville Movement Collective and 5 Rhythms Waves.
I love to hike up mountains and waterfalls, preparing and sharing healthy organic meals. Learning to sail, I just returned from a week sailing with friends from Portland in the Sea of Cortez. For 3 weeks prior, I did a Spanish immersion in Guatemala, exploring Antigua, Tikal, and Lake Atitlan.

• dancing
• ballroom dancing
• dining
• yoga
• flying
• traveling
• fishing
• hiking
• surfing
• sailing
• business
• religion
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

Home is Where the Boat Is by Emy Thomas inspired me to want to try life on a boat.
I enjoy the Daily Show and Public Radio, Pimslar Language Courses in the car, and a variety of rhythms and music to enhance a mood.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Sailing on the Columbia River Gorge was so inspiring that learning to sail in now my new passion.
I love the way I feel more alive when my heart rate increases as I hike up Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina.
When I enjoyed a fly fishing lesson, I was amazed how quick I must be to set the hook.

Teach, Learn, Share

I enjoy learning new skills...most recently fly fishing and sailing.
I am currently studying Spanish, and can obey in French.
I can teach any thing that I can do.

What I Can Share with Hosts

daily life chores...joy, dance, yoga
When I invite myself to visit with family and friends,
I contribute food and/or take them out for a meal.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Chile, Dominican Republic, England, France, Greece, Guatemala, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Nepal, Spain, Switzerland, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Israel, United States