I live for those moments when you find yourself in the midst of a really good conversation. You know the ones where time becomes completely irrelevant and you get to the core of the issue and you really understand each other on a deeper level. At some point you always end up laughing so hard your face hurts about something random. I thrive on that sense of connection because it reminds me that we are not alone. No matter how different we may seem on the outside, no matter what countries or nationalities we claim, no matter what our profession or education, we have so much more in common than we realize.

I adore art in all forms. Literature, film, visual, culinary, and music-especially music. I am a musician and a writer.

I love spending time in nature, especially the California redwoods. I feel so grounded when I look up at those huge trees.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

What a perfect way to travel! Getting to know local people and getting the insider tips on the best places, eats, coffee etc. is so much better than any guidebook could ever be. I always enjoy connecting with new people and exchanging ideas, sharing meals, and good conversation.

Interests

Music, art, theater, dance, tea, philosophy, writing, religion and spirituality, shamanism, nature, history, food, environmental issues, how everything is connected, film, literature, podcasts, LGBTQ issues, the pervasiveness of racism in our modern society and what we can do to eradicate/cure it... Trevor Noah had some really interesting things to say that really got me thinking...

• arts
• writing
• theater
• dining
• cooking
• movies
• traveling
• podcasts
• magic
• music
• piano
• communications
• history
• physics
• dance
• contemporary dance
• musical theatre
• religion & spirituality

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: YES! All kinds. Some favorites on my short list include Tori Amos, Radiohead, Regina Spektor, Spoon, Glen Hansard, Elliot Smith, Nick Drake, Fiona Apple, The Beatles, Billy Joel, Patty Griffin, Ninah Simone, Louis Armstrong, The Punch Brothers, Tom Petty, The Police, Radiohead, David Bowie, Nick Drake, Leonard Cohen, there are many more...

Movies: I loved La La Land and Lion. Some other favorites are In a World, American Beauty, The Shawshenk Redemption, Waiting for Guffman, Stranger Than Fiction, The Matrix, Star Wars, Tootsie, The Three Amigos, Stepbrothers, The Dream Team, Splash, Overboard, Labyrinth and The Last Unicorn.

Books: Most recent book was The Elegance of the Hedgehog and it was SO GOOD!!! I've read almost everything by Tom Robbins, Ann Patchett, Haruku Murikami, and David Mitchell. Also really love Jeanette Winterson. The Artist's Way is amazing and I loved Wild-so moving and inspiring. I've also started delving into some of Terry Pratchett's wild fantasy and he's so great!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

On a vacation to Hawaii I once swam across a river in a torrential downpour to get help for my family when our car got stuck in the middle while we were trying to cross. I can tell you all about it sometime, it's a great story. I actually told it on stage for The Moth in Berkeley and I got the highest score of the night.

ALSO-I got to spend a year living in Florence, Italy and traveled around Europe and Africa while I was there. While I was in Zambia I saw a complete solar eclipse. That year was so amazing. :)

Teach, Learn, Share

Music! If you have a piano and time, I'd be so happy to share some beautiful music with you while I'm in town. I also teach piano, voice, and songwriting lessons on the side so if you're interested in learning any of those things I would be happy to give you a lesson or two. If you are a musician yourself or an aspiring lyricist, maybe we can collaborate and write a song together-how fun would that be?!

I'm a pretty successful fundraiser and I have a whole philosophy behind asking for things including but not limited to money. So if that kind of thing interests you or would be helpful I'm happy to share my tips, tricks, and thoughts on the matter.

I did a year long shamanic apprenticeship so I can guide you on a journey to connect with your spirit animal or work on bringing healing any aspect of your life that is troubling you. If you're into that sort of thing...

I want to learn about all kinds of things. Some of the things that come to mind are social media mastery. PR & Marketing skills. Physics & cosmology. Whatever your expertise I'd love to learn about it and potentially add it to my toolbox.

I would love to practice my very rusty Italian. :)

What I Can Share with Hosts

I always like to give a special gift to my hosts to let them know how much I appreciate their kindness and generosity. I will pay attention to our conversations and try to find something that I think will bring them joy. I love doing it and it adds a fun quest to my travels... :)

If there is time and kitchen space I enjoy cooking a healthy and delicious meal and sharing it.

Laughter. Laughter is best when shared with new friends.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, England, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Switzerland, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Countries I’ve Lived In

Italy, Japan, United States