First, I'd like to tell you that to be my "Friend", we've had to meet. Please do not request that I say you are my friend if we haven't met.

CURRENT MISSION

To have a good life, and promote the same in others.

ABOUT ME

I have a good and simple life in Mexico with my two dogs. I worked (and went to school) all my life from age 16 until I retired at 59. Now I try to pick up skills in creative ways. I love to visit galleries and museums when I travel, and flea markets and thrift stores and antique markets are my favorites. I love nature, but when I travel, I usually stay in cities and towns so I can walk for hours and see many things and sit in outdoor cafes to read, eat, and maybe meet people who live locally, and other travelers. I have finally traveled as a CS member looking be the traveller instead of the host, and I LOVED that experience as much as I've loved the travelers I have hosted. I look forward to continuing meeting people who would welcome me into their lives for a few days by hosting me in my travels, and by honoring me by letting me host them in my home in Mexico.

I have a son and daughter who I am very proud of, as they are wonderful loving, intelligent people, and three bright and adorable grandchildren. The two oldest are in college, the youngest is in grammar school.

I am in love with Europe and the UK. Very sorry the UK exited. I've only been twice, and hope to go back.

Here at home in San Miguel de Allende, I play pickleball a few times a week, and like to get together with friends to play pinochle and other games. I am presently (2022) planning to sell my home with 2 rental apartments, and start a new phase of my life! I intend for it to be filled with more-than-usual travel for me.

PHILOSOPHY

Freedom is high on my list of important human conditions. Adventure, curiosity, kindness, empathy, compassion, good purposeful intentions, honor, and honesty are some of the qualities I like in myself and others.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I started out by offering my guest/rental apartment whenever it was not rented or being used by my family and friends. In 2013 I travelled to the EU and spent about 3 months seeing all I could. For the first time I asked for accommodations with couchsurfing hosts, and met with other surfers for social get togethers. It was delightful.
I am happy to show my guests around the town. Usually they are much younger than I am, so if that is the case, they will probably keep different hours than I! I usually don't stay out very late, so daytime meetings are best.

I like so much to hear the stories of the people who come here. In fact, for three years, I helped produce the International Storytelling Festival here in San Miguel de Allende, and was astounded by the great stories people have!

I am not a party person, more like a "mom" or even "gramma" figure to the young travellers...I am happy to make a meal for my guests when they first arrive, and cannot promise more meals thereafter.

My CS guests are welcome to use my laundry machines and kitchen. We can cook together if they like.

When I become a hosted traveler, I intend to do whatever I may do to help out in the home. Do you need someone to help clean, cook, feed the dog or cat? May I play with the little ones so you can do your shopping or have a date with Daddy/Mommy?

I will have to see what is the situation and respond accordingly. If my host wants social time, I am there! We can have coffee or a drink, and share life stories.

If they want to give me a bed, but they are too busy to pay much attention, I am an independent person who can entertain myself and explore the area without lots of attention. I respect all levels of participation. I find, however, that I need time alone to explore, and being given some free time to do that is much appreciated. Yes, I love to meet people and share stories. I find staying with other couchsurfers much more interesting and rewarding than staying in an airbnb or hotel.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I would like opportunities to stay with you, host you, or house sit or exchange homes. I have experience in all the above. I would also love to meet other CSers while traveling, just for fun and companionship. I have friends of all ages, so while I'm not up for (lots of) clubbing in the middle of the night, or mountain climbing, I am good company for walks around town, meals, museums, flea markets, and generally getting to know other independent travelers of the world.

Couch surfers are wonderful! I have hosted several times, for several years, and have wanted to keep each and every one of them longer than they stayed! I even got a home exchange with a Belgium family, for my trip to the EU. If that interests you, please contact me!

Interests

Travel, theater, storytelling, reading, art, genealogy, music, museums, nature, installation art exhibits, folk art, fine and contemporary art, dance, food, cooking, meeting new friends, exchanging stories, learning about other cultures and countries, open air markets, flea markets, thrift stores, walking and eating new and different to me foods.

• pets
• cats
• dogs
• arts
• theater
• dancing
• dining
• cooking
• breakfast
• coffee
• running
• walking
• partying
• drinking
• clubbing
• gardening
• shopping
• thrifting
• reading
• traveling
• socializing
• painting
• music
• outdoor activities
• camping
• rock climbing
• genealogy

Music, Movies, and Books

Egads! How do you narrow it down? I loved reading Greg Mortensen's book "Three Cups of Tea". But I also love a good mystery. PG Wodehouse is a favorite of mine, for good fun. The only thing I don't enjoy reading are romance novels and American text books. I love well written non-fiction, as long as it sounds like someone telling me a good story. (Try Bill Bryson) A true favorite book, and different from most of my reading was "Coming of Age in the Milkyway" by Timothy Ferris. Unbelievably great!
Music: Pretty eclectic. I love smooth jazz rather than progressive, grew up in the '60's, so love the oldies from 60's and 70's. B, Blues, Classical, Latin, Gypsy, Opera.

Movies: Oh dear. Since moving to Mexico, I've gotten out of the habit of watching films. I binge watched tv series all during the pandemic and was grateful for the distraction also from 2015 on when politics became too unbearable. But I remember loving film decades ago. Loved "Little Voice" and "Shirley Valentine"? Two great little films.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

None of my stories strike me as "amazing". Perhaps the 'biggest' thing I have done in my life, was to move to Mexico when I decided to retire. That won't amaze anyone from the EU, where you cross borders all your life, and are used to different cultures and languages. But for me, it was almost amazing!

Teach, Learn, Share

I learn from each CSer I meet. Maybe they feel the same. The young people today amaze me with their bright minds, and open hearts. The elders, like myself, I am always happy to meet along our travels.

Conversation about our lives can be fun. Walking about town, or in the countryside. Going out for fun events, music, theater, I would enjoy sharing.

I can tell about life in Mexico as an expat, or what it was like growing up in California, and living there before I retired to Mexico. I know a little about genealogy, storytelling, home decoration, and I am a certified Hypnotherapist, but don't practice.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm happy to water plants/garden, help with the children, walk the dog, help with something around the house. I would enjoy hearing their stories and . I can house and pet sit while they travel. I can offer to host them, and or exchange homes!

I can share some of my modest knowledge about storytelling, family research/genealogy, hypnosis, life in Mexico, in the USA.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Canada, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Guatemala, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Morocco, Netherlands, Panama, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vatican City State, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Mexico, United States

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