Hi! I'm Gretchen! I'm a professional speaker, author, and travel photographer. I love helping people publish their books with my indie publishing company, or with a one of the "big boys." I have also written several books and have a number in the pipeline.

Outside of work, I am an abstract painter, mixed media artist, and improvisational comedy performer. If you like to laugh, I can show you some improv games. I'm also one of the few Texas Buddhists, so I can teach you about meditation and mindfulness, too!

I'm spending 2019 as a digital nomad, working remotely and having some bodacious adventures. I am seriously considering moving permanently to Thailand, so maybe I'll be a couchsurfing host in 2020!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm heading into a year of travel. I love to meet new people and learn about different areas of the world. This seems like a fun way to do that. . . more personal than AirBnB. When I settle back down, I may just be a host myself!

Interests

• reading
• music
• travel
• artist
• cooking and baking
• comedian

Music, Movies, and Books

Music--I like all kinds of music, with a preference for Latin, country, oldies rock

Movies--I a sap for happy endings and offbeat moves. . . Little Miss Sunshine, Chocolat, Death at a Funeral, Wonder Woman

Books--I'm an avid reader. Favorite authors are Barbara Kingsolver, Tony Hillerman, female authors from around the world. Books include Divine Secrets of the Yaya Sisterhood, Grass Dancer, Heart of Darkness,

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I quit my soul-sucking corporate coaching job March 31, 2017. . . . went on a solo trip to Bhutan via India and Nepal in April 2017. . . .returned to reinvent my life (again). The next stage of reinvention is spending 2019 as a digital nomad, writer, and travel photographer.

Teach, Learn, Share

Advice on writing, publishing
Life coaching
Travel tips
Abstract painting
Vision boarding
Comedy games
Parenting advice
Meditation
Energy work and intuitive readings

What I Can Share with Hosts

Cooking, baking, compassionate listening

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Bhutan, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Dominican Republic, Greece, India, Nepal, Thailand, Viet Nam, Virgin Islands, U.S.

Countries I’ve Lived In

Honduras, Japan, United States