Semi Retired, I'm in Maui learning to just 'be', which has leant itself to opening entrepreneurial doors. Having fun developing a chocolate product while enjoying the beautiful place I live in.

Came to Maui from Bethel, Alaska. Homebase is Washington State. Grew up in Kelso, WA, and spent the last few decades in Spokane, WA. I'm a Whitworth alum and am retired from the City of Spokane.

I'm a mother of two, and 'other mother' to hundreds, and love to help create healthy communities. When I'm not volunteering, I enjoy a cold micro brew or a good glass of wine, sunsets and talking story with friends.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

It's such a small world...the more I travel, the more I find those connections. An example from my time in Alaskan villages in the Yukon Kuskokwim delta. I loved the people, and didn't find out till later that I really am related to several of them...my Finnish ancestors were part of the Reindeer herders that were imported decades ago.

All paths cross for a reason, and I enjoy meeting and connecting with new people.

Interests

Talking Story, children, teenagers, communities, volunteering.
Reading, cooking, baking - cookies, pies, scrumptious goodies, chocolate.
Wine tasting, micro brew tasting and ice cold water.
Sewing, crafts
Inventing...things, flavors, businesses:)

• cooking
• chocolate
• wine
• baking
• wine tasting
• crafts
• reading
• traveling
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

Music is Hawaiian, followed by oldies and Rock n Roll.
Movies - Avatar, Frozen, and any action adventure movie...
Books - you name it, I'll read it. Love action adventure, but lately have been enjoying the free bestsellers from Amazon. Never know what I'm going to get, but have found several new authors and genres.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Created the resources necessary to keep a group of Yugoslavian exchange students in the US when civil war broke out back home. Still in touch with most of them, it was an amazing experience to get them scholarships, host families and the community support they'd need to stay. The parents of other exchange students in the area helped sponsor their (the Yugoslavians) parents so they could get off the cruise ships.

Teach, Learn, Share

My back ground ranges from community development, working with youth and families, working with different cultures, etc. Got a problem? I'd love to talk story and see what we can come up with:)

What I Can Share with Hosts

My mana'o (knowledge) and my aloha. Love to cook a meal and share stories.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Canada, Mexico