The ocean, dance, music and culture balance me. I will swim in any cold body of water (rivers, lakes, ocean, etc) and as a dancer I am intrigued by movement that communicates personal reflection and social perspective.

Although I love to travel as it seems most do who are on this site I am not of the sort to travel and stay in a resort separated from the local culture. I make an effort to learn about the daily life of the communities I visit. It is my belief that the best way to learn about oneself is to see the world through another lens.

I honor integrity and self reflection and have an exuberance for life that can be contagious. I appreciate those who think about how their life fits into a greater context and who act from a place of humility while at the same time not taking themselves too seriously. Life is laughter, it’s good to be able to laugh at yourself.

- Making sure the next generation is equipped with the critical thinking skills, self confidence, and compassion to take the risks necessary to make positive change in this wonderful and crazy world.
- learning as many languages as my brain can keep organized
- enjoying time with family, friends, and by myself
- finding pleasure in simplicity: the smell of the trees after the rain, the way pelicans surf the ocean waves.
- learning to play the piano again after a very long hiatus
- getting to and in the ocean as much as time will allow

multi-tasking, getting the attention of hormone engulfed teenagers without saying a word, telling animated stories, being flexible (physically and mentally), getting spiders out of the house without hurting them, being diplomatic, being silly and sarcastic, being objective and recognizing my subjectivity, cooking yummy food, being a loyal friend, imitating people, tripping and recovering gracefully, bringing people together, getting dirty, cleaning up.

my laugh, the way in which I carry myself, and that when I talk I am animated and use lots of hand gestures

BOOKS: a few titles I have enjoyed wholeheartedly: The Brief and Wonderous Life of Oscar Wao and The Time Traveler's Wife as well as academic reading, classics, and news. I just finished Finding Mañana, memoirs about the Mariel Boat lift from Cuba. Super interesting and sad and am now reading Island Beneath the Sea by Isabel Allende....it's intense.

MUSIC: oooofff! this list could go on for days: reggae/dancehall, Hip Hop (of the conscious political sort), Blues, Jazz, Forro, Pagode, Samba, MPG, Bossa Nova, Bomba, Nueva Trova, Bachata, Merengue, Son Jorrocho....

For your listening pleasure my most recent musical find: Danay Suarez, her words in this song touch a place that makes me reflect.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqLhLDbm0d8

ARTISTS: Calle 13 (what does LA have that the Bay Area doesn't that they play a show there not here?), Macaco, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Nas, Tribe Called Quest, Gyptian, John Legend, Erykah Badu, Jarabe de Palo, Ojos de Brujo, Sao Jorge, Caetano Veloso, Djavan....lists get annoying

FOOD: I eat well as a means to feel good and take care of myself but also to support local and sustainable agriculture (including meat that is raised as it should be...in pastures). I love to eat out as much as I like to try new recipes at home....food brings people together.

olive and coconut oils
being submerged and weightless in water
Touch and all the other senses
Music
Wide open space
community (friends and family)

Why only six?

too much....all the while reminding myself to trust the process.

sharing dinner, biking over hill and dale, at a dance performance, reading a book, out dancing, watching a movie, turning in early to get to the ocean first thing in the morning

I have secrets, we all have secrets...they are to be shared intimately.

1. you want to meet one another in the flesh and are curious to learn more about me and share about yourself.

2. you are open to explore where our connection may lead.

3. you want a partner in crime for weekend getaways, to surf ocean waves, camping in the redwoods, to explore a new city, and/or to ride bikes to any destination.