The Basics ~
The answers to "What do you do?"

I am a Movement Artist which is just a more hip way of saying I love to dance and create.  Not that I need to sound hip, but I do like how this job title tends to stir up interesting dialogue with people I've just met.   

I am a Creative Arts Facilitator which means I like using my imagination and leading others in engaging conversations and experiences.  I also enjoy playing with things like paint, crayons, music, images and words.   

I am a Writer which is something I've always been, but never thought I was good enough to say I was one until a few years ago.  

Energetic.  Optimistic.  Passionate.  That's me.    

 

The Story ~
A brief, but important tale within a tale. 

When I was growing up, I wanted to be an astronaut or a Fotomat booth clerk.  Instead...

I attended the University of Oregon and graduated with a degree in Psychology.

And then...wondering what the heck I was going to do next...

I worked at Jenny Craig for three years as a weight loss coach, sales trainer and center director.

And then...I got engaged.  I got disengaged.  I sold stuff.  I quit jobs.  I struggled for awhile.  However...

I began training to become a Life Coach, graduated from CoachU and started my own business.

And then...my uncle died and it rocked my world.  I joined a church and I discovered ecstatic dance.  Also...

I realized the importance of having a personal practice that moved both my body and my spirit.

And then...following a dream I'd had for many years, I moved to the beach.  I played a lot as well as...

I coached dozens of people and facilitated workshops and retreats while managing a health spa.

And then...I started writing a monthly newsletter and remembered how much I loved to write.  So...

I started freelancing, became a columnist in the local newspaper and started my first blog.

And then...I met a lovely man with a charming accent and we traveled to beautiful places together.  Meanwhile... 

I considered how I could merge my passions with my profession.

And then...I spent quite a bit of time in self-help book sections, went on retreats and dreamt bigger.  Furthermore...

I got married, had a life-changing experience while on my honeymoon, and got clear about my life's work.

And then...I laughed and cried and laughed and cried...quite a lot.  During this time...

I opened up a dance studio with a friend and began offering dancing events on the beach.

And then...the studio closed, but the dancing continues.  The blogs have changed, but the writing continues. 

Looking back on the various experiences I've had in my life, I've come to realize that...everything was important and has served its purpose.  

It feels incredibly delicious to know I'm truly serving mine now.   

The Details ~
What has moved me in my life? 

Winning the 400 meter relay at State during my Senior Year.
Walking into Notre Dame in Paris for the first time.
Watching my uncle take his last breath.
Hearing whale songs while under water.
Saying "I do" only once.