My Story... So Far
Music is in my DNA… and my name. I grew up in Memphis, born into a large family where singing came as naturally as breathing. My voice reflects my Tennessee roots - shades of gospel, blues, folk and country, along with innate instincts for harmonizing and vocal improvisation. Inspired by years of singing a cappella hymns in church, I believe music is our soul’s highest form of expression. Most recently, I sang in a band called Oneness. Weaving mantras, chants and sacred songs from a variety of world traditions with original and sampled lyrics, we created music that speaks to unity, connection, and universal love. And, I lead kirtan, an ancient form of call and response chanting – a singing meditation – based in the bhakti (devotion) tradition of India.
There were early signs of my nomadic spirit, too. As a kid, I was obsessed with NASA space missions and National Geographic magazine, and inspired by my adventurous Aunt Betty, an Air Force nurse in Okinawa and missionary in Zimbabwe. When I was 28, I moved to New Zealand, discovered my inner explorer, and my life’s passion. Since then, I’ve also lived in Germany and India, and wandered the world from the fiords of Patagonia to the highlands of Papua, and many places in between. Each place, each person I have encountered on my journeys has been etched in my heart and woven into the very fabric of my being.
Wanderlust was the catalyst for my career path, too. After returning from New Zealand, and moving to Colorado, I drew on my background in public relations and marketing to start a business promoting and writing about the types of travel experiences that resonated most with me - authentic cultural immersions, eco-friendly and active adventures to Earth’s most fascinating destinations. My clients ranged from adventure tour operators and boutique hotels to travel industry organizations. I have many years of experience writing and editing travel publications, promotional material, feature articles, and website content, as well as in media relations, organizing travel workshops and retreats, and hosting travel groups.
While living in India, I discovered the practice of yoga. Yoga literally means union. Beyond the physical benefits of regular practice, yoga connects breath with movement, quiets the mind, expands the spirit, and opens the heart. Yoga created the perfect union between all of my experiences and passions. I received my 200-hour Hatha yoga teaching certification from Samadhi Center for Yoga in Denver. I teach gentle yoga, vinyasa and bhakti yoga - a heart-centered practice weaving asana (physical poses) with storytelling, meditation, mantra chanting and music. My students have ranged in age from 5-78. I also lead yoga workshops and retreats, and perform live music in yoga classes.
An important aspect of yoga, and my life, is Seva, meaning service. I serve on the board of directors for the Denver VOICE, a street newspaper that provides economic opportunities for people experiencing homelessness and poverty. And, support grassroots nonprofits at home and abroad.
My blog, A Gypsy Melody, is the culmination and celebration of all of the above. I share stories of my latest adventures in yoga, music and travel - particularly wellness and conscious travel - along with resources, recommendations and inspirations to help you plan your own journey. I believe we all have a gypsy melody in our heart – something or some things that call to us; that sing to us. That’s why my blog also touches on themes of embracing our calling and creating connection – the common thread in everything I do.
I’d love to connect with you, too. Please join my mailing list or connect with me on social media.
Happy travels wherever your path leads,
