Sam

United States
Login to see last activity

Badges (4)

Photos

View all

Give the gift of Workaway

Profile information

Travel information
I am currently
Travelling
Activities i am interested in:
Greetings, fellow travelers! I'm now in Ireland and would welcome the chance to get-together for a chat. Love being out & about and exploring...movies, dinner, tours, ETC!
My next destination:
Ireland - from Sep 2025 until Dec 2025
View all
Description
Greetings…and my longtime nickname is “Sam” (although, no, not short for Samantha as my initials spelled S.A.M. for many moons).

Having worked full-time as well as full-throttle for the past 25+ years, I recently arrived at a pivot point in my life -- so I set my sights on the UK/EU..a.k.a. my heart’s desire.

I am a native Californian, born and raised in the Los Angeles area – but once I discovered the delights of N. California, I relocated (with great glee!) to Sonoma County, about 50 miles north of San Francisco. Then, after nearly two decades there, I moved again to another “wine country” region, the Sierra foothills – a.k.a. home of California’s historic 1850s Gold Rush. There, I designed and built a vintage-inspired hilltop home with my late hubby while pursuing my dual-track self employment (interior designer, and also marketing/publishing consultant with a longtime specialty of obtaining national/regional first-tier publicity for first-time authors and other “unknowns”).

However, last year it was time to up-sticks, so I duly snipped my ties to N. California in order to depart the States and begin a NEW season of life – so I'm now trading upon my extensive roster of work/construction skills (as well as house/pet-sitting) for an open-ended season of ongoing travel. I'm in England currently and have my eye on returning to both Ireland and France (after long ago but much-cherished visits in each) -- and, as a nearly lifelong Anglophile, I am SO enthralled to be spending time here in Britain at last! : D

My overall nature is outgoing, upbeat, friendly, curious, thoughtful, engaged, respectful, and definitely fun-loving. I ADORE meeting new people in whatever context, and communication has been a cornerstone of both of my unrelated businesses for the past two+ decades. So I’m quick on my feet verbally, and also listen very attentively. Overall, I am a sunny optimist, very self-reliant, and a proactive self-starter & problem solver.

Before I became what I think of as an accidental entrepreneur (brought about when the publishing company I was working for closed their West Coast offices), I always made a point of making friends with everyone wherever I was employed – from the janitor to the CEO. I strive to accept people as they are and interact with each individual in whatever manner they prefer…whether casually or more formally, etc.

My favorite thing to do in life is Go BYE-BYE!! I have been to over 20 states here in the U.S. (although mostly on business, but still relished), and also honeymooned in Paris for about 10 days, and in the years directly thereafter spent 2 weeks each in Ireland and Italy, as well as one snowy Christmastime in Montreal. I am always drawn to historical architecture, and thrive on meeting “the locals” when traveling as special moments of chance encounters with others have always created the most lasting memories for me. Although I appreciate the hustle-bustle tempo when visiting big cities (adored Dublin & Paris!), typical destinations I gravitate to are often less touristy rural locales and small villages off the beaten path.

I’m a “dog person” but also love critters of all sorts -- in fact, I've recently completed a 3-week house/pet-sit via Workaway while in Spain (kitten & dog), see pics of them on my Photos page as well as Claire's review. I'm currently on my 10th house/pet-sit back in England via a different platform (see my Photos for a screenshot of reviews earned for my first few sits, more available!).

Favorite pastimes include reading, movies, a diverse range of music, DIY and crafts, gardening including landscape design, cooking/baking/entertaining, wine tasting, antique-ing, and also revitalizing vintage furniture...and the most engaging activity of all: stimulating conversation with friends, old & new! : D
Interests
Writing
Politics / Social justice
Photography
Pets
Performing arts
Nature
Music
Movies & TV
Hiking
Gardening
Farming
Events & social
Drawing & painting
Dancing
DIY & crafts
Cycling
Culture
Cooking & food
Carpentry
Books
Astronomy
Art & design
Architecture
Animals
Languages
Languages spoken
French: Beginner
More details about my language interests
I recently completed a 1-week program in Spain volunteering to assist those enrolled in an English immersion program, and would welcome additional opportunities to help others with their conversational English skills.
Find a language buddy
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Languages
Babysitting and creative play
Life at a Farmstay
Some knowledge of:
Teaching
General Maintenance
Animal Care
Hospitality/Tourism
Able to teach about:
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Art Projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Helping around the house
Helping with Computers/ Internet
More details about your skills
Overall I have a broad scope of skills including:

Construction/renovation related:

Interior/exterior painting incl. specialty paint finishes, stenciling, tiling (also have designed custom tiles), wallpapering, upholstery, and furniture refinishing

Hand and smaller power tools including sander, reciprocal saw, tile saw, drill, etc. + Bobcat tractor

Gardening (including landscape design)

Interior designer (self-employed, 25+ years following 5 yrs. of f/t retail employment):

Vintage/historic design is a longtime specialty, other skills include creating 2D/3D scale renderings.

I designed and was the general contractor for my own custom vintage-inspired residence, and have also fully renovated two prior homes inside & out.

Extensive computer skills, also photography & photo editing.

Mine has been a somewhat atypical dual career as in addition to my p/t interior design business I've also been a self-employed business development consultant specializing in publicity for 20+ years, and also providing self-publishing assistance. U.S. publicity obtained for first-time authors and other “unknowns” includes: CNN, People, U.S. News & World Report, Entrepreneur, L.A. Times, et al. (please note I do NOT work in the social media space).

In business, I'm very detail-oriented but also always keep an eye on "the big picture." My personal nature is upbeat and outgoing, cooperative vs. competitive, and I typically get along well with folks of whatever age, nationality, etc. (as I'm a peacemaker!).

Personally speaking, I'm neat, tidy, considerate (including being a quiet houseguest), and am a non-smoker + zero drugs. I’m also highly organized and a proactive self-starter regardless of the nature of the task at hand – but will always ask for more information or clarification as needed. FYI I have two recent letters of recommendation re: house-sitting I can provide you, and would also welcome dog-sitting opportunities having had several decades of dog-caring experience, and I'm an animal-lover overall.

Thanks so much for your initial review and consideration…
What else ...
I'm quite the Scrabble aficionado...and actually love board/card games of virtually any kind!
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
  not to my knowledge except for one Rx
- Special dietary requirements

Website Safety

Feedback

14 May 2025

Left by host (House sitting for my dog and ...) for Workawayer ()

It was an absolute pleasure to have Sam to visit and she did an excellent job of looking after Pedro and Doughnut.

Sam was great at getting back to me during our initial conversations and offered to send me feedback from her previous house/pet-sitting experience in England. She was flexible about dates and times of arrival etc. and understanding… read more

(Excellent )

8 May 2025

Left by Workawayer () for host (House sitting for my dog and ...)

(3 weeks total between April – May 2025)

I am an American who departed the States for England last autumn, where I subsequently completed multiple house/pet-sits for hosts there (including one repeat visit), and I subsequently did a 1.5 week sit in Seville – for a total of 8 sits spanning just over 4 months collectively (end of 2024/early 2025,… read more note: these were all via TrustedHousesitters as I wasn’t finding Workaway projects in England that were a fit just then). So although I was originally attracted to Claire’s posting regarding the restoration of her historic property, the dates of her house/pet-sitter request dovetailed with my upcoming visit to Spain (geared to participating in another different type of volunteer project) -– so I was surely well-equipped to volunteer for this one, and her locale in rural Spain looked lovely indeed.

As it turns out, Claire is now rounding the bend in readying the old mill into her newly-imagined home for she and her young son – so I won’t touch on her current rental where I stayed since she indicated she’ll be moving house pretty soon now.

I began reaching out to her appx. two months before my planned arrival in Spain, especially as I awaited final confirmation of my participation in the other volunteer program as that was my main motivation for traveling there. Right from the git-go she was just a delight to interact with. So well beforehand I felt we had established a friendly rapport as well as trust with one another. Upon my arrival in La Fresneda, the beauty of the local terrain did not disappoint, and Claire is one of a special breed of hosts who err’s on the generous side where her sitters are concerned -- definitely a refreshing surprise (as that’s not always the case!).

So I sat for the sweet-natured Pedro the dog, and also her young (about 1-yr. old) kitty, Donut. While he’s a very good boy overall, Pedro is nevertheless quite a sizable pooch, probably about 100# or thereabouts. If you’re coming to sit for him please be aware he is very strong and, if distracted by another barking dog, he can become quite hard to physically manage – so this is not a sit that would be appropriate for someone who is diminutive, or not very physically strong. Donut is probably the liveliest kitty I’ve ever met, exceptionally inquisitive, and also “spring-loaded!”…her energy is boundless, and it’s very entertaining to see the way she amuses herself by batting around the oddest objects with her feisty little paws. Her cuteness and silky softness are surely her superpowers, and she does like to (eventually!) slowdown and settle in for a cuddle, as does Pedro too as his sizable self crawled up onto my lap, repeatedly – he’s apparently under the impression he’s a toy poodle! At the present house, Pedro needed to be walked 3x a day…although he’ll have his own yard once the move occurs so his routine will likely alter. Other than that they just need fresh water, feeding 2x a day, a steady stream of “no’s!” when they each beg for people food (!), and the afore-mentioned cuddles.

Claire could not have been sweeter or more generous from beginning to end, and she was faithfully responsive throughout all our interactions (mostly via WhatsApp). My originally-scheduled house/pet-sit for her was a little over 2 weeks. Due to some issues regarding my car and a specialty part that had to be ordered, I ended up staying in the area longer than planned though – and that then coincided with an impromptu trip of hers – so she invited me back for another 5-night sit for Pedro & Donut…as a result, I took care of her critters for 3 weeks total.

While I had hoped to do a design consult with her at her new place, the timing didn’t work out…but she kindly took me there for a look-see, and it’s in the process of becoming a lovely place indeed. So whoever arrives to help out with future work on the property will be in a very special dwelling. And you really couldn’t ask for a more hospitable, considerate, or altogether sweet host than Claire whom I have such fondness for. I wish you & Leo and of course your adorable critters MUCH joy in your brilliantly restored casa, m’dear, and Thanks so much again for EVERYthing. It was truly my pleasure to be of help to you all… : D

(Excellent )

16 Jul 2024

Left by host for Workawayer ()

Sam arrived at our very busy farm this summer as a first timer with Workaway. But WOW, her creativity, SKILLS, and friendly nature will surely distinguish her repeatedly as an exceptional helper/visitor as she travels on. The areas of our home she turned her attention to while here have been transformed!

This enthusiast lady is also very much an… read more IDEA person, coming up with a variety of options for me as we discussed this or that project. One of the most intriguing of which is something I had never heard of and yet is a potentially an ideal money-making opportunity for our farm/property with zero cost to try it. Sam then did specific research on my property’s behalf and is continuing to advise me and help even after her departure. Given her long entrepreneurial background, this is apparently a core ability of hers. What an unexpected blessing for her to stay with us!

During her nearly 3 weeks, she refinished the four sun-bleached/water-stained wood windowsills in our dining nook area and touched up the walls. I was especially excited to have Sam reupholster our master bedroom headboard that I had purchased lovely fabric for over five years ago. Finally, I had someone qualified to redo it! It turned out perfectly! She also beautifully reupholstered two antique dining chairs in the same material. Such an amazing and quick transformation!

Sam also came up with a clever technique for touching up walls in our stairwell (and throughout the house) which had been very badly banged up by our now grown children and the many visitors we have been blessed with. She applied multiple coats of plaster which blended in well with the existing finish on the walls. She also refinished the outer facing part of the kitchen island (cabinet) and that also blended perfectly upon completion.

Sam brought her painting skills in the revamping of a trio of oak counter stools and our coffee/tea station, an oak bar cupboard we use daily. The coffee cabinet morphed into more of a challenge than expected, but Sam kept at it and tried different remedies in successfully repairing/camouflaging its damaged top. Her solution was to create a sort of freeform painted pattern that looks lovely and is also very durable for this busy spot in the kitchen. She also displayed a good helping of grace a number of times as materials we’d purchased ended up not behaving as they should have (requiring extra coats of paint, use of a different furniture stripper, etc.), but Sam was good at rolling with it and remained in good humor each time while diligently pressing on.

One of Sam’s most fun ideas was to use blackboard paint and barn-door inspiration to completely reimagine our high-traffic exterior door which was in desperate need of repainting. This inspiration led to a clever new “country charm” look to an otherwise completely flat/plain metal door, and we can now write greetings and messages on the blackboard section of the door. It is very convenient to be able to write notes to our many volunteers and OPEN FARM visitors in this highly visible location. Sam’s design background and gift for working with color underscored all her efforts as she made various recommendations and her skills, diligence, and attention to detail have proven to be exceptional. She also really knows her way around all sorts of home improvement materials.

Sam was a self-starter and diligent worker who needed minimal direction. We also enjoyed her cooking skills when she took her turns in the kitchen in contributing to group meals. Sam turned out to be a very good chef, applying obvious diligence in researching recipes on her own time and choosing to handle all the cooking duties herself when she was responsible for cooking dinner for the large group of us.

Our younger Workawayers bonded well with Sam and she had some lively as well as thoughtful exchanges with them. She clearly enjoys encouraging and celebrating others, making it fun to have her around with her upbeat personality and wise counsel. I invited Sam to extend her stay; her personality and skill set were an excellent fit here, but she had other commitments, thus it wasn’t feasible. In closing, I highly recommend Sam! She would certainly be welcomed back here with open arms! Her heart is calling her overseas to Europe where I know she will thrive with the rich history and the amazing architecture there. I am just thrilled that she came here first and left her talent and lovely touch throughout our home! Thank you so much Sam!

(Excellent )

7 Jul 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Enjoy a peaceful non-profit ...)

One of the names the family uses for their farmstead – and how TRUE that is! The array of critters, nearly 200, are so beguiling…especially the way so many species interact with each other which I never tired of watching as there’s a perfect vantage point when sitting at the kitchen table looking out the large bay window. And the setting!… read more

(Excellent )

View all