Summer is a lot less Hostel this year

I was thinking today that last Summer, and for the previous 4, I was super busy working at Hostelling International- San Francisco, feeding travelers from all over and just really enjoying chatting people up and learning about the world through their eyes.
When I think about all the friendships I made there- it makes me miss the whole scene a lot. Truth be told, I met people through working there and through my own hostelling adventures who really changed my life, and continue to today.
When you're in the midst of a Summer Season at a hostel- it can really wreck your head- I'm not gonna lie- it is intense. Along with the 92% of awesome, super rad and open-minded people, there's that 8% that can KILL YOU! I am not even kidding. I smelled some stuff YOU WOULD NOT BELIEVE and saw some ridiculous behavior that would just shock you by the commitment level of sheer assholeness! Some days I would leave work thinking, "omg reeeally? wtf was THAT all about?"
I spent the majority of my Hostel years at HI-City Center, which, in my opinion, is the best of the 3 San Francisco city hostels (they're all good!)... but let's just say it is located in a most adventurous San Francisco neighborhood, The Tenderloin. You may have heard of it... I used to talk about it a lot! It's a rough neighborhood to be sure. You will see and smell things that may make you want to barf... but now when I look back, my memories within the walls of the hostel are what make me feel like it really wasn't so bad after all. I know a lot of people who feel the same way.
While the memories are flowing, I wanted to share my love and praise for hostelling, and for all the knowledge and joy it brought into my life. In my opinion it is the BEST- and smartest way to travel... you get an affordable, clean, safe place to lay your head at night, a rad free or really cheap breakfast, and the possibility of new friendships that will enrich your life in a million ways. I usually travel by myself, so having a familiar place with that special energy is brilliant. It is a place of magic if you let it be! What else do you need really?

★ ★ It's in the stars for Piki and Poko ★ ★ ...♥

Eleven years ago a brilliant world was introduced to the interwebs: "Piki and Poko: Adventures in Starland". A lush pastelly land with hot-blooded volcanoes and effeminate trees, malignant candy and evil marshmallow bunnies! I had the chance to play a character that I connected with and love- and got to be almost every week. What a blessing for an actor! "Piki Matsumoto" is the girl. We have a lot in common; I understand her really well. She wears waaay more pink than me though- and I just can't believe how high my voice is! hehe
All of us who were a part of this show love it and believe in it so much- even years later, I still have hopes that we can continue the story. In the meantime, I am going to do my best to bring the Star Sisters and all of their friends- and foes- back to share - and hope you'll enjoy their adventures as well. The writers, animators, directors...all the rad dogs that used to hang out at Mondo Media back in the real awesome days, contributed so much magic. I loved going there! I had just begun working as a Voice Actor and I can't imagine a more amazing time or place to start my journey. I am so proud to be a part of a project that takes risks and embraces all the color, beauty and beautiful differences we can share when we open up.
To get things going, here are the first 2 episodes of the series.
I hope you love them too!





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