Meet Gretchen

Archaeology is to bear silent witness, to enter into communion with an ancient expression of Soul, before we invented walls and barriers and boundaries that artificially separate us from our shared humanity.

The task of the 21st century is to transcend our ego mind and to reconnect to our ancient expression of Soul. . . . when we found safety and peace and hope sitting with silence around the fire.

As an Archaeologist of the Soul, this is my mission.

I am an adventurer. . . . an author, speaker, interfaith coach, and travel photographer. Drawing on my early years as an archaeologist, I describe my Self as an archaeologist of the soul, seeking out spaces that speak to the culture of place and the origins of our shared humanity.

I received my fourth calling March 4, 2017, at 3 a.m. I promptly quit my soul-sucking corporate job and left on a solo spiritual quest to Bhutan by way of India and Nepal. That turned out to be a spiritual watershed in my life. More recently, I returned April 30, 2019, from a second spiritual sojourn to Thailand and Cambodia. 

My work as a writer, editor, and chief creative at Village of Care Press, my indie publishing company, allows me to spend the next year or two on spiritual walkabout. I find my Self drawn to places wild and remote, where people live simple lives of resilient happiness.

My dream is to open a retreat center that is a sanctuary for spiritual seekers, artists, writers, and musicians. . . . and perhaps American expats who need a bridge to a kinder, gentler life. Creator gave it a name on June 30, 2018: Lantern House. Let me help you find your lantern and let your light shine as a beacon to the world.