Where the soul leads, magic follows.
I’m Crystal. A mother of three, humanitarian, storyteller, photographer, wanderer, and endlessly curious student of this beautiful, complicated world.
I’ve spent much of my life following curiosity into unfamiliar places. From remote villages in the Congo to communities rebuilding through conflict, from the wild beauty of Africa to the jungles and waves of Costa Rica, these experiences have shaped how I see the world—and what I believe matters most.
“I followed a feeling, and it led me into a life I could never have imagined.”
Somewhere between surrender and courage, the extraordinary happens.
There is something extraordinary that happens when we learn to listen to our hearts.
When we quiet the noise, connect deeply with ourselves, and find the courage to follow the invisible pull toward something greater, life begins to unfold in ways we could never have imagined.
I’ve experienced this magic.
In faraway places, unexpected encounters, extraordinary coincidences, and moments of profound connection, I’ve felt the presence of something beyond what we can see or explain.
Call it the universe. Spirit. God. The One.
“I was never able to accept the status quo. I knew there was a better way. And I would live it.”
Feet grounded while kissing the sky.
I believe there is an intelligence, a connectedness, a beautiful mystery woven through everything.
And when we trust it, when we live authentically, move courageously, and surrender to the unknown, we become part of its unfolding.
Dreams become possibilities. Possibilities become realities. And what once seemed impossible begins to manifest before us.
A journey inward and beyond.
A life lived in alignment with the soul.
An invitation to discover just how extraordinary existence can be.
THIS IS ALL THE MAGIC.
The Magic I’ve Seen
Every place holds a little magic. The countries I’ve explored are highlighted in gold. Click to discover the stories I’ve gathered along the way. More stories are still unfolding.
The Journal
- Seven Days on the Water: A Mother’s Journey Through War and Floods in Ayod, South Sudan
In the remote wetlands of Ayod, South Sudan, where war and rising waters have forced entire communities to abandon their homes, I met a woman whose extraordinary journey revealed what it truly means to survive. The Journey to Ayod Getting to Ayod, South Sudan, was an adventure in itself. I boarded a United Nations Humanitarian …Read more “Seven Days on the Water: A Mother’s Journey Through War and Floods in Ayod, South Sudan”
- 3 Days in Berlin: History, Hidden Beauty & a Journey to Africa
3 days in Berlin: Three days, one extraordinary city, and a journey that was about to change my life. On my way to Congo for the first time, I spent 3 days in Berlin. Berlin was never supposed to be the destination. I was on my way to Kinshasa, the sprawling capital of the Democratic …Read more “3 Days in Berlin: History, Hidden Beauty & a Journey to Africa”
- Always Looking Up, But Also Within
In 1995, I participated in a sister schools program in Moscow, Russia. A Russian student named Miche Savin spent one month with my family in Florida, and then I got to spend one month with him and his family in Moscow. This was such a strange time to be in that city, in that country, … - The One Thing I Liked About Brussels
Moules-frites. That’s it. Not because I don’t like the place, but because of the memories tainted by one bad egg in that place. In all my travels, I have been bolstered in spirit by the amazing fact that everywhere I’ve been, I have encountered nothing but kind people who wanted to help. Russia, the Middle … - Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square
Last month we did a ten day camping trip in the Florida Keys with our three sons. The first few days of any family trip is always a little hectic. It takes time for us to settle into a rhythm together. We rented a boat and took it out to the Islamorada sandbar on day … - DIY Instant Oats
This is my go to recipe for DIY instant oats. I use this as base recipe for camping trips or trips to the bush. Ingredients 8 cups organic rolled oats 2 cups dried tart cherries (no sugar added) 1 cup organic ground flaxseeds 1/2 cup organic chia seeds 1 cup organic powdered peanut butter 1 … - Panama: Islands in a Dream
I never really wanted to go to Panama. Well, I want to go EVERYWHERE. But Panama was definitely not at the top of my list. Not until a few things changed in my life. First, I moved to Costa Rica. Second, I had a baby. Third, I got married. I wanted a REAL honeymoon. Without … - Droning on about it.
I know, I keep talking about my drone. But I love these photos. I love this fresh perspective on a landscape I have known my entire life. This is a photo I captured of Playa Guiones during sunset a couple of weeks ago. This and other similar photos taken on that day are all available … - San Blas Island Paradise
We got a rare glimpse of old world Carribean while sailing the San Blas Islands on our honeymoon. On our first night, we buoyed next to this idyllic tropical island. After that, we visited several more of the 365 islands dotting the turquoise waters. Each of the islands we visited was as pristine and untouched …
Step Into the Magic
A life of adventure, unexpected encounters, extraordinary people, and the beautiful mystery of being alive.
Join me for stories from the road less traveled, reflections on the human experience, and little reminders that magic is everywhere—if we choose to see it.