Pascale & James
Pascale & James
Voluntary simplicity is how we get creative and available
About Pascale & James
I'm Pascale, originally from France, living in Montreal since 1994 where I completed a master in translation. I've always worked self-employed, in various fields such as translation, art, hosting, and catering. On a broader sense, I like to say that I employ myself to live. Exchange-of-service experiences I've had that allowed me to find a roof ...
I'm Pascale, originally from France, living in Montreal since 1994 where I completed a master in translation. I've always worked self-employed, in various fields such as translation, art, hosting, and catering. On a broader sense, I like to say that I employ myself to live. Exchange-of-service experiences I've had that allowed me to find a roof and glean what's needed to live while on the road include wwoofing, hostel management, humanitarian action, house/pet-sitting, artist residencies, and meditation retreats. Voluntary and radical simplicity encourages me to be creative. I'm a big zero waste activist. I believe in alternative economies, non-consumption, and non-accumulation. As an artist, I create my life, out of who I am, or what I have or find, for immensely rewarding results. I have a great sense of responsibility, commitment, and honesty. Sometimes my daughter has gone along with me, including the experience as a project in her Freinet school. She's now 19, she's passionate about photography and studies human sciences.
My partner James and I are both living the same way, adjusting to a life made of discoveries and multiple points of view. James is an Air Force veteran, originally from Michigan. He's curious about and attracted by any living creature, plant or animal. He will instantly fall in love with a dog and give it much time to cuddle and play. Apart from being a dog nutty person (him saying: "The only thing that makes me spontaneously happy without fail is when I see a dog. As one Zen master said: "Zen is: when hungry eat, when tired sleep." Dogs have Buddha nature."), his interests include permaculture, sustainable living, juggling and acting, alternative economics, and social dynamics. His projects include growing and managing forest gardens and building an adobe house in the Terlingua desert, in Big Bend country, Southwest Texas.
We're both non smokers and practice Vipassana meditation. We do not live or travel always together, so our requests may aply for one of us as well as the two of us.
Why we want to house sit
We like to take things as they are without the craving to change everything. In every situation and place lies a gem that we're glad to find, and this has to do with giving ourselves and others just what's needed for a peace of mind. We like to kick ourselves out of our habits, of our own place, of what we know, and relocate (I then call it our new theatre). We adapt very quicly. As far as animals are concerned when we take care of them, we're glad when harmony and routine is preserved so they feel no stress. We see house-sitting as a unique oportunity to lend a service, feel useful, and be part of an international community to care for and learn from each others. Your reality could be ours, or vice-versa. It's a question of understanding our needs and helping each others in a simple, fair and trustful manner. In comparison to work-exchange experiences which imply living with a community, and to which we are both very much used to, house-sitting is a way for us to enjoy a life on our own, as peaceful as we like it to be, and think as locals. We like building up a routine out of chores, walks, healthy cooking, and rest.
Last winter we've been travelling for three months south of the US, where I (Pascale) accomplished two house-sitting assignments in Austin, while James was in Iowa for a training. This spring, we'll be travelling in Europe to see family. We are looking forward to other assignments, so as to develop this alternative way of traveling and living that is for us fundamentally humane!
Our experience
I personally have done house-sitting for friends, and friends of friends, in the US (Vermont, and New-Hampshire), as well as in France, some of them including gardening, pets or farm animals (horses, poultry, rabits, cows). I'm used to home-exchanges too. I'm an Airbnb host year-round in Montreal. I know about house responsibilities and how to keep everything clean and tidy.
James has volunteered thousands of hours at animal shelters in Michigan, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. He has experience working with abused, timid, energetic and aggresive dogs of all shapes and sizes. He grew up with dogs in his home and most of his extended family are dog people as well. He has experience house-sitting and dog-sitting, and working with dogs that require "special needs". He is a member of Rover.com (for dog sitting, walking and caring).
Reviews (2)
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Xavier - Barcelona, Spain
04 May - 08 May 2018
Pascale is quiet, sensitive and trustworthy person. We were very comfortable knowing that she was at home taking care of animals. Surely it is a good choice for anyone who needs help with animals and the house during a trip. Thanks Pascale.
Pascale is quiet, sensitive and trustworthy person. We were very comfortable knowing that she was at home taking care of animals. Surely it is a good choice for anyone who needs help with animals and the house during a trip. Thanks Pascale.
- Organised
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- Reliable
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- Self-sufficient
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- Tidy
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- Pet care
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Grace - Austin, Texas, United States
07 February - 12 February 2018
Pascale was absolutely wonderful! She took great care of our pets and our home and sent frequent updates. The apartment was in pristine condition when we got back. Would absolutely love to have her back anytime. She's such a gem!!
Pascale was absolutely wonderful! She took great care of our pets and our home and sent frequent updates. The apartment was in pristine condition when we got back. Would absolutely love to have her back anytime. She's such a gem!!
- Organised
-
- Reliable
-
- Self-sufficient
-
- Tidy
-
- Pet care
-
About Pascale & James
I'm Pascale, originally from France, living in Montreal since 1994 where I completed a master in translation. I've always worked self-employed, in various fields such as translation, art, hosting, and catering. On a broader sense, I like to say that I employ myself to live. Exchange-of-service experiences I've had that allowed me to find a roof and glean what's needed to live while on the road include wwoofing, hostel management, humanitarian action, house/pet-sitting, artist residencies, and meditation retreats. Voluntary and radical simplicity encourages me to be creative. I'm a big zero waste activist. I believe in alternative economies, non-consumption, and non-accumulation. As an artist, I create my life, out of who I am, or what I have or find, for immensely rewarding results. I have a great sense of responsibility, commitment, and honesty. Sometimes my daughter has gone along w......
I'm Pascale, originally from France, living in Montreal since 1994 where I completed a master in translation. I've always worked self-employed, in various fields such as translation, art, hosting, and catering. On a broader sense, I like to say that I employ myself to live. Exchange-of-service experiences I've had that allowed me to find a roof and glean what's needed to live while on the road include wwoofing, hostel management, humanitarian action, house/pet-sitting, artist residencies, and meditation retreats. Voluntary and radical simplicity encourages me to be creative. I'm a big zero waste activist. I believe in alternative economies, non-consumption, and non-accumulation. As an artist, I create my life, out of who I am, or what I have or find, for immensely rewarding results. I have a great sense of responsibility, commitment, and honesty. Sometimes my daughter has gone along with me, including the experience as a project in her Freinet school. She's now 19, she's passionate about photography and studies human sciences.
My partner James and I are both living the same way, adjusting to a life made of discoveries and multiple points of view. James is an Air Force veteran, originally from Michigan. He's curious about and attracted by any living creature, plant or animal. He will instantly fall in love with a dog and give it much time to cuddle and play. Apart from being a dog nutty person (him saying: "The only thing that makes me spontaneously happy without fail is when I see a dog. As one Zen master said: "Zen is: when hungry eat, when tired sleep." Dogs have Buddha nature."), his interests include permaculture, sustainable living, juggling and acting, alternative economics, and social dynamics. His projects include growing and managing forest gardens and building an adobe house in the Terlingua desert, in Big Bend country, Southwest Texas.
We're both non smokers and practice Vipassana meditation. We do not live or travel always together, so our requests may aply for one of us as well as the two of us.
Why we want to house sit
We like to take things as they are without the craving to change everything. In every situation and place lies a gem that we're glad to find, and this has to do with giving ourselves and others just what's needed for a peace of mind. We like to kick ourselves out of our habits, of our own place, of what we know, and relocate (I then call it our new theatre). We adapt very quicly. As far as animals are concerned when we take care of them, we're glad when harmony and routine is preserved so they feel no stress. We see house-sitting as a unique oportunity to lend a service, feel useful, and be part of an international community to care for and learn from each others. Your reality could be ours, or vice-versa. It's a question of understanding our needs and helping each others in a simple, fair and trustful manner. In comparison to work-exchange experiences which imply living with a community, and to which we are both very much used to, house-sitting is a way for us to enjoy a life on our own, as peaceful as we like it to be, and think as locals. We like building up a routine out of chores, walks, healthy cooking, and rest.
Last winter we've been travelling for three months south of the US, where I (Pascale) accomplished two house-sitting assignments in Austin, while James was in Iowa for a training. This spring, we'll be travelling in Europe to see family. We are looking forward to other assignments, so as to develop this alternative way of traveling and living that is for us fundamentally humane!
Our experience
I personally have done house-sitting for friends, and friends of friends, in the US (Vermont, and New-Hampshire), as well as in France, some of them including gardening, pets or farm animals (horses, poultry, rabits, cows). I'm used to home-exchanges too. I'm an Airbnb host year-round in Montreal. I know about house responsibilities and how to keep everything clean and tidy.
James has volunteered thousands of hours at animal shelters in Michigan, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. He has experience working with abused, timid, energetic and aggresive dogs of all shapes and sizes. He grew up with dogs in his home and most of his extended family are dog people as well. He has experience house-sitting and dog-sitting, and working with dogs that require "special needs". He is a member of Rover.com (for dog sitting, walking and caring).
Verifications
Email Address, Phone Number
Animal Care Experience
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Dogs
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Cats
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Horses
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Fish
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Poultry
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Farm animals
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Small pet
Availability
Preferred Countries
Profile Details
Age
Occupation
Travelling as a
Previous house sitting experience
Member benefits
Member since
House & pet sitting timeline
Pascale and James have done 3 house sits since 2016
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BarcelonaSpainMay 2018 -
AustinUnited StatesFeb 2018 -
AustinUnited StatesFeb 2018
