Barbara Burgess

In 1982, Barbara Burgess was born in Nashville, Tennessee and toted home to small-town, Tennessee. She has yet to leave the greater Nashville area. She is most definitely a native. Having grown up on a relatively sustainable homestead, she enjoys "do it yourself" projects, having animals as house mates and plants with which to chat. Her mother is quite the cook, and Burgess monitored her work well! Daily she chats with her mother on the phone about recipes for breads, tips on canning veggies and cookies, cookies, cookies! Her "daddy" is quite the artist and handyman. Burgess recalls seeing a sketch of a mermaid that her dad had drawn, and then drawing one herself. This prompted a series of paintings, sketches and writing projects. She was six. Much to the surprise of many, Burgess grew up in a religiously open household. Having a mom is a Sunday school teacher are the local Methodist church and a dad that doesn't believe in organized religion, she was free to read all religious texts and ask questions openly. Years of independent study of major and minor religions lead her to Buddhism and Hinduism which lead her to yoga. It was in yoga that Burgess found her passion. With more than 12 years under her belt and three certifications, she currently teaches in her city. In an effort to provide yoga to everyone that is interested, she volunteers at a local artist collective providing a free yoga class to the community once a week. Though it may seem a bit odd for a yogi, Burgess is not only a yogi, but a satirical essayist and story teller (in her living room). Reading and reviewing is also a favorite hobby of hers. Most mornings, you can find her drinking a mug of warm coffee and reading one of her many periodicals. Nashville's musicals traditions are not lost on Burgess. She is a music lover, ukulele player and sometimes, you may even get to hear her sing (no promises about the quality).