I am a writer, artist, and photographer with a sense of humor. My first book, Strangers Have the Best Candy, won an international award for "The Oddest Book Title of the Year." My second book, The Joyful Bear, is an illustrated guide to teddy bear philosophy.

I have never intentionally owned a television in my life. I won a TV in a random drawing last year; my family and friends have not stopped laughing about the irony.

I lived for many years in Seattle, and I consider it my hometown. Lately, I haven't stayed in one place for longer than three months, so here's a list of some of the places I've been visiting: Vero Beach and Jacksonville, Florida; Brunswick and St. Marys, Georgia; Beaufort, North Carolina; Santa Clara and Santa Cruz, California; Bellingham and Bremerton, Washington; Eugene and Bend, Oregon.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm on the road a lot, doing presentations on "How to Talk to Strangers" and "Principles of Teddy Bear Philosophy." But motels and hotels are my least-favorite places to stay. I would much rather crash on someone's couch and find out who they are, what they dream of, and what their lives are about.

The premise of Couchsurfing.com and the premise of my books are very closely aligned. I couchsurfed on Key West in the early 1990's, before the term even existed.

Interests

My passion is the world around me -- I am insatiably curious about every place I go, and every person I meet.

I spend a lot of time writing, making art, and going on photography expeditions.

I am an 11-year veteran of Burning Man, where I lead the Art & Decor team for the Department of Mutant Vehicles and the Happy Spot theme camp. If you are interested in attending Burning Man, or a regional Burning Man event, I have stories and photos, and lots and lots of connections. I'd love to share that unique culture with you.

And then there's sailing. I've been living aboard sailboats for the past 12 years, and I've sailed all over North America, including Alaska. I'm currently shopping for my next liveaboard sailboat.

I also like to dance, listen to music, play the accordion and the piano, eat at hole-in-the-wall ethnic restaurants, and create yummy things in the kitchen. I have an entire website of recipes (http://www.foodiegazette.com) to share.

• arts
• culture
• writing
• books
• design
• graphic design
• photography
• dancing
• recipes
• shopping
• cartoons
• tv
• cars
• drawing
• music
• piano
• blues
• camping
• sailing
• sign language
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

My music library has every single genre represented. I especially love blues, salsa, and anything from Brazil or Africa. Lately, I've been listening to a lot of classical, especially Chopin.

I'm slowly catching up on 25 years of movies I missed. I like movies based on true stories, and I dislike violence and forced humor that's not funny.

I prefer to read nonfiction, because real life is full of adventure, and truth is always stranger than fiction.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

In publishing my first book and promoting the message that talking to strangers is good for us, I have changed people's attitudes and their lives. I am honored that readers look to me for motivation and guidance, not just entertainment.

Teach, Learn, Share

I have a philosophy, known as Proactive Encounterism (aka "Mepsism") that I love to share. I'm a professional storyteller, and I give dramatic readings and presentations about how to talk to strangers.

I know about Burning Man culture and how to survive in Black Rock City. I can share my expertise in self-publishing, graphic design, photography, bluewater sailing, and how to do fiberglass repairs. I've studied dancing for years, so I can explain the basics of merengue, salsa, swing, and blues.

I want to learn Bollywood dance, jewelry-making, welding, sign language, and fire-spinning.

What I Can Share with Hosts

It's all about the attitude -- I am friendly and cheerful, don't take up much space, and I always clean up after myself. I bring Happy Spots wherever I go. If you would like to come to my presentation or book event, you will be an honored guest.

I also draw doodles and cartoons. I will leave you a fun drawing to remember our visit.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Portugal, Virgin Islands, British

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States