CURRENT MISSION

To explore the world, other people, and the human experience.

ABOUT ME

I have a purely adventurous (and restless) spirit. Apollo 15 commander Dave Scott said as he stood on the moon, "There's a fundamental truth to our nature: man must explore."

PHILOSOPHY

DESIDERATA by MAX EHRMANN

Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its shams, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Because I believe that all people should be friends and help each other.

Interests

I write, photograph and paint, and read. I love to be outdoors, forage for food and herbs, and cook. I do not eat meat.

• birds
• arts
• writing
• photography
• beauty
• dining
• cooking
• exercise
• walking
• crafts
• gardening
• flowers
• traveling
• painting
• drawing
• outdoor activities
• business

Music, Movies, and Books

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
Illusions by Richard Bach
All religious and spiritual texts - currently perusing the Tao te Ching and the Yoga Sutras

I like the music I hear in the woods, on the street, voices floating near me in the night...

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

A lot of amazing moments in my life have happened without travel, exactly where I am (or was at the time). An ephemeral moment of beauty in adolescence, big river dusk. On a late spring evening walking the banks of the Mighty Mississippi, I saw a standing garden in the distance, and what appeared to be hundreds of birds fluttering around it. I tiptoed close, quiet. Face pressed into the air just breath away from the fluttering, I realized that my little birds were truly moths. Soft, bright little floaters extending their proboscides into the sweet centers of flowers. True beauty is often surprising and can't be experienced from a distance. We must draw it close to us in order to truly experience.

There are many adventure stories... but the time for those is in conversation!

Teach, Learn, Share

I am willing to share all my knowledge about photography, writing, art and the English language! I am also willing to help other learn about food, herbalism and foraging.

I am ready to learn anything I can. I'm particularly interested in practical skills, food and cooking, the Spanish language, and often unseen places.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Love!
I can cook and clean, help with anything.
I also make and carry various crafts with me while travelling -- homemade herbal incense cones, jewelry, tea, homemade balms, etc., that I would LOVE to share.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Russian Federation, Spain, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States