CURRENT MISSION

To be a wonderful citizen, to give to others and to also enjoy life to its fullest.

ABOUT ME

I describe myself as a world-loving, life-loving woman, who hopes to contribute positively both globally and locally. It matters to me to see and face reality, and also imagine/work to create a world of increased sharing, joy and respect for its wonderful diversity. My now-grown children matter to me, and I often travel with my daughter. I was a homeschooling mom for about 30 years, defining this as families learning together as a lifelong endeavor, so it continues. I am exploring my role in the world as "just me". Music, writing, and working for peace and justice and the environment are part of this. I like experiencing surprises and enjoying sunrises and sunsets.

I know there is more, and probably better ways to express what I've shared, but I will leave it at this for now.

PHILOSOPHY

To start -- kindness, caring, be enthusiastic about life, sharing gifts, zest, care for our planet and each other, be compassionate in all we do.

To keep good intentions and forgive others' plus our own mistakes (or what we think of as mistakes) and move onward, gleaning what lessons we can from them. And keep a healthy sense of humor.

I love this quote: "You are not really listening unless you are prepared to be changed by what you hear." I also like "My religion is kindness." I respect any faith or belief when it leads a person to kindness and fulfillment.

That's it for now.

Warum ich bei Couchsurfing bin

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Meeting other couch surfers when I travel, recently able to open my own house at times. I have hosted many, many people here, although not in this organization yet.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

My first experiences were traveling with my daughter while she auditioned for music colleges, the first being a wonderful stay in Madison Wisconsin for me and my daughter. This has grown to more general travel. Each experience has been different, and each has been a treasure.

Interessen

Music --creating it on the piano, improving, listening to it, sharing it, playing with other people, all kinds and styles; contra dancing ( both dance and play the music).

I love photography; the ocean; swimming, interesting conversations, exploring new ideas, humor, sunshine, sustainability; hiking, long walks, conversations from serious to fanciful, embracing the joy of wherever we are.

Although not a "constant gamer" I enjoy Settlers of Catan (favorite game), Carcassonne, Seven Wonders, and similar games, also like a good game of "Hearts."

• writing
• photography
• dancing
• environment
• gardening
• traveling
• music
• piano
• hiking
• swimming

Musik, Filme und Bücher

Music from around the world. Salsa, Bach, classical, world-beat, groove, "trad" (New England, Quebec, etc.) blues, folk. I like music played with "heart" and warmth; you can find this in almost every style.

Books -- a few among many --- "Water for Elephants," "In the Absence of the Sacred" (a critical look at technology), "Hunger Games," "Small Wonders," Howard Zinn's historical accounts, assorted science, "The Pushcart Wars," anything by Thich Nhat Hanh, good mysteries (Agatha Christie included), works by Tolstoy and Dostoievsky, and humorous stuff.

Movies -- Will add.

I would like to add "Games" (described also in "About Me") --- Settlers of Catan, Carcassonne, Seven Wonders, and similar games -- Settlers is my favorite. Also enjoy a good game of "Hearts."

Eine tolle Erfahrung, die ich gemacht habe

Giving birth to and raising my three children, having the honor of accompanying them and growing with them as their lives unfolded. And yes, traveling with them as well.

Driving 4,000 miles from rural western NY State through Brownsville TX and along Mexico's Atlantic/Caribbean coast to Belize and back. Many of the best experiences were unplanned -- we had no set itinerary.

Lehren, lernen, teilen

Need to complete. I can share a positive approach to life, willingness to learn from people, a good ear. I know much about music, enjoy sharing it. Plants, gardening. Ideas for sustainability, making the world a healthier kinder place.
I'm happy to learn whatever comes my way -- and surprises are great.

Was ich mit Gastgebern teilen kann

Enjoying conversations and learning from each other; two hands that enjoy helping out, zest for life, able to listen to people. familiarity with gardening, care for the environment, enjoyment of people of all ages, decent sense of humor. Can also do photographic portraits, and can play music if wanted, either by myself or with others.

Länder, die ich besucht habe

Australia, Belize, Canada, Mexico

Länder, in denen ich gelebt habe

United States

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