CURRENT MISSION

To see joy in the saddest places. To pursue beauty in its lair. To never simplify what is complicated or complicate what is simple.

ABOUT ME

I grew up in the forests of northern California, studied anthropology and Chinese in the green mountains of Vermont, then traveled and worked in Washington DC, the UK, and France before moving to Beijing in 2005 where I lived until 2009, working for a local environmental organization. Now I'm in the UK going to graduate school.

PHILOSOPHY

"To love. To be loved. To never forget your own insignificance. To never get used to the unspeakable violence and the vulgar disparity of life around you. To see joy in the saddest places. To pursue beauty in its lair. To never simplify what is complicated or complicate what is simple. To respect strength, never power. Above all, to watch. To try and understand. To never look away. And never, never, to forget” – Arundhati Roy

Por qué estoy en Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I've stayed with gracious CS hosts in Scotland and China and I'm looking forward to having a couch to offer up in the future.

Intereses

I am a life-long learner and always up for new experiences that will broaden my horizon. I'm currently learning rock climbing, guitar, and scuba diving. Other passions past and present include 20 years of modern dance, arts and crafts of all kinds, writing, taking long walks, reading, cooking, knitting, helping mothers with childcare, making herbal remedies, and, well, lots more.

• arts
• writing
• beauty
• dancing
• cooking
• crafts
• reading
• knitting
• guitar
• scuba diving
• rock climbing
• anthropology
• mountains

Música, películas y libros

I just read Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollin, and think it's one of the best books I've read in a long time. Other favorites include Cry, The Beloved Country (Alan Paton), Deep Economy (Bill McKibben), and the Secret Life of Bees. I love folk music, Anais Mitchell, Dar Williams, Sara Thomsen, as well as world music and a capella such as Sweet Honey in the Rock.

Algo increíble que he hecho

Life never ceases to amaze me.

Enseña, aprende, comparte

I love making natural home made lip balm and salve and would love to teach if you provide the materials! I can also teach (beginning) knitting, and explain the workings of the Chinese language. I'd also be happy to share my perspective on China and the work I did with a Chinese NGO on environmental issues.