It is interesting to try to describe oneself, because one of the most lovely things about us as humans is our ability to contain so many qualities, sometimes even contradictory ones, within one person! I am constantly working on understanding myself and those around me, and it is a beautiful journey!

To start with, some ideas that are really important to me:

EMPATHY- Understanding our fellow people is a great way to understand ourselves and it helps us act in ways that are constructive! We are all in this together, after all!
GRATITUDE- Being thankful helps us keep perspective.
COMMUNITY- I feel really, really lucky to have a big, supportive community in my life.
ADVENTURE- I like staying on my toes, even if I am physically stationary, by trying to always learn and explore in some way or another.
ART- I am surrounded by people who are all creating something that makes our world a more beautiful place. Lucky me! Art allows us to connect with one another and it makes life more interesting.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I have actually been on couch surfing for quite some time, but have hosted folks through my partner's account. (Matthew Neal Schultz.) I LOVE IT! We have met some really wonderful people. It has been a joy to show folks a world which they might not otherwise get to see. We live in a pretty special place in the world and it feels great to share it. Also, I get to learn about others, hear their stories, get their take on life.

Now, I am traveling with my partner and another dear friend, (Solomon Thelin) playing music all around Europe. I am really looking forward to being on the other side of couchsurfing, as a surfer, this time!

Interests

Some of my favorite things include:

Front porches, back porches, campfires..anyplace where friends can congregate and relax in the company of one another!

Cooking with/for friends. Everything about it. The fellowship, the process, the act of enjoying food together. Also, brunch. Whether made at home or enjoyed elsewhere.

Riding my bike.

Dancing. Burlesque or in a club. Alone or with friends or with strangers. Watching or doing.

Playing music with other people. Sharing/trading songs. Passing around the guitar. Collaboration. It is a wonderful thing.

Being outside. In the sun, but also in the rain. I come from a place that is so geographically diverse! There are forests, rivers, lakes, hot springs, waterfalls, mountains, desert, ocean... all in one wonderful state! I like to take advantage of the beautiful world we live in as often as possible, and to share it with other people. Camping is wonderful. Swimming, hiking, lounging...

Laughing. (Who doesn't love to laugh?!)

Costumes. Dress-up is my favorite game. I LIVE for costumes. Festival season, parties, or just a Tuesday night. I will take any excuse. I will also gladly help you with yours!

• arts
• festivals
• dancing
• dining
• cooking
• partying
• clubbing
• traveling
• music
• guitar
• cycling
• hiking
• camping
• surfing
• swimming
• lakes
• rivers
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

MUSIC! I love anything I can tap my toe or sway to, just about! Blues, Classic Country, Cabaret, Electronic, Folk, Cumbia, RnB, HipHop...
I haven't owned a TV in years, but I do enjoy watching movies! Just about any kind, really.
Reading is a real joy, but sadly, I haven't been doing much lately. I prefer fiction to non-fiction. I can say that my hands-down favorite author is Tom Robbins. He does magic realism so well, his characters are all quirky and wonderful, and he describes the area I come from, (The Pacific Northwest of the USA,) in a way that would make me fall in love with it if I wasn't already smitten.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Stories, meals, language, music, laughs... Bring it on. Let the festivities begin!

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany, Italy, Spain