CURRENT MISSION

To live life creatively and graciously ... and to read every good book ever written

ABOUT ME

I read. I feed people. I find the right book for the right reader. Above all, I try to practice gracious living.

I'm a reference librarian, and I've worked at a midsized public library for over fourteen years. I can't imagine a better job! When I'm not at work, I'm cooking or reading or traveling - often with a group of pirates (ask me about my pirate band!) Once I wrote a novel in thirty days, then decided I'd stick to reading what other people write. I'm never bored and I think there's magic everywhere, if you look closely. My hobby passions are architecture and photography.

When I grow up I want to be the world's leading expert in Anglo-Saxon or run a rescue home for wayward cats.

A few years back I did a HoNY-style photography/interviewing project, posted over at https://www.facebook.com/humansofokrf/

PHILOSOPHY

Live graciously and leave the world a better place than when you started.

Feel free to look me up on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/librarian.mari
Twitter: https://twitter.com/eleneariel/

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I've benefited greatly from the hospitality of other couchsurfers and I'm so glad I can finally return the favor.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I couchsurfed my way around the Southwest USA in 2010 and again in Scotland and England in 2016. I had only good experiences and I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

I've also done some one-night couchsurfing closer to home, usually in conjunction with traveling to renfaires.

Interests

I'm interested in so many things ... music, art, architecture, nature, creating things, food. The world is an interesting place and even everyday life can be an adventure.

• cats
• arts
• books
• architecture
• dining
• cooking
• cheese
• baking
• running
• shopping
• thrifting
• clothing
• reading
• traveling
• music

Music, Movies, and Books

Books: Neil Gaiman and Connie Willis are my two favorite living authors. I love Tolkien and Terry Pratchett, and once upon a time I was a chain-reader of Gone with the Wind and The Godfather. I love non-fiction about food or history ... and many other subjects. Movies: I'm not a huge movie watcher but I'll watch any Bond movie ever at the drop of a hat.

Music: Numerous and varied, dependent on my mood and the day, sometimes the minute: Celtic to bluegrass to classic rock to pop to indie rock to pirate shanties.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Stumbled onto an ordination service at the jaw-dropping Cathedral of Amiens. Since I believe sacred architecture is best experienced "in action" - full of music and worship - as it was intended, this was the absolute highlight of my latest European adventure.

Teach, Learn, Share

My skill is reader's advisory - tell me what you like, I'll tell you what you might enjoy reading.

I can also cook and bake ... my two favorite quick meals to make are homemade tortillas and french crepes. I know a bit about cheese making (my fav is halloumi, the fryable cheese!), can make homemade marshmallows, and can whip up a to-die-for pasta dish with only ten minutes, a lemon, and a cup of cream.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm a low-key guest - I'll be respectful of your time and space. I'm an independent, self-sufficient traveler, so while I'm happy to spend some time with my hosts, it's certainly not expected. I'm delighted to pitch in with household chores (just tell me what to do!) and would be happy to provide a simple meal.

Countries I’ve Visited

England, France, Germany, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States