CURRENT MISSION

Developing modes of communication that yield innovative enrichment experiences

ABOUT ME

I have been volunteering on the Gulf Coast for the past few years helping to rebuild communities post-Hurricane Katrina. I met Jonathan, the light of my life, in a volunteer camp two years ago. I relocated to his home in Franklin, NC last year. Jonathan repairs stereos and electronics, is an avid volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, and enjoys listening to The Young Turks.

PHILOSOPHY

Don't postpone joy. Encourage laughter. Ask intriguing questions. Expand your boundaries.

Our lives are improved when we freely give out time, talent and treasure to others.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

We have been active volunteers in our home community and along the Gulf Coast. We enjoy connecting with other volunteers and CouchSurfers.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I enjoy hosting travelers when possible - they have great stories. I was hosted by Anna Cruse in NZ - amazing woman who taught me about making chain mail. I was even hosted during a lengthy layover in Fiji by Fi and Api - much better than hanging out at the airport for 12 hours. They were so sweet and accommodating - they let me nap, gave me a walking tour and cooked me dinner. Lovely people. Would like to expand my participation with CS.

Interests

Stories
Electronics and alternative energy sources, particularly solar
SCUBA Diving
Helicopter rides
Crossword puzzles
Learning
Photography/Videography
Sharing stories, building community and drinking tasty coffee/tea. And the occasional heartier beverage!

Music, Movies, and Books

The TrashCan Sinatras, Mew, The Cure, Liz Phair, Deborah Conway, Hunters and Collectors, The Cruel Sea, Throat Culture, Harm Farm, The B-52s, Violent Femmes. The Princess Bride, The Thin Blue Line, The Cook The Thief His Wife and Her Lover, Scarfies, Fantasia, Ice Skating with Sir Isaac Newton.
Three Junes, The Eyre Affair, anything by Douglas Adams or Christopher Moore, The Tortilla Curtain, The Time-Travelers Wife, half the books by Jodi Picoult, Kurt Vonnegut's omnibus...

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Climbed Machu Picchu. Breathtaking.
Conquered fear of heights with a Ropes Challenge Course.

Teach, Learn, Share

I learned that I can shear a sheep. Quite an accomplishment for this City Grrl. I can teach about the incredible opportunities that happen when you let go of the concept of "Security" through work and find it through networks of interdependence with others.

Jonathan is learning more about sustainability with a focus on solar power. He just built a workbench that is powered by a car battery charged by solar panels. We are both interested in exchanging information that enhances ease of living - four ourselves and for the planet.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Jonathan is a very handy guy. In our travels he has installed new car stereo speakers, set up surround sound systems, fixed doors that wouldn't close or stay closed, and repaired a broken charging cable. He'd be happy to share his talents.

I write feature stories for our local paper. I'd be happy to share my talents in helping you write a blog post, edit a paper, update a resume, or swap stories.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Belize, Canada, Kenya, New Zealand, Peru, Rwanda, Uganda, Zimbabwe

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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