CURRENT MISSION

finding four-leaf clover everywhere

ABOUT ME

Backwoodsy, easy-going, self-aware, lofty, analytical, sentimental, extremely flexible... I'm a little bit of all of these.

PHILOSOPHY

This is asking a lot- first I have to become conscious of my personal philosophy and then I have to try and articulate it? I guess I just want a satisfying life, which means very little money, a very wide range of experiences, and lots reflection. I'm the kind of person who doesn't generally talk much; I'm an observant bystander in ordinary, casual situations. However, I value meaningful discussion very much, and when I can relate to someone I often end up conversing for hours. The people with whom I form my strongest and most meaningful connections are quite variable, so it's important to me that I don't get stuck in a rut with regards to lifestyle, personality, interests, etc., and end up missing out. You could say I very highly value flexibilty and open-mindedness, and definitely trying new things.

This is gross. I didn't want to get so mushy, but hopefully it's helpful to go through these motions if you're trying to decide if it's safe/worthwhile to have me around.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Backpacking through Northern Europe last summer, I stayed with several CouchSurfers who were extremely helpful as well as interesting. Now I'd like to pay it forward by hosting anyone for whom lovely Fayetteville, Arkansas is a top destination.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Stayed with some lovely folks in Sweden, Holland, Belgium, and Britain

Interests

Walking, talking to strangers, exploring, writing journals and letters, reading, dancing!!!, chocolate, plants (vegetable gardens, houseplants, tree identification), drawing, photography (35mm b&w), cognitive science, playing dress-up, craft projects, home improvement projects, and animals, especially sheep

• animals
• writing
• photography
• dancing
• dining
• chocolate
• walking
• reading
• knitting
• drawing
• outdoor activities
• fishing
• backpacking
• science

Music, Movies, and Books

I'm open to all music, but partial to: Todd Rundgren, Neil Young, Kris Kristofferson, Merle Haggard, Al Green, Earth Wind & Fire, Madonna, Beirut, Jens Lekman, T.Rex, Talking Heads, Steely Dan, Stan Getz, Bill Evans, Biggie Smalls. Wide range of stuff.

Movies: Blue Velvet, The Holy Mountain, Vertigo, Cat Ballou, The Boys from Brazil, Running with Scissors, The Royal Tennenbaums, The Irony of Fate, Zoolander, Harold and Maude, and Everything is Illuminated.

And as far as books go...
everything by Dostoevsky comes first. Then,
Lolita, The Catcher in the Rye, everything by Richard Brautigan, Inferno, Brave New World.
I also read non-fiction... psychology, science in general, philosophy, and occasionally I pick up a history.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Once two friends and I were having a terrible time finding our way through St. Petersburg, Russia's domestic airport. There was nothing in English and no one who could understand us, and even after six weeks studying in Russia we were pretty limited with our language skills. After hauling our luggage up and down multiple flights of stairs and across the whole building, we finally found the counter to get our tickets to Moscow. The women at the desk found us so amusing that they moved us to first class for free.

And this in a country known for terrible customer service!

Teach, Learn, Share

I can knit, sew, refinish furniture, rewire lamps, make lots of crafty things (like journals and jewelry), and fix a delicious carrot cake.
I'm handy and good with my hands. I can draw from sight very well (will do portraits in exchange for food). I know a lot about all those things I said I study, plus photography.
And I can dance.

I want to learn more about outdoor skills like fishing.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Finland, Germany, Netherlands, Russian Federation, Sweden, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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