Hi there! I'm Janie. I am doing some exploring seeing some friends across the US - and making some new friends in-between? I am making some life transitions, and looking forward to seeing some new places and meet people as I go.

I grew up in Florida, but have lived in OR, WA and PA for the last five years. I have mostly worked in sustainable agriculture, food and farm education and adult special needs communities, and I love hearing people's stories though this work and throughout life! I spend as much time outside as possible, moving slowly or quickly, noticing things in air, sea and sky. I also appreciate consuming good and local food and drink - recommendations welcome!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

...because I believe in the power of sharing and connecting. Because I think that traveling is a lot more than just sight-seeing and checking off sites in a travel book. I love small adventures and hearing peoples' stories attached to places. I feel that staying with CS hosts makes trips more special and enables greater connection with a place. Aaaand sharing > capitalistic hotels, right?

What to expect when hosting me: I will respect your home, space and needs and am adaptable to your environment. That means I am equally open to different options along the spectrum of just-sleeping-on-your-couch to exploring-together-and-sharing-our-life-stories! Just communicate about your schedule and interests and I will do the same. If you love your town or city, show me why!

Interests

• singing
• dancing
• swing dancing
• cooking
• coffee
• gardening
• folk music
• hiking
• kayaking
• tea
• feminism
• printmaking
• farming
• local history
• climbing trees
• independent film
• acupuncture
• fermenting
• square dancing
• biodynamic agriculture
• community acupuncture
• community herbalism
• queering things

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Hurray for the Riff Raff, Nina Simone, Kings of Leon, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Abigail Washborn, Beach House, Dr. Dog, Motown, funk, bluegrass...

Some of my favorite authors/books: The Golden Spruce, Stone Butch Blues, Margaret Atwood, and Katy Bowman.

One of my favorite movies is Young @ Heart. Also Wes Anderson films, The Way He Looks, Cloudburst... In television, I enjoy Star Trek and Golden Girls. I am always open to recommendations of film and books that have changed the way you see the world.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I made a chocolate cake that is pretty amazing. Actually, I have done this multiple times.

Teach, Learn, Share

I love to dance and sing, and learn your steps or songs. I am always keen to learn family recipes, travel organization tips, gardening and permaculture ideas and facts about plants and animals. I would love to learn about your connection to your place, what you love (and what you struggle with, fight for/against)!

I typically will have some food and herbs and medicine from my garden or friends's gardens to share, but also love cooking meals for others and can cook for pretty much any dietary needs. We could bake challah together or something fun?

What I Can Share with Hosts

Some humorously presented tales of mundane occurrences, and a meal, beer and tea. Also, if I am not on a strict schedule, I can help with any projects you have going on (landscaping, gardening, cooking, etc).

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States