Friends - I am away for a few months, back in summer.

CURRENT MISSION

Live a Meaningful life... And have fun. I know this is possible.

ABOUT ME

I'm friendly, out-going, adventurous and fun-loving. I'm a classic ENFP: people energize me, I'm intuitive and have a broad range of interests. As someone who thinks with his mouth open, I appreciate those who are more introverted, quiet and thoughtful. I'm creative, empathic and usually enthusiastic. I practice landscape architecture as a profession, and have developed an interest in biodiversity conservation. I am the father of two amazing young adults.

Culinarily I enjoy red wine, good coffee, craft beer, water, dark chocolate, Italian cuisine and dead cow. I run for exercise, like a good book and have a particular appreciation for the natural world.

I think at my core I want to bring about positive change in the world, contribute something of value with my existence. I am in the process of reinventing my life and look forward to something that is balanced and fulfilling.

PHILOSOPHY

Some things I've come to believe: Every human being has intrinsic value and deserves to be treated with respect. Decisions matter. Life is rich with opportunities to be experienced and enjoyed - happiness is a good thing. But there is evil and brokenness in the world also, and part of life is acting to combat these and help others. The goal of life is to learn to love (including yourself). I sound old don't I? I'm really not stodgy... really.

Landscape Architecture gives me the opportunity to help give shape to the world in ways that are thoughtful and dedicated to the well-being of both people and the larger context.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

So far, I have managed to create a profile. I am just beginning to be active in hosting (2015).

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

My son and I couchsurfed w/ a new friend in Rome, fall 2014. I have hosted a couple of times so far. These experiences tend to be the kind that stick with you - opportunities to learn, share, connect, grow, love. This is real life.

Interests

I have more interests than time. I love traveling to new places; new experiences turn me on. I dig live music. I'm into native plants, ecological restoration, biodiversity conservation and sustainable approaches to food production. Theology, history and philosophy interest me, as well as good psychology and sustainable design. I appreciate thoughtful artistic expressions and well-written sentences. I like being and doing outdoors: hiking, camping, landscaping, gardening. Running is my sport of choice; I also like riding my beater bike. I hope to explore ceramics, cooking and international travel (again). I love the photos my kids take; they are quite talented.

• pets
• books
• architecture
• design
• acting
• dining
• cooking
• chocolate
• wine
• red wine
• cheese
• beer
• coffee
• exercise
• running
• gardening
• traveling
• restoration
• pottery
• music
• live music
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• camping
• sports
• divinity
• history
• psychology

Music, Movies, and Books

My taste in movies and books is broad; my appreciation for music is Very broad. Some of my fave movies are: Life as a House, The Visitor and Man on Fire. Some of my fave authors/(books): Wendell Berry (Jayber Crow), Francis Schaeffer, CS Lewis, Dallas Willard, Stephen Ambrose (D-Day), Hemingway, JP Moreland, EO Wilson, (To Kill A Mockingbird, A Walk in the Woods).

I love the transferred energy of live music. Regarding genres, the list is really too long... I have to say Coldplay is my all time favorite band, U2 is a close second. Zero 7, Thievery Corp, Morcheeba, Boards of Canada and similar chill/lounge music turns me on. Love Patty Griffin, Alison Krauss, Ron Pope, Ray Lamontagne, Avett Brothers, Twenty One Pilots.. gosh there are so many talented musicians out there. Classic rock is always enjoyable: Stones, Led Zeppelin, CCR, etc. + Blues! I also have some running tunes on the iPod by Maroon 5, Calvin Harris, Mark Broussard, Dave Matthews and many others. Just the proverbial tip of the iceberg.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I was there when my kids were born; that was truly amazing.

I saw the Milky Way on a clear night on the Continental Divide, Colorado.

I know where to get really good fried chicken in Oklahoma.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can share what I know about landscape architecture, ecological restoration and biodiversity conservation. I have studied theology, and am also familiar with some solid psychological concepts.

I can wiggle my ears one at a time.

I am learning how to cook - you know, Really cook. We're not talking mac & cheese.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I suppose I'm older than most of y'all - I can regale you with stories from the Stone Age. I have an old photo of Ralph, my pet mastodon.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Poland, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Serbia, United Kingdom, United States