Here's the basics on life around here, here being a 30 acre forest in rural southwestern Indiana. My daughter and I have a homestead we've been working on for 16 years. I've learned so much stuff I never knew I wanted to know... like how to build a basement with proper drainage and the in's and out's of over hauling a 1949 Farmall H tractor, you know....fun stuff! Have to admit I'm becoming a well rounded person because of it.
I've been a practicing sculptural artist/puppeteer since 1983. I sculpt in clay, wood, stone, foam rubber and cloth when I make puppets. My subject matter is usually the human form or animals with a few landscape pieces(sunrise, mountians ect.)thrown in for good measure. I do commission work when I can and teach workshops in art and puppetry or perform puppet shows (that I write) for schools and events. I started writing rhyming little ditties for greeting cards or poetry contests. I think the "starving artist" phase can last a long time! We're not getting rich but we have enough to eat, and I get to do fun stuff I enjoy and that's half the battle when it comes to finding happiness, isn't it?
Lately I've been on an organizational kick with my paperwork,library,business,home (fung shueing the heck out of it) pretty much my whole life is being put in order...guess there's a first time for everything! I found a system that helps you clarify your goals, then create flow charts and timelines to get you there!
The picture in the dress was taken in 2003 when we went to a puppeteer friends renaissance wedding in S.C. It was a burn drive trip completed in a 4 day weekend....reminded me of earlier days.
Currently divesting myself of most possessions, preparing to travel. Can't wait for new adventures on the road!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

My daughter is grown and pursuing her own adventures. I'm a people person who has been living and working alone for far to long. Would enjoy the company of travelers to share my peaceful forest retreat as long as they can handle rustic accommodations. Time for me to travel too, to do art shows and small puppet performance pieces to earn my way. LIGHTEN THE LOAD AND EXPERIENCE THE FREEDOM.

Interests

I create sculpture in several materials, build puppets, write shows and perform with them. Like nature, animals and children (teach art and puppetry). Have a large library of books on many subjects and love to travel. Enjoy all performance art and movies.

• animals
• arts
• writing
• books
• poetry
• performing arts
• cooking
• movies
• traveling
• homesteading
• business
• history
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

Like many types of music from all over the world, use some of it in my shows.
Avid movie buff, enjoy all but horror and very gory ones. I figure the world offers enough scary stuff without my feeding in more! Love all kinds of books..... I have so many I haven't had time to read them.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I try to fit as much AMAZING stuff into life as possible. In the 70's I was with the circus for 9 months, hitchhiked across the country (USA), held many unique jobs to learn a wide variety of skills, Made medical history in the early 90's, raised a wonderful daughter as a single parent and built a homestead in the woods (15 yrs) which is the project I'm finishing now.

Teach, Learn, Share

Own 27 acres of woods with 130 ft. trees that love to be explored and has a sandy beach creek at the back end. Plenty of materials to create with or just enjoy the spacious quiet of the forest.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am a good cook, am handy with tools and can show others art techniques and living skills. I am a cheerful, helpful person so anything you need help with I'll be glad to pitch in!

Countries I’ve Visited

Greece, Mexico, Turkey

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States