CURRENT MISSION

Build stable self reliance by nourishing with intention

ABOUT ME

I am a creative and curious person, and I love being out in nature. I have spent a good deal of time in recent years gaining practical skills with all kinds of tools.

I am basically a performer at heart though, and I love music. I play drums and guitar and a little bit of piano, and I like to sing often.

I also love creatures of all kinds, and I've raised chickens and goats recently, which was awesome in ways I never expected.

My hands are my biggest asset, and I love crafting things, whether practical or purely aesthetic. I like solving problems and making stuff.

PHILOSOPHY

I believe in Karma, and the importance of setting intentions and asking for guidance. I believe there are tons of subtle energies that are often ignored by the western culture I grew up in. At the heart of it all I seek authentic connection with other people.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Just started surfing in the last month, traveling to California to see those beautiful redwood forests before I head home to New Zealand in January.

Hosted 70+ WWOOFers over the past 4 years on the Farm / Retreat center where I was living in West Virginia. Such an awesome way of traveling without moving. Constantly surprised by how many awesome people there are out there, and looking forward to hosting surfers when I get settled in New Zealand.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Had a bunch of great hosts on the way out to California this month. Constantly grateful for how welcoming people in this community are...

Interests

Music, poetry, performance of just about any kind.

Sustainable living, architecture, alternative building and energy, growing food, making do with whatever's in front of you, building stuff and being in nature.

Woodworking and pretty much anything to do with trees or plants. I am constantly in awe of the beauty, simplicity, and variety of our Earth Mother.

I have a soft spot for American cars and trucks of the 50s, 60s, and 70s, thanks to my old man. It's an odd combination I know, tree hugging and gas guzzling, but here you go...

I also love art and culture of the 20th and 21st centuries, and I'm curious about all kinds of machinery and systems. I guess I just really like to know how things work together, whether it's a steam engine or an ecosystem.

• chickens
• arts
• culture
• poetry
• singing
• performing arts
• architecture
• beauty
• dining
• traveling
• cars
• woodworking
• music
• guitar
• piano
• drums
• surfing
• skydiving

Music, Movies, and Books

William Blake floated my boat big time at university, as did Oscar Wilde. Romantic art and poetry in general are appealing to me. Also like earlier 20th century art.

Grew up listening to mainstream 60s and 70s rock, pop, and folk music. Got into old school rock n roll, then hard rock and 80s rock. Also blues, funk and soul. I like Elvis, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, James Brown, Ben Harper, Red Hot Chili Peppers etc etc....pretty much anything with a little groove, swagger or soul. I've been totally loving Amy Winehouse and Adele recently.

Also currently exploring country music, modern stuff mostly, but getting into Cash, Hank, Willie and Waylon too as time goes on...

Currently reading "Kingdom of Fear" by Hunter S Thompson

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I try to find awe in as many places as possible, as a general practice in life. But off the top of my head...skydiving, sunrise over Bryce Canyon, singing in harmony with big groups of people...

Countries I’ve Visited

France, India, Ireland, Thailand, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

New Zealand, United States