I moved to Oakland from Seattle in 2013 for work and have bounced around a few jobs in the area doing technical graphic design and fine art metalwork. The large-scale sculptural metalwork was wonderful and fun, but I'm back to designing and fabricating signage.

I'm working to be more active in the Oakland community and have started following politics and equal rights campaigning both locally and nationally.
I am an intersectional feminist, and work hard to create safe-space in the world.

Though omnivorous, I have cut back on meat significantly in my life for sustainability reasons. Generally I prefer fish>chicken>beef, but I'm also not one to turn down a free meal.

I don't have any allergies worth noting, and happy to sleep on floors or in my hammock as needed.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Seems like a great way to meet cool people and save some money.
Yay intentional community, boo student loan debt!

Interests

I'm a utilitarian steampunk, and a good handyman and bike mechanic.

I love building things and creating art, sharing stories and experiencing music.

I love the outdoors, especially when bicycles are involved!

Favorite mode of travel = bicycle>foot>ferry>bus>train>boat>airplane>car = least favorite.

I enjoy good food, good company, boardgames, puns & jokes, and a good hot/dark cup of tea/coffee. I also enjoy solitude, a good book, introspection and quiet. I like to make the world a better place with small moments as much as big ideas.

• fish
• arts
• books
• design
• graphic design
• diy
• dining
• cooking
• coffee
• boating
• politics
• traveling
• woodworking
• metalworking
• leatherworking
• music
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• fishing
• camping
• bike polo
• golf

Music, Movies, and Books

A Fire Upon The Deep - Vernor Vinge
The Selected Works of T.S. Spivet - a novel by Reif Larsen

James Wallace and The Naked Light
Eliza Rickman
Jason Webley
Tom Waits
The Yellow Dress

Sci-fi shows generally...

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I can only think of the small moments... just the right flick of the wrist to consistently hit a moving target at 30 yards with an arced frisbee throw in the rain and wind... peddling for 2 hours uphill without water or shade in the blistering heat along highway 101 with a fully loaded camping bicycle... stuff like that. When I wasn't quite sure I could do it.

Teach, Learn, Share

Bicycle Maintenance
Leatherwork
Woodwork
Metalwork
Bookbinding
Quill-pen making
Plumbing
Electrical
Camping
Frisbee (ultimate)
Hardcourt Bike Polo
Golf
DIY anything

What I Can Share with Hosts

Any of the above skills, and basic help around the house.
Dishes, garbage to curb, etc.
Happy to cook if you can provide ingredients (or if there's a grocery store nearby).
Pretty much happy to share whatever I can.
What would be helpful?

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, England

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States