I am an artist on a strange and arduous odyssey, writing stories and living in artistic poverty. (Which is not nearly as romantic as the legends say!) My itinerant ways have led me across the nation. Six years ago, in 2010, I left Seattle, traveled through the South, ended up living at an observatory in Texas, and then spent some time in California--including a month in a sleepy old mining town just outside of Death Valley--and now I'm looking at Seattle again.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Right now I'm a "traveler in my own city." The friends I used to have in Seattle are all either long since fallen out of touch or long since moved away. I've come back to the city completely alone, which isn't a good feeling, and I want to make new friends and build new experiences right away. At the same time, I don't have a place to stay yet. I'm looking for a job in town, and in the meanwhile housing is too expensive to afford on my reserves. (And forget about hotels or even hostels.) So I'm mainly sleeping in my car. Couchsurfing is awesome because it combines my desire to meet interesting new people with the somewhat more practical need of having a place to sleep.

Interests

I'm a renaissance mate. My interests range from the stars above to the ground beneath our feet. Seriously; pick a topic and the odds are that I'm interested in it.

• writing
• cooking

Music, Movies, and Books

My favorite musical group is The Corries. Favorite movies don't have such a pithy answer, but let's say the works of Studio Ghibli. As for books, my favorite is the one I'm writing. Vain, I know, but authors can get away with all kinds of eccentricities. At least I'm not a raving alcoholic who punches walls.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've created characters who to me are as meaningful as flesh and blood.

Teach, Learn, Share

What we say about others--other people and other things--usually says more about us than about them.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I've had an unusual life and I can converse on a wide variety of subjects. I'd also be happy to delve with you into the world of my fantasy storytelling, as I feel like that truly is something that can rise to the level of a gift from me to you, and not "mere" conversation.

I'm also happy to cook. I enjoy cooking. Nay, I exult in it!

I'm a very easy guest. I strive for self-awareness in my life and I never knowingly do anything thoughtless. I'm quiet, and neat, and don't do drugs or smoke. I have a positive, delight-filled worldview that impresses upon me the importance of interpersonal tolerance and the power of being kind and gracious to others. What that all boils down to in practical terms is that I know that being a guest means good behavior and a good attitude, and I can offer both in spades.

NOTE TO PROSPECTIVE HOSTS:
I had an interesting conversation with a host recently about the Couchsurfing culture, and how it has changed over time. He made a good point that it's rude for a surfer to just show up, go to sleep, and leave in the morning. I want to be clear that, for me, meeting new people is an indelible part of the Couchsurfing experience. I don't want to just talk to you for ten minutes and then go to bed. I really want to get to know about you--and I want you to get to know about me.

Having said that, the bed is important too, and I've had some unpleasant interactions with a handful of prospective hosts who feel otherwise. Some people on here only want to host rich travelers, or travelers in the normative sense--people who are far from home and could easily afford to stay at a Holiday Inn. They believe that poorer people are just bums looking for a free place to sleep.

To that I say: Yes, we really are looking for a free place to sleep. That's not a bad thing! It is an honor for a host who is well-enough off in life to be able to open the doors of travel and cultural immersion to those who otherwise can't afford to be going on their adventures.

That's my point of view, anyhow. There are many indignities I have no choice but to suffer as a poor person, but being disrespected like that is not one of them. I just figured I'd say it here so that prospective hosts can make a better-informed decision about hosting me. If you're just in it for yourself, or if you believe that Couchsurfing is only for those who don't need it, then I don't want to be your guest.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States