I am a 76-year-old artist and writer who has been self-supporting for 40 years. I illustrate nature books for children and adults, as well as cards and posters. I grew up in Lahore, Pakistan, where my dad was a medical missionary. I have an M.A. from Johns Hopkins in creative writing and an M.L.S. (library science) from the University of Michigan. I love to travel. Sometimes I travel with Gracie, my wonderful Miniature Pinscher, but often by myself. You can google my name--mary blocksma--to find my website.

Until recently I didn't have a good space for guests, but now I have a single bed in my sewing room. The stairs to this room are very steep--it's an old house--but it has access to a small full bath. Bay City isn't quite a destination point but every several years we host the Tall Ships in July.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I like the idea of meeting travelers. When I travel, it's usually alone in a van with my dog, so it's nice to have some company on the road.

Interests

Painting, writing, sewing, dog, travel, reading, cooking, ethnic food, mushroom hunting, nature, lots of things.

• dogs
• writing
• books
• dining
• cooking
• reading
• traveling
• painting
• hunting
• science

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Hitchhiked around Nigeria by myself when I was in my twenties.

What I Can Share with Hosts

When I'm on the road, unless the weather is wicked, I like to stay in my van and just need a safe place to park my regular-sized van (not an RV) and to plug in an extension cord so I can run my electric blanket and small ceramic heater and lights. So I don't need to be in the way. For 15 years I travelled to and from Florida from Michigan in the winter, but this year (2018) I'll be traveling south and west, to Louisiana through Texas and New Mexico to Phoenix. I'll be looking for some soft landings along the way, as I am unfamiliar with this route.

As for what I can share: My company, I guess, and I'd be happy to cook dinner or breakfast!

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Northern Ireland, Switzerland, Virgin Islands, British

Countries I’ve Lived In

Costa Rica, Nigeria, Pakistan