You're never too good for where you came from.

I came from Virginia by way of Alabama where I lived for eight years. I picked up "y'all" and a love of fried okra, fried green tomatoes, fried corn and fried pickles. Seriously, Southerners eat fresh veggies. But please be aware that anything CAN be fried.

I want to learn a greater swath of skills. If you can farm, fix cars, do electrical work, put up fences, break down fences, sew up wounds, groom dogs, do anything cool, I'm your student! I'm a good learner. I've taught students from 3rd through 10th grade. If anything will teach you the importance of listening, it's kids. They taught me more than I ever could have taught them about literature or math.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

"All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware."
Martin Buber

I have been traveling the US since June when I quit my job. I could not have dreamed up the amazing people I've met along the way. My faith in humanity has been buoyed by the kindess, generosity and wisdom many have shared with me. Again and again my path has been diverted with a chance meeting, a beautiful meal or an old friend.

I want to make more friends and connections on the Big Island and am considering applying for teaching jobs starting in fall.

Interests

I am a life long English major so I am full of stories. I'm a writer. I read. I joke. I search for beautiful views. Someone recently took me fly fishing and it would be a great hobby if I could afford it!

• dogs
• writing
• literature
• flying
• traveling
• cars
• fishing
• mathematics

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: blues, folk, rock, electronic (think James Blake), alt, indy, country (ONLY Garth Brooks live on VHS) I used to keep up with music when I was in high school then I got busy. Now my hip friends inform me on the "cool tunes" so I can "keep up" and "stay groovy."

Books: Haruki Murakami, Ann Patchett, James Joyce, Nabakov, Virginia Woolf, Henry James, William Faulkner to name a few influential ones.

Movies: Martha Marcy May Marlene, Victoria, LA Story, Show Me a Hero (miniseries), The Final Girl are films I saw for the first time over the last two months that I loved.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Quit my job, told my boss what I thought, left with grace, chose a journey instead of a job I'm proud of my choices in life.

Teach, Learn, Share

I want to find a home on this journey. Lao Tzu says you never arrive as a traveler, but what about when I find my new home? I look forward to having my own place where I can host people.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share my help, advice (kidding), vivacious personality and strength. When I'm in someone's home I like to be a part of it. That means doing the dishes while you sleep, haha. I am happy to help with chores, repairs, your land, your work--as I mentioned before I just want skills. For, as Napolean Dynamite said, "Girls like guys with skills."

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Ecuador, England, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, United States