I moved to Australia from Florida in 2006. I taught Aboriginal children to read and write and speak English for 4 years. They taught me to shut my mouth and open my eyes. The think I'm crazy no to eat meat. I'm a good cook.

I'm interested in religions and cultures. I haven't adopted one in particular. I sort of love them all. I'm looking for truth, connections, answers, for real happiness. For ways to reduce suffering in the world. Poetry, scripture, music, art . . . They seem to hold as many answers or more as science and technology.

One day soon I would like to try to live for several months without using money, gathering fruits, edible weeds and oysters. Also, fishing, dumpster diving, gardening, trading, and bartering services. It would be a personal challenge and also to try and prove to myself that the earth will provide everything I need to be healthy and happy. I think it would make a good documentary.

My boyfriend is a professional accordion player whom I adore.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I've traveled to dozens of countries; the best times are always shared with local people. I've WWOOFed on a few farms and volunteered at festivals, and I've done a lot of camping in vans and tents. I like to travel a lot, and the only way I can afford this lifestyle is to avoid hotels and shops.

I love the idea that we don't need a lot of money to travel; I was a Girl Scout as a kid and we always left a place a bit nicer than it was when we arrived. As a guest, and as a human, I promise do the same. Generosity deserves to be repaid in kind?

My home is a boarding school for kids during the week, so I am only able to host on weekends.

Interests

Yoga. Kids. Bush-walking. Dog-walking. Computer games. Board games. Playing games with kids. Gardening. Ethical living. Spiritual life. Dad jokes. Mindfulness. Cooking. Juggling. Reading. Napping. Travel. Swimming. Cuddling.

Good food, good music, good company. Gratitude.

Rescuing orphaned and injured wildlife (Bonorong Sanctury volunteer)

My business and alter-ego "The Balloon Lady."

• dogs
• wildlife
• arts
• culture
• poetry
• documentaries
• festivals
• dining
• cooking
• yoga
• running
• walking
• gardening
• technology
• board games
• reading
• traveling
• juggling
• dumpster diving
• music
• fishing
• camping
• scuba diving
• swimming
• business
• religion
• science
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

Books: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (etc, by Douglas Adams), The Power of Now, Boundaries, The Places that Scare You, Schismatrix, His Dark Materials, Harry Potter, The Sandman graphic novels, American Gods (etc by Neil Gaiman), The Discworld series (etc, by Terry Pratchett), A Scanner Darkly

Music: Worship music from different religions. Old-timey Appalachian and other folk genres. Blues. Classic rock (Beatles, Doors, CCR, Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd, Simon and Garfunkel, The Mammas and the Pappas).

Movies: O Brother Where Art Thou?, Across the Universe, Dogma, Cloud Atlas, the Matrix, Inception, The Lion King, The Court Jester, The Princess Bride, anything with Johnny Depp in, My Sister's Keeper, TedX talks

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Ok, three:

I made a music video with some Australian Aboriginal teenagers, using iPads.

My mother and I spent a month studying yoga in an ashram last year.

I taught myself to juggle in high school so I could be in a Renaissance Festival. They made me the court jester. Later, I got an award at an International Juggler's Convention: "Most Promising Up-and-Coming Female Juggler"

Teach, Learn, Share

If you're into yoga, I can help you fine-tune your practice, or just talk philosophy.

I'm an expert balloon-twister (certified balloonatic/ latex professional) I'll always have balloons on hand.

I'd like to learn more about living in a healthy, ethical way. I always want to know about the unique human culture and natural ecosystem in each place I visit.

I'm learning to play the ukulele. It's a fun instrument!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm a good cook and am happy to cook tasty, healthy meals, and/or help with cleaning up.

Dave and I are experts at entertaining people.

If I have rented a car I can provide transport and run errands.

I have lots of stories and jokes to tell, and some ideas about making the world a better place.

I love to play games for fun.

Countries I’ve Visited

China, France, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Laos, Mexico, Spain, United Kingdom, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, United States