I try to live as an example for a peaceful, healthy, and connected existence. I appreciate humor in all situations and agree that "if we couldn't laugh at things that don't make sense, we couldn't react to a lot in life." (Calvin and Hobbes). I believe that there is common ground on which everyone can co-exist and we have a lot to learn from our differences. Forgiveness is the most powerful tool we have.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am an avid promoter of this amazing community. I have many friends who don't understand "couch surfing" or think it is inherently dangerous, and to them I say maybe it just isn't for you. I think there are very smart ways to use this resource and, if done carefully, it is very safe. And I have consistently found that the people who are active participants are exactly the kind of people who I would love to meet and stay with! I haven't been as active lately but I miss the people I've met through this site and would like to increase my participation again. I first surfed in California and Oregon in 2009 and it was a great experience. I've hosted some surfers in Virginia and it was great to give back.

Interests

Good friends, music, cameras, local beers/ciders/meades, my guitar/banjo/ukulele, cooking, thought-provoking books, backpacking, ultimate frisbee, puns, mushroom hunting, the internet, trying new things and meeting new people!

• books
• photography
• cooking
• beer
• music
• guitar
• hiking
• backpacking
• camping
• rock climbing
• psychology
• primitive skills

Music, Movies, and Books

I tend to have some kind of music or podcast playing all day, just depends on the day. Longtime favorites are Iron and Wine, The Black Keys, Trampled By Turtles, Radiohead, Nick Drake, Devil Makes Three, Dylan, Broods, Ben Folds, Bon Iver. Favorite podcasts are Radiolab, Reply All, Revisionist History, JRE, Serial, Song Exploder. I like movies and documentaries and weird short films. Basically good storytelling, in any form. In the last few years I have been involved in several indie movie productions and can’t wait for the next opportunity!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

600-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail with my brother in 2014: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T1A9RRgt9I
Week-long backpacking trip in Yosemite with my brother and sister in 2016: https://blog.pmbphotography.com/m-bs-in-yosemite/

Teach, Learn, Share

My beliefs are shaped by my experiences and are therefore constantly being examined and re-evaluated. Through meeting and talking to other people, I hope to get a better picture of this world as a whole and better understand my place in it. I am happy and excited to discuss photography, art, psychology, theology, and life in general with anyone willing. Beer/wine is always welcome.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Stories, music, food, respectful treatment of their space.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Australia, Canada, Colombia, England, France, Greece, Guatemala, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Uruguay, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States