CURRENT MISSION

Operation Move Out West: in early stages.

ABOUT ME

I seem to have moved around a lot, mainly within the Midwest US but the last two cities I've lived in (including my current one) are not Midwestern: Anchorage AK and Philadelphia PA. I've been in Philadelphia for almost 7 yrs, which is the longest time I've lived in one place in my adult life. And while I still like this city, I'm ready for a change. The West has been calling me for a while now, and I'd like to go before I get too enmeshed here to be able to leave.

I tend to be quieter, I find that I spend time processing things in my head before I jump into conversations. Or I get caught up in observing. So I may not have much to say at first, while I get a feel for what's going on. But once I'm comfortable, I enjoy long conversations where I learn about the other person and vice versa.

I like to keep busy. I have more projects started than I can believe, sometimes. It feels great when I finish one, but then it's off to the next! I'm particularly enjoying creating 3-dimensional objects lately, but I'd really like to get back into drawing and writing again. And to do more photography.

More and more, I'm deciding that I don't want to be that always on the go person. The world moves too fast these days, and people schedule themselves til they have no time for themselves. I want to live someplace where I can enjoy where I am, and experience it fully, and take stock of who I am, now and again. I'm not opposed at all to making plans to hang out with people, or taking classes, or things like that, just not all the time with all my time. I want to be able to sit and watch the stars, and meditate, more often.

PHILOSOPHY

I love to create things. I love to learn how to create things I haven't before. I enjoy exploring the world with my camera, even though I don't get to do that as often as I like. I don't always love challenging myself to do things I fear but I have always ended up making myself do it anyway, because I strive for personal growth even if I'm not conscious of that goal at the time. And because I don't want to live with regrets.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

New here, looking forward to having something to add soon.

Interests

I grow plants. Lots of them. I focus primarily on Angraecoid and Pleurothallid species orchids, hoyas, and African violets. I have recently gotten obsessed with knitting; it's fascinating to me that with two sticks and some string (ok, fancy string) you can create something to clothe yourself. I am also teaching myself to sew. I enjoy photography, though I don't do as much as I'd like to, anymore. I always enjoy reading. I'm interested in learning to reupholster furniture, which is something I'd like to pursue when I have more room. I've dabbled in improvisational theater but decided I don't really like getting up in front of an audience. I make jewelry, though knitting has taken over my time lately. I played the flute for many years, piano for even longer, and taught myself to play guitar, a bit, and would really love to be able to play again (close neighbors and roommates deter me right now). I would like to go skydiving, at least once. I want to go hiking. Learn to swim better. See the desert. Sit by the ocean. Not sure I want to climb a mountain yet, but I'd sure like to be closer to one again.

• horses
• writing
• theater
• photography
• meditation
• flying
• gardening
• clothing
• reading
• knitting
• drawing
• guitar
• piano
• hiking
• skydiving
• swimming

Music, Movies, and Books

I will read almost anything. Seriously. I read quickly, so if it's not great or not very enjoyable, it's ok. I still feel like I learn something from those too, a perspective that isn't mine, or perhaps what I don't like and why. I've particularly enjoyed Diane Ackerman and Peter Jenkins, for nonfiction. I really like David Mack, as far as graphic novels go. His work is amazing.

I have similar feelings about music. I enjoy the craft of it, so if it is executed well, in its way, I enjoy it. I don't make major efforts to keep on top of the music scene but now and again I have a need to go search out something new, and I tend to be haphazard about it, so my music collection is quite varied and sometimes odd.

I have an weird relationship with movies. I enjoy them when I see them, but I don't make any effort to see them. I think it is the time commitment that gets to me. I have so very many projects going on, in various stages of progress, and I never feel like I have enough time in life, so I resist sitting down and giving up an hour and half. But I am happy enough when I finally do. I really like movies with great art direction and cinematography. Movies I've enjoyed off the top of my head, in no particular order: City of Lost Children, Stand by Me, Blade Runner, Hate, The Shop Around the Corner, Rear Window, To Live... just a small sampling of movies I've liked.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

One of the most amazing things I've seen was while I was driving a Uhaul with all my stuff in the back, from Anchorage AK. I ended up driving all night because we hadn't found a place to stay and I couldn't fall asleep in the truck. So I had the highway to myself. All of a sudden, up the road, I saw something crossing. I ended up at a complete stop in the highway, to allow a herd of wild horses to cross the road! They were not scared, but curious, peering through the windshield at me, and taking their time. It was an awesome thing to see.

Just prior to this, I drove through around Muncho Lake, which involves a narrow winding road between a steep rock face and the beautiful lake, through mist and moonlight during the few hours of darkness that time of year. It was a little nerve-wracking, and absolutely gorgeous.

Teach, Learn, Share

I am rapidly becoming a more accomplished knitter, so I can definitely help you get started! I can teach you how to convert your potted orchid into a mounted orchid, which more closely resembles the way they naturally grow. Or gardening/houseplant knowledge in general. I know this is a long shot, but I really really want to learn how to fly a plane. Someday...

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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