CURRENT MISSION

People and friendships; experiencing all types of culture and personalities.

ABOUT ME

I was born in the States and spent a lot of time overseas while growing up. I live in the same town in which I was born, but it is "Home Base" and I try to travel as much as possible.

I have four grown children. It is a personal point of pride that I am often thought to be a sister to them rather than a parent. I'm old in knowledge and experiences, but young in energy, and desires.

I work as a consultant, mostly in Technical areas. I don't develop or code, but understand those who do. My last few jobs have been in Program/Project management for large Technology initiatives. I will admit to being a techno-geek. There are several computer systems running in my house right now, and I carry a lot of technology with me at any given time. I’m currently debating putting all our music on a driver off my router, and then buying the six pack of Kindles on Amazon – putting one each in common rooms as an entry point to the music drive.

There is no television in my house, but there is a library. I'm well-read and no one will ever play trivia games with me. I can come across as arrogant and aloof, but please work past that. I’m an Aspie (have Asperger’s syndom) - social awkwardness is part of my personality; I assure you that I am kind, honest and loyal. There can be a wall there, but it comes from insecurity, not insincerity.

ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS

I identify as Polyamorous and my relationship configuration is a poly-fidelous “Vee”. Just as LGBTA (or whatever is the current acronym) was taboo and oft ridiculed years ago, polyamory has a bad rap with some. As marriage equality and LGBTA acceptance is growing, I’d like to be part of the movement to dispel negative stereotypes and instill trust and acceptance in my community. We are NOT swingers, deviants, abusers, etc. If you are not familiar with Polyamory, I would be happy to discuss with you (in person if you visit/are local, or via electronic media if you are curious and not local). I live with my nesting partner – my legal husband of 18 years. My OSO (other significant other) does not live with us, but I spend part of each week with him. We do not have hierarchy in our relationship – we are all equal partners and each relationship is equally valuable.

I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and went through two surgeries, a MRI, three ultrasounds and seven biopsies (two sessions). I don’t even want to count how many doctor visits… Both my partners have stood by my side – together – at the big things, and they alternate other appointments as their schedules vary. We’ve answered a lot of questions and done a lot of explaining about the relationships. Overwhelmingly, we get positive responses, and a great deal of curiosity. However, there have been some negatives as well. I think a lot of that comes from misunderstandings, fear and ignorance. I’d like to be part of the “fixing” of that.

PHILOSOPHY

To enjoy life, while giving to others and making the world better in small ways.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I have been on this site almost seven years now, but the concept of couch surfing has been in my blood much longer. I have traveled to many places and much prefer hostels and homes to hotels. Many people have stayed in my home over the years as well. Minnesota isn't the top destination in the world, but all who do venture to this beautiful state are welcome.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have seven years’ experience with the organized concept of couch surfing, but have stayed with many people before and beyond that, as well as having had many stay with me. My favorite story is our 5K road trip of some years ago. One section of the trip was from our home in MN to Portland, Oregon. Due to other constraints, we had to drive straight through. While my hubby is a great driver, I am no good for long drives. I searched a ride share board and found three college students wanting to get back to Portland. All were out of money, but had drivers' licenses. I packed a cooler full of sodas and sandwiches and off we went - 28 hours non-stop and all was good. One of our riders gave me a glass bead/medallion that he had made. It is one of my most treasured pieces!

Interests

Music, art and history are my top loves in life.

Music: you name it! Classical puts me to sleep, but only because it’s so calming and beautiful. The 1812 Overture is the greatest piece ever! Daily listening tends towards garage rock, with a blues twist some days and a hard rock twist other days. I'm currently stuck on garage bands that are doing covers of Kinks songs (Soriah, “I’m not like everybody else” and the Verbs “Till the end of the day”), and just about anything Michael Des Barres does on his Underground Garage show on Sirius. Despite that, however, Eric Clapton, BB King and George Thorogood are my absolute favorites. My partners and I have over 6000 CDs. (I only buy CDs, not digital music, and rip them.)

Art: Impressionists first and foremost. I love art, I love museums but I'm can't draw/paint/sculpt in a traditional manner. My personal medium of choice is fabric. I quilt - in a modern and eclectic way. I love color and texture. I have made over 200 quilts - small and large. Most are my own patterns and designs. I have done embroidery since I was small, and a few years ago, I discovered embroidery machines and now many of my pieces have complex embroidery designs in them. Anyone that hosts me will receive something for their home!

In the few years, I have also discovered glass - Fusing and Torch work (not blowing). I'm quickly becoming good in that. (Anyone who asks nicely can have some fused glass pendants!)

Check out www.fridaydesigns.blogspot.com and/or my photobucket site:
Glass: http://s537.photobucket.com/user/FridayDesigns/library/Glass?sort=4&page=1 and
http://s537.photobucket.com/user/FridayDesigns/library/Art%20-%20Glass?sort=4&page=1
Fabric: http://s537.photobucket.com/user/FridayDesigns/library/Art%20-%20%20Quilts?sort=4&page=1
Wire Wrapping: http://s537.photobucket.com/user/FridayDesigns/library/Jewelry?sort=4&page=1
Macro Photography: http://s537.photobucket.com/user/FridayDesigns/library/Art%20-%20Macro%20Photography?sort=4&page=1

• arts
• culture
• design
• photography
• coloring
• cooking
• running
• technology
• trivia
• traveling
• painting
• drawing
• coding
• music
• blues
• opera
• surfing
• communications
• history
• law
• medicine
• tourism
• carpooling

Music, Movies, and Books

Books: Fictionalized histories are my favorite. I love history, but I am still a girl! I like having a bit of a story around the facts. I also tend to read a lot of "fact" books - listverse.com and cracked.com are favorite sites to read. I also read a lot of science fiction - Asimov, Heinlein, Niven.

Movies: Science Fiction, action films, and especially Vampire movies. Not quite sure where that fits into my psyche! I'm a strong Christian (accepting of ALL faiths as well), practical, etc, but something about Vampire movies just draws me in.... not Twilight though, that's not true to the genre!

Music - discussed above!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Sydney Opera house, Hall of Mirrors in Versailles, Northern Lights, Angel Falls, just to name a few..... there's many more.

visited 41 states (82%)Create your own visited map of The United States or Amsterdam travel guide for Android

Got permission to go into the Palmer Creek Unit of the Badlands

Teach, Learn, Share

Oh, what can I teach or share? That's hard to narrow down. If you moved to MN and needed a place for months to get on your feet, there's a lot I could help with. I tend to be very self sufficient and learn to do a lot for myself to avoid huge bills (jack of all trades, master of some!). However, in 2-3 days...? I could teach someone to make the best brownies in the world, how to hem, and/or how to do pivot tables in excel.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I've surfed alone, with nesting partner and with my OSO. All the experiences have been great.

The most important thing that I can share is information about my relationship configuration and help to dispel fear of non-monogamy and teach acceptance.

I can share some art. I like to bring some of my glass art to hosts and have done so several times. I also gave a small quilt to the daughter (18 mo) of a couple who hosted us.

If you host my OSO and me, we'd be glad to improve the efficiency of you audio system, tune any instruments and clean your computer. If you host my nesting partner and me, we could help you change your oil or break pads and cook a great Italian meal.

If you host me alone, I can oil your sewing machine, teach you some things on it, and help you finish a project or two. I can also design, teach and share an art project with you, friends, family, etc.

But, most of all, what I can share with hosts, in any group/individual setting, is conversation.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Canada, China, France, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Spain, United Kingdom, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

Guatemala, United States, Venezuela