Although I own property in Hawaii, I am currently living in Southern Oregon, so I am unfortunately unable to host guests in Hawaii except for Jan and Feb when I am visiting if there is space (always space for a tent!) . My Hawaii place- Pua Mana- has grown to become a Permaculture -style tropical and rare fruit farm, with 6 varieties of avocados, coconuts, bananas, papayas, and fruits many have never heard of before. The area is recently quite changed since a massive lava flow covered up our local beaches (though made new ones), many homes, and spit our small community in 2. The lava flow missed me by 1 mile and there were many alarming times where when it was headed our way, yet turned off at the last minute. Many friends lost their homes or cannot get to them as roads are blocked by lava. When I traveled in England I was surprised that so few had heard about the flow!

Luckily so far I haven't had to choose only 1 place to live, so I divide my time between the 2. Most of my paid work is in Oregon, where I work to live... rather than live to work.

I live in a very rural west coast town that's known for it's cannabis growing, though I no longer work in that lucrative industry. I've lived in N. California and Southern Oregon for the past 12 years, and have enjoyed the laid-back and very alternative lifestyle that's prevalent here... but I am getting very tired of all the driving, and just don't feel right about using so much fossil fuel. I yearn for a life in a pleasant town with plenty of public transport, yet in America that's only possible in cities.

I consider myself a food artist, that's what I do when catering retreats, and a plant artist- that's what I do at home in HI and OR. Though I'm not a landscaper, what I do may look like landscaping to some... And I am a Fiber Artist, eco-printing on silk and woold with leaves and natural dyes. The results of the process continue to astound me

I'm a cat-lover, and am happy to share space with your friendly felines or your dog.

CS in Holland was easy, and I met wonderful people. It was more difficult in England, perhaps because few people have spare rooms that they can afford to keep empty. In England I loved the feeling of history, ancient old walls and thatch -roofed houses, listed historical homes that have been kept in immaculate condition, town centers and being able to walk, walk, walk for everything I needed, including jumping on the train to go anywhere!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE
I much prefer meeting the real people that live in the country I'm visiting. That's how I will find the heart of the country.

Interests

A passionate gardener with 2 green thumbs, and a passionate eater of the garden!
Create Pollinator Gardens and enjoy watching the flying faeries visit the flowers.

Music, Movies, and Books

Paul Theroux is one of my favorite authors. Reading lots of beekeeping books these days.
Historical Fiction that doesn't take place in my home country for books and movies. British films, not Hollywood, plz!
Currently reading a fascinating book called Entangles Life- How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change our Minds, and Shape our Futures
BBC series called " An Edwardian Farm", about a historian and 2 archaeologists who live and work on a farmstead in Devon, UK for a full year. I love this kind of stuff- how everything got done before tech came to take the personality out of work, using whatever is at hand. How houses were built, gardens were grown, and so much more. AlthoughI have an interest in Primitive Skills, I am also thoroughly and modernly up to date with my iphone and Macbook!
Alright, well.. I have to admit- Game of Thrones was stupendous! It made me want to see Croatia!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Just One?
1. Created a paradise on 2 acres with over 50 exotic tropical fruit trees and fragrant and colorful flowers and ornamentals. It's kind of like a great big canvas that I keep painting on and changing around. It's my masterpiece in the making!
2. Raised two boys who are now a surgeon and a scientist!
3. worked as a homebirth midwife for 10 years

Teach, Learn, Share

I love to share my passion for growing things with people who enjoy helping me on the land, though that is not a requirement for visiting. I have 25 + years of experience doing this so there is much to teach to those who want to know.

Botanical Printing

In Hawaii I am happy to share beekeeping with visitors that are passionate about bees like myself, or just curious and willing to risk a sting or two.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Being a homeowner myself, I know how to be an unobtrusive and grateful guest that treads lightly in others' homes. I am a knowledgeable cook and am happy to prepare a meal or help with dishes. I have a vast knowledge of home herbal medicine which often comes in handy, and of course I can help with gardening projects, can teach beekeeping, and cooking.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bolivia, Ecuador, England, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Nepal, Netherlands, Panama, Peru, Thailand

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States