I'm a military veteran and former educator that turned to art a few years ago. I divide my time between painting, sculpture, writing, teaching, and spending time with my children. I am a co-founder of a Waldorf School in Sedona, Arizona, and I volunteer for a few nonprofits.

I am interested in philosophy and the esoteric, and I am a Rosicrucian who studies Hermeticism. With that said, I love imbibing on the local drinks, and have been a fan of the psychedelic.

Two years ago, I bought a small ranch I'm trying to convert into a beginner's intentional community. This small ranch, "4 Joy Ranch and Studio," has been a miracle for so many, and it's my hope that this tiny piece of paradise can benefit others in the future.

By the end of 2025, I hope to be traveling full-time using my tiny ranch as a hub that can be ran by a small group of conscious people.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm couchsurfing, because I feel, as like hostels and camping, it enhances travel opportunities. I enjoy communing with locals who know the truth about their communities outside of commercial tourism, and I'm generally interested in people. I honestly love the cost effectiveness as well, and seeing how other people live. I dig people.

Interests

• culture
• writing
• hiking
• philosophy
• sightseeing
• art
• film
• trailrunning
• consciousness
• esoteric

Music, Movies, and Books

I enjoy bands from the 1990s, and am a die-hard Pearl Jam fan, however, I listen to most anything ranging from reggae to blues to alternative to various hip hop and country artists. When in Rome!

I enjoy movies by Quentin Taranatino, Wes Anderson, Coen Brothers, Francis Ford Coppola and Stanley Kubrick, but am not limited to any specific director or artist. As of late, "Everyone, Everywhere, All At Once," "Free Guy," and various films commenting on consciousness appeal to me.

I read a lot, and favor works by David Foster Wallace, Chuck Palahnuik, Jennifer Egan, Charlie Kaufman, and essays by influencial philosophers.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I have witnessed the birth of every one of my children. That's four moments, however, it's the most amazing thing to be present for the beginning of another human's life, particularly one's child.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach art and writing, and I love talking about literature and philosophy. I am a Rosicrucian and study Hermeticism.

I'm open to learn anything from anyone willing to spend the time to do so. Presence matters tremendously to me.

I have no real idea what is supposed to be written here.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share art and writing techniques. I can share presence, and I can listen. I love to share experiences, different philosophies and absorb other perspectives, so one thing I can share is simply myself.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Iraq, Mexico, South Korea

Countries I’ve Lived In

Czech Republic, South Korea