CURRENT MISSION

Living, learning, loving, creating

ABOUT ME

From what I've been told ... apparently I'm a firecracker, remarkable (I'll blush and argue at that because I don't get it), funny or a goof ball, a survivor or a fighter (life isn't always easy but it IS good!), and assorted things like that

PHILOSOPHY

Life is too short to be unhappy. I've had a rather tough life and if I haven't earned the right to be miserable, jaded or bitter yet, neither have you! I believe in giving people a clean slate and the benefit of the doubt, and in forgiveness. I like to smile-bomb strangers.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I'm still exploring the site so I'm not sure yet! I have lived in Albany, NY most of my adult life and now live in Troy NY, so I'm certainly willing to consider helping people find their way around, providing visitors to my city the low-down on all sorts of activities and places to see. I love to travel but haven't done as much as I'd like.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I've only just joined CS but couch surfing has always been my primary mode of travel, preferring to stay with people I know than in hotels. As for hosting, I have all sorts of camping gear for floor sleepers and an outstanding couch that kidnaps my friends (and their money), but I haven't yet offered that to anyone I didn't already know.

Interests

I'm an artist, designer and writer, with so many interests hobbies that I have to retire some to raise new ones to the forefront. Some of these: cooking, gardening, travel, music and song writing, reading, singing, dancing, playing the banjo, drumming, genealogy, writing memoirs and non-fiction.

• writing
• singing
• design
• dancing
• dining
• cooking
• gardening
• reading
• traveling
• music
• camping
• surfing
• genealogy

Music, Movies, and Books

I'm a book worm and music lover and participant, without a lot of movie experience. For reading, I have broad tastes, but predominantly science fiction, historical fiction and fantasy, with a tremendous amount of non fiction, usually around topics like psychology, history, science, spirituality. As for music, I'm extremely eclectic and not in the least bit traditional - I prefer world music (latin, African, middle eastern, balkan), all kinds of folk and traditional music, acoustic and classical. But I've also had a thing for R&B, soul and old school hip hop, I have to admit. Personally, I sing - mostly acapella, traditional folk ballads, sea shanties and drinking songs, play a variety of percussion instruments including the djembe and am teaching myself clawhammer banjo.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I accepted an invitation from a Senegalese musician at a folk fest to come to Vegas and stay with his large extended family there for five days while he was contracted to play the kora in a Cirque du Soleil show. Had an amazing time, immersed in Senegalese-American life, and food. I'm an experience-junky so many more to choose from.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States