CURRENT MISSION

To focus on what I have in common with folks from all over the world. To live a simple life that reflects my values of living sustainably. To share my resources with others.

ABOUT ME

Truly I am a citizen of the world - having traveled & lived in many places. My ancestors were Appalachian Mountain people who left their European homelands to find a way to make a living and live a private life. Today I am a social entrepreneur - my life before living on this farm included starting projects for abused women, raising money for women's issues, and traveling. Now I live on 39 acres in southeast OHIO USA where I milk goats, make cheese, lead tours of people who want to see how to live more sustainably, and to see the house I built out of tires, cans & bottles. My happiest moments often come from the time spent with our interns and visitors from around the world.

PHILOSOPHY

Most folks are pretty interesting because they all have stories that serve as the souvenirs of their lives. My goal is to focus on what we have in common because every day is a gift, and I don't want to waste it. My work has been to create opportunities to share with others how to live more sustainably - this has given all of us hope for the future.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Mostly I enjoy spending time in a community of people - sharing ideas, learning new things - I definitely have lots of ideas to share, and I usually am not quiet about what I believe.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

When I was in France I couch surfed, plus we have hosted some couch surfers at Blue Rock Station. I am pretty experienced at living in new situations. Many years ago, when I used to be on speaking tours I would ask to live with a woman, rather than in a hotel. This was my idea of couchsurfing. I've also lived with families in Central America (to learn to speak Spanish), Russia, and Northern Ireland.

Interests

Life's politics, green energy, dumpster diving, farm animals, cats, food preservation, laughing at good humor, eating a good meal with nice people, learning new customs.

• animals
• cats
• farm animals
• dining
• cooking
• cheese
• politics
• traveling
• dumpster diving
• scuba diving
• boxing
• tours

Music, Movies, and Books

Most movies from the US are pretty horrible so I usually wait until other folks review them for me, and then I rarely take time to watch - a waste of life. Foreign films are usually more interesting and worth the investment of time. I enjoy most types of music. The books I read tend to teach me how to do things...give me ideas.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Won the release of women from prison who were there for life for killing in self-defense. Raised my granddaughter since birth, Been married to my hero for over 36 years. Witnessed a space shuttle lift off in Florida USA. Introduced President Bill Clinton at the White House. Helped birth lots of baby goats. Known my best friend for 52 years. Built a house out of garbage.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can create a tasty meal from almost anything, plus I know how to milk a goat, cut up a chicken, preserve food, and make cheese. Also, I know how to build a solar cooker out of a cardboard box to purify water or cook food. I can build a wall out of tires or glass bottles, and plaster with earth. I'm usually eager to learn new things - try new ways - and share the outcome.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can cook, tell stories, help with chores.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Belgium, Costa Rica, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Northern Ireland, Poland, Russian Federation, Scotland, Spain, Tunisia, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, France, United States