***Updated March 2022***
It’s been more than two years since I last used Couchsurfing or travelled much in general. These have been dark times without meeting as many strangers, but I'm that much more grateful to get to do it now.

Born and raised (and now stuck...there are reasons) in Seattle. I live in a kind of commune with four people I found on craigslist and i'll be darned, it's worked out. We have chickens and cats and a large garden where we're often planting something new. We are a house of tinkerers and hopefuls. as idyllic as it is there, I often take spontaneous bus trips, even just to strip malls or demolition sites around greater Seattle, because the itch to keep moving keeps flaring up.

I work at a kind of community/recreation center for Seniors. When there isn't the stress of their possibly falling or passing out, it's heartwarming to see older people try tai chi, or line dancing, or bongoes, for the first time. And i can just sit there and I'll receive an avalanche of stories and memories and streams of consciousness. It's a
a delightful job.

I am quite easygoing and outgoing and I'll often stop a duty, no matter how important it is, for a good chat or spontaneous adventure. I'll also seize any opportunity to learn something new.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Ah, to live! *chef’s kiss* My time with Couchsurfing (2016-2019) has been unforgettable. Couchsurfing has shown me how much authentic and meaningful and casual kindness there is everywhere. all the wonderful smart and unique people i have met have helped put my chronic cynicism in check and for that I could thank them forever. I have always felt at home wherever I've gone and as a result want to start hosting myself (and am finally living in a place that would accommodate this!)

Interests

My main interests are film, photography, and writing.  I have a camcorder habit which far outpaces my ability to make films out of the footage, but when I do, they end up being little collages... Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6_XESI31WcNczXTkG4SJIw

Photography subjects tend to  be people and interesting trivial things, like the stain of fresh urine on a wall (see my photos if this has piqued your interest). 

Music, Movies, and Books

Two kinds of music I say… good and bad. I grew up on my dad’s music of the 60s and always return to it.
Regardless of whether or not I like certain music, from personal experience (I play jazz piano with some amateurs who live in my neighborhood) I know how daring it can be to express oneself musically…ultimately I respect anybody who makes music. I will always be willing to listen to whatever you may recommend and return the favor.

As for films, and for reasons I cannot explain as easily as 60s music, i find myself returning to Mike Leigh-type kitchen sink dramas again and again. Lots of old poorly pixellated BBC documentaries too. Youtube is one of my favorite types of "cinema" ha! Some other favorites: Raising Arizona, Naked, Withnail and I, Rear Window, Brazil, Wild Strawberries, 8 1/2

Books: Elena Ferrante, Peter de Vries, Chekhov, John Steinbeck. I often read stories that aren't about anything in particular (reflective and understated and meandering) and then enjoy turning around and reading a rollicking 19th century story like Oliver Twist or something, to recalibrate.
Recently read Really the Blues by Mezz Mezzrow and loved every euphoric page.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach very basic jazz piano (if there isn't a piano around this might just be me stumbling on musical terms and maybe doing charades).

What I Can Share with Hosts

Ideas and silliness!

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Croatia, France, Hungary, India, Italy, Montenegro, Spain, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States