CURRENT MISSION

Keep the creative juices flowing.

ABOUT ME

I am a writer and a musician living in Chicago. I have an MFA in Writing from George Mason University, 2007. I work in multiple genres and have a large body of work. I teach, coach and tutor writing here in Chicago--however was laid off from teaching 2 years ago and have been trying to cobble together a meager income from tutoring, coaching and hosting a writing workshop. I am working on my 3rd novel, my third collection of short stories, a TV pilot and 2 stage plays. I have training and professional experience in theatre as an actor and producer, in TV, radio and Independent Film. I worked for Sundance Film Festival for many years. I have 3 grown children, one owns a million dollar salon here in Chicago, my son is an actor in NYC who just completed a lead role in an INDY film and my youngest daughter is a doctor on fellowship at Harvard.

PHILOSOPHY

Love and compassion, creativity and hope.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

One experience in NYC with a wonderful photographer. It was stellar.

Interests

I love everything! I love the outdoors and lived out west for 8 years, biking, hiking, climbing etc. I love to work out at the gym and swim. I love to walk. The last 5 years has established me as a urban girl. I love the city. I walk everywhere (don't own a car!) and go to art galleries, museums, restaurants and am a member of various groups that do symphony, discuss books and writing and I hang out in my neighborhood a lot! Although I am a lifelong musician (piano-singer-songwriter) and I play everyday, I also write every day, meditate (I am a practicing Buddhist) and have recently taken up sewing and designing clothing and knitting! In addition I have a YouTube blog and I am just about to go live on my website--www.allisonvfine.com

• arts
• writing
• books
• acting
• festivals
• coach
• working out
• meditation
• clothing
• tv
• blogging
• knitting
• music
• piano
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• snowshoeing
• rock climbing
• swimming
• teaching
• medicine

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

The Grand Canyon completely blew my mind. Backwoods snowshoeing in Montana was amazing, as were our hikes in Glacier National Park. Driving, hiking and being in the desert of Arizona was spectacular. I love Arizona. I love the west. 2 years in Utah gave me the most spectacular scenery ever and I loved Park City. In total I spent 8 years out west and miss it terribly. I love the city and city life but if I had the $$ I'd spend half my time in the city and half out west!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am great at cleaning up and helping with everyday chores. I love kids so if you have any I am happy to spend time with them. I can tutor and teach anyone of all ages. I have an enthusiastic passion for life.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Turkey, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands, United Kingdom, United States