Lifelong birder, mycophile, and appreciator of all things small. I share a home with 1 human, 1 snail, 2 cockatiels, and a fluctuating number of pill bugs (a.k.a. roly polies!).

Up until recently, I worked in independent pet supply, but after 10 years in the industry, I decided it was time for a change! I don't know what I'm going to do next, and in between I'm going for a much needed wander. My snail, Cockle, is along for the trip as well --he's a good little travel companion who encourages me to consume leafy greens on a regular basis. You can follow our adventure across the country on Instagram at cockle_the_snail! 🐌

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I don't care if it sounds cliché --I've reached a point in my life where I've realized I'm not all that sure who I am, so I'm on a journey to find myself. Which happens to involve a road trip. After a really rough winter, I'm in the process of making many big changes in my life, and getting out of my comfort zone and into the world is a huge part of that. This includes meeting new people in places I've never been!

Interests

• reading
• drawing
• exploring
• sewing
• mycology
• birding
• macro photography
• pokemon go

Music, Movies, and Books

Books: Providence of a Sparrow, Good Omens, Strangers in Paradise (and many more!)

Music: lots, off the top of my head a few are Lenka, Sia, Brandi Carlile, Gillian Welch, Garbage, Die Antwoord, Caro Emerald, Amanda Palmer, Bjork, CocoRosie, Lorde, Florence + the Machine, The Wailin' Jennys

Movies: All of Me, Hellboy, Moulin Rouge, Show Me Love, Amelie, A Fish Called Wanda, Fierce Creatures, Dogma

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Held a hummingbird and helped her warm up while she came out of torpor, after being found on the ground under a tree she'd presumable spent the night in. Birds are amazing. :7

Teach, Learn, Share

Wanna go birding and look at plants, insects, and mushrooms all at the same time?! My brain contains a lot of knowledge regarding the natural world and I will happily (and often randomly) share it. I can teach you how to make friends with crows wherever you go. And I'd love to learn just about anything you have to teach me, be it a tangible skill or some fascinating tidbit! I'm extra excited to add new species to my life list, if you know of some awesome birding spots.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can cook and am happy to help out with other around-the-house tasks. Depending on how exhausted I am from driving, I may or may not be an eager participant in games of the board/card/other variety, should you be a household that enjoys playing them. :)

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Cyprus, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Scotland, Spain, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Netherlands, United States