I've been married for 22 years to my best friend Mark. We have 2 adult children: Jack and Sophie (who are awesome people I'm privileged to know and love). We have hosted international high school students from Korea, Thailand and China while they attend school in the US, for 4 years. I have worked in a variety of fields including women's clothing design, interior decorating and oil painting(artist). My latest endeavor has been starting an urban micro farm/homestead with the help of my husband, as well as other volunteers, in the neighborhood where we live. We keep chickens as pets and for eggs and hope to add bees at some point. My husband and I have enjoyed hosting house concerts over the past few years as a way to support the arts and get to know more folks in our community. I think I have a good sense of humor and I love to laugh. I believe knowing as much as I can about my place in this world and sharing what I've learned is key to building good lasting relationships. Life is good!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

My husband and I love to travel and meet interesting people and learn about other cultures. We believe that seeing a part of the world through the eyes of the locals is the best way to do that. We also love offering hospitality.

Interests

I love working at the Urban Farm my husband and I started on city property a 1/2 block from our home. Everything about gardening is good for our community. It provides clean local food for our family and others, including our neighbors. It creates more connectedness and accountability with those in near proximity and it's a teaching and learning center. Kids are attracted to the WORK of gardening like moths to a flame; it's a beautiful thing to witness. I love to paint and I'm exploring new possibilities and techniques. I appreciate art immensely! Reading is a passion of mine. At this time Wendell Berry is my favorite author. I enjoy cooking and sharing meals with family and friends. My husband and I love traveling and hiking. Being in nature is our happy place.

• arts
• dancing
• cooking
• gardening
• traveling
• socializing
• painting
• music
• hiking
• sewing
• bee keeping
• cross country skiing
• chickens ;-)

Music, Movies, and Books

Right now I'm enjoying The Lowest Pair (My husband and I have hosted them a few times for house concerts; they're awesome), Honey, Honey and The Dead Horses. So, Americana, shredded bluegrass/folk influenced genre is good. I also enjoy jam bands like Phish, Widespread Panic, Left Over Salmon, Critters Buggin........If you're a fan, you get the idea.

I'm reading a lot of Wendell Berry recently (I love him). He's an author of fiction, essays, poetry and short stories. Some of my favorites are: "Hannah Coulter", "Jaber Crow", "Sex, Economy, Freedom and Community "and "The Unsettling of America". I've also enjoyed a number of books by Barbara Kingsolver. Others that come to mind: The Glass Castle, by Jeanette Walls; Crime and Punishment, Dostoyevsky and The Red Tent, by Anita Diamant...........Too many good reads to list!!!

I'm drawing a blank on movies, probably due to the fact that I don't watch many anymore (too busy). I did enjoy the Hunger Games series and Harry Potter quite a bit. Shawshank Redemption! I'm a Dr Who fan. I love watching reruns of Parks and Rec for a good laugh at the end of the day to wind down (much less of a time commitment).

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Created a women's clothing line in Seattle, marketed out of the California Market in L. A.

Teach, Learn, Share

My husband Mark is a remodeling contractor. He just offered to share his expert advice on home construction, plumbing and electrical matters with hosts who have concerns about these matters;-)
I'm a creative person who loves to share my ideas when it comes to interior decorating and cooking (I know my way around the kitchen and enjoy helping and learning from others).

What I Can Share with Hosts

Life experiences and laughs;-)

Countries I’ve Visited

Mexico

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States