NOTE TO POTENTIAL GUESTS: First, apologies to people around the world for the actions of our current government. I invested months of volunteer hours to achieve different outcomes the past several years, and it's very discouraging that the American government is now a global bully.

My initial couch surfing experiences were in Oregon until August 2016, when I returned home to East Lansing, Michigan. Details in guest references regarding my homes and guest amenities may no longer be relevant, since I downsized to a small condo in summer 2019. I love hosting guests of all ages who have a COMPLETE profile and write a personal, detailed request that demonstrates you have read this profile and are invested in the principles /benefits of couch surfing.

I love discovering the bonds that connect us. I was a peace corps volunteer (over 40 years ago, but it was a pivotal experience) and more recently volunteered as a clinical educator for Es Salud Hospital in Peru (Lima/Cusco). I consider my home a sanctuary from consumer culture (no TV). I am inspired by classic and contemporary art/music--i'm captivated by how artists combine techniques and materials to execute their visions and experiences. I am passionate about exploring how we can improve healthcare from many angles: patient rights and dignity, creating healing spaces, improving access, true holism.

我为什么加入 Couchsurfing

Hosting has been an easy way to share space, and become inspired by others' talents and adventures. From August--October 2016 I surfed with wonderful folks here and in Europe. Surfing taught me so much about other cultures. There is so much to learn. I'm curious about how others live, make decisions, prioritize, and what lessons they've learned. Each time I step into someone's life, I come away richer from the experience. I'm incredibly fortunate to be able to travel occasionally. I want to transcend the pressures, expectations, and stereotypes of what an American is.

As a host: I treasure authentic connections.
I believe we are all one human race and am eager to meet more of my brothers and sisters.
I love sharing time/space with kindred spirits.

兴趣

I cook for fun.
***improving quality of life for my clients is a big priority.
***the intersection of biological and cultural evolution fascinates me.
***hiking, biking, swimming, car camping with small tents.
***dabbling in cartooning.
***everyday nuts and bolts zen meditation.
***writing essays and poems, but they percolate for months before making it into print.
***learning about my roots. My grandmother was a Polish immigrant and I spent a month in '16 in Poland. I have read lots of books and watched endless documentaries and movies about Poland.
***I fantasize about getting into performance art and documentary film making and envision redesigning the US health care system in 8,000,000 ways.

I love craft beers and don't eat sugar or any processed flours.

• culture
• writing
• poetry
• contemporary art
• documentaries
• film making
• dining
• cooking
• recipes
• meditation
• reading
• music
• cycling
• hiking
• camping
• volunteering

音乐、电影和书籍

MUSIC: funky latin/arabic a la Putamayo and "the beat authority" podcast, folky stuff (girlyman, etc..) DMB always and forever, socially conscious reggae, celtic, west african (oumou sangaro, youssou n'dour, baba mal). I haven't been a classic rocker but lately the nostalgia factor is kicking in for old 70s rock. Relaxing classical music helps me focus on work.
MOVIES: I miss most of them, but like the fast runner (attanajurat), boyhood, apollo 13, baraka, crash, hair, high fidelity, precious, DOCS: 13th, forks over knives, michael moore's work. I rarely see a movie more than once but have watched hair at least 7 times and Bend it Like Beckham 4 times.
BOOKS: Lately it's a challenge to read rather than scroll news on my phone. Update: I recently read "Klara and the sun" in just a couple of days and am listening to "the Hemingses of Monticello" for the second time through. I devoured "the signature of all things". Past favorites include: kite runner, namesake, zookeeper's wife, middlesex, slammerkin. old futuristic dystopias like: the 5th sacred thing, parable of the sower, brave new world .non fiction: a list of things that didn't kill me. snow leopard, social histories/anthropology, pema chodron, ken wilbur, the New Yorker: since the 70s.

我做过的一件不可思议的事情

Attending home births including an amish community and twins who resumed their in utero postures in a shared crib. They evolved a language during gestation and continued in the open air. Lucky me, to witness new life emerge.

教，学，和分享

recipes, quiet time, I specialize in balance and coordinationtraining.
I like to explore ideas about the future of humanity, climate change, social disparities--but need to be cautious to maintain optimism and enthusiasm for new trends.
I love to learn about people's hobbies, work, and cultural backgrounds and listen to people play music and sing--joining in during uninhibited moments( I have a piano and guitar). My listening skills are challenged when someone talks at length about computer specs and esoteric electronics.

我可以与沙发主分享些什么

Dream interpretation/facilitation.
Info/feedback/resources for managing chronic health conditions, upon request.
Listening.
off-key campfire singing.
food--time--space--wit and laughter--thoughtful inquiry.

我游览过的国家

Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Guatemala, Italy, Jamaica, Nepal, Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Senegal, Virgin Islands, British, Virgin Islands, U.S.

我居住过的国家

Senegal, United States