Gosh, always a difficult one to answer. I am caring, concerned about the future of the planet, politics at home and throughout the world. I am somewhat quiet but enjoy the company of others, a good laugh and fun. I am not a very good cook but seem to bring something to the table. I am a listener, motivated and like to get things done, though most people think that I am too laid back!
I have a lovely family. We are close which means a lot, even though I now live on my own. Family is always first and I love our get togethers, as my father did.
I enjoy meeting new people and hearing about their lives and what they are doing. I now live ina a beautiful part of the world and enjoy sharing what I have with those who take the time to pass by.
I have a great love of art, inroduced in my youth and of music too thanks to my son, Paddy.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I have had the good fortune to live and work in many parts of the world. This has given me an insight into new and varying cultures and as a result I have learnt a great deal about the world and myself. During those years I and my family have been hosted by many different people of those lands and I would like to return their generosity of spirit.
I also hosted cyclists through Warmshowers.com, which has been rewarding and fun during this summer, with BBQs on my fruit and vegetable allotment too.

Interests

Once I had finished decorating and making my home comfortable during this last year, I have spent a lot of time weeding, digging and cultivating my allotment nearby. It has been a rewarding summer in so many ways, Meeting new people and enjoying their company, sharing skills and stories with humour.

In mid July my sister was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. So I have taken the plunge to cycle to Slovenia, from my home, and raise funds for the Cure Parkinson's Trust in the UK. I will depart on 17 August and hope to meet many new faces, share stories and be moved during my three month tour on my recumbent bike...

• arts
• gardening
• world music
• reading books
• family
• world cinema
• cycle touring
• sharing skills

Music, Movies, and Books

My favourite books revolve around travel and exploration/climbing. I am reading Annapurna by Maurice Herzog, recounting the first ascent in 1950.

As for movies, I enjoy those from different parts of the world - Iran, Turkey, France, Chile, Belgium, Scandanavia etc. Less so the Hollywood style. I enjoy seeing the way different cultures portray themselves and see the world through their lenses.

My son has opened my mind up to a wide range of music, both world and contemporary, I love the moodiness of Indie like Mazy Star, Daughter etc; and the classic qualities of the blues, the rock of the Stones, Elvis, Bowie, Lou Reed etc.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Seeding two wonderful children is my high, but in some peoples' minds that probably wont count!

So I have to say the designing and making of a 10 meter green oak bridge with William McMorran and the team of handson workes and gardening staff at Etal Manor in Northumberland was a challenge and a half. It's a beautiful bridge and won a Woods Award 1n 2009. I was very proud of everyone involved (http://woodawards.com/portfolio/oak-bridge/).

Teach, Learn, Share

My art practice centres around the old photographic process called Cyanotype. The offcuts from my furniture making and life end up as photogrammes. So that's something I can share.

Help with cycling issues is always useful as well as digging or weeding in the allotment should you have time.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Well you can have a warm welcome, a shower and a bed or a floor space, maybe even a meal if that's what you like, and breakfast. Access to a computer so you can catch up with your world...and an introduction to a lovely part of the world.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Denmark, Djibouti, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Norway, Scotland, Singapore, South Sudan, Spain, Tanzania, Uganda, United States, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

Belgium, Canada, England, Ireland, Kenya, Somalia, South Africa, Switzerland