West-coast born and raised. I'm down-to-earth and kind-hearted. I try to be open to the experiences life has to offer and learn what I can from the various people I have the pleasure of getting to know. I lived in Southern California for 19 years, South Korea for 2, Utah for 8, and I've been in Maryland now for just over a year.

I consider myself a creative. I studied film at University and currently run a video production business that focuses on doing work for non-profit and cause-oriented foundations. I think our stories have incredible power and though I have focused professionally in film and video, I also love to write and create art in other fields. I've been lucky to be able todo work that is fulfilling and is, I hope, a force for good.

I grew up in a very conservative religion, though I am now agnostic (with a certain affinity for pantheist ideology) and embrace the beauty of full-color living after living so long in such a black and white world. I have an active inquisitive mind and am inspired by art and beauty and connection.

I love to cook and write and have deep conversations and connect with other travelers of this world. I spend a lot of time trying to deconstruct the expectations, narratives, and assumptions that I picked up from the world around me through the years and become re-introduced with the real core of who I am. I also spend a lot of time determining and planning how it is I wish to spend my "one wild and precious life," as the poet Mary Oliver so beautifully puts it. It is my intention to spend it in such a way that brings more well-being into the world.

I love casual morning coffee, writing on real paper, and losing myself in music.
Check out my IG: www.instagram.com/awaywego.life/

Warum ich bei Couchsurfing bin

Honestly, I was watching a TEDtalk (see Netflix) that mentioned this site and I was in the middle of planning a move to the DC area, and I jumped on to check it out. It was a fun experience to meet new people on the road. I believe that people are basically good and this seems like a community that is more open-minded, curious, and thoughtful.

Interessen

Filmmaking- I love telling stories through film. I realized the awesome power it had to help create change in the world when I was in High School and I make the bulk of my living creating videos for cause-oriented organizations.

Art- a beautiful method of human expression that is unique and fascinating. I love to see how other people conceptualize their thoughts, emotions, and experiences through art. I write most days and love photography.

Politics- I wasn't always interested in politics. My interest really began amidst the growing political effort to secure equal rights and protections for LGBT individuals and I became more and more politically involved. I've done a lot of political work as a video producer. I'm interested in things like social justice, sustainable and responsible living, and intentional communities.

Food- I love discovering new and interesting restaurants. I also love to cook. I try to eat healthy and am putting more and more effort into eating responsibly. I mostly eat vegetarian, although I identify with the label "flexitarian" which is someone who actively integrates meatless meals into their diet.

Exercise- So important for both physical and mental health. I have made this a priority in my life. It makes me feel good.

Travel- I haven't done enough of this, but some of my favorite experiences have been staying at a dude ranch in remote Wyoming in a small valley, a scuba trips to Kawaii, Cozumel, and Grand Turk, and a couple Broadway splurge trips to NYC. I enjoy seeing new corners of this beautiful planet, but I also love meeting the people who call those places home.

• arts
• culture
• writing
• photography
• film making
• coloring
• beauty
• dining
• cooking
• coffee
• vegetarian
• exercise
• dieting
• running
• politics
• traveling
• music
• scuba diving
• business
• religion

Musik, Filme und Bücher

Ever since I was little the concept of "favorite" caused me anxiety. But, it is taught to kids as an appropriate conversation starter and adults and children alike would inevitably ask me what my favorite color was. And every time, I felt broken for not having one. I guess for me its all in the context- the juxtaposition with other aspects of my experience. Having said that, here are various things I enjoy:

Peter Pan, The Artists Way, Waking Up, All the Light we Cannot See, Wild Geese, Never Broken, The Velvet Rage, Let the Right One In, The Way He Looks, Hero, Dear Frankie, Pride and Prejudice, Human, Mean Girls, The Village, Finding Neverland, Amelie, Brokeback Mountain, The Hours, Silver Linings Playbook, August: Osage County, Kinky Boots, Wicked, Sense 8, The Newsroom, Orphan Black, Transparent, House of Cards, Game of Thrones, How to Get Away with Murder, Orange is the New Black, Daughter, Betty Who, Lady Gaga, Perfume Genius, Christine and the Queens, Zella Day, Kat Dahlia, Frank Sinatra, Ed Shereen, Snow Patrol, Ella Fitzgerald, Taylor Swift, Britney Spears, Ingrid Michelson, Ron Pope... etc, etc, etc

Eine tolle Erfahrung, die ich gemacht habe

I guess living in Korea for two years from age 19-21 is pretty unique. It was for missionary work, which I don't think was the best use of my time now, but I learned valuable lessons there. I learned that "different" didn't mean "inferior" and I learned a new language and culture. It really expanded my worldview and opened me up to trying new things and began the process of keeping an open mind. I loved the Korean people I got to meet and know and I miss the delicious food. I'm now 30 and I haven't used Korean which is a shame because it was hard to learn and now I fear I've forgotten a lot of it.

Länder, die ich besucht habe

Mexico, South Korea, Turks and Caicos Islands

Länder, in denen ich gelebt habe

South Korea