CURRENT MISSION

Poem by John O'Donohue describes how I would like to be: FLUENT I would love to live Like a river flows, Carried by the surprise Of its own unfolding.

ABOUT ME

I'm community minded and easy going. I make a point to try to follow through with things that I say I will do.

Since I'm new to couchsurfing, and I don't have any personal reviews yet through this site, you can check out host reviews of me on the airbnb.com site: http://www.airbnb.com/users/show/1199201

PHILOSOPHY

I got this from I think the dedication page from the book Hard Laughter by Anne Lamott. She got it from someone else: "Is life too short to be taking this sh-t, or is life too short to be minding it?" I try to choose the second choice in that option.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Right now I am interested in being a guest. I hope soon to be able to offer a private bedroom for travelers through Portland.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

None. I have used airbnb extensively when traveling, and have hosted guests and stayed at homes through Servas. I've stayed at homes when traveling in Amsterdam and in the US. Actually Cuba has their own system where you can stay in people's home while there for a fee: Casas Particulares. It was a great way to meet people from all walks of life and get a fuller experience of life in Cuba.

Interests

I'm a retired educator and am glad that I made my way to Portland from the east coast when I was young. I'm into a lot of the quirky things that Portland is known for: I have an errant yard that I wrastle with, 3 chickens in the coop, drive a biodiesel fueled car, visit the dog parks regularly with my dog, and even have 2 cats who come on walks with us at times. What I enjoy most is to get up into the mountains and other wide open spaces and hike. I'm also passionate about alternative media and very active with the local community radio station here in town.

• cats
• dogs
• chickens
• books
• gardening
• traveling
• socializing
• hiking
• communications
• teaching
• volunteering
• parks
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

I enjoy mostly acoustic, world music, and many of the indie artists. I generally am attracted to the non-Hollywood types of movies that have a compelling story to tell. My favorite book this year is Brick Lane by Monica Ali. Exquisite!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Giving birth to a child- What can ever beat that? Riding an Arabian horse full speed to see the pyramids outside of Cairo. Hiking up Mt. Hood through the cloud layers to the night sky above. I know I know- more than one.....

Teach, Learn, Share

I am an active volunteer at the community radio station in town: KBOO. I can show you around the station and show you how audio programming is made. Also while visiting me you are welcomed to feed the chickens and to garden.

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