I am a writer who just completed my first novel about the Green Revolution in India. My BA degree is in English literature and philosophy. My focus was on existential philosophy and Indian spirituality. I went on for my MA degree at a college that focused on integrated psychology, based on the teachings of Alan Watts. Integrated psychology means treatment of the whole person, mind, body and spirit. I bring this philosophy to my interactions with people, doing my best to accept people where they are, welcoming opportunities for personal growth and reflection. I highly value people from different cultural, socio-economic and lifestyle backgrounds.

In addition to being a writer, I am an artist. I specialize in pastel, charcoal, sketch and watercolor.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am currently in India. I have completed my novel on the Green Revolution and wanted to come to India to meet with some folks who are knowledgeable on this topic who can help me edit and publish this work. This project is 5 years in the making and I am excited to offer it to the public to provoke discussion and work toward increasing awareness of the farmers' situation in India and the United States' role in its creation.

Interests

• arts
• reading
• spirituality
• india
• green living
• writer
• philosphy
• travel.

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Hip Hop for dancing. Trance for chilling. Lyrical. Musicals. Bach. Tori Amos. Damien Rice.

Movies: Historical/Autobiographical/Biography/documentary

Books: I am an avid reader. I have a home library that contains my most valued possessions. If my house were to catch on fire, I would save my books first! My interests range from psych, to philosophy, Indian culture, sociology, fiction that changes one's thinking, and women's issues.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I think I am in the middle of one of the most interesting things I've done in my life. I booked a flight for India with no real plan, but each day a new adventure has presented itself, and each day I am learning more about how to be in this world with my fellow humans, how to compromise, what it means to sacrifice and what friendship is really about.

Teach, Learn, Share

I highly value intellectual conversations, but not just to exchange ideas; rather, I enjoy intellectual/spiritual conversations because I think when we discuss challenging matters openly and seriously, we can consider new solutions to old problems. I am an excellent writer and if there is any editing or writing to be done, I'm happy to help.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am a good cook and would be happy to help cook, clean, and become a true member of the house. I value friendship and being challenged. As an artist, I would be happy to contribute an original piece of art to your home. Also, I am an expert painter (like house painting--inside) and if this needs to be done in your home, I would gladly do this in exchange for a place to stay.

Countries I’ve Visited

France, India, Nicaragua, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States