Hello there! I’m excited to join this community and meet new people. Being self employed gives me the flexibility to explore the world and meet fascinating people along the way. Born and raised in a small rural American town with a population of just 485, I’ve always had a knack for making friends and being an asset to the people around me. However, as I’ve grown older, my horizons have shifted, and I’m eager to dive into new cultures and experiences across the globe.
Last year I spent two weeks in rural Alsace and Bavaria and it was nothing short of magical. The warmth and hospitality of the local people I met left an indelible mark, and I can’t wait to embark on similar journeys and it drives me to travel and meet new people even more. When I’m not traveling, you can usually find me with my nose buried in a book or listening to an auidobook. Yes, I like to read—a lot!
Family is at the core of who I am. As an uncle to 24 nieces and nephews (yes, you read that right!), I cherish every moment spent with them and my Mother and Siblings. Two of my nephews are special needs, bringing unimaginable joy to our entire family and also given me a purpose to be there for their needs daily. In addition to family, I love cooking, gardening, canning vegetables and fermenting foods at home. I’m also a big fan of trying different ethnic cuisines.
Music is another passion of mine. For the past 20 years, I’ve been singing in my own band, and sharing the stage with both famous and semi-famous musicians alike. Known in the Kansas City music community for my vast repertoire of songs (well over a thousand), I’m always ready to pick up a guitar and sing for hours on end without ever repeating myself.
I enjoy spending time with my family and delving into our genealogy. Having traveled extensively across the United States, I’m full of stories and opinions about all the places I’ve visited. Whether it’s sharing tales from my travels or simply listening to yours, l truly enjoy making connections with people through laughing or learning —and did I mention I like to read? 😊

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I enjoy traveling by myself, and it is so much more enjoyable when you connect with locals in their environment away from the hustle and bustle of the "tourists".

I've had great luck making friends, enjoying lovely experiences and having great conversations with locals I've met while traveling.

Interests

• singing
• cooking
• cheese
• gardening
• reading
• poker
• music
• american football
• history
• travelling
• playing guitar
• family
• telling stories
• songwriting
• cardgames
• telling jokes
• eating new foods

Music, Movies, and Books

I appreciate all music. But I love great songwriters the most. John Prine, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Cindy Walker, Robbie Fulks, Old 97's, Jason Isbell. Currently my playlists are full of Americana, Folk, Country, Rock and Roll, Alternative

My library currently has over 1,500 books. A few I love off the top of my head are: The True Believer-Eric Hoffer, Man's Search For Meaning - Viktor Frankl, The Elephant In The Brain-Robin Hanson, The Fish That Ate The Whale - Rich Cohen, Cannery Row - John Steinbeck, Snow Crash - Neal Stephenson, Anti-Fragile -Nassim Nicholas Taleb, Lost To The West: The Forgotten Byzantine Empire -Lars Brownworth

Movies and TV: Running On Empty / Lawless / Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy / The Devil All The Time / Shawshank Redemption / Slow Horses / True Detective (Season 1) / Millers Crossing / Fargo / Shane / Rio Bravo / Cool Hand Luke / Beautiful Girls / True Romance / The Righteous Gemstones

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Help raise my two special needs Nephews. One is Autistic, the other has Rubenstien Taybi Syndrome and it's the greatest joy in my life. My Sisters and my Mother are Super Hero’s when it comes to caring for the kids, I’m just the Sidekick.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you how to make Southern Biscuits and Gravy. I want to learn everything I can about people, places, cultures, cuisine, music, etc.. it consumes me daily. I love to share experiences, opinions and stories and meals and laughs and friendship.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Humor, Music, Friendship, Stories, Life , A Beer, Dinner, Wine,

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States