I have recently started a new career (bookkeeping) after taking a hiatus for 15 years to raise/homeschool my 2 offspring, who are now 20 and 17. I love learning.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I love alternative ways of traveling and being in general, I guess. What is there if we don't have each other, and we don't have trust? I think couch surfing is a wonderful way to build ones belief in people, the world in general, and to cultivate hope. When we experience strangers as the wonderful mixed bag they are, I believe we see that there is more good in the world than bad. Who doesn't need a good dose of that reality check?

Interests

Natural building - like cob and straw bale houses, earthen and lime plasters, masonry heaters (I built one in my house). Crafts of all kinds, but lately don't seem to have time for them. Origami, basketmaking, collaging, sewing, scrapbooking. Sustainable living and back-to-earth eating. Food like they make in the old country - meat, fat, fruits and veggies, fermented, non-canned nor boxed. I love cooking for people who enjoy eating.

• dining
• cooking
• crafts
• traveling
• scrapbooking
• origami
• surfing

Music, Movies, and Books

Admittedly, I don't listen to a lot of music - sometimes I just like it quiet. I have, however (in the last 1-1/2 years) gotten way into Amanda Palmer - her music, and her way of living and looking at life. You could say "The art of Asking" (her new book) is like my bible. I could easily start an Amanda Palmer religion. I love musicals - especially the old ones. Don't read a lot of fiction unless someone who knows me highly recommends a good read. I raised my kids on healthy doses of Shel Silverstein, Robert Munsch, Eric Carle, and JK Rowlings. Luckily they've moved beyond that to develop their own tastes.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Built a masonry heater. Went to workshops, apprenticed with a heater builder, read a lot (although not a lot on the subject), and brick by brick built a wood-fired masonry heater which is an amazing radiant heat source. So cozy. Best improvement to the house. You gotta experience it.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach anything I know, learn anything I can, and share everything (well, maybe not my underwear or my kidneys).

What I Can Share with Hosts

Some of my good cooking, a piece of paper and the myriad wonderful objects that can be folded from it, my wisdom and kindness.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Mexico, Poland, Slovakia, Virgin Islands, British

Countries I’ve Lived In

Hungary, United States