CURRENT MISSION

Being. Very Present.

ABOUT ME

About 9 months ago, I set out in a white Volvo (lovingly named Verbena the Volvo), as old as me. I drove across the Cascade Mountains of Western United States, into the Rockies. It was January, sub-zero, and I hadn't driven a car in two years. Two thousand miles later I realized after a phone call by my father I needed to change my oil.
My heart is big, wide and free. Sometimes I bite off more than I can chew. Sometimes I wonder how I've gotten to be so eccentrically crazy. But, I must say, I am happy. Within the course of this year I have birthed my sister's baby, taught agriculture in Africa, survived dying of Malaria, and am now on my way to organic farm in Turkey. If I'm crazy, then losing my mind is bliss.

PHILOSOPHY

I believe that we each pre-entry into this lifetime, chose our physical manifestation on this earth as a way to move through karmically. I guess I'm saying I believe in reincarnation. And that doing unto others in a golden way, with the love of God means something. I believe the Universe is abundant and wants to give in a way that is healthy and loving.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I have never used Couch Surfers until now! but I am excited at the community of travelers that the organization has created. I am looking to travel for a week on the East Coast of the United States (Philly and NYC) after my best friend's wedding and then to try out Couch Surfing as I make my way to Turkey.
When I get my own place, Karibu (meaning, "welcome" in Dho Lou).

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

See above.

Interests

Um. . . traveling. No, seriously, I love to talk one-on-one with people and "story tell". I love children, animals, and good food. I love red wine. I loooooove to dance. Estatically. If under the full moon, by the ocean, even better. I write every day of my life and am interested in poetry (don't ask me to read my own to you. It's somewhere between Dr. Suess and Rumi. But not really or else I wouldn't be so shy!). I believe in God (not one specifically).

• animals
• writing
• poetry
• dancing
• dining
• wine
• red wine
• baking
• traveling
• surfing
• skiing
• agriculture
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

Oh, the question I dread (because I always draw blanks!). Authors: John Steinbeck, the Beat Poets--especially Gary Snyder, naturalists: Ed Abbey, John Muir, Aldo Leopold, Terry Tempest Williams, Marge Piercy. Poets: Carl Sandburg, Pablo Neruda, Yehuda Amichai, Rumi, Psalms, Mary Oliver.
Music? I wanna dance. But not necessarily electronically. Although that can be okay. But, I've got an open mind when it comes to these things.
Movies? Last great movie I watched? I can't recall, but the last sunrise I've seen? I can't forget a thing.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I was present at the birth of my nephew, Ahimsa Leaf. My sister went into labor at 9pm at night and had contractions all night long. I fell asleep with my niece and woke up 10 minutes before the baby came out in their bedroom, the chord wrapped around his head! The midwife gracefully unwrapped him and got him breathing within thirty seconds flat. Incredible.

Teach, Learn, Share

I love this! I went to an alternative university in Olympia, WA (The Evergreen State College. Check it out. It's amazing!) that was all-about skill shares. Skills I have to share: contemplative writing, cross country skiing, baking, how to change a flat tire on a bicycle, the basics of sewing, some medicinal plant knowledge.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Bahamas, France, Germany, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States