Jack of all trades, master of none, certainly better than a master of one.

I tend to have a dozen projects ongoing at any time, all of which usually have little to do with the next. I find crafts and trades that interest me and then I learn them. With some I excel, and with others I only get to learn the basics.

"In the long run, men only hit what they aim at. Therefor, should they fail immediately, they had better aim at something high." - Henry David Thoreau

Take calculated risks, and some that are not so calculated, too. Step into the world of the unknown; it's rewarding once you've learned to navigate your way through. Explore, learn about and listen to the world around you. Take the advise of the wise. Learn from the mistakes of others and don't repeat them. In fact, learn from your own mistakes and don't repeat them. And don't just dream of your dreams, make them as real as the air you breath. Do what you love and love what you do, always.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Whether it's hosting 17 people during SXSW or meeting up with a traveller for a beer, I try to do it all. I wish I could spend more time with surfers but the reality of my ongoing life in Austin doesn't always allow. Nevertheless, I host as often as I can because I love CS and the people involved with it!

I have only been able to host surfers so far, but soon I will begin to check out the view from the other side of the couch. The surfers I have hosted have all been amazing people with a million stories and giving hearts. I've learned a great deal from their personal experiences and travels and I plan to continue hosting with open arms to share my home and friends with like-minded people.

Interests

Motorcycling: I have a 1976 BMW R90/6 that I adore. I ride it as often as I can (not to work because motorcycles and suits don't go well together!) I work on it when it needs a little love. Hopefully in the next year I can get another motorcycle. I'll probably go for a new R1200GSA, for all you adventure riders out there.

Woodworking: I've recently taken a liking to woodworking. I have some big projects on the drawing boards such as a corner desk and other various furniture. It's a best way for me to create and build with my hands, which is how I work best. I like working with metal as well but I don't have the tools to really make that happen.

Photography: I take photos professionally for clients ranging from architecture and interior design to portraits and events. However when I travel, I tend to not take many photos. I would rather spend my time experiencing a place instead of documenting it. That's where iPhones and GoPros are great cameras since they are not invasive and capture pretty nice quality images. My photography website: http://Photos.AaronLeondar.com/

Music: I primarily play acoustic guitar and sing and I am a beginner with the violin, mandolin, ukulele, banjo. I am also a percussionist, formally trained for 9 years, although I do not play often now. I love to jam with any instrument and all styles of music! Teach me a new song and I will share my favorites with you in return!

Cycling: I love being on the saddle. During the summer of 2013 I spent 70 days cycling from Austin, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska, almost 5,000 miles. I did this with 23 of my closest friends who also attended UT Austin. I dream of that trip nearly every day and I plan to do another similar trip sometime in the future. Meanwhile, I try to get on the road once a week in Austin to keep my legs fresh and body fit.

Outdoors: Let's go swimming in a local natural spring, or skiing, hiking, biking, or skydiving. If it's outside I probably like it. Colorado is my second favorite state (after Texas...duh) because it has so much recreation to offer.

• singing
• architecture
• design
• interior design
• photography
• dining
• beer
• baking
• running
• drinking
• crafts
• motorcycles
• traveling
• drawing
• woodworking
• music
• guitar
• violin
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• skydiving
• skiing
• swimming

Music, Movies, and Books

How cool is it that a song can instantly take you back to a specific memory. Maybe it reminds you of person, or a place you visited, or a maybe a period of time in your life. Our minds make significant connections with music and memories, just like our olfactory sense. I often find myself wondering, "in a year, what songs will remind me of this time in my life." I will swing between generes on a weekly basic, from Texas country to alternative rock, hip-hop and rap to rock n' roll and the classics, indie to classical and lots in between.

I'm reading more now than I ever have in my life. I have a stack of books I am trying to get through because they're all so good! What would you recommend?

Vimeo is my video haven. Have you check out Vimeo.com lately? Just watch the videos on their Staff Picks page and you will be inspired. There are so many creative people around making truly brilliant works of visual art.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Biking to Alaska from Texas was one of the coolest things I've done in my 22 years. I rode with 68 of my closest friends from the University of Texas. We're all a little older, and a little wiser because of it. I think we all learned things we never thought a bike ride could teach. Patience. Peace. Love. Humanity. Humility. Pain. Strength. Vision. Passion. Mission. Those are just a few things I learned about after 70 days on the bike saddle.

Sleeping under the star in the Sahara Desert in Morocco. Miles and miles away from any civilization. There was zero light pollution. There was no wind, clouds, nor moon. There was not a sound but the camels growling down the sand dune a ways. The Milky Way Galaxy shone more brightly than I had ever seen before. My friends and I lay on the cool red sand with a guitar in hand and watched the meteors burning through the black sky while we talked about this story we are all living out.

Teach, Learn, Share

It seems that I have a new hobby every two weeks. I have a passion for learning how things are made, why things happen the way they do, and what makes a person the way they are. My interests range weekly from baking different types of breads and making my own horchata and kombucha to repairing iPhone screens, making paracord bracelets and working on my truck. Who knows what will be next! I pick up things that interest me, learn how to do them, and move on to the next one. Idleness does not amuse me so I must keep learning and excelling.

But in order to learn, one much teach. Maybe it's written instructions, or verbal knowledge passed down through the generations, but someone has to be teaching in order for another to be learning. I love sharing my wisdom with people, however limited or vast my knowledge may be about the subject. All you must do is ask a question and you shall receive an answer. Never be afraid to ask questions, for questions open avenues for continued learning and conversation. I challenge you to ask more questions and listen to the answers more than your find yourself answering other's questions. Think of how much there is to learn!

What I Can Share with Hosts

There are always new things in Austin to discover, but I can share you my personal story of Austin. With that comes outdoor adventures, lots of food and drinks, and tons of great people. I love sharing my community of friends with surfers, and I invite you into my little (big) world!

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States