CURRENT MISSION

Let’s just say hi to the elephant in the room … I am a recent retiree and have no interest in partying. That said I like my wine.

Moving on… It is my wish and mission to meet as many people from, and go to, as many places as I can

ABOUT ME

I am a hippie at heart. Whenever possible I make my own bread and as much of the food and supplies that I can. I coast down hills to save gas in my car, I stumble around in the dark rather than turn on the light and use energy. I am a tree hugger. I love people and am pretty lovable myself. I am spiritual but not religious. We have a low key comfortable household and love having company.

PHILOSOPHY

I like what Robert A. Heinlein said:

A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I figure that I contribute to the couch surfing community by providing surfers with a safe, warm, pleasant place in which to lay their heads, thoughts, and ideas. I am honest and interested, the sheets are clean, and the place is peaceful and quiet.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have slept on everyone's couch at one time or another. My most favorite is a big overstuffed linen covered monstrosity ... my friends leather couch is my least favorite. I once stayed with my child, a dog and a cat on a couch in a single room at a friends place. Cozy to say the least but I sure acquired an appreciation for the sleeping potential of any small space.

I have actually couch surfed myself now. I went to Mexico and couch surfed there with a Canadian ex-pat and his lovely lady. What an eye opener. The hosts were a complete delight! I also couch surfed when I went across BC with my daughter. I was disappointed to discover that not every host is reliable and cooperative. Talk about your rose colored glasses! That said those that we did connect with did the best they could. Refer back to the comment above about reading your surfer/hosts profile. One of my hosts had no idea I was over 50 ... poor girl had no idea what to do with my old self. I think I reminded her of her grandmother and that threw her right off!

Interests

Including but in no way limited to: gardening, photography, graphics and digital design, spirituality, natural healing, 100 mile diet, organic foods, minimizing my carbon footprint, environmental activism, pen and ink drawing, etc, etc, etc.

• cats
• dogs
• insects
• design
• digital design
• photography
• dining
• cooking
• organic food
• dieting
• walking
• gardening
• reading
• drawing
• cycling
• equestrian
• surfing
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies: Shawshank Redemption, The Red Violin, The Eyes of the Amarylis, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Source Code, The Mummy,
Authors: Diana Gabldon, Jeffrey Archer, Piers Anthony, Stephen King, Jack White
Music: everything

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Every day is amazing to me ... the birth of my child, competing in equestrian events in my youth, crewing on a hot air balloon, anything to do with plants and horticulture and nature, sun, rain, snow, stars, falling stars, aurora borealis ... well, the list could go on and on and on

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach … it is imperative that you do your homework. About the places you want to visit and the couches you plan to stay on. Be wary if you are travelling alone and for the love of whatever deity you choose be HONEST in your references. This community survives only on a foundation of honesty. If the host sucks SAY SO. If the place is unsafe SAY SO. If you disagree with your host on some subject … keep it to yourself. They have as much right to their opinion as you do to yours. This is not a share item. If you are safe and warm you are luckier than more than half the planet. Say thank you and move on.

Share ... I am usually not able to host for more than a few days. More than one night and I will likely make you work. I apologize but some unfortunately unpleasant experiences have made me cautious.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I figure that I contribute to the couch surfing community by providing surfers with a safe, warm, pleasant place in which to lay their heads, thoughts, and ideas. That said I have some comments, based on my experiences, that hosts and surfers alike may benefit from:

For all the hosts out there ... reply to every request even if the answer is no! Surfers need to know as soon as possible if you can host them. If you do host someone you are not required to give them a positive reference. I have refrained from posting any reference at all in the past for surfers who were unclear on what is acceptable and did not ask for clarity. If the experience is positive be sure that you do post a reference. I read and base my decision on what you, the past host of this or that surfer, have to say about them. I have said no to requests that have something in their references that give me pause. I am clear with that person as to my reasons. As always, honest is the best policy!

For the surfers out there please remember that this is a community based on honesty and trust. This organization is a vehicle for people to meet and learn about new places, cultures and people. If the only reason you joined was so you could go somewhere and stay for free maybe you are not getting the most of this incredible community and its amazing members. Read the profile of your host completely. No point in staying with someone if you don't have at least a few things in common. Be honest about yourself and your needs and we as hosts will be equally as honest about what is on offer and what we consider to be acceptable.

Whether host or surfer: if you have a bad experience REPORT IT. I am starting to hear of unpleasant experiences that are not documented. This organization will not continue to grow and succeed if we don't do everything we can to weed out the problems.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Mexico, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada

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