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Interested in WWOOFing in (countries): Guatemala, Belize, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Chile

What is your experience in Organic Farming?: Currently scheduled to volunteer in Costa Rica from Feb. 15 to May 15, and this will be the first chance I have to learn about organic farming. While I may have minimal knowledge or experience, I'm extremely eager to learn about anything in the realm of sustainable agriculture, macrobiotics, permaculture, renewable energy, alternative lifestyles, and architectural concepts that base their design on a harmony with nature. I believe environmental concerns are pressing many people to seek a new way of living, and on top of wanting to learn how to live in such a way myself, I am also writer who intends to work whatever knowledge I gain into the concept for a novel I am currently writing. So working and living as a Wwoofer will not only provide me with firsthand knowledge and experience, but it will fill me with ample research material for a new currency of ideas that I fully intend to write about as an author of fiction and nonfiction alike. I've chosen Costa Rica for my first WWOOF outing, not only for CR's vast ecological beauty, but for the thriving eco-tourism industry and the nation's progressive stance toward carbon neutrality. I hope to prolong my travels in Central and Latin America throughout 2012.

All that said, I'm incredibly open-minded and curious about other cultures and lifestyles, though I'm a bit cynical with regard to my own. I consider it a sign of health and intelligence to be a cynic, however, especially given the predominant paradigm of US culture - two words, conspicuous consumption. Two of my favorite novels are G.K. Chesterton's "Manalive" and "Steppenwolfe" by Herman Hesse, so I have long since embraced a sort of bohemian, adventure-seeking lifestyle, and for the most part I've sworn off material possessions.

What else? I'm highly spiritual, and to me the measure of a well-lived life is one that is rooted in some sort of vocation - for me this is music and writing - versus the common trend in modern societies, where people tend to root themselves to the 20th century's greatest invention, the "Career." Not that I mean to knock or belittle those who are career-minded, but I'd prefer a life filled with a variety of experiences, which to me is far more valuable and interesting, as evidenced by the types of people I've known to embrace a similar philosophy.

That said, I've worked a wide variety of jobs, from carpentry and waiting tables and pumping gas to web and graphic design, video production, and statistical programming. I've had my by-line in two newspapers, author of 7 screenplays and one novel, and I still am not satisfied with the things I've done or been. For me it is not about titles, compensation, or products resulting from one's efforts; it's about the effort itself and the spirit in which it is done. One of the best efforts I've ever made at anything was the experience of helping to rebuild an historic pottery business, dated six generations, after it was obliterated by Hurricane Katrina.

So I am no stranger to the spirit of volunteerism, and at the risk of sounding brainy for my long-winded profile, just let it be known I CAN throw a hammer, drive a straight nail, dig footings, pour mud and concrete, frame and roof houses, finish and paint interiors, and otherwise produce more than just words and high ideas. Haha. Can't wait to eat some exotic food and share ideas, maybe do some yoga and play you a song on my banjo. If you have a spare set of bongos or congas or a couple tin cans, I can also hold a decent rhythm. I look forward to more to come, as events warrant...

James McQuaid Murphy's Contacts

James McQuaid Murphy's Page

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