Help transform my family home into a sanctuary for global Gaians, near Cumberland, Canada

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: 1 week or less

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Hello and welcome to my nest in the charming village of Cumberland B.C.

    My cosy home is my sanctuary, nestled on a quiet street, next to a forest and minutes from the hip and funky downtown heart of Cumberland. We are a short bike ride to a huge lake in one direction, and the ocean in the other direction. We are blessed to be located near ski hills and surrounded by a Community forest. This has been my home for 35 years and it’s full of love, music, parties, and the energy of my daughters and grandchildren. It is a place where dreamers dream and artists find inspiration.

    I’m a self-employed musician, writer, teacher and body worker who offers Embodied Sound Movement treatments and classes from my in-house studio. I’ve travelled extensively; most recently to a Holistic Retreat Centre in China where I was hired to write and record music and hold special ceremonies as the Ceremonialist. I'm presently writing and recording my 8th album while maintaining my in-home business as a Sound Healing Body-worker, music teacher/performance artist.

    Home-grown organic food is the foundation of a healthy life, so growing, harvesting and cooking and is an essential part of my life. Delicious food comes from my small kitchen, and I love to cook for others as an act of service. Hosting dinner parties and house concerts is my winter passion.
    I’ve got a big beautiful yard that I’m transforming into a meditation garden with the help of friends and work away guests. I am mostly in need of work away guests who are very familiar with building, landscaping, growing food, and basic house maintenance. I also appreciate help with video recording and social media assistance for my music business.

    In welcoming work-away travellers, I am looking forward to sharing stories of travel, and learning about your customs and interests. I’m grateful for the experience and expertise of landscapers, builders, artisans, cooks and technology geeks. At this time my exchange is to feed and accommodate you. I offer massages and music lessons in exchange for bigger jobs. This home and host welcomes diversity of gender, race, age and ability.

    Warmly,
    Joanna

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
    Help with Computers/ Internet
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    I’m very familiar with wild plants, living off the grid, chopping wood, living as an eco conscious steward of Vancouver Island. I can show you where to forage for wild food.

    I’m a fifth generation Vancouver Islander; I love sharing history and the customs passed down from the early settlers.

    I’m familiar with First Nations history and customs; I’ve lived in remote First Nations communities and can show you interesting places to visit.



    I can communicate in English and French; I'm always happy to hear different languages and to learn a few phrases!

    I play several instruments and can teach music, songwriting and voice technique. I’m a poet and published writer; I can help you with English communication.

    If you'd like to improve your cooking abilities, I can teach everything from bread baking to gourmet five course meals, while cooking on a limited budget.

    I’m an expert at conservation and encourage my guests to be mindful of water consumption, and wastefulness in every way. My motto is “Live Simply and Flourish”

    I’m curious to learn from you too. What can you teach me? I’d like to learn songs and dances from your country, and anything else that you feel passionate about.

  • Help

    Help

    Thanks for your services! I mostly need help with general maintenance, gardening, and building. I could really benefit from a tech wizard to clear up some computer issues and web/ graphic design. Housework help is always appreciated and if you’re a wonderful cook I’d be happy to take days off from cooking. As a bonus, if you're a musician, dancer or yoga instructor, I always enjoy communication through sound and movement.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent
    French: Intermediate

    This host offers a language exchange
    This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
    You can contact them directly for more information.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Single occupancy private home with a covered gazebo tent in the yard, bedding and mattress provided. There may be an availability in my guest rooms, depending on the season.
    I live here full time, with two roommates. There is one very large bathroom, a small kitchen, (I prefer to do most of the cooking, as my kitchen is my sanctuary) a dining room, a music room with piano, harp, guitar, percussion instruments, penny whistles and a ukulele; a back porch with table and chairs, a front porch with chairs, a basement with laundry facilities (I use the clothes line whenever possible and encourage guests to do the same) Guests have access to all rooms except bedrooms and my massage studio.

    During your stay in exchange for 4-5 hours of work every day, except one day a week, I will provide all your meals. If you need two days or more off each week we can adjust the number of meals I provide- maybe cut out lunch or dinner. Together we will decide what works best for us both. There are no rules; just agreements.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    Cumberland is full of restaurants offering a wide variety of culinary options, artisan shops, a brew pub, a museum and lots of interesting local characters. It’s historically a mining town and remnants of this lifestyle can be found in the landscape.

    There are buses into town (Courtenay/Comox) and bike rental shops.

    Comox lake is a 10 minute bike ride away where you can rent paddle boards or canoës. Cumberland is renowned for its mountain biking trails and beautiful river walks.

    The whole valley is exceptionally beautiful with ocean beaches, lakes, rivers, farms, a ski hill, a university, sports centres, theatres and home to many festivals all throughout the year. It’s a mostly caucasian resource and arts community but slowly more people from diverse cultures and lifestyles are making the Comox Valley home.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    I have good internet action and there’s time every day for you to work on your own projects. I prefer my Workaway guests to work in the morning from 8:30-12:30 and take the afternoon off. Depending on weather, and the season.

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    Although Cumberland has a bylaw restricting people living in their camper vans, it is ok for short periods to sleep in the camper van

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    One

  • ...

    Hours expected

    Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

Host ref number: 173231796228

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