A brief letter to future buddies!
image description: a hand-written letter with a cut-out dorky photo of myself waving at the camera and also a small photo of my wheelchair and backpacking pack collaged on. the text reads:
HELLO friends of friends and potential future buddies!
I'm haley, enthusiastic improvising adventurer who is fortunate enough to be traveling the world this year on a research grant to study IMPROV, performance, identity and community. Let' hang out! I'm looking for lots of new friends in new places; this is the biggest improvisation I've stepped into - both in the sense that it's what I'll be studying, and also in the sense that a lot of my itinerary, happenings, housing, etc. will be improvised as I go! I have a lot of ideas, of course, but in the spirit of improv I hope to embrace the moment as much as possible. This year is also an improvisation for me in the dynamics of human relationships - how we rely and depend on each other, how we perform for each other, how we give-and-take.
In order to make it through the year on my stipend (and also to maximize opportunities to meet and engage with lovely fellow humans!) I'm trying to couch-surf a lot this year! If you or anyone you know might be interested in showing a newbie around your city, might have a spot to host a traveler for a few days, or might be willing to share some insights on the local theatre scene, I'd be so GRATEFUL AND EXCITED to get in touch! I realize I'm asking a lot of the universe - flinging myself into the world and asking for friendship and time and places to sleep for indefinite amounts of time - do I certainly hope nobody feels undue pressure to offer more than they can give! I'm trusting that things will work out and will gratefully accept whatever people can offer. I'm on a tight budget but we can work things out and I'll be sure to shower you with gratitude in a variety of creative ways - from color-organizing your bookshelves (if you want) to washing your dishes to making you drawings, songs, and poems. I'm traveling pretty light and I'll keep tidy and out of your way - my biggest luggage is stella, my wheelchair, which is lighteight and foldable, and I usually only use for longer distances. We can chat about accessibility and feel free to ask me any questions, but as a more part-time chair user I'm able to adapt to spaces that aren't entirely wc accessible.
I'd LOVE to hear from you - this little note emphasized housing but I'm also so down for hellos, hang outs, improv ideas, etc!
As always, I'm deeply aware of how privileged I am to even be putting this out there - thanks so much to the extended communities who time and again have reached out with ideas, warmth, and support.
much love,
haley
