Retired Gay Gentleman - classically educated and cultured with a wide variety of interests and experiences, yet always eager to learn about, experience and appreciate new - people, places & things; there is always room to grow! I have learned, worked and lived in various parts of the US from my childhood home in upstate NY to Virginia, Boston, eastern Iowa, central Michigan, Colorado, Arizona, and MO [since 1992]. A mix of rural, small towns and mid-sized urban centers have been the situations, but learned after I came out [early 30s] that I was basically drawn to the energy , excitement and cosmopolitan ambiance and opportunities of urban living.

Academically I majored in Philosophy in College, did graduate studies in Theology & Education and received an inter-disciplinary M.Ed from Boston College in 1983. By upbringing and training I found my vocation primarily in service focused employment as an educator, program administrator, volunteer coordinator, trainer and leadership consultant - almost exclusively for churches and not-for profits. Not lucrative by any means [not many transportable benefits -so glad there is Social Security] but totally fulfilling despite many relocations from place to place - although made tons of great friends everywhere. In mid-life, no real crises, but settling down in KC and finally becoming a grown-up [homeowner, pets, neighbors, and joining in local culture and social life].

Until I retired my work focus was on Human Resources training & development, community education, customer service, NFP & Small Business consulting and Marketing. Looking back I am surprised myself at the variety of focuses and sill sets it took.

Diagnosed with Colon Cancer in May 2016 and that became another defining moment in my life. Fortunately had great medical care and tons of friend support through endless tests, scans, 2 major surgeries and 12 rounds of chemo and months of recovery and follow-ups. Nothing like it to give one a sense of one's own mortality, the preciousness of life, the importance of a support network, living in the moment without looking back or forward, and prioritizing what is really important.

Jump ahead to 2019 when I decided to devote a good percentage of my time indulging a lie-long interest in creating art. Got a lease on a small studio space , collected paints, brushes, canvases and set to work splashing paint. For me it's all about fun and self-expression not pleasing others or commercial. If others like it and/or see value in it that is great! And it pleases me if others are pleased with my scrapes and splashes,color weaving, composition which is generally quite abstract and often the result of serendipity and not intent. Indeed, there are no mistakes in art! Needless to say I paint over things a great deal. Another benefit is being involved with many passionate artists, kindred spirits.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Probably for many of the same reasons I am seeing from so many hosts and travelers - I like meeting new people, experiencing and appreciating cultural differences and similarities, having the opportunity to make new friends.

I suppose it i because I also enjoy being helpful and hospitable. Enjoy being a tour guide and showing others what Kansas City and the surrounding region is all about and in the process perhaps discovering new places to visit, sights to see, and events to experience for myself.

It would be great to be able to travel more and have more options of housing that fit with my tight budget.

Interests

• theater
• concerts
• cooking
• wine
• cocktails
• movies
• music
• jazz
• opera
• food
• ballet
• sports in general
• dining out
• card games
• cabaret
• broadway
• wineries

Music, Movies, and Books

As you will see, I am quite eclectic in my tastes and open to new experiences and will take suggestions. I grew up on the Science Fiction genre - Heinlein, Asimov, Bradbury, etc as well as fantasy - Ursula Lequin. as well as classic novels. Always maintained an interest in this genre that carries over into Movies and TV Series - so Star Trek, Star Wars, etc. But I also enjoy Action pics, Rom-cons, Mysteries, LGBTQ, and Disney. When itcomes to music I still love Classical [Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and on and on], Opera, Broadway, Jazz, and Pop.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Beat cancer! Diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer in May 2016 - received last Chemo treatment January 30, 2017 and completed my last round of scans, blood tests and oncologist visits in September 2020,

Other then that my life is completely unremarkable, bu terribly interesting and often exciting a good portion of the time!

What I Can Share with Hosts

Good conversation!

Curiosity and interest in learning about their city, region and country, food and customs.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Mexico

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States