CURRENT MISSION

To experience as much of this fascinating world as possible, meet lots of cool people and remember to have more fun!

ABOUT ME

I have worked most of my life in two fields - the theatrical world and the holistic healing world. Besides working as actor, singer, director and producer I also work as a psychic, hands-on-healer, feng shui consultant and life coach. Eclectic, huh? LOL You can check out my new blog at http://www.tableforoneplease.com, my personal website at http://www.ThomasHensel.com for more detailed info on any and all of those things and also http://www.morainevalley.edu/fpac to get info on the theatre I'm currently running. Big bonus lately . . . I have been reviewing restaurants for The Local Tourist (http://chicago.thelocaltourist.com). If I don't gain a ton of weight, then it will be a miracle. :-)

I am a Sagittarius with Virgo rising and a Pisces moon (for all you astrology buffs out there). If you're REALLY into astrology, run my chart using this information and you will see what a challenging astrological life I chose this time around. I was born on December 11, 1964 at 11:05pm in Columbia, SC. I would love to get your feedback on what you think of the chart. :-) I tend to be somewhat of a loner half the time and totally in need of being in crowds the other half.

My worlds have always been very varied, as are my friendships. I'm equally at home in the Rotary club as I am in a gay bar. My parties are a real hoot, as I invite theatre people, new age people, Rotarians and a general mixture of random people I know and then watch them all circulate. It's kind of like making a stew without a recipe. I never know what will be in it or how I will make it, but it always tastes great! I tend to be a very passionate friend and very loyal. For lovers, I'm the same. Very passionate and extremely loyal and trusting, so I suppose I get hurt more than I should.

What else would you like to know?

PHILOSOPHY

I frequently remind myself that "life's too short." I mean that in the sense of not putting up for unnecessary drama, angst, pain, etc. Whenever I start to get stressed, I just take a deep breath and let it go. I personally feel like everyone is entitled to his/her own philosophy/beliefs. I am happy to listen, to debate . . . but never interested in having anyone invalidate me or tell me that I am wrong because I don't agree with them. Walk the other way, folks, if you are all about "I am right and my job is to convert everyone." I am glad you have convictions, but don't try to convert me. I am unconvertible (is that a word? LOL). Live and let live!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Hoping to connect with new friends all over the world.

Interests

Wow! I find that I'm very eclectic, so it's hard to pin this one down. Of course, I love theatre and in particular the musical theatre. I have an equal fascination and love for classical theatre, though, particularly Shakespeare's work. I am a great cook and love to entertain whenever possible. I also love food . . . LOL . . . so I enjoy eating out. Thank the gods I have a high metabolism or I'd weigh 400 pounds by now. Over the years, I've developed a taste for good cheese and good wine and have a certain expertise in both fields. In fact, I have a solo dining blog at http://www.tableforoneplease.com.

Travel is one of my great passions and I am longing to reach a point again in my life where I can have more freedom to explore the world. I used to travel alot, but life circumstances have curtailed that in the past couple of years. It's high time to find a way to do it again!! I might be persuaded to try more outdoorsy stuff, just haven't had anyone to show me the ropes, so to speak. I used to enjoy camping, hiking, fishing . . . just drifted away from them. I really love the beach and tend to gravitate towards water when I have a chance.

• acting
• dining
• cooking
• wine
• cheese
• running
• coach
• partying
• clubbing
• traveling
• eating out
• blogging
• fishing
• hiking
• camping
• rock climbing
• history
• languages
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

My iPod might frighten you! LOL I have an incredibly eclectic mix of songs that I love. Broadway soundtracks are probably the winner in amount of space usage, but I also have everything from opera to ABBA, from 80s rock songs to classical, from Melissa Etheridge to Doris Day. I do love the Indigo Girls and for some odd reason Nanci Griffith. I tend to detest country music, so you won't really find any of that except where a singer crosses over. Also, no rap EVER!!!! LOL Does that tell you how I feel? I tend to not have anything extremely new or recent since most new music leaves me bored. But if you want to know anything about Broadway, I can probably help. OK, OK. I guess I am a card-carrying gay man after all. LOL

Would you believe it . . I may be the only person I know who doesn't even own a TV. No lie! I just don't enjoy it. I'd rather read. I do, however, have a great collection of videos and DVDs.

I'm a sucker for what they call 'speculative fiction' or 'fantasy.' My favorite author is David Eddings, followed closely by Raymond Feist. I do, occasionally, get into reading classic literature, particularly dramatic literature.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Back in 1989 I backpacked through Europe for four months and met so many totally cool people. One memory that stands out is sneaking through 'hidden' doors and climbing out on the roof of Mont Saint Michele.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach? I have worked for a long time as a tarot reader, psychic and hands on healer. I love to share that. Also, I have taught theatre, theatre history, acting, directing and all sorts of related topics.

Learn? I am open to anything! I love learning new things, especially languages.

Share? Well, I suppose all I have to share is myself. I am very tactile, so love to touch and be touched (not always about sex, but about intimacy). And I love just talking, sharing, learning.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm a great cook, and I love to pair fine wine with great food. If you have someone who plays an instrument, I am an awesome singer and can definitely entertain you.

Countries I’ve Visited

Aruba, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Jamaica, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Puerto Rico, Saint Lucia, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City State, Virgin Islands, British

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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