A friend just reviewed my profile and says that I should include that I am a "Smarty-pants, Nut-bar!"

I just moved to Vancouver on April 30th. I was born and raised in Toronto but spent most of my adult life in Boom-town, Alberta.

First I should say, I think that meeting an ideal mate on the internet is a very difficult thing to do. There are sooooo many people on these sites; how do we choose who we try to connect with? ( 'can't write to everyone!) I have always trusted my feelings on such matters, but I am finding it difficult to get a true feel for someone on the internet from only a profile and a pic or two.
So I have decided it is best to forget about persuing a love relationship, and instead just try to make some friends and see where the friendships lead.

I LOVE AUTUMN!!!! One of the biggest reasons for choosing this city was that a friend of mine told me that autumn here lasts from Sept. to Feb. That was enough for me! I do enjoy all of the other seasons (yes...winter too!) for their specific attributes, but I revel in kicking through a pile of newly-fallen leaves while strolling down a street or along a hiking trail. I love the smell in the air and the colors in the trees on warm autumn afternoons, and the cool crispness that requires an extra layer of clothing with a scarf and a hat, on a fair, fall evening.

You may have noticed that under "religion" I specified "other". This is not because I belong to some cult or bothersome in-your-face kind of group, but rather because I think I've figured everything out pretty well for myself. I am very spiritual (non-religious) by nature and often when I sign up to different sites on the internet, I will use the name "Apostle" (it was taken here). I think that this name aptly describes me because, while I am always striving to evolve my spirit, I don't mind telling people what I think I already know!

I believe that all of us are on a path of self-guided evolution (primarily spiritual)and that there is no real security out there (only a materially based SENSE of security).
So, what is the best thing we can do? Trust our instincts and intuitions. Believe in the fact that we are all "divinely" guided from within and allow that guidance to manifest in our lives that which is most needed by us at the time.

I'm what you may call a "SNAG" (sensitive, new-age guy) I believe that tools such as astrology (using a total birth-chart, not just sun-signs) can help us to understand each other better but I don't use them to run my life. We are all creatures of free-will and individual choice. What's most important is how we learn and grow from the choices we make.

I prefer ladies who actually think about their spiritual natures as opposed to ones who just blindly follow what they hear in a church or read in a book. My belief is that spiritual awareness is a very individual thing...there are many paths that lead to the top of the mountain and I feel that both logic and intuition should be utilized in determining which path to choose.
Still with me?
OK...this is sounding a little like a sermon...time to change the subject!

So what would I like?
I would like a soul mate. An honest, monogamous, communicative, relationship.
A relationship that is not based on trying to obtain a certain lifestyle or status, rather one where two individuals who feel that they are meant to be together, actually try to do just that, BE TOGETHER.
So basically, once these two people have found each other: outline your common goals, work as much as you need to attain said goals, but most importantly...try to be together as much as possible.
I believe that the best sense of security we can have is to be in the company of our chosen mate. A place where the spoken word is not needed and a glance speaks volumes.

What appeals to me in a woman?
Mmmmm....I like an outgoing, shy, adventurous, demure, passionate, modest, confident, stay at home kind of career girl. Hahahaha...is that asking for too much?
It would also be nice if she knows about tea. yumyum! I enjoy most loose-leaf teas but especially enjoy oolongs and pu-erhs (polees).
A lady who can ride a bike on a forest trail as well as she can arrange a romantic dinner party for two. One who would scramble to the top of a mountain peak, just to see what the world looks like from there; or soak in a warm bubble bath eating strawberries covered in Belgian chocolate. One who loves to move (dance, sounds too choreographed) to the music of a blues or reggae band.

OK...I'm sure some of you have only read this profile to see what my definition of Love is. I guess what I'm offering is not really a definition of Love, but more of a way to recognize Love. You know you (or someone else) is in Love when your/their every action is prefaced with a consideration of how that action may impact the object of your/their ardour. In other words, you temper all selfish desires and consider the feelings of your Loved one before making decisions that will impact the both of you...in short; less selfishness, more consideration for the "us".

I have known the joy of love and the agony of heartbreak and have reached this point in my life with few regrets and no resentments.

I'm an eclectic guy with a general interest in everything. Some words that describe me might be: youthful, funny/witty, passionate, romantic, spiritual, spontaneous, communicative, sensitive...(did I say, devilishly handsome?)

I'm fun with a fairly quick wit and a spontaneous nature. I'm certainly not a "guy's guy" as I'm not a beer-drinking, football-watching, ass-scratching, pull my finger kind of guy! I am respectful of other people feelings and environments. I have a pretty good vocabulary so don't feel the need to insert profanity into my general conversation, although it does have it's time.

I am a very sincere person, most at home in the outdoors. I like riding my bicycle, cross country skiing, hiking, music festivals, snuggling in front of a fire, playing my guitar (badly), reading, museums, art galleries, and so many other things.
I have a great interest in asian culture.
I have been to China twice (no...not for the olympics) and I really enjoy the tea (cha) culture.
I have a lot of experience with karate (japanese) and a new interest in ba-gua-zhang (chinese) martial arts.

I am interested in many other cultures and speak
a little: french, german, chinese (mandarin), spanish, korean, tagalog and japanese.
Artistically, I am most creative as a photographer, (I specialize in taking photos of the Aurora Borealis, aka Northern Lights) but have also dabbled with painting, drawing writing and silver-smithing.

I like animals and children and they also like me!

I'm not really a "dater". I'm more of a "Let's get together and do something!" person.
I'm spontaneous by nature, but generally a cup of tea or coffee is a good way to start. The most important thing is that both parties are able to express themselves freely while learning something about the other, and seeing if there is any chemistry happening.