I enjoy living in a neat and clean space where I am comfortable surrounded by polished wood, flowers, soothing colors, books, soft lighting, music and scented candles. A house is just a building; a home is the special place you make it.

Sharing time with the people I care about is important to me. I love entertaining; whether it is cooking for a crowd, packing a picnic or making a candlelit dinner for two. Holiday traditions, birthday celebrations, family functions, etc. are very enjoyable; I like to make those times special and memorable.

Whether I'm baking, designing and crafting various textiles, sewing, decorating, painting or writing; the inspiration for creating always comes from my heart.

The goal of putting together a collection of my short stories is first on my to-do list, but I am also interested in learning conversational Spanish, how to eat with chopsticks, American Sign Language, to use my still-in-the-box-since-Christmas digital camera and RE-learning how to play the piano.

When spending time with family and friends, I think board games are fun; I especially enjoy word games such as Scrabble and Scattergories. Trivial Pursuit or Pictionary is always a crowd-pleasing favorite; and I like to play cards. I can bluff at poker ~ so don't say I didn't warn you!

As far as television watching goes, I enjoy JEOPARDY!, HGTV and my current favorite show, LAW & ORDER SVU. SESAME STREET is a big hit when my grandsons are here, but other than that, the TV isn't on much at my house.

Music has always been a big part of my life and I enjoy most types; except heavy metal and rap. I spend most of my time with the radio or a CD playing soft rock/easy listening and especially "oldies" (50s-60s) in the background. A few of my favorite artists include Andrea Bocelli, Smokey Robinson, Josh Groban, Sarah Brightman, Celtic Women, Perry Como, The Temptations, Celine Dion, Barry Manilow, Lionel Ritchie, Martina McBride and Sandi Patti.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * My favorite song is anything to which you would ask me to slow dance. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Reading is a daily pleasure. I usually read the news online, subscribe to several magazines and always have a book with me. I tend to read mostly fiction, as it seems to spur more of my imagination. To name just a few, I particulary like the works of James Patterson, David Baldacci, Patricia Cornwell, John Grisham, Pat Conroy and Tami Hoag. I use my library card regularly as I ran out of space on the bookshelf a long time ago.

A few of my favorite simple pleasures are: a cool breeze, perfume in a pretty bottle, having an umbrella handy, pink carnations with baby's breath, really dark sunglasses, fresh linens, buy one/get one free deals, comfortable pillows, waterfalls and fountains, an automatic ice maker, collecting gold charms for my bracelet, boat rides, tossing a coin into a wishing well, musical snowglobes, cotton sweaters, book stores, finding the perfect gift (on sale!), fireworks and watermelon on the Fourth of July, new socks, Russell Stover Milk Chocolates, the sight, sound and scent of the ocean and my nightly bubble bath.

But, I have enough "things" and I have always had my priorities straight. Keeping the people I care most about close to my heart is of the utmost importance. I believe it is vital to show love and appreciation everyday with actions, (sweet hugs and kisses, keeping promises, loving gestures, etc.), as well as with words by speaking truthfully and kindly. And sometimes, especially between lovers who are in sync, just a certain look can convey the innermost feelings.

Having a quality man in my life to acknowledge and share these feelings would be a very special gift. A man who understands that a woman needn't be weak or dependent to find comfort in his arms; one who can find a special place in his heart just for me and would consider me (us) a high priority in his life.

We would be able to talk openly and honestly about anything and everything that is important to us. I desire a mutually monogamous, committed, warm, trusting, sensual and active intimate relationship.

You will find that I am personable, fun-loving, intuitive, feminine but NOT "high maintenance", intelligent, affectionate, optimistic, patriotic, responsible, creative, generous, playful, compassionate, attentive, sexy, trustworthy, articulate, reliable, considerate, romantic, well-mannered, emotionally healthy, as well as free of drama and debt.

A first date would most likely be to meet and chat in a public but quiet venue.

A GOOD first date would be to feel a connection and want to extend our meeting for a while longer by, perhaps, taking a walk.

A PERFECT first date would be all of the above plus a comfortably flowing conversation accompanied by making plans for a subsequent date. We would laugh and casually touch; wanting our time together to never end. Reluctantly, we'd part by exchanging a quick hug and a kiss; each walking away with a heart-warming glow from much anticipation of our next encounter . . .


A partial list of my interests includes: attending a concert or sporting event, seeing a movie (DVD or theatre) or a play (especially love the classical musicals), going to the beach, visiting museums and/or quaint shops, playing miniature golf, packing a picnic, working the Sunday crossword puzzle together, sharing a meal, watching a sunset, going bowling, scouting out a flea market, playing pool or IN a pool, and maybe just walking around town, with my hand in yours, to see what there is to see . . .