I have been blessed with a wonderful life. I have everything I need, but I would love to have some one with whom to share it. Unfortunately I have never been a player and not into games and have no idea how to "sell" myself. I am willing to tell some one just about anything they want to know about me and am trying to let you know who I am and hope that it sparks some interest. My essay will never be the "suavest" one you are going to read, but it is honest.
I am looking to connect and settle down with someone who will be my best friend and lover. I have come to realize that it would best if I could find some one sweet (not CAN be sweet). A female friend of mine from once described a "southern woman" as one who was strong enough to stand on her own, yet also strong enough to accept support when she needs to. I really hope that that does not just describe "southern" women. Although physical appearance is not the most important thing, I do believe you have to be attracted to each other. I also believe almost everything in life is better shared, but I would rather be on my own than be in a bad or unhappy situation. All relationships require some work, but it should be a labor of love, not a battle. Women are one of God's greatest creations and I appreciate having them in my life as friends and for their perspective.
I value honesty and responsibility and integrity and personal responsibility. Without trust, you have nothing. My friends are the family I chose. They would do anything for me and I for them. I have found that I prize tranquility and being able to exist in a calm center. I avoid confrontation and drama. My goals are simple - live a good life, enjoy what it has to offer. Every day is another step (even if it is a baby step) on the journey of life and another opportunity to learn. The key to ANY relationship (business, friendship, romantic) is communication (which is an art) and compromise (without "settling").
What makes me unique is that I am both a man's man and have a very soft sensitive side. I use my brain all day, but love to come home and cook or wrench on my cars. I was born and raised in Connecticut but have lived in Santa Cruz since 1982 so I have an east and west coast perspective.
I mainly listen to country music, but I like everything (depending on the mood) from rock to new age to blues to baroque to reggae. About the only things I don't dig are rap, hip-hop and opera.
I have a wide variety of interests, but my main one is cars. In fact, I love cars so much, that I understand why some women love shoes. Although it has been a couple of years, my main passion / pass time is a form of racing called open track. Race cars on race tracks at race speeds in a non-competitive format and with the ability to take passengers for rides. I will hopefully have one of my race cars back together soon. I have also come to find that my enjoyment of cooking is unusual for many people. It just not as much fun when you are cooking only for yourself. Maybe someone could help me with that :).
I have a very strong belief in being upfront and honest so if you have any questions or if anything is unclear, please feel free to ask. Speaking of which, my response to the "want children" question is because I do not plan to have any of my own and prefer women with out children at home all the time, but I have enjoyed relationships with women who have well behaved kids. "Prefer not to say" seemed to be the most honest since I have a preference, but am open.
I also promise to (hopefully soon) post more pictures so that I can prove that I am not bald, gray or obese. I just have been having problems getting some one to take some good pictures of me :(.
Because I realize that what I think I am saying is not always what people are hearing, I would just like to get something straight. When I say I don't smoke or do drugs and don't want to be with some one who does, it includes people who "only" do it when they drink, or dance, or go out with the girls or when they are stressed, or "just" pot....... I never thought some one saying that they don't smoke or do drugs could be meant in so many different ways until I went on a couple of dates.

I have found that coffee / tea / a smoothie or lunch always works. It depends on how much you have found out about each other already and the comfort level. It is about getting to know the other person. Dating is already so much like interviewing.
I am also going to share something about which I feel very strongly. A response is common courtesy. I understand that women get inundated by the "broadcast spawners" out there and that some men will take anything as an invitation to keep communicating, but we are all here to try to find some one. If you are not into me and are polite, I promise no cyber stalking or flaming. I understand that "no" means "no".