I am a quiet person who likes to read, take walks, explore new things and contemplate the earth and its loveliness. A puppy or a flower is apt to take my breath away rather than a Porsche or designer jeans.

Though very curious about different religions, cultures and ways of life, I am by no means bland. I love style and am quick, witty and current. I am for social reform, an opponent of the drug war and prison inequities. I strive to consume less and give back more.

Believing that love conquers all, I feel that nothing is worth the price of war. Realizing that we are all connected, when I start to feel my compassion slip I work hard to correct it. I do not entertain unpleasant thoughts about others for long and am not likely to engage in conversations about what is wrong with people – at least I try not to. Looking upon most people as my friends, I find plenty to value in everybody I meet.

I am streetwise, and independent. I grew up in the city and left home very young. I have great friends and I laugh at myself a lot. I like people who make me laugh and are peaceful.

One of my favorite pass-times is to walk and look at yards, I enjoy how people create landscapes and love it when I see a new type of plant or flower. I particularly like Japanese style gardens.

My CD player is playing White Stripes and recently played MC Yogi, Buddhist Chants for Inner Peace, Soul Coughing and Tupac. I am not much for television but I like HBO’s The Wire and Entourage. I love movies and I saw all of the major Oscar winners this year. I thought Sean Penn and Mickey Rourke were amazing. Being a healthy eater, I don’t like fast food. I had yogurt and almonds for breakfast and mushroom pizza for dinner last night. I sometimes enjoy eating out and good Mexican food is my favorite. I keep fit by running more days than not and have recently added weight lifting.

If you find my profile intersting, please reach out with an email of more than a couple words. I might look at those profiles who add me as a "favorite" but they should also be followed-up with an emailed sentence or two, as I will seldom initiate contact without one. Many thanks!

I think doing a group activity is the ideal first date. It is more realistic of the typical first encounter - before Internet dating, that is. Meeting for a walking tour, a kayaking lesson or similar adventure would be a good way to get to know a person and how they interact with the world before you are sitting across the table from them wondering if they find you appealing.