This is all about chemistry and has nothing to do with matching up lists of interests as if one is choosing from the menu in a Chinese restaurant. Obviously, it would be nice if that special someone serendipitously viewed this posting and felt compelled to respond, but of course SOMETHING must be said to respond to. I am an avid reader (classical literature, history, philosophy, political science and economics) and a film junkie (preferably independent, foreign and classic). Classical music is a passion, but I also love Celtic and Bluegrass. Great conversation is truly a passion and I respect those who can fully participate in a spirit of openly and honestly searching for the answers to life's great questions with the wit and good sense to see the humor in our most serious activities. I love to bicycle, run, hike and just generally be out of doors when it's not oppressively hot. I love to travel, and it would be great to find someone who loves long trips and camping. I've done 5,000+ mile trips each of the past few years all over the West and plan to do many more in the future.

Beauty is not just in the eye of the beholder but in the soul. How wonderful it would be to find someone whose inner joy radiates through sparkling eyes that are truly portals to her soul!... someone who is not obsessed with outer appearances and the ridiculous lure of "current fashion" -- be it in clothing or make-up... someone who is serious about life and understands that that seriousness requires the ability to appreciate the humor all around us and in us and to occasionally laugh at ourselves... someone who understands that desperation, dishonesty and/or dependence are not integral parts of the path to a rewarding relationship.

I just received an email from friends who viewed my profile, and they adamantly maintain that while what I've written is certainly reflective of me, it is reflective of only a part of me and overemphasizes traits that might well turn away just the sort of woman for whom I'm looking. They consider me spontaneous and fun to be with and a person who still approaches life with a sense of awe and adventure -- they think my profile sounds like I'm looking for the Lilith character from the old Frasier show. That, of course, is not the case. While a bright, open mind is VERY attractive and important, I don't live SOLELY in my brain and don't expect others to either. There is a great deal I still hope to do in this world, and I would very much like to find someone with whom to share anticipated adventures AND our paths to wisdom.