Although just settling in after much change, in a new career and freshly lodged in Maple Ridge horse country, I have rarely been as stable because I feel so ready to settle and build an enduring partnership somewhere here in the Lower Mainland, preferably in Vancouver or near to it.

My life has been blessed - a mostly great marriage for over a decade, and two or three positive and affirming other longish-term relationships, two rewarding careers, good health, material riches enough and richer still in experience.

Itchy feet and love of novelty have propelled me to live in many parts of the world, and opportunity has allowed me the luxury of doing so. That lust for life still lingers but now it's time to play house at least a little and squirrel more nuts away for winter. I relish the prospect, as surely there'll be plenty of chance for travel and adventure.

Like so many British Columbians my leisure time pursuits are largely outdoorsy - hiking, mountain biking, swimming in natural places and running naked in the woods.

Also a city person, lived in and loved London UK, downtown Vancouver, Kitsilano and the Commercial Drive neighbourhood, Johannesburg (South Africa) etc. Drawn to alternative and experimental theatre and live music, dancing, spoken word and all nature of artsy shenanigans.

While personal growth and the inner life have taken second place mostly to a life of the mind and the senses, at one time I was drawn to Buddhist philosophy. If my life's guiding principle can be reduced to a single maxim it would be "all suffering comes from grasping." The saying is attributed to Mr Buddha.

Accomplished women with strong personalities are attractive to me, independent and inter-dependent, with friends of their own - male and female, who have well-developed interests and are sociable and comfortable with new people and places. Healthy self-esteem is a big plus.

I'm mouldable but only so much, haha, so let's meet in the middle :) Harmony seeking women bring out the best in me, and that's not a euphemism for letting me be boss - no really. Let's form a coalition government and give each other room to breathe.

My final observation is about this site - my experience has been positive and gratifying. But I am not alone in being curious why women do not feel comfortable sending the first message. I suspect many women feel it would be seen as pushy or overeager.

I have turned some men friends of mine onto the site and they say the same thing - many women view them first and most of them respond when written to, but not once has any of them been contacted first by a woman. Surely in this day and age it is okay for women to ask us to dance. I know I would find it really refreshing.

Somewhere we can talk - prefer a walk if the weather permits. Outside it may be raining, but wherever we are it will be entertaining!