I’m looking for a good man to share love, laughter and fun, quiet candle-lit dinners and weekend frolics up the CA coast, sunrises, rain showers, and much else.
Me: I'm not very good at self-promotion, but this is a dating site after all, so here goes: I have a generous soul, a good brain, and an independent spirit. Attractive (I think) but you can judge that for yourself, serious when it matters, playful otherwise, always thoughtful and loving. I like to dance, but have a terrible singing voice, I laugh easily and cry sometimes, interested in the inner and outer lives of people.
You: honest (above all), down to earth, smart, inquisitive and warm-hearted with youthful energy/enthusiasm and emotional maturity. You enjoy talking, listening and laughing -- not necessarily in that order or any order. You're not afraid of the curve balls that life occasionally tosses our way. You are looking for a committed, monogamous relationship (experience required).
My pastimes include movies, theatre, books, dining out, hiking in the canyons, the beach, hot springs, the ocean (in and near), museums and art galleries, public gardens, farmers markets, night games at Dodgers Stadium, thrift stores and flea markets, open to trying new things (ok, not bungee jumping), find almost anything fun in the right company. I own a 1979 MGB. (Extra credit if you know how to fix old cars.) I most appreciate the simple things - the company of family and friends, conversation over coffee, closeness and a good bowl of pasta al dente. I also value my alone time, which I often spend in my garden pulling weeds and pruning. It's good exercise and also very meditative. I am fine on my own, but think a shared life is that much sweeter. And weeding is always easier when you work together.
I was born and raised in NYC and also lived many years in Europe, in Italy and the Netherlands. I love traveling, and different cultures and languages and I feel at home in most places. There are many trips I've yet to take, both in the US and abroad and I would be happy to meet a traveling partner, but really more interested in a partner for life's journey.
Social issues and politics are important to me, I'm not as active in these areas as I'd like to be or used to be, but I enjoy lively discussion.
I teach and do research at a local university. I have a great job and enjoy a lot of professional success, but I'm also happy to leave it at the end of the day. I'd like my partner to be passionate about his work, but also able to stop and smell the roses, or the sage, if he's into California native plants.
I was a single working mom for many years. Now that my son is grown and on his own and I have only the dog to take care of (a 2-year old border collie mix badly in need of something to herd), I am ready for a new beginning. Hoping to find someone to join me.

What I'd like for a first date: Some place quiet enough to talk, pretty surroundings, perhaps looking out at the beach, conversation flows easily, mutual attraction and comfort, excitement about a next meeting.