I really am not sure how to convey any meaningful sense of who I am in this little space. I love words, but I am not just words, of course. I love social gatherings, but I'm not a "party girl." I love physical activity (cycling, walking, working out), but I'm not hardcore competitive. For example, I rode the STP a couple of times, but I wasn't first... or even close. I like to stop and smell (and take photos of) the flowers. I'm a mother, teacher, writer, singer, world traveler, counselor, and friend (among other things). I like variety in my food, music, people and activities. I like warm hearts and cool mornings. I like deep conversation and light laughter. I like autumn leaves and spring greenery. I like large planes and small boats. I like weather, the ocean, the smell of vanilla, thai soup, silly jokes, and the sound of frogs (among many, many other things).

I am a high-energy, genuine, compassionate woman who seeks a vibrant, intelligent man who will join me and challenge me on my spiritual journey, which is an exploration of an eclectic mix of Eastern and Western philosophies.

Well, this has been interesting so far. I'd like to add that I'm a little old-fashioned (I guess), so it's not likely that I will contact you first. If your profile shot is a manly(?) display of your pecs and abs, I probably will not respond. I'm just going to want to know you better before I choose to see you without clothes. And please, if you're decades younger, don't message me. I am not a "cougar."

Note: The chemistry test on this site clearly has an error. It rated me low in self-control. Sorry guys, that is laughably not true. I don't often give in to temptation without considerable thought. There are other results from these quizzes that are misleading and need to be discussed.

What I would do for a first date depends entirely on the definition of first date. If it was a very first meeting type of first date, I would want to meet for coffee and conversation. If things advanced beyond that point, I would probably want to do something casual and public, such as dinner and a walk along a waterfront--something that involves ample opportunity for that kind of getting-to-know-you communication that I believe to be the foundation of any relationship.