Wow..... Thanks for stopping by. Welcome to my lil space here in the fish pond.

I am looking for that ever-elusive special person who will be my best friend, my partner, my confidante, and my lover.

I am a single dad. I own a Victorian home that needs a bit of restoration. I drive a motorcycle. I play guitar and sing in a band. I love golf, but I am no Tiger Woods. I play hockey, softball, tennis ... again, I am no pro, but have fun pretending to be. I fish, I camp.

I can fix things, and they work afterwards. I can build things, and they don't fall apart. I can cook things, and use more than just the microwave. I do my own laundry, and my underwear is not all pink. I don't need to ask for directions, I have a GPS. I read the instructions every time, and then do it my own way anyway. I can intelligently debate politics, philosophy, the meaning of life, sports, the theory of relativity.

I have dreams and aspirations. I have friends. I have all my teeth. I am a Trivial Pursuit champ. My poker buddies call me the Rain Man (if you have no clue why that might be, then you are probably too young for me ... is that movie REALLY 20 years old??). I am well educated, well read, well mannered, well grounded, been told I am easy on the eyes (not just by my mom) and I am a great kisser (again, mom had nothing to do with that either).

My closest friends would describe me as level-headed, loyal, opinionated, ambitious, articulate, logical, quick-witted, intelligent, polite, generous, self-confident, self-aware, high emotional IQ, introspective, talented, unafraid to speak my mind, and some would even say sexy (I am closer to some friends than others).

I have a 14 yr old son who lives with me during the week. He is a great kid, and I like him a lot. He is into visual art, music and theatre. One of my biggest thrills is watching him perform on stage. He is also polite, intelligent and talented ... this just proves the power of good genetics!! His mother and I get along well, and the baggage is pretty light.

One of my favourite activities is sharing the cooking, along with a bottle of wine. It is less about the cooking, and more about the company. I do know the difference between a good bottle and a cheap bottle, but I am definitely not a wine snob. I like good scotch and have been known to imbibe in tequila once in a while. But nothing beats a cold bottle of beer on a scorching hot day. Boy, I sound like a falling down drunk here....!!

Some of my favourite things (cue Sound of Music).... moonlight on the water, having a splash fight in the canoe, a long walk in the woods, sitting on the rocks in my favourite place, anything from the barbecue, a passionate kiss, catching a fish, rescuing turtles as they try to cross the road, a long sweeping curve and the rush of leaning the bike into it, watching tv while sitting on the floor in front of the couch and getting a wonderful shoulder rub, having my lover lay her head in my lap as we watch TV so I can stroke her hair as she dozes, the smell of sheets dried on the line, skinny dipping, holding hands, pillow talk, the feeling I get when I sing a song and everyone is dancing with total abandon, naked twister. There are more, I'll add some later, or maybe you should just ask.....

You are a woman who knows the correct spelling of definitely and independent, knows the difference between there/they're/their and your/you're and than/then ... yes, I can be a bit of a grammar snob, but don't let that get in the way. You are someone who is strong-minded (but not obstinate for no reason), leads a healthy lifestyle (no drugs, non-smoker, at least some physical activity), and is a bit of a hedonist. Your curiousity about life can, at times, get you into trouble, but your intelligence, charm and quick wits have never failed you. You have terrific friends who describe you as amazing, nurturing, straight-forward, a domestic goddess, lives her life by her own rules, adventurous, not afraid of spontaneity, sexy. You are open with your emotions and thoughts. You care deeply, forgive completely, and love unconditionally. You have something extraordinary to offer the right man.

I am not scared off by women who have strong opinions, or a high level of self-confidence and intelligence. In fact, that is what I am looking for the most. I am not a shrinking violet, and neither should you be. I have a strong personality, without being domineering, and I seek the same in a partner. If you have a strong opinion, speak up and defend it, but be willing to listen to alternatives, and be open to compromise..... I will return the gesture.

I need someone who is willing to learn from me, and who in turn is able to teach me new things. What can you learn from me?? You could learn how to play guitar, to sail, to drive a motorcycle, how to wire an electrical socket, how to solder a plumbing fitting, how to pitch a tent. One of my closest friends has dubbed me Mr. Geography ... you'll have to ask her why that is. What do I want to learn?? I want to learn tantric, I want to learn to scuba dive, I want to learn to skydive, I want to learn the true value of friendship. I really do love like I have never been hurt. And I sing like no one is listening. And sometimes, if I am late, I drive like it is stolen.

You have high expectations for yourself. You have a positive outlook on life. In your world, the glass is neither half-full nor half-empty -- it is completely full, half with water, half with air. You are not willing to "settle". While you strive to be the best you can be, you understand that perfection is neither possible nor desired. You are happy with yourself, and who you are. There are no nagging doubts about who you want to be that only extensive and expensive therapy can overcome.

You'll have to put up with me wanting to play poker with the boys from time to time (you are certainly welcome to join us, but be prepared to make large and consistent donations to my chip stack ... yes, that is a challenge!!), playing gigs with the band, and I hope you like the feeling of the wind in your face.... I treasure my time driving my Yamaha Venture touring bike, and I'd really like you to come with me. I will likewise give you the space needed so you can have your own life. But make no mistake ... I want the kind of relationship that, when we are apart doing the things that make us happy, we are secure in the knowledge that our partner supports and encourages this, and we both look forward to our next time together so we can share the experiences.

If Tom Cochrane was right, if life really IS a highway, then I want to take a road trip and experience as much of it as I can. Care to join me??

A true Renaissance man ... I would enjoy hearing from you.

Of course, a first time "meet and greet" hardly counts as a first date. Can we avoid Tim Hortons?? It is so cliché ... I still don't know why Tim Horton's head office hasn't started marketing their brand as the "Official Coffee Shop of Online Dating"!!

Him: She ordered a double/double...
Her: And he ordered an Ice Capp....
Both: And I just knew s/he was the one!!!!
Voice Over: Marci and Jim met at Tim Hortons 13 weeks ago, and have had 729 double/doubles since then.
Image: Marci and Jim cutting a Tim Horton's wedding cake...!!!
Fade to black.

Made you laugh!!!

I did too..... You laughed, admit it!!

Once we have decided there is chemistry, and have felt the sparks fly, then we can set the first date. Several good ideas come to mind .... How about a decent restaurant, a good bottle of wine, fabulous conversation ... the time just slips away. Then a stroll along the waterfront.

Or, a hike into Frontenac Park with a nice picnic lunch, under an old oak tree. Bring your bathing suit.... or not, and we'll go for a dip.

How about a motorcycle ride?? We can drive up to Lake on the Mountain, take some pictures, then go into Picton for an ice cream cone.

Or a day at the beach. Or fly a kite on Fort Henry Hill. Or I'll bring my guitar, and we'll play name that tune ... do you sing??

Really, does the place/activity ACTUALLY matter ...?? Aren't we each there for the purpose of getting to know each other?? So long as the activity we choose allows us to be together, and talk to each other (so golfing and movies are out, for now), I am all good with it. I'd like to go home afterwards, smiling inside and out, saying to myself, she is a great gal, and I can't wait to see her again.

No offence intended to anyone (honestly), but if your idea of the IDEAL first date includes UFC or NASCAR, chances are we won't get along. Likewise, if you think of Timmies as a place for a lunch date .... or if you can intelligently debate the proper way to field dress a moose carcass ... or if you routinely hang out with people whose faces are pierced and they are covered in tattoos ... maybe I am not your guy. I don't own an ATV, or a gun. If you think horse radish is too spicy, and your idea of ethnic food is Taco Bell, ummm .... what can I say??

I like live sporting events, and live theatre, and live music. You will NEVER hear me say "you's guys" or refer to myself as "myself." If you AND your sister combined don't own a full set of teeth, or you are still living in your glory days from 20 years ago, I am likely not the right one.

Regardless of the activity, I like to spend time on a first date. I am not one of these, "let's just meet for a coffee, so I can duck out quick if I don't like you" kinda guys .... how cynical is that?? While I understand the importance of first impressions, I also know it can be a nerve wracking experience.