I am a creative outgoing woman who loves exploring new things. I love the arts in all its forms - I play guitar and sing (mostly for my own enjoyment). I use to sing with Opera Lyra but took some time off this year to finish writing my book and because I wanted more time for myself (and potentially dating). I also have a passion for photography and can often be found in a park with my digital camera attempting to capture the visuals that move me (as seen in my nature shots). I also love the water so boating, swimming, etc. are all favorites of mine.

The most rewarding thing I do is raising my children - I have two (age 16 & 18) who keep me young that I enjoy spending time with. As they get older they need less of me so it's time for me to start focusing on my own interests and life goals.

I have a passion for learning and enjoy trying anything once (well anything SANE). I am a marketing specialist by trade (mostly online businesses SEO, SEM, eBusiness) with a few small businesses under my belt (no I am not rich - but I am self-sufficient meaning I'm not looking for someone to provide for me financially). I'm just your average woman trying to make a living doing what I need to do to provide the best for my kids and my future. I play as hard as I work and I'm open to all kinds of new adventures.

Did I mention that I took time off this year to finish writing my first book! My book deals with helping men understand women so they can put the sexual fun back into their relationship. It has been quite the journey of self discovery as I interviewed hundreds of married men who's wives had lost interest in sex and the men were basically starving for intimacy. In fact many of the men I interviewed were from POF. I think I have a unique perspective on why the intimacy dies and what men can do to help rebuild their love lives and their marriage without compromising the relationship by cheating. I still believe that intimacy is what keeps people in love and is the foundation that keeps the trust, respect, and acceptance alive and well in marriage.

I love the outdoors and enjoy hiking, concerts, movies, swimming, boating, dancing, etc. In the winter I love snow shoeing and the calming serenity of fresh fallen snow in the woods. My work is fairly seditary so I try to make up for that outside of work. I lead an active lifestyle - but you should know I am a curvy woman (proportionately curvy) and I will NEVER be slender (genetics have dictated my physique). I am quite comfortable in my body, no self-esteem issues here and no over inflated ego either, just down to earth comfortable with who I am.

I am spontaneous and laughter is second nature to me. Warning - I have a rather wicked sense of humor. I am also a playful and passionate woman who believes in spoiling the hell out of my partner till he drops of exhaustion. Passion is a vital part of any growing relationship and I'm not interested in a future without it.

As for what I want in a man: He has to be open to trying new things & enjoys learning, he has to be as passionate about living (and loving) as I am in order to be a good fit. Both intelligent and with that playful childlike zest for having fun. I also know that beliefs play an important part in compatibility. Integrity is very important to me.

I do have a serious weakness for a great smile & good hygene is essential to me. I can't be with a smoker and I have no interest in a long distance relationship and I really do prefer men closer to my own age (to those 20-something guys out there NO I'm not interested). I don't expect a "perfect" man - just someone I can be myself with who I can share and enjoy things with. Someone willing to grow together in this adventure we call life.

I'm not shy and I will take the inititive but I don't usually send first emails unless I am added to your favorites. If I have added you to my favorites it means I am interested in you and would like to know you. Life's too short to not reach out and explore ones options.

One last note: where it asks "do I want children" they didn't offer me a choice for "I'm done having children, but I don't have problems with his children" So if you are a single dad, that isn't an issue for me. I don't see children as baggage, I see them as another opportunity to expand ones heart and mind. I like kids and dogs (I have a dog but she doesn't rule my world nor can she fill your shoes).

I believe that as responsible adults (and especially for parents) it is up to the "couple" to present a united front in all things - it doesn't mean we wont disagree, but it does mean we will work through differences to find what we can both live comfortably with putting each others feelings first so that united we can put others first as a united couple.

I still believe that a woman's role is to support, encourage and passionately love her man in all ways so that he can become all that he desires to be as a man - and in doing so he will continue to love, honor and cherish his lady supporting her to become all that she is meant to be. We do not define each other, but we enhance the quality of life for each other through our contributions and the joy shared in experiencing life together. I expect to still be holding hands with my life partner for many decades to come as I am a very tactile woman who enjoys the physical closeness. But I understand we will still need alone time and time with friends too in order to live a happy balanced life.

I don't need a man to complete me - but it would certainly enhance life sharing it with that special man.

A first meeting is for getting to know each other (it is NOT a date!) - it doesn't really matter where you go or what you do so long as you have the opportunity to talk. A game of pool or mini-putt is always a good ice breaker - or how about hiting a few balls at a driving range (I don't play golf worth beans but I have fun and I'm happy to learn).

Although walks in the park sound lovely, that isn't the safest way of meeting someone for the first time so lets keep it somewhere in public. If the meeting goes well then we can plan on a date - if the meeting doesn't go well, then we ended up having fun and made a new aquaintance along the way. I don't believe there is such a thing as a bad meeting because we gain something from each person we come in contact with.

Must not be looking for Intimate Encounter
Must not do drugs
Must not be married
Must not smoke