~ By Way of Introduction ~

Saying too much here, one risks having most people find something which would make them pass by; but by saying too little, one ends up meeting people with whom they have little in common...

So, I ask myself: how much do we all value our time; and, how many people am I trying to meet here anyway? Thus, in deference to those seriously seeking a life partner – and with the same intention myself – I will tell you a little about the type of person I’ve become. I will refrain for the most part from outlining the sort of person I am interested in meeting, since I do not think that I have the right to tell anyone else what kind of person they should be.

Mine has been a somewhat interesting life, so far. I've tried (and managed) to cross lots of things off my "to do" list; and happily, I have not added much to my "never do that again" list.

{VERY few regrets! At this point, I have enough life experience to have stopped doing things I know I'll regret later... mostly}

~ What Would You Be Doing If You Weren’t Reading This? ~

I am seriously involved with photography (I learned to develop black and white film at the age of 13), and have a nice 'digital darkroom'. I mostly photograph landscapes, and often play around in Photoshop. I enjoy writing, and still publish the odd piece here and there (once in a while). I get along well with artists (as well as those inclined toward the sciences).

-> {Creative! I have lots of projects on the go; instructional books and tutorials I'm reading; about a years worth of print supplies stocked up... }

I love to visit art galleries, museums, attend poetry readings, concerts (jazz, folk, world beat, alternative, etc.); I use to be the photo editor of a small, alternative newspaper in Vancouver (early 90's) so I have had distinct tendencies toward an activist lifestyle. I am no stranger to being in print, hence my rather extended profile here...

-> {Alternatively cultured! Know any good vegetarian coffee houses?}

I’ve been practicing tai chi - taijiquan - regularly (also some basic Taoist meditation techniques) for half my life now (I've had some world class teachers). I often practice with weights. I supplement this practice with various meditation and stretching techniques designed to enhance one’s sense of embodiment – cultivating “feeling tones of wellness” through stretching and relaxing muscle/tendon groups.

-> {Stayed 'in shape'! I'm one of those 'intellectual types' who gradually became fit – and it only took a few decades! You know the kind - a hiker who took up cycling, instead of a football player who took up sitting on the couch watching 'the game' and drinking beer. However, I do not play tennis, golf, or ski.}

My life experiences range from living in the Yukon and Northwest Territories (my summers during university), to helping save old growth rainforest on Canada’s Northwest Coast (Carmanah Valley). I found time for all sorts of hiking, camping, and climbing excursions in some very remote areas. I’m very glad I managed to do all those things while still young enough to enjoy them; but, I am also quite happy that I’ve had stable employment throughout this new millennium.

-> {I'm relatively settled! Maybe you have a few things on your “to do” list that we could have a look at together?}

I really enjoy outdoor adventures. I also enjoy a simple walk in the park or a visit to a botanical garden; but, if you feel the need for a week of hard travel through the middle of nowhere - hey, I'm in: and I promise to get you back safely. I won't hesitate over sticking your toes into my armpits to warm them if they are in danger of freezing (in the event of a three day blizzard above the snow line on some remote slope… a walk to the convenience store on a cold winter’s night DOES NOT COUNT – PLEASE!!!).

-> {Reliable! Hey - there is an unwritten understanding between wilderness climbing and hiking buddies that, one does whatever is necessary to bring one's friends home.}

~ First, Determine Where We Are; THEN Ask, "Why We Are Here?" ~

I also sit nicely by fires BUT wouldn't wish to see even my dead body in a church (or at all, come to think of it). So, if you are religious in a conventional sense then, you won't want to waste your time with me. Yes, I am sure... my academic background is in post-structural philosophy (a field in which I am still active), and I just do not have any time to spend within the kind of conceptual negativity that is almost invariably associated with organized religion. Now, I realize that this sounds somewhat harsh of me, but, I have added this section because I don't think that anyone here is looking for a dysfunctional relationship (I'm certainly not): I think it only honest (and realistic) to be upfront about my lack of religious commitment.

-> {Thoughtful! I have even learned to 'play nice' in discussions, leaving that academic 'go for the logical flaws' attitude of philosophic discussion behind me... for the most part. Yes, people use to complain}.

If your political sympathies lie to the right of center, then it is very probable that we would not enjoy each other's company to any significant degree of depth. If you are interested in the environmental movement, then we would have lots of things to talk about.

-> {Honest! Which is a matter of choice we all face; but, 'a professional consideration' for me: philosophy as an applied field just doesn't work unless one is committed to trying their best to be honest with themselves; and that of course just naturally carries over into interactions with others.}

I am always supportive of any honest inquiry or sincere questioning of oneself; that is to say, authentic ~spirituality~ : thus, I prefer to spend my time with people who actively affirm their existence. I am not actually a "new ager": but I suppose that is close enough (since 'old ager' just doesn't sound right).

I will, however, never agree that just thinking something can make it real.

-> {Positive attitude! Indeed, one of the basic Taoist meditations I practice is for converting negative emotions into positive energy. I am as emotional as the next person, but, I don't have a lot of unresolved emotional energies (“baggage”) built-up and ready to influence my interactions with any new moment's passing... which is a cool way to be. I do of course have a sense of humor – as you might have noticed.}

IN SUMMARY: "nice guy looking for a funny and/or intelligent and/or talented-creative woman to spend ever increasing amounts of time with"...

...and that is what I call, "being hopeful".

{Optimistic! Yes, even to the point of saying – if you feel so inclined then please do go ahead and drop me a line – just to say “Hi”… }

Oh – and I don’t own any camouflage clothing (what’s up with that, anyway?).

Having been born where I presently live, but, also having lived a good part of my life away from here, I will assume that we can both agree that the options are somewhat limited in this immediate vicinity; and thus, this may require some serious brainstorming on both our parts.

Oh, wait... that WOULD be the first date! Well, I don't know; any ideas?

Okay... I guess I will have to update this, since I am moving to B.C. in a few weeks...

Female
Must not be looking for Other Relationship
Must not do drugs
Must not be married