On the surface, the basics of me are pretty standard stuff. Living, learning, growing. I am easy going, independent, idealistic, optimistic, great sense of humor, fun at times and serious when I need to be. I am young at heart and prefer simplicity. No drama here. I like to think I am smarter than the average bear, but sometimes... well, the beauty is in the imperfections, isn't it? I love boating, fishing, reading, writing, learning, good conversation, good cooking, travel and quality time at home. I have a demanding career and love it. I have enjoyed many successes in my life and have come from nothing more than once. I enjoy the strength in character and compassion those experiences often bring. I am blessed with wonderful friends. I am ready to entertain the thought of a special man in my life.

Beneath the surface, however, these waters can run deep. In the event a serious relationship develops, I seek a partner, not a dependent. I hope to create an honest, healthy exchange of insights, emotions, commonalities, differences and observations without judgment or the shackles of conventional standards. A commitment based on mutual respect, support and challenge. A commitment not based on fear or pretense. A simple, safe place to grow, heal, share, explore and exchange. A personals ad may or may not be the appropriate venue to express these longings, but who knows…

I believe that each moment, each person, each encounter and each experience holds its own lesson should we choose to see it. I am beautifully imperfect. I do my best to accept myself and others without judgment. I long for a meaningful, insightful and intelligent exchange of ideas (and spit too). (I just had to throw that in for good measure, it's getting much too serious in here!). I simply seek to give and receive laughter at life's humor, insights from the unique perspectives of others, beauty in all things and perhaps (if the moment is right) a few precious moments of solace in each others arms.

As I read over this I am thinking, great, but where does one begin? How exactly does one go about first finding and then creating such a thing? The answers, so far, have eluded me, but I am figuring, there is no place better to begin than the beginning…

Best of luck to all here. Comments and insights are welcome…

I am considering checking into therapy for a first date. That way, we can identify and deal with any dangling issues and move on. --- it's a joke people, lighten up!!!