Life is too short to sit back and just let it pass you by. I am a strong intelligent woman who enjoys what life has to offer, whether it be long conversations over good food and wine, listening to great music, hiking in the woods, or immersing myself in arts and culture. I am an avid reader on a wide range of topics, and enjoy great literature. Not much of a TV watcher but love great movies. I have a challenging stimulating career, wonderful friends and family, and a beautiful place to call home. I enjoy meeting new people but this can be a bit of a challenge living a small town life.

I am looking for someone who enjoys life, and doesn't take themselves too seriously. Humour - be it witty, sarcastic or droll - and the ability to laugh at life's trials and tribulations is definitely a must. Intelligence and a curiousity about the world is also top of my list. Postgraduate education is helpful, but more important is a philosophy of exploration, creativity and a quest for life-long learning. I also appreciate someone who has refined tastes - can't stand snobbishness but rather someone who can appreciate the subtle nuances in a newly tried glass of wine, a best bitter, or a great Indian Curry and gets really excited about it. I have mentioned that I am an avid reader, and literacy is definitely important to me. It doesn't mean you have to have read or enjoyed the same books that I do, but are aware of some of the classics and will take pleasure in sitting in front of the fire on a rainy afternoon with a good book and sharing the interesting passages. An appreciation of music is also high on the list - I love going to hear live music, and it is so much better if that pleasure can be shared. Finally it is important to me that you aren't afraid of intimacy, but are okay doing your own thing as well. Together we can explore the good things life has to offer and each other.

I think that first dates are best focused around a low stress event, so that you can get to know each other and see if there is any chemistry - meeting in a nice cafe, or over a quiet glass of wine; a coffee to go for a walk through the park or along the beach...