This part is always the tough part. I was advised earlier today that men tend to only read the first paragraph and so I should keep my information short, but it seems to me that it is very difficult to sum up the information requested (in the instructions) succinctly. Therefore, I will put a short synopsis here and then elaborate in later paragraphs for those who actually enjoy reading profiles. I am currently working on quitting smoking (I am decreasing the number of cigarettes daily and will be eliminating smoking from my residence completely by January 1 should I still be tempted by that time). Now, for the short list (for those who are not "profile readers"): I enjoy museums, fine art, theater, history, antiques, visiting historical places, native american studies, reading, writing and singing (no karaoke here!). I would like to meet someone who has similar interests and am looking for dating in with the goal of a "long term only" relationship. I enjoy educated men who are not afraid to enjoy a good debate. This man must be one of the following: Caucasian, Native American or Jewish. While I am not a racist person, I know what works for me and what doesn't.

Now for the longer part (this will most likely take more than one paragraph, so for the faint of heart, be forewarned!). I am first and foremost a lady and like to be treated as one. At the present moment, I am rebuilding my life after having some of life's lessons come my way. I am actually glad that I have had those experiences as I have learned to appreciate the simple things in life. I have wonderful friends whom I am very close to, a large family that is spread out all over the country and I value them tremendously, playing with my dogs, a paddle in the creek or ocean, reading a really good non-fiction book, just to name a few. I enjoy cooking but have to be in the mood to do so. I am not the most domestic person but am working at it. I am well read, well educated and was raised in an atmosphere that values the finest that life has to offer. At the same time, I am a person who appreciates the simple pleasures that life has to offer.

I follow an alternative religious path, am Native American and Caucasian mix and I appreciate the wide variety of cultures that exist on this planet. I am a political liberal and free thinker. Most often find myself looking for alternative parties to vote for in elections.

As for my household makeup, I am "owned" by a cat, a school of fish and two dogs. My dogs and cat have house privileges and bring a great deal of joy to me.

When it comes to the ideal match, I follow the example that was given to me by my parents. When I was younger I went against that grain and found unhappy results. To put things simply, if my parents are not going to like you, I won't in the long run. I love to travel, and have been to Canada, England, Scotland, Germany and Austria (I do not consider riding on the back of your motorcycle to be "traveling" and although you may enjoy your Harley, I will not ride it - I promised my Father that I would not do so - he is a doctor and has operated on too many motorcycle riders in his time - and I keep my promises). My sense of humor is dry and I am very analytical in my thinking process - example: I once had a date with a very nice man to a play that really caught my attention as it was based on an original Greek myth - I was so caught up in comparing the play to the mythological base that I completely missed the emphasis that the gentleman kept making on the word "love" and types of love in the play - suffice it to say, he has not emailed me back. I am very into nature and was into it before it became "vogue."

I am a one man kind of woman and I expect a one woman kind of man. I am a strong believer in monogamy. At this stage in the game, I have become aware (via watching my older siblings and parents) that after awhile, our physical equipment starts to wear out and it is more important to have a mate whom you can and will appreciate when you come to that point in life. I truly believe that a solid, long lasting relationship is based on a strong friendship, trust, truth, honesty (not all the same thing but similar), understanding, compassion, intellectual stimulation, mutual respect and hard work is necessary. A relationship should not be all work and no play, so I believe that chemistry is important but the type of chemistry that I am speaking of is intellectual chemistry. In my opinion, the sexiest body part on a man is his brain.

I hope that I have given enough of a synopsis to intrigue the right person to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you. Also, proper English is imperative. I do not respond to messages in which a person types such things as "How R U?"

Items for disqualification:
NASCAR, motorcycle riding (unless it is for work, and then only for work), birds, amphibians, lack of intellectual discourse, "420", drugs, stds, loud of offensive language, loud sports (I am ok, if not done in my presence), cigars, cheating of any type

Items of Intrigue:
Leather bound books (I love the smell of them and usually the contents too!), travel, photographs, intellectual debate along many lines, taking a relationship slowly and letting it grow, board games, sitting by a fire (indoors our out), staring at stars, keen interest in nature

There are many things which could be done, depending on the person! Taking a day drive in the mountains and having a picnic along the way, going for a short hike or ride on bikes, kayaking down the river, spending time at the dog park playing with the dogs that we bring or are already there, enjoying antiques or a garage sale... take your pick! I enjoy getting to know a person and see what develops before "hitting the sack."