UPDATE....RETURNING TO SOUTH CAROLINA ON 12/14/2009........I came to Cali less than a year ago from South Carolina where I lived in the country. I grew flowers and veggies and took care of 3.5 acres of property. I am very easy going and enjoy simplicity over glitter. I am a definite animal lover having done a lot of volunteer work for the SPCA. I really like primative camping and the outdoors. I buiit a permanent campsite on the back side of my property bordering the woods. I spent a great deal of time back there. It was almost as good as being in the middle of nowhere!

I have been in Santa Cruz only a short time, and I am LUVIN IT! The people, the atmosphere, the whole package is a world away from the south. It's the next best thing to Amsterdam, where I had the privledge to visit 6 times in the early 90's. I would love to have someone show me the REAL Santa Cruz!

I have spent more than three years writing a book that I hope will be the begining of a long and prosperous career as a professional author. I was formerly a fitness trainer and plan to slowly resume my own personal regiem after 2yrs off.

I like men who are positive, spontaneous, consistent, have a sense of humor and enjoy life's simple pleasures. It is important to me that a man has his own life, separate from mine, an individual who has his own values and opinions that he stands behind; not just a reflection of my values and opinions and will stick to what he believes in. I like for a man to just to be himself and not try too hard gain approval or to make anyone like him. A man does NOT have to be Addonis or a fashion model but I am impressed by someone who takes care of himself. I prefer long hair and dressed down, earthy....but CLEAN. I like someone with his own, unique sense of style. So many men (and women) look like they have been cut out by the same cookie cutter! I don't care for anyone who is self absorbed, flashy, arrogant, materialistic or lives behind a wall of false pretenses.

I am one who needs a bit of time to get to know someone; so my idea of a first meeting would be an extended walk. First off, to get a good look at one another after all of the 'online mystery'. Then it is time for the moment of truth; seeing if the pictures that you hope and pray will actually be up to date and at least look similar to the person you hope to be meeting. Then a nice conversation would be in order to see if we share any common ground. I would like to find the kind of person that once the ice is broken, you can feel comfortable sitting together in silence. Sometimes less is more!! The movies or crowded venues are horrific first dates. SHOW ME THE REAL SANTA CRUZ!