About the subject line: I have been a movie buff since I was a little girl, and the actresses who always appealed to me were the ones who played "dames" rather than "ladies"...the ones who weren't afraid to break a nail, muss their hair, or draw laughs. Think Irene Dunne, Myrna Loy, Carole Lombard.

I just posted my listing the other day and I'm enjoying it so far. The thing I find hardest is trying to give others an idea about what makes me tick. There are things I'm passionate about: animal rescue, good literature, music in many forms, cooking for friends and loved ones, the outdoors... but is that what defines me? Darned if I know.

The main thing I look for in a man is one who can, and will, laugh at himself. I prefer laughter to flowery sentiments any day! He should also love animals and nature, be tolerant and kind--and he should love to eat so that I can make him huge spaghetti dinners!