I've been told I have a intense wit with a dry sense of humor. I am warm and caring. I am compionate and empathetic. A few words of Caution, this is a long and detailed profile. I would like to give more information so that you have a true sense of who I am. INTERESTS: What are my interests? Beware, long list ahead! Well, great conversations, laughing until you cry, trying new things once or twice or more if I like it, walking hand in hand, going to a museum or art show, going to the occasional movie, going to a comedy club, listening to music either on the stereo or live, seeing something beautiful that I haven't seen before, learning something new, being close to someone special, sitting by a bonfire near a lake, reading and sharing books, going to the theater, seeing something in a different way than I have seen it before, talking about politics, being involved in politics, a lot of stuff not on the list, and ending this long list before you quit reading. MY PAST: In a past part of my life I was a professional photographer (Navy and newspaper). I am starting to get in touch with that part of my life again. I've taught high school (went on to something else because that is a really really hard job and have the highest respect for those who teach.) I have written for newspapers and taught journalism. That is why spelling mistakes (particularly mine) annoy me. I really love words and communicating, as if you haven't guessed that already. I am into politics, liberal Democrat so if you go the other way it will make for some "lively discussions." I enjoy arguing in a civil manner about things that matter. I hate conflict in relationships. I do it for a living so I try to leave it at the office. I have recently been reminded several times that jokes don't play well on paper and the screen. I do enjoy laughing and joking, mostly at myself. I really love it when I can make someone laugh uncontrollably. RELATIONSHIPS: I believe every relationship has to start as a friend. I really enjoy those long talks into the night about anything and everything. It is at that moment you really get to know someone in depth where chats and emails just scratch the surface. Slow and steady from friendship forward, for now. In a relationship I enjoy sitting by the fire late into the night. I enjoy cuddling. I really enjoy that moment when you look into each others eyes and touch the soul. That seems to last forever and reach into infinity. I enjoy being by water, lakes and streams. I don't like ocean beaches. The sand and feeling of salt water on the skin annoy me. It may sound cheesy, but now I am not looking for the FWB/ one night stand/ casual sex. I am looking for a friend who likes to have someone who rubs her feet and shoulders after a stressful day. A friend who wants someone to talk to and who will listen. Maybe someone to sit by that fire and just have a human next to you rather than a dog. I am looking for someone who wants to rub my shoulders (not so much into the feet thing) or sit by the fire. As my daughter used to say when she was five I am a good listener. :) Some of these settings are a little restrictive. What if you want some and not just one relationship issue? Oh well that is what questions are for. What exactly is an average body style? Who are they comparing it with? If I am compared to Sumo wrestlers I am positively anemic and no more than skin and bones. I am separated and have been for 5 years. Now that our oldest is 18 the paper work is underway to end the marriage. She has been dating off and on for five years and I have just given myself permission to date after taking the past few years for introspection about relationships. My daughter told me to add ***. I hope that doesn't mean I am a Dungeons and Dragons Fiend. I'll have to look that one up and see if she is playing a trick on me. If you know what it means write me so I can fix it if it means something embarring. After I saved she told me what *** means. Trying to embarr her dear old Dad. I'll get her back when she is sleeping. :) Since it has been over 30 years since I "dated" my daughter suggested that dating at that time probably involved a club that was an actual piece of wood. Art museums were cave walls. It has been so long that I can't really recall if that is true. I don't think so. I refuse to bring a mammoth tusk as a gift on the first date and will leave the club in the bat. My daughter said I should say that I spend Friday's hunting saber tooth tigers and taking clubs to clubs. She likes to make fun of her old man. I can't really get back at her as she is going to pick my nursing home. I am not a deposed prince from a small country in Africa seeking to share $12 Euros, if only you would give me ... Can't share with everyone, after all a deposed prince has a certain lifestyle to maintain and the silly US government does not exempt royalty from taxes. :( If you are a woman from Ghana wanting to do all manner of sexy and unspeakable things on your webcam if only I would click the link, not going to happen. I will not click the link. I will not click the link. Click. Darn. If this novel is interesting just wait until you get to the next chapter. Critics say it will may you laugh, make you cry and maybe make you click dangerous links. YOUR SHAWSHANK MOMENT. You've come this far, read this to the bottom. Are you willing to take one more step? Click that email button. :) You should message me to tell me you read all the way to the bottom. It is not like the bottom of the Cracker Jack box, no prize unless you think I could be a prize.