Very first off... I may look at your profile, but I don't often write first. I may be a powerful, independent, strong woman, but I still like to pretend chivalry isn't dead. If you can get through my mini-novel and still like what you see, write me, wink at me, whatever. Let me know you're interested, too. So that being said... I'm a complicated woman who is addicted to music and is an avid reader, a life-long student who can't quench the thirst for knowledge, and is a stereotypical Leo in most aspects, just looking for happiness. I'm a single mom, and my daughter is the most important thing in my life. Not to negate that, my daughter is approaching seventeen and barely needs me aside from watching performances and games. I also work 40 hours a week and try to practice self-care; I'm no drama queen, not by far, but my life will never be plain and simple. I'm a very music and artistic driven person. I have eleven tattoos (with plans for more), and nine piercings - eight in my ears and one in my nose. I love Earth sciences (especially geology), photography, history, languages, etymology, reading and studying. I try to spend time with friends and family when I can, love to have fun and laugh, I seek out excitement and adventure. I meditate and try to live a somewhat peaceful, Zen-like life, though I sometimes don't succeed. I used to hike before my fibromyalgia got bad, and I would love to try to pursue that again on my time off. What I'm looking for in a guy... Well, definitely similar interests. We have to be able to have things to talk about and love doing things together. He should be intelligent, romantic and spontaneous, charming, have a good sense of humor, be caring and considerate, respectful to a fault. I love an old-world gentleman - opening doors, escorting me, the whole nine yards. Communication is HUGE, I cannot emphasize that enough. He'll be expressive, doesn't mind telling me what's on his mind. He isn't afraid to tell it like it is, but has the common sense to hold back when needed. Originality wins points. You catch me off guard (in a good way) and you'll have me curious. A puzzle is fun to figure out, but frustration is an immediate turnoff... Bottom line: I want a guy who wants to be with me because he's interested and likes me for who I am, not just what I can offer him. I like to be often told and shown what I mean to him. Yeah, I'm a sucker for that "just thinking of you" sort of stuff... I like to know those times when you couldn't stop thinking of me for whatever reason. I need a man to really treat me right, who will connect with me emotionally and mentally. I have an open mind, a guarded heart, and a ready smile. Want to know more? You know what to do.