Life's greatest pleasures come when you don't expect them. The danger is being so intent looking for one thing that you miss something even better. So here's my offer: a fun, no pressure friendship that can turn from something good into something great and from something great into the best thing that's every happened to both of us.

I'm a writer who has been successful enough to organize his life around his two beautiful daughters and now with room to add the love of his life. It's frankly an Act II for me, but one that is making life better for me every day. Life changes pretty fast-- and in ways we don't always see coming. That's a polite way to say I'm separated and starting to build a new life. My past is still part of me, but it's no longer my present, or my future.

Chances are that's not what you had in mind when you clicked through to my profile. But guess what? None of us expected to be here on this site digging through sawdust for gems. I'm convinced that love happens when you are ready for it-- and I remain optimistic that we all may just be one good date from finding that person who's been missing from our lives. I've come too far to stop short of finding her.

For now, I live most of the time in PA but also have an apartment in Chelsea that I'm at a few times a month for days at a time. It's not the perfect situation, but I have no secrets-- just ask.

I look at each new person I meet with one question: are you the raft-- or the shore? Either way, we can find our merry way along the river when you are ready to climb aboard and start paddling.

uncovering adventure, finding the good in people, being generous, appreciating life's pleasures, smiling. listening. making this moment count. basketball.

My smile, easy going nature and calm, strong confidence. They may also notice me doing yoga and running, and when they do, I've often heard whispers about my legs.

I have a strong taste for all things Italian: food, vegetable gardens, accordion music, its cities and rural villages, and Life is Beautiful. But at heart, I'm all All-American and love a tailgate or cookout, Raymond Carver, East of Eden and To Kill a Mockingbird, Pee Wee's Playhouse and Planet of the Apes. Elf and The Natural. Ken Burns and Ira Glass. Elvis -- Costello and Presley. My iPod is ridiculously jammed with Alternative (past, present, pop, ska and punk) and just about everything but self-indulgent jazz (blech). Love good shows, bad movies, great TV and practically any sporting event.

I stopped drinking several years ago yet am very comfortable around any situational drinking. However, my last three serious love interests were heavy drinkers and let's just say I've made that mistake enough for this lifetime.

The current list of books that changed my life is topped by Anthony DeMello's Awareness. A very short read that have you rethinking everything you feel today and see tomorrow.

1. Windows that open to fresh air
2. A big bed
3. the touch of skin on skin
4. Something to write on, with
5. Iyengar Yoga
6. The Land: Trees, Lakes, Gardens and Open Fields

How to love and be loved

eating, laughing and staying up past midnight. WOO HOO. This is usually through a fun night with the kids, then staying up late to talk, watch a game, movie or work on a personal writing project.

I did not expect to be here.

...you like my smile and don't mind taking our time getting to know each other.

...you are awakened to who you are and what's possible in a life truly lived

... you can both give and receive a warm, loving presence in your life

...you can laugh at all this