People say I'm the life of the party 'cause I tell a joke or two. I'm also a plagiarist, apparently. I love vintage Italian scooters, old soul (especially Northern), red wine, dancing, riding vintage motorcycles, nanotechnology, all kinds of science, classic European sports cars (especially Alfa Romeos), chefs, mechanics, doctors, lawyers, musicians, artists of every flavor, wickedly sharp guys who like me, coffee, flying, high heels and skirts, pistachio ice cream, Albert Brooks, watermelon candy, animals, culinary art, architecture, traveling and trying new things.

My most recent new thing was flying to Toronto for nine days to work on a massive light art project (beautifullight.org). I worked 12- and 14-hour days in the rain and wind and cold all for the sake of one artist's vision. It was awesome.

Having fun with it, finally. Looking for hidden secrets about life, the universe and everything. Laughing as much as possible. Loving with as much zeal and passion as possible. Riding the hell out of my vintage Italian scooters and my vintage motorcycle while remaining my gentile, feminine, graceful self. And yet, well, I'm a little lonely. Solo time is nice and all, but reading the New York Times in bed all Sunday is so much nicer when there's someone to share it with.

OK, my friends may disagree, but I think I'm a pretty good dancer. You may form your own opinion. I also think I'm a pretty good driver and rider. And since I am a former reporter and newspaper editor, I can write a little.

People usually notice my smile. I can't help it. Smiling comes naturally. They also sometimes notice my pet pterodactyl.

I like non-fiction, mostly. I read voraciously. Science texts, autobiographies, how things work-kinda stuff, books on the occult, anything that sounds super nerdy. I also like the non-fiction classics and Russian literature of every genre.

I enjoy food that has been lovingly prepared. Simple or complex, as long as someone really cared about its preparation, I will like it.

I like all kinds of music, but at this very moment, I'm stuck on Magnetic Fields and Stephen Merritt. And Red House Painters. And Pulp. And The Lucksmiths. And Morrissey. And, my favorite, Sea Wolf!

Friends, family (includes my puppy dog), vintage scooters, music, Disneyland and my brain.

There's so much more to life, though! If I could have one more "thing," it would be the diversity a rich, full life has to offer.

if it is actually possible to connect with another mortal in such a way that my heart, body and brain feel completely nourished. And then I remember that I've had some fantastic relationships in the past like that. And then I hope that there is still at least one amazing man out there who would treasure me, someone I can be proud of, who is proud of his own accomplishments and who enjoys sharing his life and deepest secrets with me. Oh, and he's GOT to get along with my pterodactyl. So, if you have any unnatural fears of flying mesozoic reptiles, I am not the girl for you.

riding something old to Bob's Big Boy on Riverside and checking out all the old two- and four-wheelers. Either that or dressing up all cute and going out dancing to old soul with my friends.

Or ... doing whatever you think would be entertaining.

I really don't want to be here. I hate this stuff. I really don't think I'll meet anyone that fantastic here, but hope springs eternal.

Truth be told, I'd much rather meet you out in the world, like at the grocery store or a nightclub or the gas station. But, Los Angeles is a strange place. People don't make eye contact here. They walk around and drive around in their own little worlds. Perhaps because there are so many people, each of us feels the need to insulate, to pay attention only to those we already know, those we deal with daily.

I feel so sorry for people who work at home or who otherwise work alone or who don't work at all. How do you meet new people? You are certainly not coming up to me and striking up a conversation. Are strangers really that scary? And then there are men who are afraid of girls who just come up and start conversations with them. Why so scared? I'm not trying to steal your soul. (I'll get it the old-fashioned way and have you sign it away for a rock star contract and a solid-gold Mercedes.) We're just talking here; don't be afraid. And it's not easy for me to walk up to you and start talking. I'm a silly, shy girl who would much rather you be the one making the moves. But, dang, if I wait for that to happen chances are you'll never see how cool I am!

To make a short story long, this ain't the best way to get to know each other. But, just maybe, we can use it to get over our primary fears and get to the good stuff!

you like to live dangerously. OK, seriously, if you live somewhat close and you care to meet a slightly freaky, fun and outgoing though arguably nerdy, pterodactyl-loving girl who gets a little lonely sometimes, drop me a line.

Please don't use text shorthand. ("wut r u wering hotie want 2 meat?") Take a minute and spell out the complete words. I can wait.