I am a complex person - so if complexity scares you RUN AWAY NOW. I am odd and live on the fringes of society. I have passions and interests of my own and they can be very absorbing. I'm an artist, both visual and musical. Both of my artistic pursuits are more an expression of who I am than an attempt to seek attention. I don't care if I'm ever famous, but am happy if I can touch people on an individual level. I work hard to improve my skills. I am a self-exiled refugee from consumer society. I think cultivating compassion is a more important spiritual goal than eating a particular way.

I need solitude but I also love to socialize with all kinds of people, especially if they are a little odd too. I come from an Irish background. Conversation is the most important thing that you do - and doing it well is important. It doesn't mean arguing and it doesn't mean ranting - it means back and forth respectful but passionate discourse.

I spend a good part of most days alone, I am quite happy that way - but I would prefer to have someone to share my life with. Not every minute - but the important ones. Not superficially - but authentically.

Most people see me as strong and dynamic when they first meet me - but I am searching for someone who will look deeper, who won't think less of me when he sees my vulnerable side - but will honour it along with my strength.

I'd like to say a few words about chemistry. I am getting really tired of that word. What I am looking for is someone who is willing to get to know who I am, and build some trust - before expecting to sleep with me. I am no prude and I have a healthy libido - but I don't sleep with strangers! Call me picky! It's not a good way to start a relationship! If you are here to find a real, lasting, satisfying and authentic relationship, I believe that you will understand that. I am not at all old fashioned - quite the contrary - but I am romantic, and I would like there to be a wooing stage ...

I think the thing I look most for in a man is empathy. The ability to be non-judgemental and to treat people with respect and consideration naturally flow from empathy. These would be things I would expect. Even more than a sense of humour - though that would be important, too.

I like biking, walking (especially in the woods) and swimming but am not essentially an active person. Much more of a thinker/contemplative. It would be hard to exagerate how little I care about hockey or golf. Though I have done a bike trip around France, and would do it again in a heartbeat. Or a hiking trip to New Zealand. I dream of going to Greece and swimming in the phosphorescent sea...or walking the Camino to Santiago ...

I am allergic to cats, most dogs and horses. I get seasick in larger boats but I love to canoe.

If you voted for Harper, or Rob Ford - that might be a deal breaker...

I am quite emotionally self-sufficient - I have been living alone for 15 years because I DON'T *need* someone, however I am looking for a very particular kind of person, and I won't compromise by being with someone just so I can *have a man*. If I find that a companion has little or no consideration or respect (which is apparently what passes for "high maintenance" these days) I won't demand this - I will simply walk away. I am not looking to force anyone to be someone they are not - I am looking for someone who fits with me easily, who doesn't need to do emotional jiujitsu to *please* me ...

I am not looking for a relationship - I am looking for a PERSON to have a relationship with.

I'm an artist, teacher, singer and run an on-line art supply business. I also do volunteer work because I believe in engaging with my community. I am not even close to 'retired' yet - but I am also working at making space in my life. Sometimes I sing a very constrained form of traditional music and sometimes I sing with an improvisational choir.

Thinking. Laughing. Creating. Making a mess. Cleaning it up. Cooking. Eating.

That I laugh a lot.

I am a big reader (classics like Dickens, Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, Austen, Wodehouse, as well as moderns like A.S.Byatt, Salman Rushdie, Barbara Kingsolver, Ursula LeGuin, and non-fiction like history, anthropology, philosophy etc) but these days I just don't have time to sit down with a book. Such luxury! I listen to fiction in audio-book form and history, literature and philosophy podcasts while I work.
Movies: I like alternative and foreign films, especially anything by Hertzog. Action, rom-com, anything quirky. "Lars and the Real Girl" was a recent hit with me.
I have a penchant for watching re-runs of QI on YouTube when I have spare time.
I like almost any live music (including rap) as long as its good - but generally (not always) my favourites are well out of the mainstream: Tom Waits, Mary Jane Lammond, Peter Gabriel, Nicholas Williams, Afro Celt Sound System, The Watersons, Anonymous 4, Piere Bensusan, David Francey, Sting, Eric Hansen, Robbie Robertson, Iris Dement, Leonard Cohen, Llhasa... not crazy about musicals or opera
The only foods I don't like are pigs ears and mushy peas. I am a chocoholic.

Honest - there are not six. Only two: my friends, my family. And if I lost all of those, I would be sad - but I would still be alive.
Instead I am going to tell you six of my favorite things - but life would still be good without them
1. Breakfast out (Eggs Benedict! Crepes!)
2. Going for walks in the woods with a pocketful of seed so I can try and coax the chickadees to my hand
3. Road trips (by bike or car)
4. Having a few friends over for dinner
5. Going out to see good live music or a play
6. Working on a project that engages my intellect

the meaning of life. I ponder the great mysteries as I work. I also wonder what I am going to have for dinner.

The day of the week means very little to me since I work for myself. I actually prefer to go out earlier in the week when it's not so crazy.

I am a bit of a new Dr. Who geek.

If you are interested in meeting in person. Not talking on the phone. Not Instant Messaging. Not e-mailing. In person. And if you have NOT gotten bored reading my profile. If you have, or if you think "Hi Sexy" is an appropriate way to initiate conversation - please don't message me. I will bore you just as much in person.

You should know that my expectation will be that we will meet a couple of times to get to know each other before we decide whether we want to "date". I live and work in downtown Toronto - and love it there. You should at least be willing to come downtown to meet me.