Date men and women from United States / California / Calistoga, 49 year old

Date a soulmate from California, United States. I would really just love to share time with a man who can laugh deeply, and takes it all in with a knowing smile and appreciates how good it all gets...
But I really do return to childhood oral book reports in moments like this. Standing before people I cannot see due to the blind, panicky coma I might fall into when asked to express myself before strangers.
Truth be told, an in-person kiss on the back of my neck would make sharing my innermost dreams a bit easier...
Creativity, community , and art are a big part of my work life. I cannot believe they pay me for it!
I never lie, unless you include the "no guys, marine world is not open this time of year" fib I might pull out when passing a theme park. I only "pack a blade" when opening oysters is involved.
I find that trying to pour pancake batter without dripping it all over the place is sort of humbling, but being witness to a few miracles has stopped gravity from holding me to the earth...
If I could be anywhere right now it would be:
Here with a periodic warm ocean breeze, there with the view of the Eiffel tower, my back porch lounging in the summer makes you want to lay all over someone.
I am totally consumptive of ideas, rich conversations, and fresh fruit. I am inspired by briny ocean air, long hikes and longer kisses, I appreciate the tiniest of moments and work very hard to be a kind friend. The "PF Flyer" tennis shoe slogan always makes me smile.
I can rewire a lamp while putting on my perfect black dress, and know a few things about rigging a sailboat.
I have a good vocabulary, tend to ramble, but love to listen. I have traveled far, lived overseas, constantly packing and unpacking from the last spontaneous road trip, but I also know how great my own bed feels.
The few things I cannot live Without:
- the glitter, craft paper and paint (which appear to be a permanent part of the grouting in my tile) left behind by my most beautiful and crazy smart children
- growing things and planting far too many tomatoes every summer
- anything that requires chopping alot of garlic
- listening to my children's laughter
- deep belly laughs and wild conversations with my friends, glass of wine in hand , certain it will be the fodder for my first novel
- artwork i can't afford and music that makes me sing very loud
- cashmere, beaches, cold lakes, a good workout... a bit more than a few I suppose.
I live with a few too many insomniac writings and vivid dreams spilled all over my down pillows, one alarm clock that hasn't been set in ten years, water glasses always "half full", stacks of books to read, drawings my kids have taped to my closet door, a cello sorely under practiced, open windows, and addictingly comfortable sheets.
When thinking about the person i hope to spend time with it would be someone who thinks BIG thoughts. Someone who feels like home, who is generous, marvels at old women, children and peaceful early mornings.
A companion to run around any foreign town with me, or jump in a car - camping gear tossed in, to some beach hideaway.
A friend who might stump me from time to time.
A great storyteller with a slow deep voice.
Someone who might sit with me in the afterglow of good margaritas and twinkle lights strung throughout my yard and tell me "that was the best cinco de mayo party yet" after having said that for the past ten years .
Maybe a person who can help me build things, or at least "thinks" he could put together an expansion bridge.
Someone who knows I will never pick the first christmas tree I come upon, always pick one that is too big, but would enjoy tromping through the snow with me anyway.
Not looking for anything less than the full on complexity that life brings... and meeting it with a full heart and enduring love.