Date men and women from United States / California / Rancho Mirage, 61 year old

Date someone special from United States. Okay... here goes. I would describe myself as low-maintenance and easy-going, usually smiling, love to kick back or have adventures, either will do. I'm always looking to see what is around the next corner and am rarely disappointed. To me, life is good (even at 61 -- how did THAT happen?).
I've been told that I pay attention to the world around me and am a really good listener. I'm admired for my patience, loyalty, and honesty. But I've also been told that I'm opinionated (in a good way!), irreverent, independent (well,... yes), and stubborn. I admit to being accident-prone, a cat-lover, a really good cook, and a really bad singer. I look very young, have a playful spirit, and am quite affectionate. You'll find that I'm comfortable in holey jeans, cowboy boots, and t-shirt, but that I do dress up nicely and am really quite lovely to take out with you (I even did some photo modelling when I was in my 20s). I guess you'd say I'm a feminine tomboy and definitely not a "Barbie". I rarely take myself and life very seriously and am enjoying the adventure. There is nothing quite as good as laughing until your face aches (well... maybe there is). Oh, and I'm affectionate--love to touch and hold hands. When I'm not being a homebody (gardening, painting, remodeling my home, or cooking), I love to travel and have spent a lot of time in Europe, as a child in school and as an adult. And I've lived on boats a couple of times, once with my daughters (beautiful young ladies who I love more than life), their dad (who is still a good friend), and a dog (who long ago left the planet). So... let's talk about Music: I love the bluesy rock of the late Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Stones, Jimmie, The Black Keys and the "world music" of Ry Cooder; I also love the Gipsy Kings, Mozart, Beethovan, Vivaldi; I have rediscovered fado and flamenco -- generally pretty eclectic.
Now, about you... If it's not too much to ask, you are playful, positive, emotionally accessible, financially secure, self-confident, intelligent, loyal, trustworthy, sophisticated, cultured, philosophically/theologically broad-minded, PATIENT, and you don't take yourself very seriously. You also have a great sense of humor and make me laugh. I would love to find somebody with whom I can be peaceful (read a book, curl up with). At the risk of seeming shallow, I have to say that chemistry is very important to me. Instant attractions are incredible, if rare. Oh, to be crazy-in-love. BUT, I'm not in a hurry and am willing to wait for the right person to share the next adventure with me. I'd really like to find somebody near my age, of the same generation, with the same generational experiences.
Please be honest about your age and have a recent photo posted if you want me to answer your email -- no photo, no response.
I'd love to hear from you, so please write.

Meet people from United States. I love to cook and like to entertain and I do it well and easily.
I am lucky to have good genes, thanks Mom and Dad.
My pictures are current.
I value my friendships like gold.
My children and 10 grandchildren play a significant part in my life although they don't live nearby.
It is nice to be home more than out every night but I do enjoy a good restaurant, especially one with good music. I am awed by nature's beauty and love to be outside enjoying it. I would like to learn to fly fish. I would be more active again if I had someone to share the experience with. I have never learned to play golf but would be willing to try. I am spontaneous and up for adventure.
I love traveling and have done a lot of it. I would very much enjoy sharing that with a great man.
I have a strong personality, a great sense of humor and I am independent (but not overtly, well sometimes) with a soft side. Strangers engage me in conversation and I love that. I am smart and looking for someone who can appreciate my mind as well as my spirit. Education is important to me it facilitates articulate conversation which in turn keeps life interesting.
I am a voracious reader.
I have a little hippie left in me and the kind of class that would make you proud to be in my company. I am a retired Architectural Interior Designer.
I volunteer for the American Cancer Society because I believe strongly in giving back when we can.
I want to smile, laugh and be surprised with the good things life has to offer every day. I strongly subscribe to the adage live life to the fullest. This is not a dress rehearsal. I stole this from someone else's bio but it sums things up perfectly: Life is short, break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably and never regret anything that made you smile.
I don't need a man but I would like to find the right one because I like being 1/2 of a couple.
Ultimately I would like to find a life partner but it all starts with friendship, laughter and fun first.