Date women from United States / California / Winters, 43 year old

Date a soulmate from California, United States. Hoping to meet a special man to share common interests, thoughts, and life experiences with. YouРІР‚в„ўll get bonus points if you can make me genuinely laugh at life and enjoy hiking. ;-)
I am fortunate to have close friends and family, and a fulfilling life. I enjoy staying home and reading, gardening, or watching movies. But, I am also adventurous and like to try new things. I love hiking in Yosemite. I recently moved to this area, so I am looking for new hiking spots.
I am very interested in world issues. I enjoy traveling and learning about other peopleРІР‚в„ўs beliefs and cultures. I have lived overseas, but there are still many places I want to visit and experience. I respect people who seek information and form their own opinions, even if they are different from mine. I am usually open-minded, and can admit when I am wrong, but I also definitely stand up for what I believe in.
A few other things about me: I have a daughter in college. We have a great relationship, and I respect her as a person. I can be very focused and serious, but I also have a fun goofy side. I try to find the silver lining in most negative experiences, as I learn and grow from them. I served in the military for eight years. I am a big Star Wars and Batman fan.
Of course, chemistry is important, but I am more attracted to a man for his mind and heart than his physical appearance. Someone with a passion for life, an interest in the world around them, and a strong sense of who they are and what they want in life. I respect someone who tries to be the best person they can be. But, of course, none of us are perfect. Honesty, integrity, loyalty, and kindness are very important to me. Communication is also very important, as none of us are mind readers—well, if you are, that would be interesting. ;-)
My partner and I should respect, support, trust, compliment, and bring out the best in each other. We donРІР‚в„ўt need to be the same in all ways, because that would be boring. We should share common values and interests, but also respect that we each have our own interests. Although I cherish time together, I also respect a guyРІР‚в„ўs time with his friends or quiet time alone, because I need that sometimes, too.
I am fairly independent, but I still appreciate a man who brings out my softer more feminine side. I am capable of changing a tire myself, but would be appreciative if the man in my life did it for me.
The heavy stuff: I am not interested in drugs or other people who are. I am not a fan of intolerance or extremes when it comes to religion and politics. We all have baggage, but I think how you carry it—or preferably check it—is the important thing. I have been divorced for many years, and there is no drama with my ex-husband.
If you think we have some things in common, IРІР‚в„ўd like to hear from you.