Hi, I'm Ricky,

I would prefer that we could meet when our dog leashes got entangled, or reaching for the same packet of gruyere on the grocery store shelf — any awkwardly flirty, real-world introduction we could secretly tell our best friends about. But it seems more than difficult to meet anyone in those 'old normal' ways.

So, let me give this a try!?! And congrats to you for having the guts to try this — as well...

I think I'm someone who tries to bring out the best in everyone around me and I truly put my heart into the relationships I surround myself with. I'm hoping to meet a kind and gentle person with a curious mind, a creative streak and a playful joie de vivre — to make fresh memories with! Someone who values equanimity, is engaged with what's going on in the world, enjoys challenging dialogue and who can honestly find joy in humbly pursuing fulfillment through life's simpler pleasures.

I’m politically progressive and consciously working, seeking, to make the world a better place through my actions, attitude and lifestyle. I am an adventurer; a backpacker, hiker, painter, writer, creator, student, cyclist, explorer, ... happiest when I can spend time outdoors. I've owned a small design firm for the past 20+ years. Went back to school to pursue a second grad degree in Environmental Science that I finished last year. (I work summers as an Interpretive Park Range). A bit of a book nerd and love academics, debate, and thoughtful analysis of everything from aardvarks to Zoroastrianism.

Love to cook but dine out a lot too. I'd say I'm 'vegetarian lite' (for health and environmental reasons.) Love junking and flea markets; mostly to supply my little weekend hobby farm. Love the animals in my life! I've traveled extensively and love to. Lived in Paris briefly, spent time in Glasgow last year. Two months in the remote Amazon (Peru) last summer.

I'm in great shape (I bicycle road-raced seriously for 30 years and it's my one BIG sports love!) – go Tadej!) and while I do work out regularly it's not a lifestyle for me. I meditate daily but I'm a secular mindfulness ‘Ish practitioner focused on the physiological aspects of breath work and meditation.

Divorced amicably for over 10 years - so no lingering baggage, attachments or issues there. Have a 20 year-old trans stepson who I adore.

Hoping to spark some true romance... and if things click moving toward something more committed.

I'm an independent thinking, non-conformist, liberal, creative type, so probably not a good fit for anyone tied to materialist values or conservative religious or political convictions. That doesn't mean I'm not interested in anyone who's not just like me; I'm open to challenge and difference. I just don't want to disappoint anyone who might have more mainstream ambitions or expectations.

Hope to hear from you and best of luck with your matchmaking time here…

I'm a below-knee amputee since I was 18 (motorcycle accident). It made me a better person. Its never held me back in any way: I made the US Paralympic Team as a cyclist. I walk perfectly, people have known me for years without realizing. No... I don't work at iHop ; )

I earned a (2nd) Masters Degree in Environmental Science at 61. I'm supporting kids innate love and respect for the natural world through my work as an Interpretive Ranger with the NPS.. I try to live a low-impact, sustainable lifestyle and strive to be/do better in all ways

Mostly non-fiction. Also enjoy poetry. Really loved ' The Light Eaters' (How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth) by Zoë Schlanger, earlier this year. I'm reading the newest Yuval Noah Harari work right now.

I'm open to everything. I love John Prine. David Berman of The Silver Jews & Purple Mountains destroys me in all the right ways.

Two Pets: A 6 month-old kitty named 'Goose' whose feral mom I was feeding for a week last summer at a rural property when one day she showed up with her one baby and kind of presented her to me.
Been in love with her since.
+
'Bongo', a six-month old Border Terrier pup (my second of this breed) My 17 y.o. beloved Bingo passed last summer... She's adorable; Looks like a cartoon character doggo that had a cigar explode in her muzzle. What a cutie!

Love caring for / learning from animals. Hope for more in the future

My zygomaticus muscles...

(cricket)