Hi,

I'll start by stating the obvious, I am a Trek fan. I love the original series and "The Next Generation" best, followed by "Deep Space Nine." I've only seen a few episodes of Voyager, thought my favorites would be "Year of Hell" and Scorpion." Those two were amazing. Oh, and species 8472--OMG!
I never bothered with "Enterprise."

I am currently working on two novels and have the layouts in place for two more. I have written several short stories, a novelette, and a novella as well. Oh, and a long poem, too. My goal is to be published by age 50.

I also draw; am into models/miniatures; enjoy photography--it was my rating when I was in the Navy. I am into computers and do work on them as a side job.

I am a Navy vet and so I am well-travelled. I have been to Spain, France, Italy, Yugoslavia, Greece, Israel, Egypt and Tunisia in the Mediterranean. To Diego Garcia and Singapore in the Indian Ocean. I have been to St. Thomas and Nassau in the Carribean. I've been to Rome, Pompeii, Paris, Pisa, Cannes, Alexandia, Cairo, Tel Aviv, Barcelona and Athens. I've been through the Suez Canal twice. I had 96 flights under my belt between November 1982 and December 1987.

I love quirky, of all varieties.

I am interested in living simply, as green as possible, and am also interested in living as self- sufficiently/sustainably as possible. Ideally, I'd like to live as far off the grid as I can.

I have an excellent relationship with my ex-wife. We are best friends and I am very thankful for that. No drama or conflict there. I also am completely seperated from my family, so, again, no drama or conflict. I have nothing to take my time and focus off of the special person in my life.

I like to go on adventures and to travel. I am very open to other cultures and peoples. I feel strong connections to Ireland and Tibet, as well as Japan.

I have some college, though I am not degreed. I think--and have been told many times--that I am very bright. I feel that I am well-spoken—which I think stands out clearly in my stories, and hopefully in my correspondence.

I have an excellent sense of humor, which can go from dry to Monty Python-esque.

I take social issues seriously, and have causes that I champion, such as gay rights and gay marriage. I am liberal on social issues and personally conservative in my lifestyle.

I adore sarcasm, satire and irony.

I will often--when asked to provide an opinion on something, if I have little or no experience with it or information on it to base an opinion on-- will deferr answering until such time as I can make an INFORMED opinion.

I love animals of all types. I have two dogs, a four year old female Fox Terrier/Dachshund mix named Seren (Welsh for Star) and an eleven year old mini Wirehaired Dachshund named Bryn. I am into goldfish of all varieties, but don't currently have any. I have had rabbits and cats. I've raised chickens and ringneck doves. Someday, I want to get an Old World chameleon, either a Jackson's or a veiled one. I find them fascinating and have wanted one for a very long time.

I love the beach and the water--hence the stint in the Navy, lol. I have a small pond that I installed and landscaped myself, and when I have my own home, expect to have water on the property, even if I have to dig it and install it myself!

I am well versed in all aspects of home improvement, from dry-walling to cabinet installation. I love doing landscaping and am especially fond of Japanese-style gardens.

I love museums, and can never get enough of them. I especially enjoy those relating to Art, History and Natural History.

I absolutely love the printed word. For me there is nothing finer than a well-written story, regardless of the subject matter. The same goes for movies. I am partial to sci-fi in both, but good sci-fi is very hard to find. I like scary—but not gory or overly violent—stories. I like fantasy and historical works as well. My favorite writer is Stephen King. I just finished my seventh—yes, seventh—reading of his "The Stand." It is my all-time favorite book, hands down. I've read everything from Aldous Huxley to John Grisham. Oh, and I love Robert A. Heinlein as well.

I enjoy live theater, though I've only gotten to go once.

I like quite a variety of music, from Reggae to Steampunk. (Abney Park is my current favorite; the others in that genre leave a lot to be desired.) My favorite music, though, is 1980's. I adore it and can't get enough of it. I like OLD country; I was raised on it. I do NOT like rap, am not fond of most modern country, though I do like The Civil Wars and Lady Antebellum. I like ethnic music, in particular Celtic/Irish, as well as bagpipes; I am of Scottish descent.

I love history, in particular the Revolutionary period, the Civil War period and World Wars 1&2. I used to do Civil War re-enacting because I realized that to truly understand the period, I needed to experience it as fully as I could.

Chemistry is all-important. Without it, you have nothing; with it, you have everything.

Life is short and we need to make the most of it. I feel that I have, at just shy of 49, finally found out who I truly am as a person and what it is that I am supposed to do with my life; and that is to write.

I hope that you will find my profile of interest and be inclined to respond.

Mark


I have no use for mean people, bigots, haters, or game players. I look for honesty and will give it in return. At this point, I am mostly looking for a friend, though I am always open to a relationdhip with the right person, though that would be down the road a bit. Friendship is the best place to start, don't you think?