My name is Laura, and I am quirky, fun and a "work in progress." (I believe that there is always more to learn and explore!) I am inquisitive and easily captivated by all that is wonderful in the world. The simple things in life often mean the most to me! I treasure laughter, honesty, loyalty...and greatly admire all who can balance love, career success and personal fulfillment - and still find time for frequent random acts of kindness! I believe that it is very challenging, but not impossible, to find true love.
 
While I consider myself a Californian, I am actually a Texan currently residing in both Southern California and Oregon, spending about 50% of my time annually in each place. (I lived in Los Angeles/the San Fernando Valley "full-time" for many years - 1984 through October 2002.) I would eventually like to live "full-time" somewhere between Ventura and Santa Rosa, California. I LOVE Santa Barbara, Montecito, Pismo Beach, etc...merely seeing the 805 area code pop up on my cell phone makes me happy!
 
I am a University of Southern California graduate, with an education background in Sociology, History, and Criminal Justice. My early career plans included law school and/or police work. Upon graduation from USC in 1988, I took and passed the written exam for the LAPD, but didn't proceed with the rest of the required testing as I didn't feel like I wanted to jump right into a patrol car at that point! (I am a Volunteer Crime Victim Advocate with the local DA's Office currently on inactive status due to time constraints - I am also a graduate of the Salem Citizen Police Academy.)
 
I would like to add the following credentials to my resume in the near future: Polygraph Examiner and Private Detective!
 
Instead of going to law school or pursuing a career in law enforcement right away as planned, I started working in the radio promotion department at A&M Records. I worked in Hollywood as a Promotion Coordinator at A&M Records for many years (1989-1997), then worked as an Artist Relations Assistant for Sabian Cymbals.
 
While at my "day jobs," I had some fun as a part-time "glamour model." I have appeared in a calendar, on a few romance novel covers, and in a few magazines. I still do a little "glamour modeling" - about four to seven shoots a year, GlamourCon Events, etc.
 
I enjoy my own company, and always prefer applying myself to an artistic project or being a part of intimate gatherings with friends over "going out." I'm easily and often caught up in my creative/artistic endeavors.
 
If I could, I'd live in a castle. Many would call my home furnishings/decor "Gothic" - I even have a little suit of armor! =)
 
I am a proud and true Pisces! I am happiest when near the ocean!
 
In regard to TV and movies - I enjoy watching: The Sopranos, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Seinfeld, Dexter, Oz, Law and Order, Carnivale and true crime documentaries. I love Twin Peaks, and I am a big David Lynch fan!
 
I enjoy: traveling, reading, camping, hiking, downhill skiing, photography, styling/coordinating photo shoots, collecting mermaids/vintage clothing/pin-up art/Pre-Raphaelite Art, and, most of all, spending time with family and friends!
 
I love Europe - Spain (especially Madrid), Florence, Italy... I also love New Orleans, San Francisco and Big Sur, California...Timberline Lodge in Oregon is wonderful during a snowstorm! I love the ocean, and Las Vegas is fun upon occasion!
 
I love driving along the coast between San Francisco & LA, Hearst Castle, thunderstorms, rain, roaring fires, candlelight, antique malls, bookstores, strawberry pie & Creme Brulee. Concerts, Renaissance Faires & live comedy shows...

... My ideal "match" should:
 
-have a great/warped sense of humor and LOVE TO LAUGH HEARTILY AND OFTEN
(I laugh at myself daily - think Lucy Ricardo!)

-be HONEST and SINCERE

-have an appreciation for sarcasm in moderation, and believe that certain "styles" of immaturity definitely have their place in applicable environments

-be well groomed, healthy and in decent shape (LONG HAIR AND EARRING(S) ARE A PLUS!)

-be simultaneously confident and humble ... kind and "down to earth"

-be responsible and proactive in achieving goals

- be respectful/tolerant of others and the environment

- have an appreciation for art, history and travel

- be a USC Trojan fan (well - at least "sort of")

- be willing to meet my fun, close-knit group of friends

- be well informed and have an appreciation for ongoing learning/higher education