Who says this isn't "meeting people organically"?

Like the title says, looking to make some new friends / find some cool people to do things with, or even new connections to talk to.

A little bit about me: I'm a widow and a father to a 2 year old, which is a lot for some people, but I'm on open book and don't mind talking about it. In fact it's preferred vs never mentioning it ever. I work freelance and contracted as a Photographer, Videographer, and Audio technician, just to name a couple of hats I wear. That being said I live in SoCal but I'm not opposed to some new reasons to travel more this year and hang out with people far and wide.

Some of my interests include, but are not limited to : Photography, specifically film photography, it's probably the easiest way to keep me talking. I just recently got back into indoor rock climbing, so if you also climb or would want to give it a try, that could be cool! I do like to go out for hikes, but easy hikes, since I usually use it as an excuse to bring a camera, so I don't want to do anything too wild with gear on, ha. Gunpla, this year I want to learn how to paint and do water slides, so iykyk. I'm a big fan of audiobooks, last year I finally got around to reading Three Body Problem and Neuromancer (I like sci fi). I spend more money than I'd like to admit collecting cards, though I've cut back because I never get anything good, ha. As cliche as it is to say, I also like to travel, but who doesn't? Last year I went to Japan, and I don't have anything planned for this year yet but I've got ideas. Oh, and food, who doesn't like going out to new food spots? And old spots, and Olive Garden, because I'm not too good for Olive Garden.

There's way more but I'm not sure how much to put, plus I can't just put it all out there right?

I feel like I should put a disclaimer, I'm not looking for a relationship. I'm not opposed to something happening, but really I'm truly looking for friends. However, I will say, I'm a straight guy, not curious at all in the slightest.