Here I am world, again.

...a brief introduction and background...

Well I am back on the blogging scene; it's been awhile, but it is good to be back. I feel like sharing my life online with random strangers and friends and family is always a great way to say what is on your mind in a nonchalant semi-anonymous way and not have to deal with the judgement people tend to pass on you.

I know about judgement. I have been judged negatively and been the one who has judged. In both cases it was never a happy outcome.

So I decided to begin my blogging habit again by reading my good friend's blog. We were friends since I was-oh I don't know-thirteenish and through trials and time and travels have remained friends. She is inspiring and admirable and an amazing writer and person. Thinking of her takes me back to my teenage youth and that is when I decided upon the title for my blog; Rebel Yell. We were wild and crazy revolting youths protesting injustice and all that jazz. For those that know me-I know shocking right? ha-not so much. It also helps that I love Billy Idol and that song is one of my favorites.

I guess I can get started by saying: to those of you who know me from home, you already know most of my 'secrets' and my past and know where I stand now on subjects of controversy and the general daily way I live my life. For those of you that are new to me (semi-new anyway) you may be surprised, appalled, and find out some new things about my personal life you did not know. I only ask that you do not judge and keep an open mind and understand that my alternative beliefs and foundations have been judged many times before and I have always chosen my beliefs and personal convictions over any relationship and friendship. If you want to place judgement on me, start up the rumor mill around town and scratch me out, then do so, however I would like to think that you are all better than that. I guess some people will always surprise you though, so just covering my ass.

I once lived in a land called "Youngstown, Ohio" and while it is the home of murder, rape, drugs and other misc crimes and abandoned buildings, it was home. I guess it still is home. I miss the grey skies and old city structures. I miss Mill Creek Park and the streams, rose gardens and trails. I miss the flats where we used to have poetry readings with all of our many diverse friends. I miss that diverse blend of friends that sometimes scared my parents, but once they spoke, no matter what they looked like, every one knew they were caring and compassionate people. These were the people of my high school youth. I am lucky enough to have contact with some of them still; others have faded and moved on and are living their lives in their own way somewhere. I have never forgotten any of them.

Some things I take very seriously, in no order, are: life, my relationship with my family and friends, my dog, Pittsburgh sports, wine, my alternative beliefs, coffee, environment, children. A side note on that last one - I have no children of my own, but I teach and am very passionate about child welfare, safety, education and adoption services.

Pictures to come soon.