I've been a lifelong, voracious reader on many topics. I'm a skilled photographer, artist, writer, public speaker, researcher; I'm a student of animal life, languages, medicine, music, political philosophy and public policy. I love to work in, and find spiritual renewal in,  the natural "outdoors" world. Thirteen years ago, I exited a Catholic women's religious community, having taught English and public speaking at the community's high school for ten years. I am moving into healthcare, beginning an accelerated BSN program this August, 2007.

I am acutely conscious of the deep racial inequities in my local area and country, and do everything I can in my daily life and speech to shift from a pale-skinned Euro-centric perspective. My experiences working in two severely challenged neighborhoods of Cincinnati have significantly changed my outlook on life. Issues of mental illness as related to poverty, and inustices toward lesbian and transgender  persons also deeply concern me.

I am deeply concerned about many aspects of our modern life, but am particularly disturbed by the marginalization from decision-making power of so many of my fellow American citizens, as well as large segments of the global population. I think proportional representation should be seriously considered as an alternative to our current system of electing representatives. To quote a recent newscast, "money is speech," and similarly, money is access to power--how terrible this reality is! I feel our government is held captive, and will remain so unless the "We" in "We the people" join forces--it's time for another Revolution. And to quote the late Molly Ivins, we should have fun doing it.