While searching for an appropriate subject for my first article after a two-year absence, it occurred to me that a “reintroduction” might be in order.

For those who have stopped me on the street to tell me they really missed my articles, I’d like to say it’s good to be back and I hope you enjoy these as well.

For those who have e-mailed me pithy notes laced with outrage at my views, I have to warn you that, despite a new administration, my views haven’t changed.

And, for those of you who haven’t any idea who I am or what my views are, I believe I’m practical and down-to-earth. But according to news reports, I’m actually a “right-wing whacko,” so politically naïve I once thought I had to join a party to become a conservative.

All that being said, I’m also a person who thinks long and hard about events; local, regional and global, and loves to write about them. I’m particularly interested in what’s going on in Auburn because I really love Auburn, and enjoy living here and being part of a community of terrific people.

And, I enjoy once again having a voice. After I quit writing for the Reporter two years ago, I literally stopped writing. I still analyzed everything, still thought deeply on many subjects, but without a column why put pen to paper?

Which is why I am not only writing an introduction, but a plea to Auburnites; write me what’s on your minds, what’s bothering you, or who or what you want to celebrate. I know what it feels like to not have a voice, to not believe that anyone’s listening. So if you’ll be my ears, perhaps I can be your voice.

I can’t guarantee that everyone’s subject will be included – after all there’s only so many words available, but I can at least make this column specific to Auburn, and, perhaps, give some voiceless readers a way to be heard.

My e-mail address is: karen.shepherd@rocketmail.com.

Here’s to voices being heard.