Hello my name is Bonnie and I am new to this site. I am putting myself back out on the dating scene after a long self-imposed hiatus. I am back out there to see if there is anyone real who is looking for a long-term relationship. My life's journey has been quite an adventurous one. I was born and grew up in New York City which was filled with pain and suffering. I moved to South Carolina in 1992 which was filled with hope and discovery. I then moved to Maine in 2009 where I am at the happiest and most beautiful place in my life. That happiness and confidence in myself is what has given me the courage to put myself out on the dating scene once again. My life is now filled with joy and love and I am back and better than ever! I have many hobbies that keep me busy. I like to write non-fiction short stories and poetry. I have been working on a book about my life growing up on the streets of New York that I hope to get published some day. I also love music. I got into music at a very early age and my favorite type of music is from the glam-rock period. My favorite band of all-time is Slade. I have every album in their catalog along with some of their rare recordings and videos. I also like Queen, Blue Cheer, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, King Crimson, Black Sabbath, The Pretty Things, Iggy Pop, Iron Maiden, Rush and others from that era. I was very much a fixture of the New York City club scene in the 1980's. Some of the more modern bands I like are Three Days Grace, Blink 182, Better Than Ezra, Blackmore's Night, Killswitch Engage, Rancid, The Tossers, Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly. I also enjoy keeping fit and healthy. I work out regularly at the gym. Some of my favorite activities are jet skiing, kite surfing, kayaking, hiking, snowmobiling, and riding my new Sportster. I love horror movies, sports, and cooking. I also love urban exploration, I'm sure you don't know what that is but it has become quite popular lately. If that hobby raises your curiosity, then just ask me about it and I will tell. I think you'll find it's pretty cool. I am just a very honest, sweet, and confident woman who has so much love to give to the right man. I treat others with respect and expect that same respect in return. I am setting my standards really high this time around because after all I have been through, I deserve nothing less. I am out here for the long haul and hope there is someone out there who is looking for the same. I also place a high emphasis on being able to express yourself properly. Not just in conversation, but also in good grammar, correct spelling, and proper English. I am amazed at how many men just cannot express themselves properly in a message. There is a lot more to me than meets the eye.I am a very pionate, romantic, and affectionate woman with a lot to offer to the right guy. Oh yes, and a sense of humor is a definite must! Life is too short to take seriously all the time. So take a chance on me, get to know me, and you won't be disappointed. I must insist that if you decide to contact me that you have your own photo on your profile. I will not even read your message without one. I will not accept your message either if you tell me that you can email or send me a photo with your response. I am being this insistent not because I am shallow or hung up on looks because looks aren't as important to me as personality is. But rather, so I know you are not trying to hide anything like being married, looking for a fling or any other red flags that would cause one not to have a photo. A first date would be in a public place where we can have a nice conversation and break the ice. If there is a comfort level and we mutually feel good about the conversation, then hopefully there will be a second date. I understand that we will both be nervous at first. But just be yourself, be honest, have a sense of humor and be able to carry on an intelligent conversation and the date will be a success.