: About Me

I am married and have 5 children. I grew up and currently live in Oregon's Willamette Valley. I have had an adventurous and eventful life and have learned much from my experiences.

I have been homeless, unemployed, and hungry as well as a homeowner with a good salary. I was a high school dropout, and went back to school years later and graduated from a community college with honors. I have had many different jobs and have lived in many different places. I lived in the forest for 3 years with no electricity or running water. I have lived abroad in Europe. I have been married and divorced and married again. I have slept outside in the arctic winter and have slept on warm sandy beaches. I have been in the military twice (Navy and Army)and since then have become a strong advocate for a world beyond war.

My intention with writing is not just a self-awareness exercise for myself but perhaps to be of some benefit to the reader as well. If I could bring one smile to a face or one grain of helpful insight or one ounce of hope to someone, then my time was well spent.

My passion is ...

Riding, Writing, and Reading

My parents always told me ...

"If you have something to say, know what you are talking about."

My childhood ambition ...

To be in the military.

Why I write ...

I learn by writing and become more clear about what I think about different subjects. Most of all I write because I enjoy it.

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

Currently re-reading "Zen and the art of motorcyle maintenance" by Robert Pirsig. Listening to "The Young Turks" on Air America Radio.

My first job ...

Picking Berries during the summer as a kid.

My best moment ...

Now.

Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: Living versus existing

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There are those who live life to it's fullest and there are those whom mostly just exist. You can see it in their eyes, in their actions, or in their lack of action. Living versus existing. What category would you place yourself in? You just might be surprised to discover yourself amongst those who just exist. Just existing is to miss out on the wondrous and infinite possibilities of what is living. Children are good at living. They have inborn instincts to enjoy, have fun, to really live. Also they are blessed with a sense of wonder about the world around them. However, with time they are...

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