My experiences have often defined me. It's a good thing. My faith in God and love for the Bible has also defined me and this also is a good thing. I live authentically and have no shame for the ways I live (I make mistakes like everyone else and will ask forgiveness for those mistakes and then move on). I seek love and am loyal when people are loyal to me as well and often even when they aren't. This has betrayed me a time or two, even when I am accused of doing things that the other party is actually doing or looking to do. It sucks. I'm not ashamed that I've lived out of my car so much. It's freeing. I work hard at my jobs, I pay my debtors when I can. I pay to Caesar what is Caesar's as I'm instructed, even though this government is mis-using my money in sick ways, lying to us, and doing severe damage instead of the good it could be doing. I've worked in restaurants for 20 years now, and I've enjoyed most of it. Working in 13 National Parks, Napa Valley, the Sonoma Coast, Big Sur, lakeside mountain lodges, Mackinac Island and even a couple strip clubs for a couple years has given me a lot amazing experiences with places, people and landscapes. I've taken up photography and gone to film school. I've been certified as a Sommelier and crafted unique cocktail menus. I've climbed mountains, dated strippers (briefly..), explored deep canyons, watched the sunset over the Pacific more times than I can count. Iv'e drunk uber-expensive wine, served celebrities and hung out in the bright lights of Vegas over 20 times. This is why I'm writing a book about my travels, starting with the distinction in lifestyle, spiritual growth and adventure that has come with working in the National Parks. But all good things must come to an end, and I feel changes in the air. Emotional and career wise. I'm not excited anymore about getting a huge list of certifications in alcohol based degrees. I suffered a couple serious illnesses recently and it put things in perspective. It's a perspective I had, but had been lost a bit, and I needed a kick in the ass. Since moving to Boulder in August, I've grown by leaps and bounds in my life and I'm grateful. But I always was drawn to the arts crowd more than anyone. And I always loved crafting my own products as much as anything else in the restaurant work. And being outdoors and on the road makes me happier than just about anything. And I've missed out a lot by working my busy restaurant life. And lost a little focus and balance on the other aspects of life that make me happy. And I'm tired of seeing the unnecessary suffering going on that should be healed and the corruption that needs and can be fought against. And the restaurant lifestyle is just not inspiring. So here I sit. Ready for and making changes. Getting back into the car and just driving. Hopping on planes, then hopping into a car at my destination and driving. And walking, talking to people, tasting new flavors, seeing new sights. Visiting the museums and artisans. Writing more. Getting errands done so I'm more efficient at the important stuff. Pulling open the laptop and writing, without thinking about it. Planning adventures. Spending time with people who are an inspiration rather than bringing me down. People who are sparked about life and giving to it. And that's where I'm at right now. Today I became a member of the Boulder Digital Arts group. I spent time with an inspirational art and theater worker. I'm getting prepped for new headshots as an actor and am applying for local acting gigs. I'm posting a casting call for scripts I'm working on. I've returned to the movie theaters for joy and entertainment. I'm doing. I'm living. And I'm being me. And there's a lot to come to show you. I'm breaking open. In a good way. Hell, maybe I'll even have a kid or 2. One never knows...
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