I wanted to write a book to uplift mentally ill people of the harshest variety, schizophrenic or schizoaffective like I have. I wanted to tell the story of my own life, like some people see me. I am not a pitiable sad case. I am a hero who’s gone on adventures. Sometimes I was unstable, but that is not the purpose of my story. I want to give true hope for mentally ill people who have spent too many days in the hospital, who might be wards of the state, or live in group homes, or find existence unbearable and confusing. I am someone who has lived big and done some incredible things. Sometimes following my own impulse has led me to a corner of magic and intrigue, pushed me into meeting people larger than life, or just doing something good hearted that might inspire others. I want people who read my book to look at their own lives as more full of possibility, to recognize what exciting fresh things they already have going for themselves, but if they still don’t feel confident, I want people to at least get a great escape out of my stories.

Generally, I live a simple life, very home based, in a pretty small world. I am writing this book to inspire others, and I am also writing it to inspire myself. I want to look at myself with more dignity than I already do. My self concept has been complicated and weighed down by the schizoaffective diagnosis and I am seeking a way to turn around my dark thoughts about myself. I don’t want to think of myself as different in a way that is negative, I want to see the beauty and brilliance in myself and the journey I am taking in this life.

You are so much more than whatever diagnosis you may have. Diagnosis isn’t what’s important at all.

The chapters of this book are snippets of memories from different time periods of my life, starting in childhood and moving all the way up to the current era. I hope these stories bring you hope!