About

Meet me and learn more about my services as a raw food educator, writer, and (soon to be a) health coach.

About me One Sheet (downloadable for media events)

In the meantime …

My desire to pilot air tankers for wildfire suppression burned in me as hot as the fires I later helped contain. The hope of one day getting into the pilot’s seat became the air that prevented suffocation. After hard work, thousands of dollars toward training, and tireless persistence, I reached my dream job. I was 28. Ambition comes with its own price, however. I was forced to give up my previous profession: drinking. I moved away from family and friends. And I studied harder than I ever had in school. In the end, I guess, it paid off.

Assuming I’d glide–happily–into old age on the wings of a tanker was a mistake. Realities of the profession diffused the fantasy shortly after I arrived; I found myself anxious and discontent. Though I mourn the loss of the unbridled passion once associated with aerial firefighting, the entire experience taught me a valuable lesson. Once we make a decision to accomplish something, and we believe with every cell in our body that it can happen, it will. This principle provides the courage to pursue subsequent prizes.

My life, of course, is not strictly a series of successes. During my freshman year, the high school principle kicked me out for skipping class. Substance abuse landed me in treatment once when I was 15, and again at 25—sober since, thank you. From marriage certificate to divorce document, I was married all of 13 months. Because of selfish pursuits I have neglected more relationships than I currently have. For more than ten years I battled an eating disorder that, because of the guilt associated with it, I fought on my own. So, I am human, complete with a laundry list of flaws. But these are fallen trees, fertile ground for new growth. They are also good indications that you can do what I can do … most likely better.

An appreciation for language and my desire for creative expression slammed me against the wood chips lining a new path. It’s a gigantic jump from pilot to author but one I’ve been sizing up for years. Last October signified my departure from tanker flying and a total commitment to changing my life. In doing so, I realized that I am not alone. Others are dissatisfied with their place in life. Perhaps I can wield the machete, behead snakes, and clear a distinguishable trail toward personal fulfillment. If I can get in better physical shape, reduce my sugar consumption, make a drastic career change, improve my intimate relations, and swear less, so can others.