My life has been full of struggles - coming from a troubled home, moving out when I was fifteen, ending up homeless by eighteen. The one thing I always knew was being jaded and bitter was equal to letting life win.

I've always been a workhorse, and I've been supporting myself since I was 15.

I consider myself a product of Alaska. The love and the debt that I feel to my home state, you always want your hometown to be the proudest of you.

Don't be made useless or idle with despair. Gather yourself around your strength for light does the darkness most fear.

I like pressure. If I am not on the edge of failure, I'm not being sufficiently challenged.

I developed a loyal following. No one knew I was homeless.

Being engaged with life. One has to develop a poet's eye for perfect moments, moments that most people pass by.