Inspired By

Ever since I was a young child reading books have been a way of life for me. My mother always had a paper back book with her and I'd mimic her by carrying one of her books under my fat little arms. As I got older reading books became more than a way to connect and bond with my mother, they became a life line and eventually helped me to transform my life.

Growing up without my father in the home caused my mother to resort to welfare as a source of family support. As a result, I grew up living in 13 different homes from the time I was born until I was 17. The stress of always moving and starting over led me to the sanctuary of books. They became a source of escape, hope and inspiration.

When I was young it was "Curious George" and "Charlotte's Web" followed by "Roll of Thunder Hear my Cry" and the magical book, "The Littles".

Finally, at the age of 17 I got my "dream job" working in the Omaha Public Library and the discovery of Maya Angelou and books about self actualization opened me up to an intoxicating way of thinking about possibility and taking ownership for the trajectory of my life.

My love of reading and learning has never waned. Here are a few books (and plays) that continue to inspire my life and my art: