My major influences in life have come from my observation of the wondrous two legged beast, we fondly refer to as mankind. I pay tribute as well to my friend Jack Douglas, my vocal coach at Chaffey High School in Ontario California, Jack died in a horrid car accident my freshman year. I would be remiss in not mentioning my english teacher Mr Butler, at Victorville High School, where I was a brief resident, while placed in a boys ranch nearby in Helendale.  Mr Butler was the first ever to encourage me with my poetry, seeing what others did not. My first poetry was published in the Jack-Rabbit Journal, then the school newspaper, I then published under anon.  My dear dear life-long friend of heart, Betty H. who supported my 'life penned'  'Letters To Carla'. Which would never have been born without Betty's aid & support. So Jack, and Mr Butler wherever you are, you're not forgotten, nor will you ever be in time. Thanks for noticing a lost lad such as I was then.

My greatest achievement to date, surviving life!....Thus far that is!