You asked, I am telling. I believe in the American dream. Do you?

So you think I’m a Bit@#, you think I’m a snob or a gold digger. Well that’s fine by me because you don’t know me.

I moved out when I was 17 with an aluminum folding chair, a mattress on the floor and a 13 inch kitchen TV. I’ve had just about every kind of job you can think of: selling siding, selling water purification systems, working retail, waiting tables and the worst was printing photos for the Department of Public Safety in New Mexico. I will never get the images of animal brutality or homicides out of my mind. I am glad my photography career has progressed from that, but the list of odd jobs could go on and on. I have a strong opinion, but I feel like I’ve earned it.  What I can say is no matter what’s been going on in my life I’ve never acted the victim. I’ve taken it all in stride. I have made plenty of mistakes along the way, but I hold myself accountable for them.

My whole life I’ve been a dreamer and it’s dreaming that saved me from my childhood reality. A broken family and a broken spirit are two very different things. I always dreamed of growing up to live in a house like I watched in the movies. One where within the walls are security and happiness. A place where the power doesn’t get turned off and there is a fridge full of food.

I believe the American dream is still fully available to those who work hard and dream big. I’ve worked hard since I was 14. I've supported myself, and at times others, since I was 17. I am the American dream in my mind. I feel like if you can have the courage to believe in the fairy tale and never give up anyone can make it happen.  

The House I lived in until I was 8 in Eastlake.

The house I lived in during high school in Pinson.

My dad's house the best place in Forest Park.