About the Author

My outdoor grilling/cooking counter and writing desk. Topped with flashing.

Jamie Hyneman from Mythbusters once said, "Duct Tape isn't perfect for anything, but is adequate for everything." I can't think of a better metaphor for myself. I'm duct tape. Capable in a jack mess of trades--from manly trades such as home construction and grilling to poindexter pursuits such as philosophy and Greek--but haven't mastered any so as to become a professional.

View from my house.

I live in Tea, SD and currently work at a McCrossan Boys Ranch. I have three boys, rowdy and strong willed. My wife gets to stay home and watch them, when she's not coaching or judging gymnastics. In order to afford our sole income budget, I have to use my duct-tape-like versatility. I do what I can to keep projects simple and inexpensive and try to use and reuse what is available.

My great occupational passion is writing. As youth, I'd spend hours in my room typing stories. Stories of all kinds. Stories that were never finished. Then, I grew up. Hints flowed my way, that maybe, I ought to choose a 'realistic' career path. So I did what any confused teen would do. I joined the army. 

Picture taken with General Sullivan, at Big Red One

conference in Philadelphia. I represented 1/18 Infantry
for Soldier of the Year.

Four Army and another four college years later, I learned I'm too scatterbrained, for a 'realistic' career path. I began writing again. My only constant pursuit of occupational joy. (I love doing and learning new things, I just have a hard time sticking with them.) And, I actually started finishing works.

At first, I thought, because my faith in Christ is important to me, I had to do Christian Genre works. But, then I read Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper. This book, along with the writings of C. S. Lewis, helped me realize I didn't have to necessarily have to write Christian Genre fiction. Not to say, my faith isn't separate from my works or contrary to them.

So, I started a blog. And thought, 'Hey why not tackle all the subjects of your capabilities and interests.' As opposed narrowing down, I'm broadening and trying to be useful, pragmatic, and concise. If any of my tricks and tips help in you pursuit of grilling, home improvement, writing, philosophy, life hacks, etc., let me know. Or, if you have suggestions, anything you'd like to hear about, feel free to email me.