”Going to art school changed my whole perspective on life. I had no friends, felt alone, and that there wasn't anyone else that thought or felt like me. Going to school I made many new friends with open minds and there I found acceptance. I (heart) art school. –L.”


”There are many things that have contributed to the way my life has been impactd, thus far. But, if I were to pick one specific thing, I would have to say it would have to be fate. Simply believing that things will work out has kept me going in my life. Basically, it all started after a tragic sporting accident leaving me with a lost scholarship, a broken dream of playing in college and a life lesson that forced me to find other talents I had aside from athletics. I believe it was fate that helped me discover those hidden talents I was capable to do. Then there was music and dancing that began to lead me thru different paths filled with better friends, the ones I thought could never replace the old ones that I had. Yet, once again, fate seemed to be on my side. In my college years, I kept a far distance from my family who was only a mere hour drive away. Slowly, I pulled myself so far away that I often felt I had no family, never celebrated holidays, instead I chose to work to avoid the drama of our dysfunction. However, the time came in my life where I needed help and had no one to turn to . I left no track s for anyone to find me, began to feel alone and fatigued and ironically the only thing I had left was my family. My apartment was gone, my cd's, my clothes, my friends...all gone, but my family stuck by my side and once again I felt that fate was there and brought my family back when I needed them most. From there I was able to rebuilt myself into the person I wanted to become, and I was able to open up and let new things into my life with a welcoming embrace- such as music, and relations with others; gaining trust and fate in each of them with hopes that in my tomorrows, they too will still be there when I may need their strength and energy to keep my fate positive that things will always continue to work out for the best. Thank you far all the experiences, both good and bad. With Fate, - S. H.”

”The Biggest thing that influenced my life was the great relationship I had with my Grandfather. He was my Father in my eyes. Later in life he was diagnosed with Cancer. I sat with him through all of it. Through it all I learned a lot. Once he passed, I decided I needed to make a difference in someones life, as he did mine. Now I have decided I will either work with kids with cancer or at the (?) Center . He has made a huge impact on my life and I'll always remember him. -N.”

”The Death of 2 of my uncles in less than a year has left me in a dazed state where I'm questioning what I've always believed life to be. They were brothers and were 2 very strong roots in my family tree. For as long as I can remember they were the 2 people I've strived to be like...patient, calm, gererous, and happy. Always with a kind word... Now I've learned we don't have forever and anything can happen... Maybe the most important thing I've learned is to live a catious but full of life. –D. C.”

”It is the friends you make and break that impact your life. They will influenc you the most and forever change your outlook on life. It can be family, school friends, faterenity brothers, or co-workers. They will be responsible for the smiles and cries of your life. I can't think of one occrurence in my life where some kind of change without my friends being directly involved. For that, I am forever grateful, because I am glad with who I am today. –J. B. 2/13/05”

"Skate & Create" is a quote from 'Jonny Rad' - A fictional/actual lounge singer of Powell Perulta skateboard video fame. I started skateboarding in the summer of 1985 and it changed my life forever. Seeing something that was not only a form of escapism, but also an outlet for frustration, a way to rebel against my tradisional-baptist-southern-black upbringing, and a way to have fucking shit loads of fun, was what my 10 year old mind wrapped around like a vicegrip clamp! The determination, will-power and tuffness that it took to stick with it never actually crossed my thoughts...now being 29 years old I feel like without skateboarding I wouldn't be alive. Now I see the originality, physical coordination, consintration and all around balls that this life I chose has made me a better person than I ever thought I could be. Post Script: 20 years of skateboarding has saved & ruined my life. Post, Post Script: Yes I realize how trite this is but you can just eat a bag of balls and read the next page! -J. L.”

”After being a vegetarian for a couple of years, I returned to the darkside one day completely without premeditation. Much like Jules from Englewood, I was vegetarian because of a girlfriend, and although she was long gone, my animal kindness stuck around for a little while. So, while studying for a final during my senior year of college, I ran into a friend from years before. We studied togethor for a while, and after some time she offerred me some beef jerky as a snack. I politely declined, then immediately remembered she too was an herbivore, or at least I thought she was. She responded that eating meat made her feel a lot healthier, and it also kept her awake and awake longer. tired out of my mind from studying, and the coffee shop in the library being closed, I had little other opetion but to eat the meat. It was fucking delicious. -J.S.”

”Dearest Memoirs, Did you ever have one of those moments when you loved life? Living in Pittsburgh, PA, I had a friend (who's name was Joe) Joe loved bacon and had a revalation that everyone (that ate meat) in some form loved bacon, when on holiday in Jamaica enjoying some grass and sitting on a porch of my bungalow. Overhearing 3 children talking about bacon while simply walking past and hearing how they can't wait to indulge in this bacon...I realized how life sometimes comes full circle and that the simplest of statements will always put a smile on my face. -(Signed illegibly) I love bacon.”