In 2007 I was told, in no uncertain terms, that the sheriff in the little town I had been paroled out to in Arkansas had every intention of sending me back to prison so I left.

At age five, I sat down in the theater with my family to watch Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace. To say I was enthralled by the story is a vast understatement.

I’ve always loved gardening. I started with indoor hydroponic gardening at least 10 years ago. I did not want to have to pull weeds or deal with the sun and the heat.

My kitchen is a culmination of long overdue dreams and grief. I had always dreamed of a beautiful open space to cook in, have my morning coffee, or host guests.