"My life has been dramatic! My three children are wonderful. My life couldn’t be better."
Overland Park, Kansas

"My bed is my time machine. I’m a traveler in my dreams."
Sanford, Maine

"Everything is gone. My mom keeps saying: "keep the faith Faith.""
South Oroville, California

"We felt the weight of responsibility for our children for decades. Now we are on our own. Our empty nest has reawakened the joy of freedom we had as youths."
Madrid, New Mexico

"Burning the tatter tots, cleaning up messes and getting the kids to school late is just part of life. Blending this big family is the hardest thing I have ever been a part of but the love and support has become the greatest gift and teacher, not just for me but for all of us."
Denver, Colorado.

"I never wanted to be a girl, I just wanted to be a cowboy with red lipstick. Now, far away from Texas and all the religious repression of my youth, I feel powerful and finally free."
East Village, New York

"It is in my life-threatening health that I have come into myself. I have already done more living than I ever imagined, way more than I was ever promised. The days when I feel the most pain can easily be filled with laughter and joy because my pleasures have been earned."

"I like people, all people. If you are good, I will know."
Sartartia, Mississippi 

"It’s dangerous here, we need to protect the girls. We have basic dreams, a home with running water and electricity. But, mostly a safe place for the girls to grow up." (Father)
Navajo Reservation, Kayenta, AZ

"After 27 years together and 4 years of marriage, our closeness has elevated to a point that being together is a total of one, as in one plus one equals one."

"I’m a unicorn and a fairy."
Little Rock, Arkansas

"I’m alone now, with my dogs."
Atlanta, Georgia

"I’ve got my favorite blanket and kitty sheets. They make me feel happy. I don’t get mad. I’m always going to be nice."
Beaver Crossing, Nebraska

"With the world moving ever so fast, these apples of my eye remind me to slow down, see the beauty in all things. They are the light."

Camille: "People have this idea that dreams are for the young, but my biggest dreams have only begun to come true now, in my third decade. It’s as though I finally gave myself permission to chase everything unabashedly, from what I believe family looks like to the sounds I want to share with the world. The world is opening up to me more every day."

Ashley: "If you told me 5 years ago that I would be a touring musician, married to my amazing and beautiful wife, and living happily in Portland, I would have cried tears of happiness. Never give up the fight for your version of happiness in this life. You won’t know the treasures that lie ahead until you’re there living them. With our powers combined, we can do anything."

"Hold on tight. Hold on to one another. Show those you love how much you love them. If you think of someone, send them a note, let them know. There is no yesterday, no tomorrow, just today."
Detroit, Michigan

"Life is good. Paradise will rise from the ashes and I will be part of that."
Paradise, California

"My bedroom is a trailer. I sleep here with my puppy, only not when it’s too hot."
Slab City, California 

"I am considered by many to be an old soul. I feel an overwhelming sense of freedom when I am locked away in my bedroom in front of my drum set expressing the part of me I can’t often communicate in words."
Lake Worth, Florida

"I was a rebel all my life, now I’m just an old man."
Portland, Maine

"Right now I am the age that my brother was when he died. My space is full of reminders of love...love that is present, love that is changed and love that I’m hopeful for. I wish I could tell you about every object in this room because each one is significant, especially the tribute to him on the shelf behind me."

"Since I left traditional society I have never been happier. I just live one day at a time and don’t worry about punching a time clock 9-5."

Katie: "I would take a bullet for this beautiful woman! I can’t believe we used to hate each other. It’s never too late to be best friends. I love her."
 
Janie: "Despite being raised by the same parents our upbringing was vastly different and she had it a lot harder. I wish I could have changed things but I’ve always looked up to her courage and perseverance. I wouldn’t trade her for anything in the world. She is my best friend."

"I have lived in the Carnival all my life and I have loved it. I wouldn’t change a thing except that I’m going blind making it difficult to bring up my 13-year-old daughter."
Gibsonton, Florida

"There’s a story on my back, It’s written in ink and carved in stone. It is my life, it keeps me strong, I’m a Meme, a Mom, a Sister and a Daughter, But the story on my back is like no other, I’ve lived through Rape, Suicide, stalking and now Murder. The evidence is in, will the jury see? Or will they take my life from me?"
Texas

"My life is all about expanding consciousness. Traveling in my van "Gaia" allows me to share her beauty and the hard work it took to create her. It brings forth a perspective that you should always chase your dreams if you truly want something, no matter how hard."
Hampton Beach, New Hampshire

"Home for the Holidays in a vintage bus."

"Beauty, heartbreak, grit and humor. Intersecting spirals, it’s tough building relationships. I love it, I hate it and then I love it again."
Pensacola, Florida

"I’ve lived a few lives. In the end, it’s all about the love of family and one another."
Guadalupe, Arizona