The surprise twists and turns of life lead to anger, pain, and disappointment, but ultimately to love and restoration. These coming-of-age stories celebrate the transformation from the dysfunction and trauma of the past, to the joy and fulfillment that result from unexpected encounters and experiences. 

Every life is different, but chances are you can relate to:

• The father who causes anger and frustration
• A disturbing family dynamic
• The boy who withdraws from friends because of embarrassment
• Feelings of inadequacy and rebellion
• Life as a misfit
• The decision to run away in order to find oneself

Read about the excitement, pleasure, and danger of traveling and performing with the circus. The secret world of imagination caused by the turbulence between father and son. A series of influential people who touched the life of a young man, giving him courage and direction.

What is it like to hit bottom as an alcoholic, and find yourself forced to make some hard decisions? Is it even possible to discover true meaning in life, and reach a point of happiness?

Take a journey with Dave “Letterfly” Knoderer, a man who was broken in many ways, yet managed to find a path towards the light. The conclusion is one of hope and enlightenment that will leave you wondering about your own trek down the Road of Life.

Imagine living life in the spotlight, the intensity of performing on a classically trained dancing horse in the center ring, the feeling of approval by vast audiences all across North America … and it all stops. Desperate, impoverished, and alone, a young circus performer with artistic tendencies finds himself at the end of an era with nowhere to turn… or so it seems. In desperation, astride two very different worlds, he must find a solution but doesn’t know where to turn.

This is the true story about taking a gamble, being guided by happenstance, navigating the pitfalls of new territory, and how grace intervened to reveal the uphill climb he was uniquely qualified to trudge, but only after meeting certain rigid requirements found at the devastating conclusion of his old alcoholic life.

Designed to inspire the reader, this memoire reveals the surprise twists and turns of the rise of a traditional pictorial artist and sign painter with a passion for classic horsemanship that reveals the nuance of these specialties now gone from the mainstream. You will read about the traditional gold leaf gilder with one foot in the Renaissance who took the time to encourage the creativity of a budding artist, how the animal trainers of the circus culture influenced an uncanny connection with his horse and when a gifted spiritual mentor appeared to guide his mind, hand and heart to promote oneness with his surroundings and introduce purpose for his life. Plus, you will learn how the principles of recovery transformed the echoes of a hurtful past into a reason to reach out and find ways to be a blessing to the world.

Takes the reader on a turbulent adventure as boy turns into man. An inspired teen is introduced to timelessness while painting decorative designs on the circus fleet and drumming in the circus band. He becomes fascinated with what the horse trainers enroll the animals to do. Becoming immersed in this fascinating trade, he finds principles of regard, encouragement and principles of love in harmony between trainer and animal. Encouraged by others he begins a lifelong passion of learning all aspects of classic horsemanship, developing skills as a trainer and presenter of liberty, manage and dancing horses with emphasis on the circus performing arts.

A young circus performer enjoys intense moments of satisfaction in center ring, approval by vast audiences, the surge of living an interesting life but cannot quite adapt to the ebb and flow of life on the road. Extended periods of scarcity, clamor and loneliness increase as the world changes around him.  In desperation, he sells his beloved liberty horses, takes a gamble and finds a fascinating outlet for his relentless creative tendencies on the carnival midway.

 Combining the skills of the old-time sign painter with what he has learned traveling with the circus, the author discovers a way to thrive while living an interesting life. Success as an artist provides the means to resume his passion for classic horsemanship and his travels take him to the doors of incredible masters of the classic horsemanship culture. But danger awaits in the form of an amber beverage that gets a grip.

His rise to stardom comes with a price. At the zenith of his creative career, alcohol becomes a rapacious creditor and takes everything leaving him completely bankrupt, stranded and alone. From the depths of despair there is only one way to turn but that direction requires that he do things he has never done before; ask for help, discard old belief systems, embrace hope and strike out on a path of recovery that introduces him to a design for living that includes unselfish service to others.

 The momentum of selfless sobriety eventually rockets him to places he would never have found on his own. He returns to the circus ring and rises to stardom and an incredible opportunity opens up to pave the way for his becoming the most prolific RV airbrush artist of all time.

The purpose of this book is to reveal how one man’s life lived as a reclusive, creative independent could only go so far. The futility of self-sufficiency becomes apparent through the story arch that ultimately brings the protagonist to his knees. Through the process of healing the dynamic that drove this fierce need to remain an island, the protagonist discovers a design for living his life connected to others that will inspire readers to embrace the paradigm of being at one with those around us and find our way to be of service – where our true purpose resides.

The quest to step fearlessly forward into a life of adventure is an innate part of every soul.

Have you ever wondered about:

•  How to become a savvy RV buyer in the crowded marketplace?
• The integrity of the RVs being made today?
• Challenges with RV living that can interfere with the freedom, adventure, and pursuit of the empowering quest that you crave?

Join the author as he takes you on his journey of building the perfect custom RV for his unique life on the road. From thrills and anticipation to pitfalls and frustration, Dave “Letterfly” Knoderer bares it all as he shares his practical guide for initiating a life of travel. Whether you are already a full-time RVer or dream of becoming one, this book will explore the ins and outs of the marvel and mystery that await you, provide valid information about what is currently taking place in the industry, and offer helpful encouragement for the RVing of the future.

Frustrated as a teenager, turning his back on contemporary goals and rejecting his family of origin resulted in the author finding a fascinating world filled with unending adventure where his creative tendencies had a place to shine. The turbulence of life on the road with the circus introduced adventure, excitement and approval from others but deep inside a tormented soul there remained a secret longing. A longing for a place where he belonged.

 This boy-to-man story is filled with incredible achievements, devastating tragedy, being rejected by his pseudo family and becoming stranded in a foreign country. You will read about the surprising turn of events that propelled his quest that would ultimately reveal the inner longings of his heart that would not rest until he found the oneness, he didn’t know he was searching for.

This quest took him places he never would have found during the planning that took him across half of north America. But ultimately, he found it in the most unlikely place. The Road Home combines entertaining facets from a life filled with adventure, and reveals the miracle waiting for us when we let down our guard and become willing to receive that which is in front of us the whole time.