Is a person's essence shaped by self-determination and direction, or is it the blending of the persons, places, and events that shape the whole? In Brushes with Life: A Checkered Journey, we are permitted to stand at the side of Shaun McKenzie's journey as it weaves its way through the fabric of his existence. We share the footsteps of this entrepreneur as he travels from childhood in Burma (Myanmar) to middle age in America. He is a silent warrior whose ancient martial arts teachings and principles continually sideswipe contemporary values. His passage is distinguished by candor and unswerving purpose, and the ripples from his wake sometimes massage, sometimes disturb, but always change those around him!