about the author
More about Bob
There are precious people in the author’s life who aren’t mentioned in Such is Life? Likewise, with incredible adventures and avocations over much of Mother Earth. It was a struggle for Bob not to write about cherished forever-moments with family and friends at outings and home gatherings and wherever else. Additionally, with phenomenal experiences such as transpacific sailing or open-water wreck diving or snowmobile trekking along the Cascade Crest Trail.
But Such is Life? is a memoir rather than an autobiography. As such, it is a themed narrative rather than chronicled account, and it focuses on events that contributed to Bob’s conviction there can be – hopefully, shall be – contentment in the wake of life’s obstacles or hardships. The narrative includes thoughtful and amusing digressions; however, the book isn’t a record of Bob’s life and the extraordinary folks and moments in it.
Themes and digressions. Bob intertwines these in Such is Life?, and he hopes there are nuggets in each that bring smiles to readers in some cases, perhaps a tear or deep sigh in others, and maybe an occasional “right-on!”. Finally, if Such is Life? causes one reader to overcome some life-hurdle or leads another to appreciate nature’s awesomeness, this narrative will be a success … at least, for the author.
In his personal life, Bob enjoyed a 60-year partnership with Roberta, his first love, whose battle with dementia became a profound chapter in his life’s story. Today, he shares life’s winter season with his second partner, Gail, surrounded by family and friends who embrace his whimsical personality but keep him grounded.
Although not of Native American heritage, Bob has drawn inspiration from indigenous customs, particularly the principle of “survivance,” which emphasizes resilience, storytelling, and the continuity of life. These themes echo throughout his memoir, Such is Life?, offering readers a guide to reframing life’s challenges into opportunities for growth and fulfillment.
In Bob’s Words:
“The story mulls over strong beliefs which stand firm during difficulties … and it reinforces resolute convictions as we uncover gems mired in life’s stumbles – nuggets that enrich our lives as we work past difficulties … whether imposed, self-inflicted, or whatever.”
Key Quotes from the Book
- Native American cultural traditions: “…I cling to those notions of ‘continuance’ that portray a continued celebration of life’s ‘stories’ despite life’s setbacks.”
- The desert: “I sense nature and myself, my being, alone in the desert with its wonders and extremes that embody stories of survival and notion of continuance.”
- Intrapersonal: “As I look around at what contemporary amusement and entertainment has become behind goggles and in virtual unrealities, there is no doubt: recreation without nature does not re-create.”
- Interpersonal: “Cellphone chatting from afar is social regression from conversational dialog within eyesight; emoticons at arms-length or less will never reflect facial expressions or body language expressed between two people a couple of arm-lengths away.”
- Government affairs: “politics … inevitably breeds self-conceit that invariably fosters unethical behavior … pathetic politicians and apathetic citizens who elect them. A system in shambles.”
- Covid: “…my delight clearly masked our politicians’ might … I spied my partner ahead of me …my eyesight focused into the afar with glimpses well beyond six-foot social distances. There was Gail, clearly waving hands and other parts down the trail as I huffed and puffed with unmasked pleasure.”
Order the Book
Get Your Copy of Such is Life?
Are you ready to discover the power of resilience and embrace life’s next chapter? Order Such is Life?: Framing a Positive ‘Next’ Mindset in the Wake of Life’s Setbacks today and join Bob Steffens on an unforgettable journey of hope, healing, and growth.
Available in:
- Paperback
- eBook
- Audiobook (coming soon)
Meet the editor
There are precious people in the author’s life who aren’t mentioned in Such is Life? Likewise, with incredible adventures and avocations over much of Mother Earth. It was a struggle for Bob not to write about cherished forever-moments with family and friends at outings and home gatherings and wherever else. Additionally, with phenomenal experiences such as transpacific sailing or open-water wreck diving or snowmobile trekking along the Cascade Crest Trail.
But Such is Life? is a memoir rather than an autobiography. As such, it is a themed narrative rather than chronicled account, and it focuses on events that contributed to Bob’s conviction there can be – hopefully, shall be – contentment in the wake of life’s obstacles or hardships. The narrative includes thoughtful and amusing digressions; however, the book isn’t a record of Bob’s life and the extraordinary folks and moments in it.
Themes and digressions. Bob intertwines these in Such is Life?, and he hopes there are nuggets in each that bring smiles to readers in some cases, perhaps a tear or deep sigh in others, and maybe an occasional “right-on!”. Finally, if Such is Life? causes one reader to overcome some life-hurdle or leads another to appreciate nature’s awesomeness, this narrative will be a success … at least, for the author.
