I was conceived in a tent on the shores of Warm Pond in the Adirondack Mountains. My dynamic and devoted parents, New York City dwellers, wanted their baby to be old enough to return to this rustic camp the following summer, and when I was three months old, I was back in the woods. Two years later, a dream-come-true farm in rural Vermont became our family home. Thus I was blessed to be a wanted child who began life imbedded deeply in nature.

Pondering my gratitude for life since then, my heart flies open and fills with everyone and everything, the pleasurable and painful without exception ... one huge flow over all time.

However, I must name special beloveds. I met my husband David when I turned fifty. Now I am sixty-four, and he is my champion and great love. He is an unequaled and complementary partner, making so much possible with his support and fidelity. We thrive on passionate tenderness, adventuresomeness, and mutual commitment to conscious living.

I am blessed beyond words by our seven fine children, their spouses, and our awesome 21st century grandchildren. Daughters Heather and Arden are my shining polestars. Sons Brian and Joe exercise my heart and stretch my edges. Step-daughters Karie, Tara and Kristen enrich my life with their radiance and embrace. Brother Beau's family, and second father Howard strengthen me with their love.

What a treasure are my dear and true women friends: Louise, Irene, Annie, Jane, Ella, Anthea, Shanja, Olivia, Johanna, Barbara, Edie, Patricia, Enid, Judy, Laurie, Joan, Susan, Hilary, Maeve, Verona ... the circle is always opening. Our deeply loving, creative, affirming, challenging and embracing connections weave me into a healing sisterhood.

My heart warms as I call to mind the wonderful men in my life who are friends: Patrick, Eshu, Bob, Mitchell, Dan, Bill, George, Paul, Tom, Ron, Tim, Charlie ...

The painful and liberating process of divorce, the faithful and playful companionship of Coyote, Singing in On Wings of Song with Robert Gass, Re-evaluation Counseling, moving to Berkeley California, Robert Kimball's presence at Starr King School for the Ministry, the privilege of ministering to others, the mystics of all traditions, the inspiration of visionary artists Vijali Hamilton and Alex Gray, Gender Reconciliation work with Will Keepin and Molly Dwyer, Buddhist philosophy, and Dzog Chen and Metta meditation practices stand out as most significant influences. I feel so fortunate for it all.