I live in a physically beautiful area because the natural world is of preeminent importance to me. My home is surrounded by aspen, lilacs, coyotes and views as far as the eye can see. I raised four children here. Los Alamos National Laboratory is roughly 60 air miles away and one of the largest stockpiles of stored nuclear weapons not much farther away; in the city where two sons currently attend university. I care about the earth and all her inhabitants as I believe we are all of the same source. The prayer of St Francis sums up pretty well my commitment to life; meaning life without exception. I've lived a lot and enjoy sharing what I know including the transcending of states of being. I've criss-crossed America many times. I've visited many countries, those developed and not so developed. I've lived on the streets, in luxury apartments and rural villages. I've been hungry and I've been well-fed. I've grown, harvested and put by my own food. I've eaten a fair share of 'fast' food. I've been a therapist, alcoholic, taxi driver, seamstress, graduate student, a Christian, a greens keeper, rape and molestation survivor, a writer, drug addict, political activist and a devoted mother. I currently maintain a private practice in counseling and art therapy working exclusively with underprivileged children, youth and their families. My greatest joy, besides the family and extended family I love beyond measure, is the look on the faces of high school students I take every year to Washington DC. Kids whose constant companion has been a sense of 'lack': Of good parenting, of clothing, nutrition, love, and of adequate shelter. I read their faces, chilling and exhilarating as well-crafted prose, as they buckle up for their first flight, ride their first train, take their first subway ride, and swagger with false bravado down the halls of power where decisions which affect their lives and mine are made every day. And I tell them their voice matters; that their voice is equal to that of any Suit they see around them. I tell them because I know it's true. And for a moment, I see that they know it too. I pray that they never forget.