It was 1983. I was usually scouting Amish Country for old quilts and selling them to collectors in Australia, Japan and England. One weekend while poking around at the flea market in Berkshire, MA I came across a man who would again forever change my life.

In 1980 I was invited to study Art at Parsons School of Design in New York City. My first Class was Graphic Design taught by the most handsome man I had ever met, Seaver Leslie. Seaver had graduated from RISD along side friend Dale Chihuly with whom he collaborated on a wonderful exhibition inspired by James Joyce, Ulysses Cylinders.

Dear lighterliving friend,

I am delighted to announce the debut of the newly designed and totally updated www.lighterliving.com

We listened to your invaluable feedback and have created a brand new home for lighterliving that you can enjoy on all your devices. The overall design has been streamlined to highlight your favorite aspects of lighterliving.

Follow the simple step by step process to register for the NEW Essential AeroPilates Video Library & unsubscribe from the previous Video Club.

I was the middle one of 3 girls. My mother was very traditionally dutch. She believed that we should all learn to play piano, cook and sew. At age 6 she sent me off every Saturday morning to her best friend, Nancy Grant. Nancy was an enormously talented baker, chef and seamstress who taught me how to cut patterns, use a sewing machine and make my own clothes.

I was raised catholic, went to a Jesuit primary school and later attended a convent run by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart.

Strawberries are the essence of every summer. 

Not only are they juicy, sweet and delicious, they contain a unique combination of antioxidants that heal wounds, build immunity and improve brain health.