This page is dedicated to the senior leaders in my life, Elders, who continue to provide guidance in my thinking and ideas for my artistry, or Ancestors, who have evolved beyond this life and who continue to inspire and revive my love for the knowledge gifts and blessings they showered on me throughout our time together.

(Mom with Judith and James above)


Judith Semark was an angel. An amazing soul who taught by example how adventurous and expansive life can be... I knew her since I was 4, and she has been part of my family as long as I have known what family is. I was so fortunate to live with her and James, while sorting out who I wanted to become. I know all her seeking has led her to merging with the universal force, but I also know that I miss her. She leads me on the next phase of my Buddhist path, where now I learn the lesson of impermanence... not without accepting our human vulnerabilities, tears and sadness.


As a Bharata Natyam artiste, Judith was extremely emotive and beautiful in her renditions of Todaya Mangalam, Kavuthvams, Sankarabharnam Varnam and Natanam Aadinaar. In the 70's and 80's many of our dance students even received instruction with her where you would hear her sweetly singing Natanam Aadinaar in perfect tune and rhythm with just a cute little accent. As a yoga teacher, she excelled in helping us extend ourselves gently in and out of poses in Kripalu style practice. And in her home, in her kitchen, my health was vastly improved. There are so many contradictions I have lived, while trying to embrace my soul within, but Judith patiently listened and offered simple suggestions to handle confusing situations that I had to go through. She explored many roads as she followed her heart to seek the truth, the creator. Her love, her patience, her talent, her softness... these were blessings we all had as we lived in the presence of a real angelic being. But she was also very human.


Judith, I miss you. Please know that you have really been a positive influence in this world. I will strive to bring peace, love and energy to everyone I meet as you did.


Judith is survived by James, who is a tremendously sensitive and powerful musician, poet and fusion artist. Please visit his site here: www.jamessemark.com. A beautiful artistic memorial event is being planned for our Judith in Detroit in mid May. I plan to go home for this event. You may check back here for further information on this.


But the key point to my sharing all of this is: Don't lose time. Weigh what is important. Think about what you will miss, what you will regret, and really weigh your priorities. I would do anything to go back in time and snatch more all-night sessions with Judith and James and Mom where we'd sit and drink tea, play iching and talk about so many uplifting and mind-stretching topics. Do stretch yourself. Do it now. Stand up and stretch.. now walk over and hug a loved one. Don't wait. Time is passing.


Life is impermanent.