Having been a child who was handicapped from loss and abandonment in my early years and one who suffered the trials and tribulations of becoming an adult, I persevered through myriad pains and difficulties to find the truth of me. I was able to transform myself and realize my unreasonable dreams – with the help and opportunity of everyone I’ve ever experienced – toward this wonderful, complete life I enjoy now as an elder.

In my adult life, I pursued a diverse array of career paths including: performing as singer/actor in theater and night clubs in N.Y.C.; U.S Navy on a nuclear submarine; artist in Connecticut, architectural designer in Colorado, river-runner, cook, restaurant owner in Carmel, California; marketing for the Coca Cola Company and the wine industry; creator of helicopter wine tours; publisher of a variety of award-winning food and regional magazines; photographer; author of The Great Tomato Book; organic farmer of 1000 varieties of heirloom tomatoes; founder of the nationally renowned, annual TomatoFest event; grower of premium cannabis; founder of tomatofest.com and co-founder of the World Tomato Society

While I had the opportunity of an education in numerous schools, colleges and universities with majors in theatre, music, fine arts, nuclear physics, architecture, marketing and publishing – I never received a degree. I pioneered myself into new territories of interest through the generosity of mentors and loved ones: I traveled the country and served on the national board of The American Institute of Food & Wine with “America’s Favorite Chef,” Julia Child. I studied cooking under Marcella Hazan in Bologna, Italy, and was introduced to California Cuisine by chefs, Alice Waters and Jeremiah Towers. And I was coached by photographer, Ansel Adams.

I’ve been fortunate to have attended the Academy Awards several times, danced with ‘Mrs. Robinson', dined with ‘Superman', ‘Dr. Suess', Doris Day, and Martha Stewart, made a ‘spaghetti western’ with Clint Eastwood, enjoyed ‘small talk’ with Meryl Streep in her kitchen, and gave a ride to a ‘hitchhiking', Steve Jobs.

I loved, and have been loved, often and well, and married four times: all to remarkable, even ‘enlightened’ leaders among women who provided me vital lessons for a being a better man – to live a better life.

I was lost and found in numerous ways at different times of my life. I physically ‘escaped death’ several times: I suffered fourth-stage cancer, chronic spinal nerve damage, a pacemaker, a broken back, a mini-stroke, many surgeries, and many a broken heart. I’ve been thrown off a bull at a rodeo, got run over by a power boat a mile from shore, jumped on by a horse, swallowed by a 20’ wave in Hell’s Canyon, and survived a big-water canoe venture in a hurricane. Yes, an unreasonable, physically active, life.

Together, my wife/partner/muse, Dagma Lacey, and I are the parents of eight children and nine grandchildren, all of whom have been significant teachers to me.

For our children, my greatest achievement, I made kites to fly in the wind, raised farm animals, performed puppet shows, ate rattlesnakes in the wilderness, listened to trees talk and inspired many into being conscious gardeners and compassionate human beings.

While still co-managing the tomatofest.com organic farming/tomato seed business with Dagma, I’ve now rekindled the pursuit of my creative interests (photography, writing, painting, and gardening) to complete my life, every day, as an elder, storyteller and seeker of truth – ‘with a little help from my friends’.

My purpose is to enhance the well-being and nourishment of others by sharing my life lessons, relationship experiences, service and visions – to embrace aging through love, gratitude, mindfulness, continued exploration…and humor.

Whether the gift be a food, word or intention – “Every Seed a Possibility”.