I've had a varied life, reflected in this website. After decades in the business world I suffered one of life's devastating hiccups, which sent me careening towards a flip-flopped life as a Gourd Artist in Puerto Rico.

In a nutshell, I quit my job, sold most of my belongings, bought an old boat sight-unseen and headed for the Caribbean, with no particular destination in mind.

My nerves gave out in Puerto Rico, where I didn't move for a dozen years. During that time I worked in a grocery stors, opened a kite shop; became a professional artist; opened a gallery; survived a crippling economy post 9/11; and made countless friends...despite my rudimentary knowledge of Spanish. A recent vacation was a wonderful trip down memory lane in sleepy little la Parguera.

I was born in NYC and didn't know the first thing about minimalist living. During my time on Ruff Life I managed to transform my lifestyle and career completely, all while battling cultural quirks, raging hormones and the IRS.  I wouldn't have missed it for the world!

Look around and start dreaming of YOUR mid-life adventure! Thank you for visiting.