Divine Discontent

Book excerpt: Judith Mariner's life is a portrait of non-conformity and unique experiences. She wasn't like the other girls in the '40s. She reveled in the outdoors and played with the boys. She discovered yoga and vegetarianism long before they became fads. She faced abuse of every kind and a feeling of "not enoughness" with everything she attempted. In high school, she taught herself to play tennis and became the state champion—twice. Through tenacity and conviction, she followed her artistic passions from the streets of Venice, Italy, to the barrios of Tucson, Arizona. She didn't care where she lived or how she made money, as long as she could paint and provide for her children. No matter what obstacles she faced, she found a way to survive and thrive, never losing the fire in her belly.