River Stones: Rough and Smooth

Susan Arja was born in Manhasset, Long Island, New York. She won a scholarship to Smith College, Massachusetts, where she majored in literature. She was a competitive swimmer and shared that enjoyment by volunteering to teach children to swim at the Y.M.C.A. She also served as a volunteer at the Children's Hospital, Seattle. She enjoyed bycycling, especially long tours. Her interest in art led her to painting, collage-making and sculpture, and in crafts, she especially enjoyed needlework. Her music compositions ranged from the haunting to the playful, and, oh how she loved to dance. She had a deep interest in meditation and eastern philosophy, and was a disciple of Osho. Susan Arja took life at the age of 43 after a long struggle with bipolar disorder.