the yogini cowgirl

simply grateful on a simple Saturday ... during which there is a full moon

081311.  Because I get these updates once a month and you might not, here’s the full moon forecast from Powerpath and the School of Shamanism:

“The full moon is Saturday, August 13 at 12:58 PM Mountain Daylight Time. This is a day for gratitude, gratitude and more gratitude. This may be challenging if you are in a place of being challenged. Trust that gratitude is the best antidote for feeling small, limited, insignificant and irritated. There are heavy influences now that are bringing out aggressive behaviors and reactionary activity in others. You yourself may be feeling a bit off and not know why. Don't take anything personally and spend some time in awareness exercises and being present. Make yourself energetically available to something wonderful landing in your lap without planning, effort or obsession. In this way you move your attention away from what might be wrong and towards what you are creating that is right. And stay away from those who do not support you.”

Click HERE for more info.

And so I take an opportunity to be grateful.

Grateful for the life the Cowboy and I are building for the LO and the OLO here in the Big Sky State... even if it means we have to be apart more right now that either one of us wants.

Grateful that the SuperRents (superMom and superStepDad) are visiting and spent their week helping me get the Cottage in fighting shape.  The cleaning, de-cluttering and photos are done as it goes on the market this weekend.  And I’m grateful for that!

I’m grateful that during another sleep-free night, I discovered it’s raspberry picking time at the local Rocky Creek Farm.  (It started 9 days ago, so in addition to being grateful, I’m also going to be hopeful there are still a few berries left to pick!) 

In keeping with my newly established simple Saturday theme, this morning I’m going to convince the SM and SSD to join the LO and I for a berry-picking-adventure (just $4/lb!) ... the LO likes berries. 

(photo taken EXACTLY one year and 10 days ago ... after an encounter with a bowl of mulberries ... which means it's mulberry season in Los Angeles ... so if you're in LA ... look for them at the farmer's market.  There is no better berry!) 

I’m grateful for so many things these days … family, old friends, new friends, health, happiness, horses, yoga, meditation, books (even in the age of the kindle), bikes, baths.

And I’m super thankful that my heart is open to new people and new experiences.  May it always be so.

 

what's so simple about Saturday ... ?

080611.  First off, let me say, two Saturdays ago I said I was going to start limiting my tech time.

Yeah.

And then I downloaded the twitter app to my iPhone.

So.

Um.

Yeah.

That went well.

On the upside, I did leave my phone in the car when I went to the park.

And I did turn off the ringer at night so I didn’t wake up every time a new message came in.

And on most days I only checked emails twice a day.

So … overall … even though twitter wins … I’m making an effort.

I’ll just have to keep going.

Now for this Saturday:

Which turns out, isn’t going to be that simple.

Because there’s a LOT to do before the SuperMom and SuperStepDad arrive tomorrow (coming for a 3-week visit to help me get ready for the OLO’s arrival) – like washing sheets and vacuuming, planting shrubs in the garden …

… But more importantly, there’s a Sweet Pea Festival in town, and we just can’t miss the Pre-Parade Children’s 1k Race, the Parade, the Cajun Zydeco band, the Arts and Crafts Center, the Flower Tent, or the Dance Show.

(photo from the Sweet Pea Festival Facebook page)

So … it might not be simple … but we’re up for it.

 

i just figured out how I'm going to spend my next sleepless night ...

080211b. You know how I haven't really been sleeping?

Well I just discovered a new reason to be thankful that we live in Montana, where the light pollution isn't nearly the problem it is in Los Angeles.

You see, I won't have to drive an hour to a place where I can see real stars.

And I might get to enjoy this year's Perseid meteor shower in a new way.

In my backyard.

And the best news?  The best time to see it is when I've been struggling to find slumber ... especially in the next few days.

Maybe I'll use that time for my meditation.

Ahhhh ... I feel better already.

Check out this link about the shower ... so YOU can enjoy the Perseid meteors, too!

How to minimize moon and optimize 2011 Perseid meteor shower | Astronomy Essentials | EarthSky

In 2011, the legendary Perseid meteor shower – the northern hemisphere’s best summertime meteor shower – is expected to peak between midnight and dawn on Saturday, August 13. That night, however, the full moon will be shining brightly in the sky from dusk until dawn, obliterating all but the brightest Perseid meteors. Here’s how to minimize the moon and optimize the 2011 Perseid meteors.

via earthsky.org

a sound investment ...

072811.  The LO is fascinated by birds.  Ducks.  Crows.  Chickadees.  Geese.  Penguins.  If it has feathers, she’s into it.

There’s a duck pond at the local college … we go there at least once a week with a small bag of cheerios so she can share them with her friends.

And there are a few geese and ducks at the local beach we’ve been to in the past few weeks. While other kids are torturing and chasing the birds, the LO cajoles them with the dulcet sounds of her voice and the salty bunny crackers in her snack cup.

“Come, duck.  Come. Coooooooommmme Duuuuuuuuuck!  Come ON!  COME!” (NOTE: this is also how she calls the dogs.  And it works just as well on the ducks.  So … not so much.)

She even wakes up some mornings asking to see this video of a White Ibis taking flight.

 

Or for this one on Toucans.

She’s basically a junior ornithologist.

So about 3 weeks ago we purchased a $9 birdfeeder and $15 worth of birdfeed (which translates into a 30 lb bag).

And after just a few days, our yard is now overrun.

With chickadees.

And robins.

And swallows.

With crows (who are more interested in the sour cherries in the front yard).

And with wrens.

And I’ve been trying to capture a picture of our little bird oasis for as long as we’ve had the feeder.

To no avail.

Until this morning.

Sort of.

But even this morning, at least four flew off before I could snap the shutter.

At least we now have proof that it was a good investment.

Happy Thursday ...

the County Fair ...

072611.  It’s that time of year.

Time for carousels that have been making the rounds since the ‘40s … their tinkling music as the soundtrack for all the other events.

Ferris wheels with cracked paint and operators who get drunk on their power to decide who gets a few extra turns on the old big wheel.

Barkers inviting the crowd to play water-gun wars to win synthetic stuffed dolls made in China.

The smell of animals.

Time for first dates.

Fast cars.

And heartbreaks.

And a cute girl named Beth winning the Dairy Queen title.  (Maybe her name wasn’t Beth … I don’t actually know who won the title at the Gallatin County Fair … but Beth won it when I was in High School … so all girls who win the Dairy Queen are named Beth to me.)

And the pervading odor of funnel cake.

Funnel cake.

Funnel cake.

Funnel cake.

Hmmmm …. Fried dough and powdered sugar.

I love that smell.

I’m craving funnel cake.

 

 

 

another plea ...

072211.  Bigg-ish news on the homefront-thing ...

I just found out that the contractor (who's representing the seller) on the house we really want ...

You know ...

The perfect one that I showed you on Monday? ...

Yeah ...

That one ...

Anyway ...

That contractor is available to meet with me tomorrow morning to go over some of the details that we wanted to discuss (like who tears down the old farmhouse that's riddled with asbestos and not pictured above and how much does it cost kind of thing ... and who owns the water rights ... and who's leasing some of the land from the current owners and ... what are they doing with it and how ironclad is their lease and do we have to keep them on as tenants kind of thing).

So ...

Yeah ...

Tomorrow morning is exciting ...

And nerve-wracking ...

Because the Cowboy's still in Pittsburgh (argh, this is a long show he's working on!).

So it's on me to get to the bottom of some of this stuff ... and to take a ton more pictures (which I promise to share) ... so the Cowboy can see more of the beauty and spectacle and awesomeness (and sweat equity) that will go into this place ... so we can make it to the next step ... which I guess would be making an official offer?

Anyway ... that means I'm turning to you all AGAIN ... for another set of good thoughts ... because seriously ... I'm totally not kidding ... you want to visit us here.  And the only way to do that is for us to own it :)

a tree grows in Brooklyn ...

072011.  And I discovered yesterday (with the help of our new friends Abby and Elijah) ...

There is a BEACH in Bozeman!?!?

Isn't that one of the best things about meeting new friends?  Inviting new people into one's life opens the door to all sorts of new experiences.

Exciting stuff.

full moon friday ... it's in full swing

071511.  This month, the Full Moon was today at 12:39 AM Mountain Daylight Time (Thursday night).

According to Lena from Power Path & the School of Shamanism:

“this is a good day to take for yourself and for honoring yourself. Ask yourself what you want to do.  Do it.  Be creative, expressive, impractical, spontaneous, fun, colorful.  If it can be with community, all the better.  Let your guard down and look forward rather than think about the past. Banish regrets and any other negative feelings. There is no room for them on this full moon.”

I like this advice.  I think we’re going to take it by going to the Splash Park in Belgrade with the Little One’s new friend Elijah and his mom Abby. 

(to quote the LO: "It's nice to MEEtchu!")

We met at the Dinosaur Playground … 

(it's hard to tell here, but the LO is not actually smacking Elijah ... she's feeding him seeds.)

… which I’m realizing is sort of like a pick-up joint for toddlers.

Happy Full Moon Friday!

 

vive la Francais!

071411.  Because it’s Bastille Day!

And I love the French.

Yes.

It’s true.

I said it.

I love the French.

I'm a Yogini.

And a Cowgirl.

And a Montana Mama.

Who loves the French.

And I don't just mean the fries.

I love the language.

I love the accent absent the language.

(photo by http://meredithandcarla.com/pages/category/pastry/)

I love the bread. 

Hmmmm.  I can’t say pain chocolat without my mouth watering. 

Or brioche abricot. 

Or crepe sucree. 

Or bagette. 

So now we’re going to have to jump on our bike and head to Café Francais Des Arts this morning as soon as the LO wakes up her sleepy little head.  They make a wicked pain chocolat.  I just have to hope there's some left by the time we get there.

Their heart-wrenching cabaret music.

Edith Piaf has season tickets to the tear ducts in my eyes.

Their fashion (that I’ll never be thin enough to wear … thanks to their bread and my love for it).

 

And their manicures.

 

 

Oh ... and of course ... their mimes.

So today ... I'm going to dress inappropriately for a pregnant woman, eat pain chocolat, cry to some beautiful music, dream about having enough free time to get a french manicure, and wonder what it would be like to live the life of a mime.

What are YOU doing to celebrate your inner French today?

in the meantime ...

071111.  Still a few hours before we find out about the baby parts … so this morning, my meditation felt pretty significant in that it was a challenge to find quiet in my mind, quiet in my body, quiet in my heart.

But I’m extremely thankful for my practice … which has developed into something different than it was even a year ago.  Sure, I still have my daily yoga practice (yes, it has changed a lot since I got pregnant).  But I spend more time in meditation with mantra these days.  And I’ve added reading to my practice … books on meditation, poetry, yoga, gardening, simplifying … books that will encourage me to look a little more deeply at life.

And today, I happened upon this quote from Yogi Bhajan. 

What is the secret to being grateful? Right now you are breathing, you are alive, and you are full of life. If you start with that, you will be prosperous, you will be rich and you will have many opportunities and friends. - Yogi Bhajan

And it was a great reminder that even though I’m waiting … I still have a life to live.

So the LO and I are headed to the Dinosaur Playground.

 

 

this time last year ...

070711. If you had asked me last year where I would be, what I'd be doing, and where my "head" is at, I'm not sure I would have answered any of those questions correctly.  Because when I look back on the last 12 months ... boy-o ... there was a LOT I couldn't have guessed.

For example, I didn’t know the LO would be a sleep-talker… a constant … consistent … clearly articulate “meerkatting” sleep-talker.  “I dropped my key!” she exclaimed at 2 am … popping up like a meerkat out of its hole … pause … plopping down back into deep sleep just seconds later. 

And at 4 am … “That’s MY naynay,” she yelled at the top of her lungs. (“Naynay is the sound a horse makes, and she’s been calling them that since she could speak a syllable.”)

And then at 8 this morning, still deep in slumber … “Where’s my bag?” Pop up.  “Where’s my BAG!!??!!” … plop down.

I didn’t know I’d be pregnant again.  The third time in three years.  You see, We thought there’d already be another little one keeping us up at night as I was pregnant this time last year … but it’s important to remember that life happens as it’s supposed to … and we find out tomorrow if we’re having a boy or girl.  Fingers crossed for healthy!

I didn’t know the Cowboy would be on a 10-month job while we readied the Cottage to go on the market and house-hunted for a space big enough for the brood and the horses and the dogs.

(Why can’t THIS place be for sale and in our price range? ... obviously, this is just the barn ... the house is hidden behind a grove of trees and is a gorgeous traditional farmhouse ... and I covet it.)

I didn’t know it would be so easy to call Montana “home.”  After years in Los Angeles, I’m shocked on most days to realize that the only real things I miss are my friends … who are some of the most amazing gals you’d ever want to meet.  Shout out to the ladies!!

I didn’t know how to ride a horse, but I knew I loved the big guy, Red.

I didn’t know I’d be leading a series of 40-day meditations that would do more to change my life and my perspective than almost anything else in my life.

And I didn’t know how to make Vietnamese Iced Coffee ... 

 

... which means I really didn't know happiness :)

What didn’t YOU know?

 

when the fireworks are over ...

070511.  The LO and I were up at 5 am this morning driving the Cowboy (once again) to the airport so he can get back to his work on the big bad movies.  Fresh with memories of a fun-food-and-family-and-friends-and-fireworks-filled-five days…

 

… and more than a little sadness to see him go again knowing that, this time, we won’t see him until Labor Day.

NOTE:  For way better photos of our Fourth of July celebration, check out my niece Samantha's orangephotographie photo blog ... she and her beau are fantastic photographers (and available for weddings, portraits, you name it!).

 

 

I'm open to advice ...

062911.  I love my daughter.

She has a beautiful and yet goofy spirit.

She has verve.

She’s full of spunk and she’s basically fearlessness in the face of a merry-go-round full of big kids she doesn't know.

And I love our adventures. 

She amazes me with her stamina and her ability to entertain herself and me with her imagination and her joy.

And yet …

There comes a moment …

In every journey …

When it is time to go home.

And that beautiful spirit … that verve … that endless supply of spunk … all melts down into a raging tearful extravaganza of not wanting to get into her car seat.

I’m not talking about a meltdown.

I’m talking about a meltdown.

Her body becomes a rigid-little-don’t-buckle-me-in-board.

Tears stream.

The air around her curdles.

It doesn’t happen always (usually when she’s tired, I think).

But when it does …

Other moms walk by the car and look at us with pity.

Grandmothers stop to see if there’s something they can do to help.

Young pregnant couples look in horror at a fate that might be theirs one day.

And last night, as we readied to leave the weekly farmer’s market at Bogert Park (a massively crowded-it-seems-like-everyone-who-lives-in-Bozeman-was-there-kind-of-event)...

... a Fireman … in full regalia … walked over to the car to make sure everything was okay. 

And I mean, he didn’t just happen to be passing by.

He walked over from the other side of the parking lot. 

Because he heard screaming. 

And he was concerned.

Lucky for me, as he approached the vehicle, the screaming stopped.  The tears dried up a little.  And the LO smiled coyly at this burly man in a jumpsuit.

Until he walked away, shaking his head.

And there was just enough of a window to get her into the seat before she went rigid again.

So thank you, Fireman, wherever you are.

 

 

s'mores or no ... I like camping

062711.  Yes.  There were s’mores.

We made sure of it.

We brought the fixins.  (We didn't want to take any chances ...)

But as tasty and fun as they are, I realized something else this weekend:

I like camping. 

I especially like camping with the Cowboy (I may start to call him “The Preacher” after this trip). 

(NOTE:  There are no pics of me and the Cowboy on this trip ... one of us was always holding the camera)

And I like camping with the LO (even though she takes up the entire bed roll).

I like camping with good friends. (Especially the ones you meet on the camping trip.)

And horses. 

I like campfires ... for warmth and for cooking ...

(This much meat is only slightly scary for someone who struggles to be a vegetarian.)

I like waking up at dawn in the wilderness (even when it’s 33 degrees outside) to find a campfire burning, coffee in the pot, and only a few souls with whom to share one of those perfect moments.

(The preacher, the groom and the best man ... at dawn ... the day of.)

But I especially loved this weekend because it celebrated life and love and commitment in a way I hadn’t before …

I mentioned that the Cowboy officiated Kurt & Carolyn’s nuptials, overlooking Sphinx Peak in the Gallatin Mountain Range (about 10-12 miles deep into the hills). 

I’d like to share with you just a bit of the ceremony because I’m a sucker for real love … and I was invited to glimpse a pure moment this weekend, and that seems worth sharing:

“Being here today once again confirms my belief that we are not meant to travel life’s trails on our own.  We are meant to share this adventure with a partner.  Finding that perfect person to share your journey with through this byzantine world of mountain peaks, deep valleys, fast running rivers and endless oceans, isn’t easy.  Invariably it’s an effort of trial and error.  A real world game of hide and seek that many of us earnestly play and fail at more often than naught before we find that perfect partner to pose the question so simply stated by Dave Stamey, in his song “Come Ride With Me.”

 (The groom at dawn.  The day of.)

“Come ride with me

Time to saddle up n’ ride away

Is so much to see

Don’t worry I know the trails I know the way”

(the bride … 30 minutes after dawn … the day of)

“I caught a gentle horse

His eyes are big and brown

He’s ready to carry you the whole world round

Come ride with me, let’s ride away”

“Come take a chance

I’ll show you where the mountains touch the sky

It’s a horseback dance

And we can ride forever if we try”

“That dream in the distance

There for you to chase

Out in the sunrise with the wind on your face

Come ride with me, let’s ride away …”

 Well.

He asked …

She answered …

And that uncomplicated but powerful request to go through life together has led us to this very place and time.  Michael Luening, the Australian poet and cartoonist wrote, “Love one another and you will be happy.  It’s as simple and as difficult as that.”

Wishing Kurt and Carolyn a lifetime of bliss ...

 

 

 

how to sleep when you can’t sleep … and a non-sequitur photo to celebrate Spring’s late arrival

050711.  I like to sleep.

And I’m pretty good at it.

I don’t sleep too long (usually 6-8 hours).

But it’s almost always awesome. 

Deep.

Restorative.

Blissful.

It’s just pretty great.

And His Holiness the D’alai Lama once said that it’s the best form of meditation.

So I’m pretty thankful for the good sleep.

(the LO ... yesterday ... in the first of many late Spring showers which I hope will save our tulips :)

But I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to having restless nights once in a while.

Nights when I just can’t shake all the thoughts from the day.

Nights when I get caught up in fantasies of a future that doesn’t yet exist.

And then I pull out some of my yogini tricks:

KIRTAN KRIYA for sleep (taught by Harijiwan)

I use the Kirtan Kriya (Sa Ta Na Ma) in a restorative pose that Harijiwan taught us in teacher training that’s designed for women to induce yogic sleep.

Here’s how it works (for women only): 

• POSTURE:  Lay on your stomach with your hands at your sides. 
• MANTRA:  Silently (or in a whispering voice) meditate on the mantra “SA – TA – NA – MA”
• TRANSLATION:  SA = infinity, cosmos, beginning; TA = life, existence;  NA = death; MA = birth. 
•  MUDRA (where you put your hands): when you say “SA” your index finger touches the thumb; when you say “TA” your middle finger touches the thumb; when you say “NA” you ring finger touches your thumb; and when you say “MA” your pinkie finger and thumb touch.  Then begin again with the index finger.)  Let yourself fall asleep in the meditation.

SHOULDER STAND

I use shoulder stand (Gurmukh once told a class that 15 minutes of shoulder stand is like 2 hours of sleep … and after using this technique more than I want to admit, I must agree).  Here’s a great "how-to" article (including a fun little animation that shows each step of the posture) from the abc-of-yoga.com website… And please … this is NOT a posture for you if you are pregnant or on the first three days of your moon cycle.

ALTERNATE NOSTRIL BREATHING

Sometimes I just sit quietly in a meditative posture and practice alternate nostril breathing.

• In this pranayam, the breath is always relaxed, deep and full.
• Have the left hand in Gyan Mudra (thumb and index finger tips touching, straight but relaxed arm, wrist resting on your knee).
• Use the thumb of the right hand to close the right nostril, and the index finger or ring finger of the right hand to close the left nostril. (This is sometimes called “U Breathing” because of the this mudra.)
• Close the right nostril and inhale through the left nostril.
• Then close the left nostril and exhale through the right nostril.
• Then inhale through the right nostril.
• And close the right nostril to exhale through the left nostril.
• Continue repeating, alternating nostrils after each inhalation.
• ALTERNATIVES:  INHALING LEFT, EXHALING RIGHT can help make you calm and integrate unwanted negative emotions and stress.  It’s excellent by itself before bed.   INHALING RIGHT, EXHALING LEFT can give you clarity and promote a positive mood.  Helps bring the focus to what is important.

Happy sleeping … and happy belated Spring! 

Q: What do YOU do when you can’t sleep?

 

 

It's Shakespeare's birthday ... and I'm worried

042311.  It’s also my cousin Kathleen’s birthday.  (Happy Birthday, Kay!  Happy Birthday, Will!)

These two facts are major indicators for me that we’re in the middle of Spring.

At least, we’re one third of the way toward Summer.

And I'm having fantasies about beach days.

Short sleeved shirts.

And sun hats.

But it’s 22 degrees?

… and there’s snow on the ground?

I’m concerned about our tulips.

On the upside, there’s a dinosaur egg hunt and “eggstravaganza” at the Museum of the Rockies today.

So out come the snowboots … again …

 

Q: What’s on your docket for the day?

 

I used to wear cute shoes ...

041211.  In fact, you might recall that I was on the verge of developing a bit of a shoe fetish.  Okay, well … I wanted a shoe fetish.  I mean … I wore cute sneakers.  And the occasional cute slip-ons.  And heels.

And then I gave up my high-powered job as a movie producer.

Committed to my yoga practice.

Moved to Montana.

And ran right smack into Winter in the Rocky Mountains.

Yesterday was warmer than it’s been since last October (a balmy 55 degrees.)

And sunny.

And gorgeous.

And I realized something.

Not only do I no longer have a shoe fetish, but I’ve been wearing the same four pair of shoes for seven months, and I hardly even noticed it!

Not that Dansko clogs aren’t charming (they seem to be part of the mom uniform here in Bozeman).

Or that I don’t love my rain boots.

It’s not that I don’t appreciate the warmth of my North Face snow boots … or the coziness of my well-worn Uggs.

It’s just been a while since I’ve been able to slip on a pair of cute flats or pumps or sneakers or peep-toe heels …

I’m not even sure I could find them in our storage unit.

Can you say Macy’s?

 

Q: What shoes are making it out of YOUR closet these days?

 

Cowgirls and Indians ...

040611.  There was a Pow Wow this weekend at Montana State University.  A big one.  One of the biggest one in the State, I think.  Drumming, dance competitions (fancy, jingle, tiny tots), basketball tournaments, two full-sized teepees and jewelry and fry-bread and chilli and lots and lots of beautiful costumes.

And since the LO and I are on this journey to explore our inner cowgirls, we decided to find ourselves there.

I thought we might go for half an hour … wander around the booths … listen to some drumming … eat some fry-bread.

I didn’t expect a near-2 year-old to be quite so taken with the whole experience.

I also didn’t realize is that even though I brought my camera, I would be too busy keeping up with the LO to take as many pictures as I wanted … because true to form, she wanted to be everywhere (including on the stage with the dancers)

But I did capture a few moments.

  

 

So … 2 ½ hours later, I dragged an overtired-overstimulated-overfrybreaded LO screaming from what was apparently the best day of her life …

Q: Have you had any good days lately?

 

in case you thought I was being cocky...

032211. I just wanted you to know that even though it's spring on the calendar, I didn't expect to get away with not seeing snow again in the coming weeks.  After all, we got snow and hail last June that left an impression not only on my mind, but on my car ... although I must admit, waking up to a fresh 8 inches today was a bit of a surprise.

But it sure is pretty ...

We're staying off the roads when we can ...

Q:  How's your Spring so far?

I don't mean to brag or anything ...

032011. … but I did it.

I made it through my first Montana Winter.

I shoveled snow even though the thermometer boasted  -23 degrees.

I scraped ice off my windows when it was -11 with a wind-chill that I can’t actually wrap my head around.

I rode a horse while the mercury was well below freezing.

I snow-shoed.

And sleigh-rode.

I drove in a blizzard (it doesn't matter that I wound up in a ditch ... I didn't panic, no one got hurt, I got out, and life is good).

I even helped dig out an SUV from a snow drift while wearing a dress and Uggs (I know, I wish I had a picture of this, too).

And I did it all with a goofy toddler in toe ...

… and she didn’t get frostbite.

Which I consider to be a major accomplishment.

Now I’ll admit I didn’t do it alone.

Susan and Bruce gave me gloves that made it possible to feel my fingers no matter how mocked I felt by the weather report.

And the Cowboy gave me thermals that could warm a polar bear.

The Cowboy’s sister gave me a hat that kept the cold away and was cute, to boot.

Oh … and I have really warm boots.

Which I think is key.

And you know what?

I bet I can do it again.

But I’m hoping not for a few months.

Happy Spring, everyone!

 

Q:  What are you proud of today?

 

40-Day Community Meditation to "Excel & Build Your Healing Force"

031811. There are so many changes and shifts happening lately (as evidenced by the fact that Japan is now 13 feet closer to the United States than ever before ... and the quake that rattled Southeast Asia sped up the earth's rotation so now our days are just a little bit shorter) ... it seems like life is moving at warp speed.

I’m lucky in that I am part of a beautiful sangat (community) of yoga teachers here in Bozeman. And Jessi, the owner of BE THE CHANGE YOGA STUDIO, has opened her heart and her door to share Kundalini Yoga and Meditation as part of the line-up at her studio.

And even luckier still that she supports some of my off-the-wall ideas.

The thing is, I've been looking for a mediation that would develop the strength and the will to sit peacefully amid the changes that are happening, but also develop the stamina to keep up. I realized I’ve been doing one particular meditation off and on now for about a year. Now, maybe it’s time to commit.

So starting next Wednesday (March 23rd), we’re going to begin our first COMMUNITY 40 DAY MEDITATION.

The great thing about doing a meditation as a community meditation is that you have support in knowing that you're not doing it alone. There are daily emails of encouragement. Weekly meetings to practice it together, drink tea and talk about what's going on as you wind your way through the process. There's a shared energy that can lift you up when you need it ... or maybe you're the up-energy one day and you help elevate your neighbor.

Committing to do the meditation every day for 40-days will use the physical flow of your energy to activate your body's own healing force and give you access to that store of energy in your solar plexus.

Yogi Bhajan said "when you want to excel despite all your deficiencies, do this kriya:"

The meditation we’re going to do is called EXCEL AND BUILD YOUR HEALING FORCE (from the manual Reaching ME in Me). I’ve mentioned it before on this site. But here are the particulars once again:

THE POSTURE, MUDRA and EYE-FOCUS:

• Tune in with the Adi Mantra (Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo – 3 times, like we do in class)
• Sit in Easy Pose with a straight spine.
• Interlock your fingers and raise your hands over head, so your arms become a halo around your head. Make the halo as round as you can (not stretched too high ... not too close to your head).
• Concentrate at your navel and meditate to the sounds of the Mul Mantra (no singing ... just listening).
• To end, inhale and hold your breath for a few seconds. Exhale and hold your breath out for a few seconds.
• And then close with a Long Sat Nam (like we do in class)
• Recommended to do it for 11-31 minutes a day.

Sure, it's a challenge to keep your arms up, and yes, keeping your focus on the navel while you let all other thoughts drift away can cause frustration and anxiety. And then of course there’s having the willingness to let the sound current (the Naad) of the Mul Mantra (the root mantra, which aligns us with our destiny) do its work on your psyche … that’s not always easy. But it's also a worthwhile effort when life seems like it's becoming unmanageable, like there's too much on your plate, and there's not enough time in the day to get it all done.

Cost - $11 for the entire 6 weeks (includes the weekly meetings, daily emails, and a journal to write about your experience).

So … join us at BE THE CHANGE for tea and meditation, this Wednesday, March 23rd. 7:45 pm. “Keep up, and you’ll be kept up!” - YB

EMAIL me with questions or to sign up!

I'm stuck, and I'd love your advice ...

031411.  I think I’ve mentioned that I’m looking for ways to simplify my life and the stuff that’s in it.  I’ve made this commitment to reduce, reuse and recycle.  I’ve honestly been able to get rid of two pieces of clothing for every new one I bring into the house.  (It’s entirely possible the guy at the Salvation Army recognizes my car now as I pull up, and sends someone else out to help me unload.)  And I’m doing my best not to hoard books by giving them away when I’m done reading them.

Speaking of which (although a bit of a non sequitur) … anyone interested in Neil Gaiman’s AMERICAN GODS? 

Who doesn’t love a little gothic fantasy mystery?  So good. EMAIL ME and I’ll send it your way.

 

 

 

 

 

Anyway … back to my current dilemma.

I’m using Elaine St. James’ SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE as a primary tool for this de-cluttering effort.  And the place where I’m stuck is this:  Elaine says I need to consolidate my food shopping and errand running to one place (or at least one area) so I don’t have to make multiple trips and can use my time more productively for other things I like/have to do.  And it’s really good advice.  BUT …

The best bulk organic food comes from the Co-op (on 9^th).

The best tortillas are at Town & Country (the one on 11^th … not sure about the one on 19^th).

The least expensive organic apple sauce is at Albertson’s (on 23^rd).

The best produce seems to be at Heebs (across town … on Main and Wallace, I believe).

And the only place that seems to carry diaper genie inserts is Target (North on 19^th, about 5 miles away from anything).

Oh … and then there’s Costco for all things paper and bulk (which is in the same complex as Target).

I understand the thinking:

If you go to only one place, you don't have to spend time driving all around town for this and that ... and you only have contend with impulse buying at one place. For example, did I need the chocolate brownie I picked up at the Co-op bakery two days ago?  Or what about the beanie babie bunnie the LO found at Albertson’s yesterday?  

So you save time and money by limiting your efforts to one store.

Which basically means I'm stuck. 

I could give up the tortillas to avoid the skinny cow ice cream sandwiches.

I could spend a little more on the apple sauce to avoid the beanie babies.

I guess, if push came to shove, I could figure out an alternative to the diaper genie.

Arghhhh …

 

Q: What’s YOUR advice?  I’d love some suggestions.

 

back to basics

031111.  Today's one of those days that sent me right back to basics.

Which has something to do with last night being one of those nights during which the LO decided that sleeping was for everyone else in the world ... but not us.

And that means today I needed to get back to basics ... because anything more than basics was going to be too much for my tired brain.

So I did a few sun salutations, meditated for about 11 minutes and then cleaned the kitchen from top to bottom (the counters, the floors, the refrigerator and the oven).

I vacuumed the living room (something I must do every other day because we have two hairy dogs that each shed a dog each day).

I folded laundry.

I knitted (still working on a hat that I started about a month ago ... and am finally feeling confident that I'll finish it before the cold dissipates so I'll at least get to wear it once or twice before Spring really takes hold here in the Big Sky state).

And I went to the grocery store, where I found this ...

And I got excited.

Because I remembered that one of the "basic" reasons I wanted to move to Montana was to have my own garden!

And then I got to the checkout counter where the cashier looked at my book.

Then she looked at me.

And then back at the book.

Then she said (with a sarcasm I haven't heard since I left the East Coast) that she was going to write a book about Gardening in Montana.  And it would be a short book.  It would be called "Gardening in Montana.  Don't."

I think I looked scared.

She asked where I was from.

"Uh ... California?"

"Yeah ... okay ... well ... carrots.  You can plant carrots.  But if you don't have a high fence, the elk'll get 'em."

"Okay."

"And don't plant anything until June."

"June?"

"Yes.  June.  At the earliest.  And no tomatoes.  No peppers.  Don't bother."

"Okay.  Thank you."

"Sure.  That'll be $68.45 ... Just press 'enter.'"

And I was dismissed.

So ... um ... yeah.

Q:  I'm looking to live vicariously through someone else this weekend, do you have fun plans?

love the ladies ...

030611.

International Women's Day has been celebrated since 1913 ... it's a day for the global celebration of women and their contributions to the world.  

Yogically speaking, women are the manifestation of the primal creative force of the universe.  We are "The Adi Shakti."  

And as women ... as this creative force ... we have the power (and the responsibility) to change the world through the example we set in our communities, through the compassion we show to our friends and neighbors, and through the values we gift to our children.  

We can raise consciousness and affect real change.  

And it begins now!  

Join me Tuesday night for a special evening of yoga and meditation to honor, manifest and celebrate girl power!

it's GROUNDHOG DAY!

020211.  And regardless of Punxsutawny Phil’s prediction of an early spring, there’s going to be at least six more weeks of winter in the Big Sky State … because that’s the way it is in Montana (even with global warming). 

And that’s not hard to comprehend as I wake to another (-12) degree morning.

So the LO and I are making plans …

The kind of plans that include an airplane …

A layover …

Another airplane …

And some quality time with the SuperMom (heretofore known as “SuperGrami") and the Cowboy in the SoCal.

Until then, we’re just going to hang by the fire, drink some hot cocoa and do our best to keep warm. 

Q:  What’s on your agenda today?

 

cloudy days ...

012211.  Even on the cloudy days …

The days that are so socked in it feels like the sun won't ever come out again ...

The days that don't feel like "a present" ...

It’s important  to remember …

… we’re not alone. 

 

an anniversary ... of sorts

011711.  It’s been a year … almost to the day … and I have to say, I’m pretty psyched about it.

A year ago yesterday, I bought my first pair of size six jeans since college.

Size 6.

I started at a size 10.

Actually … if I’m honest … I started as pregnant.

And much bigger than a size 10.

But my pre-preggers weight had me in a size 10.

 (this is me on the set of Terminator Salvation … photo by our set photographer Richard Foreman)

And this is me today.

(outside La Parilla … a burrito shop here in Bozeman)

Size 6.

I admit … I have changed my diet a bit.

Not a crazy amount.

I was never big on caffeine or refined sugar.

But I avoid meat these days.

I basically eat a very whole food diet (lots of fruit and veggies … lots of protein in the form of legumes … organic foods because they tend to be higher in nutrients than the alternative.  I do a lot more of my own cooking (and eating the cooking of my culinary Cowboy). 

But I still eat dessert.  I still eat carbs.  I even have an occasional root beer.

The thing that’s most different is that today, I sweat, laugh and meditate nearly every day – even if it’s just for 5 minutes.

So what I’m saying is … a year later … I’m still here.  And if I can do it (what with my love of bread and root beer), with a little bit of laughter … a little bit of sweat … a little bit of meditation … add a bit of discipline … and a little bit of ice cream … anyone can.

 

Q:  Where will you be in a year?

back in the saddle

011511.  I haven’t had a riding lesson in about a month … what with Christmas and New Years and family visits and stuff.

So yesterday …

The LO and I climbed into the SUV (which, by the way, is not a luxury in this 4wd environment) and hit the snowy road to Laurie’s for a schooling I won’t soon forget.

One of the many great things about going to Laurie’s is the drive …

On the road.

Over the river.

Through the woods.

(this is one of my favorite properties along the way … I love this place … I would be okay to live in a place like this one day … fingers crossed the Cottage sells sometime in 2011!)

To the UC’s house we go.

(Do you see how he's eying me?  In hindsight I realize he knew how my lesson was going to go ...)

I wish I could say my lesson was as pretty as the drive … but it seems I’ve forgotten everything I learned in 2010.  Ugh.  And for my own ego’s sake, I’m glad there aren’t photos. 

But the UC told the Cowboy that she likes my “pluck.”  Woohoo!

 

Q: Have you picked up yet where you left off before the holidays?

 

a quiet new year ... a quieter resolution

010211.  Happy New Year!

We rang in the New Year oh so quietly this year … an early-ish dinner of black bean chili and milkshakes with Sammy and her beau before they went to a dance … a bath for the LO and a few games of Scrabble.  The Cowboy won one and I won one … we opted to not play a third game so we were both winners.  It was mellow and perfect and reflective in all the right ways.

And then yesterday we didn’t get out of our pajamas.

(No pics of this … for YOUR sake.)

More scrabble.

A little reading.

We took down the tree and packed Christmas away for another year.

So today was like our first day of 2011.

And the Cowboy and I celebrated by breaking in my new Christmas snowshoes and taking H & H for a snowshoe up Bracket Creek (just past Bridger … about 20 minutes from home).

(this is how close Henry is allowed to be near Hitcher when we hit the trail … that’s how Hitcher likes it … so that’s how it is)

It was cold.

It was snowing.

The wind was blowing.

And it’s the happiest I’ve been all year (wink).

Now … I am a sort-of-outdoorsy-ish kind of gal.  I mean.  I like the outdoors.  I like fresh air.  It’s not that I’m all gung-ho-let’s-live-in-the-wild-for-a-month-and-eat-what-we-find … but I like hiking.  I like biking.  I’m really liking horse-back riding.  I love sailboats.  I love to swim.  And I love the beach. 

But if you had asked me even three years ago if I like winter sports, I think I might have asked if making hot cocoa and sitting by a fire was considered a winter sport.  So the fact that I’m digging this snowshoe-thing is pretty phenomenal.

While we were on the trail today, I had a moment …

You see … the Cowboy is bigger than me.

And stronger.

And a lot better at this snowshoeing thing than the Yogini on her second outing (first time was LAST New Years).

So there were a few moments where I was a little far behind.

Like … all I could see were his footsteps. (In my head, I started to sing Good King Wensaslas … and I was glad he has bigger feet than me so I didn’t have to break the 2 feet of snow.)

But that was the best thing ever.

Because it gave me the time to realize how much I was enjoying myself.

Enjoying the brisk air.

Enjoying the snow.

Enjoying the fact that it was 18 degrees and I was sweating!

So what I also realized in these few moments alone is that … if I like snowshoeing so much … and I like horse-back riding so much … and I like Montana winter so much … It all became clear when I finally caught up to the Cowboy, who was waiting for me at the edge of the treeline where we hit a clearing ... fresh powder ... what else can I learn about myself in this new life?

(those are H & H paw prints on the left ... Cowboy and Yogini tracks on the right ... can you say "awesome?")

So I guess that’s it … my resolve for 2011 … to find out what else I don’t know about myself … and maybe try skiing … or snowboarding … hmmm.

 

Q:  What resolutions have you made?

PS - there's a new class schedule out today ... CLICK HERE to see what's up.

Christmas card photos ...

113010.  In two score and one year of life (41 years … in mid-19^th century speak), I’ve never done Christmas card photos … In fact, I’ve never really been consistent about sending cards for any holiday.  Not Christmas.  Nor Halloween.  Not birthdays.  Nor anniversaries.  I’ve just never been great at the whole card-thing.  I tend more toward randomness in this respect.  My m.o. has always been: if I find a card that feels appropriate for someone I know … I buy it and send it.  The calendar date has never really played too much a role.

But now that I’m a mom (I still feel really new at this whole thing even though the LO is on her 2^nd Christmas), I’m making an effort to be more consistent.  It’s sort of like … I never had a “night-time routine” … now I put the baby in the bath, we put on pajamas, read a few books, lights out and bedtime.  Consistency.  It’s a new thing.

Anyway … Christmas cards.  Christmas card photos.

This year, we asked the Cowboy’s niece Sammy and her beau to take some photos for us.  

You see … they are photographers.  They do weddings.  Anniversaries.  Senior portraits.  Family portraits.  You name it.  And they are way talented.

So on a beautifully sunny day (the only one we’ve seen in the past 10), we piled the LO in more than a few layers, loaded dogs and people into the LR3, and headed out to the horses.

And even though it was still pretty darn cold (about 28 degrees), we saddled up, let the dogs run free and set out to get a photo to immortalize our family in card-form.

So now the question is … which one …

Do we go for joy?

 

Or art?

 

Comedy?

 

Or austerity?

I guess only time will tell …

 

Q:  Are you a card-sender?

 

snowbound lotus

111910.  It started snowing yesterday at 4:43.  Roughly. (NOTE: I’m basing the estimated time on a text message I sent to the Cowboy which said “SNOWING!!”)

It’s 8:18 am on Friday, 24 degrees, and … still snowing.

Perfect - catch on your tongue - big - flakey - fluffy - soft - dry - GORgeous - snow

this photo from our front door doesn’t do it justice … not only can you not see that it's STILL snowing, but you can't see the luminescent white sky, the ground is white, the trees, the fences, even the cars that pass by the Cottage are frosted white (like cupcakes!)

Which makes me wonder what we'll do today (I mean ... besides teach a yoga class at noon at the Bozeman Yoga Center ... our play-date was cancelled due to weather, so we're free for the day). 

Maybe when the LO finally wakes her tired little self up she'll don her snowsuit and we can take her on her first sled ...

Or maybe we'll build her first snowman ...

Or maybe we’ll just snuggle in and make some brownies.

And some soup.

And grilled cheese.

Hmmm …

 

Q: What’s for lunch?

the last nice day ...

110710.  Weather reports ... and anyone who has lived in Montana for longer than I have ... have all told me that today was the last nice day of 2010.  And by "nice" they mean "temperate" ... as in ... above 60 degrees.  Tomorrow is supposed to bring a real cold snap (29 degrees) and the first real snowfall (a huge relief for all the ski resorts in the area).

So today ... instead of cleaning house, or doing laundry, or unpacking more boxes ... the Cowboy took the LO and I to "the place where God lives, but Ted Turner owns." (That's a quote from the Cowboy.)  Spanish Creek.  A national forest 7.5 miles deep into Ted T's Flying D Ranch. (Apparently, Ted Turner is the single-largest land-owner in the whole of these United States ... crazy.)

And he was right ... this place is amazing.

 

We hiked.

We rested.

The dogs played.

And the LO smiled.  A lot.

What an amazing gift to spend "the last nice day" embracing and enjoying the experience of this place where we live.

Q: How would you spend your "last nice day?"

mending fences ...

110710.  Actually … what the Cowboy’s been doing lately is more “re-building fences” rather than “mending” … but whatever it is, I’m impressed.  (And here I thought he was just a steer-wrestling, cattle wrangling, bread-baking, boot-wearing manly man who I love.)

(I know it's not a great picture, but can see the rotted boards and missing pickets?)

(the last time he had to use the power drill on the new fence!)

It’s completely different than the picket fence that was there to begin with … It’s modern.  It’s elegant.  And I don’t know about you, but I love it.

And then today, the painter and contractor made a visit to take some measurements so we can get the final estimate before work begins on the outside of the house.  (I know I talked about finding the right color green for the siding … but we decided on a red/brown brick … I’m VERY excited!)

So the cottage is coming together.

In the matter of weeks we’re not going to see any more evidence of the hail damage from that storm I wrote about so many months ago.

And its gets me thinking …

About the idea of mending fences …

About how time passes and things shift … sometimes so much that they seem new again.

And then I think about all the friends I had growing up …

In particular, I think about one of my best friends from high school.  Rachael.  Our parents were very close friends so our families did a lot of things together.  In winter, we went Christmas Tree hunting.  In the summer we all went to the beach.  Rachael and I were best friends, in the best form of the word.  Even outside of our families.  We did everything together.  We went to the town pool.  We went to parties.  We shared clothes and we did each other’s hair (one day I’ll dig the ‘80s photos out of storage, digitize them and share … but alas, that day isn’t today).

The thing is … Rachael and I had a ridiculous falling out after high school that basically kept us from being friends for almost 20 years.  Yes, it was sort of over a boy … sort of … and yes, that boy is no longer in either of our lives … and yes, I was TOTALLY in the wrong, but never had the gumption to admit it.

And then came Facebook.  (Seriously … did I just write that?)

Anyway … Rachael … being open-hearted and typical Rachael … reached out.  And I would like to say publicly that I am incredibly thankful that she did.  Because, in this past year we’ve gotten to know each other again and I feel blessed that she’s back in my life. 

Things are different now.  Totally different.  We live too far apart to share clothes (although I think we still could).  And we’re not on the phone for hours every day. 

But I realize that for 20 years I missed out on Rachael’s optimism.  Her enthusiasm.  Her genuine-good-heartedness.  Her excellent taste in shoes.  It was a hole in the fence, for sure.

And now that she’s back, I realize it’s my responsibility to make sure the wood doesn’t rot, to keep a vigilant eye so vandals don’t knock out the pickets.  Because a neglected fence … that’s just a bummer.

 

Q:  What fences are you be mending these days?

 

yoga ... yoga ... and more yoga ...

102610.  Do you ever have one of those nights when you just can’t get done what you need to get done because there’s other stuff going on?  Like maybe a LO who wakes up every 20 minutes because maybe she has a tummy ache?  Or maybe there’s a neurotic dog in your life that needs a little lovin’?

Here’s the good news:  They’re both …

And I can finally get down to business.

Because the truth is, even though I have to wake up in 4 ½ hours to prepare for Sadhana, I’m excited to be up for a few minutes longer tonight because I have a fun announcement about some good things happening in the Kundalini Yoga community in Bozeman.

I know I’ve mentioned there are a few other Kundalini teachers in town.  There are five.  Including me.

And we each have our own businesses.

We teach at different studios.

We do our own marketing.

We plan our own events.

You name it, we do it alone.  (Okay ... so I'm not REALLY doing it alone ... I have the blessed help of the excellent studio BE THE CHANGE ... and all the teachers there ...)

At least … we USED to do it alone (metaphorically speaking).

That all seems to be changing and I’m here to announce that we formed a collective … The Kundalini Yoga Collective of Bozeman ... 

We found a STUDIO that invited all of us to teach there … and we have a WEBSITE!

So what does that mean for you?

If you live in Bozeman it means more Kundalini Yoga at way more convenient times.  THIS LINK gets you to the schedule of classes, workshops and events.  (starting Tuesday, Nov. 9th, I’m teaching Tuesdays at 6 pm … $11/drop-in … package deals available … EMAIL ME for info.)

And if you live elsewhere, maybe it’s just a new website to check occasionally for interesting updates about what’s going on in the Kundalini Yoga community.

Q: What's new in your world these days? 

 

 

something in the cold cold air ...

101210.  It wasn’t easy to get out of bed this morning at 4:30 am (my usual Tuesday morning wake-up so I can get out the door by 5:30 for Sadhana at 6).

And it was cold.

24 degrees, to be exact.  (Two degrees warmer than the weatherman predicted … and I’ll take those 2 degrees any day.)

My eyes stung just a little with the rush of cool when I opened the front door.

And when I stepped outside, my breath fogged the air in front of me.

Have you ever noticed the effort it takes not to hunch up in the cold? … to really breathe it in … to let your shoulders relax … to acknowledge it, accept it, and let your body do what it’s supposed to do and warm itself?

Even the Cowboy’s truck needed a little warming up before it started purr like the kitten she is.

It’s still dark at 5:30. 

In case you were curious.

The stars still light up the sky at 5:30 in the morning.

And there’s a silence in the air that doesn’t exist any other time of day.

And this morning I felt it … in my bones.

The Amrit Vela … the “ambrosial hours” … the 2 ½ hours before the sun rises (which today turned out to be 7:37 am in Bozeman) … when the sun is at the prefect angle with the earth to really give one a boost … the time when, energetically, we can set ourselves up to handle anything that comes our way the rest of the day.

(photo from Albuquerque, NM, when I was there in 2008 ... not from Bozeman ... and not today)

So when no one showed up to Sadhana today, I had a choice to make … do the practice, do the meditations, or get back into the truck, head home and crawl back into a warm bed.  And let me tell you … that bed was warm and soft and making a big pull to drag me back.

But then I realized … I was up … I was there … might as well take advantage of the solitude and the peace and do the practice.  So … bring it on … I’m ready for today.

 

Q: Are you?

 

PS - don't forget to register for the eco-friendly yoga mat giveaway!  CLICK THIS LINK and comment for your chance to win a Kulae tpECOmat Plus!

this might be some kind of joke ...

101110.  I don’t plan on reporting on the weather often in these ramblings, but this is going to be my first winter in a “winter climate” in about 18 years.  So the news that we could hit a low of 22 degrees today (tonight) gave me a moment of pause.

And then I heard we have a 90 percent chance of SNOW today … Audible gasp.

I don’t know if you realize it’s October 11^th.

Not December 23^rd.

And 22 degrees is cold.

Like.

Really cold.

Ten degrees colder than freezing. (I know you know … but let me vent, okay?)

I shiver when the house is 68 degrees.

And snow is … SNOW.

And my Uggs got lost in the move.

Sigh.

I’m starting to get a little nervous about this whole “winter” thing.

Think warm thoughts …

Ahhhhh ... (this was taken in March of this year ... in Santa Monica ... where it's going to be 77 degrees and sunny today)
 

Q: What is the one thing in your winter closet you can’t live without?

PS - don't forget to register for the eco-friendly yoga mat giveaway!  CLICK THIS LINK and comment for your chance to win a Kulae tpECOmat Plus!

uh oh ...

100610.  It was cute at first …

And it seemed innocent enough …

But then it got interesting …

Really interesting ...

And then …

I think we should be scared.  (Nobody say "Rodeo Queen" ... it's off the table.)

 

Q: What's new in your world these days? 

 

Mondays can be good days ... if you take advantage of the time you have off

091310.  After a cowgirl-crazy weekend (we drove two hours to Dillon to meet the Cowboy at a round-up/clinic for an old fashioned BBQ-pot-luck), we’re ready to start Monday renewed, refreshed, and ready to yoga.

But first … a few notes on the weekend:

• The LO schooled me in cowgirl fashion.  SHE picked out her shoes.  I swear.  She wouldn’t leave the house without them.
• I wish I had taken pics of the food – Cowboy caviar (aka corn salsa … soooo good), BBQ beans, pasta salads, and a grill filled with meat (and fire … there was a lot of fire) … and a coconut cream pie … YUM!!!

• I used my first outhouse.  Ever.  And yes, that says HFRS. As in heifers.  As in lady cows (not great for the ego … but pretty darn funny, if you ask me).  (NOTE, if you haven’t used an outhouse before … the toilet paper is under the can, which is held in place by the rock … that was the only thing that confused me.)

• We saw some of God’s prettiest country … and loved every minute.

But like I said, we are home again and renewed and ready for the week …

More Sadhana (Tuesday morning at 6 am we’re going to “Awaken the 10 Bodies”) … 6 AM - BE THE CHANGE YOGA STUDIO IN BOZEMAN  ... hope to see you there!!!

More Mommy & Me (we have a “Meditation for a Calm Heart” - because every mom I know needs to find calm in her heart).

And more personal practice … I’ve been using the Shabd Kriya before sleep and I think it’s helping me and the LO (who is happily sleeping about eight hours before waking in fits and starts … if I keep doing it, maybe she’ll sleep the whole night through … fingers crossed!)

 

Q:  Are you ready for the week ahead?

 

a Cinderella Story - Yogini-Cowgirl style

090910.   Once upon a time, there was a Cowboy.

And like most Cowboys, he was pretty darn good with the ladies.  (That’s the curse of being manly enough to wrestle a steer, I guess.)

But as many gals as he’d met, he hadn’t yet found “the one.”

So that Cowboy had a Cottage.

A vacation rental.

For “big city folk” visiting the Big Sky State.

And the Cowboy filled that Cottage with paraphernalia from his steer-wrestling days.  Photos.  Ropes.  Branding irons.  Lizard-skin boots.  Wrought iron.  Leather.  And wood.

It was an “Ode to the Cowboy.”

And amid all the Cowboy clutter, tucked away in a corner behind the door, there were two pair of boots.  Dusty.  Worn.  Perfect.  One for the Cowboy.  And one, for a Cowgirl.  The Cowboy boots were his … those boots had seen their fair share of a rodeo arena.  But the gal-boots … he had found them in a second-hand store years and years ago.  They were made of high-quality leather.  He liked the flat, stove-pipe top.  He liked the inlay and the design.  He loved the stitch pattern.  And he admired the color.  They were his kind of Cowgirl boots.

 And he knew, that when he found the Cowgirl who could wear those boots (size 8 1/2 ... but stretched out just enough for a 9), he would find his future.  But he had long forgotten these beautiful boots.

So one day … a Yogini appeared in his life.  (The Yogini would tell you that a Cowboy walked by her door and changed her destiny … it’s all perspective, right?)

And in what seemed like no time, the Cowboy asked the Yogini to move into the Cottage.

And while the Cowboy went off to do Cowboy things, the Yogini started to explore.

It was a rainy day when the Yogini found those boots hiding in the corner.

And as intrigued as she was by them, the Yogini was reticent, at first, to wipe them down.  They were so dusty and covered in crud.  And then she was reluctant to try them on.  (A healthy fear of spiders nesting in dark corners made her vacuum them first.  And then push a hand towel into the toe.  And then put on the thickest pair of tube socks she owned.)

Do I even need to tell you the rest of this story?

Life can be magical, if we’re willing to do a little dusting and wear tube socks.

 

Q: Have you recognized the magical moments in your life lately?

 

today's the day ...

090410.  I was looking at my calendar this morning and did a little calculating (in only a slightly obsessive-compulsive way) … in the 188 days that have passed since March (when he left to work on a movie in Utah), we’ve spent 38 with the Cowboy.  Four of which were in our new home in Montana.

So to suggest that the LO and I are a little excited that he’s coming home today is kind of an understatement.

 

Okay, well, I’m excited.  

 

Q: What can you be thankful for today?

why do yoga?

083110.  In preparation for teaching at BE THE CHANGE YOGA next week, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about how all this started.  Why do I do yoga?

When I first started (more than 10 years ago, now) it was just a relatively inexpensive way to get a sweat up and a work out.  And in most cases, it was a really good sweat up.  And a great workout.

I went to Vinyasa classes.  Hatha.  Ashtanga.  I tried Iyengar (great for alignment, less-so for sweating).  I took Bikram from Bikram (once … not my thing …I want my yoga teachers to be nice to me).  And if it was scheduled at a convenient time for my schedule, I was there.

(non sequitur photo by my brother-in-law of a yearling moose that was outside my sister's house in Alaska yesterday morning ... I love this photo ... what a great reminder that we don't live on this planet alone)

And then I found Kundalini Yoga, which for me, was transformative in a way that I hadn’t experienced before.  My self-confidence grew.  I left unhealthy relationships behind.  I dealt with stress better.  My career started to take off.  I lost weight.  And I generally became a much happier person.

Maybe it’s the mantra.  Maybe it’s the mudra.  The meditation or the breath.  Or maybe it’s just that I like to dance with abandon, and it’s the only yoga in which dancing is part of the kriyas.

Everyone’s experience is different.  Kundalini is right for me.  Vinyasa might be right for you.  And Bikram could be your calling.

The thing is … yoga is yoga is yoga …and if you just add yoga, things will get better.   They have to.

Yoga, which means “yoke” or “union,” connects your body-mind-spirit.  Because beyond just giving your body a much needed tune-up, yoga trains the mind to give you perspective on your life.  It can give you the regular experience of an infinite horizon … infinite potential … and help you maintain it.

And finally, yoga can give you access to your “higher Self” … your “Soul.”  Basically, we are all looking for access to “God,” or “the flow of Cosmic energy.”  And our spirit is what gives us that access.  Our spirit is our origin.  It is our future.  And yoga can help us experience that spirit as a reality.  And when you do that … you have no choice to be happy.

So, when your body is “in tune,” and your mind is focused and your experience is through your spirit, the Divine will shine through you … and that’s what the practice of yoga can do for you.

With that in mind, I’m going to post my new teaching schedule for the Fall a few times in the next week.  If you’re in the Bozeman area, I’d love to see you in class one day!

TUESDAY

6 am - 7:15 am     Sadhana

1 pm – 2 pm         Mommy & Me (and daddies, too!)

 

WEDNESDAY

6 am – 7:15 am    Sadhana

 

THURSDAY

6 am – 7:15 am    Sadhana

1 pm – 2 pm        Kundalini Yoga (all levels)

 

Q: What brought you to where you are today?

Superman's weakness is kryptonite ...

082510.  Mine …

(and this is very serious)

… is gelato.

And not just any gelato.

I'm talking goooood gelato.

The kind that you can get at any mom & pop shop in Rome ... rich, luscious, smooth, creamy, delicious awesomeness.

The kind that's a little harder to find in Bozeman than it was in Los Angeles.

The kind you have to have shipped in for a special treat because none of the local stores carry it.

Seriously.

I’m being totally serious.

It takes all my willpower to NOT eat an entire pint in one sitting.

Which is why I need yoga.

Because everyone knows that yoga builds a strong core.

That’s why we “suffer” through Chaturanga Dandasana and Dophin Pose and Stretch Pose.

And that’s why we practice Surya Namaskar.

Because we know that with a strong core, one can find inner strength.

And that inner strength is incredibly useful when the Cowboy’s away.

The baby is sleeping.

The dogs are outside.

The house is quiet.

And there’s a full pint of Talenti Caribbean Coconut Gelato in the freezer.

 

I know I've mentioned this gelato in the past, but seriously (very seriously) it's incredible.

I’m sure if I hadn’t taken that wonderfully challenging Vinyasa class this afternoon (Thank you, Jessi!!!), there would be no full pint of Talenti Caribbean Coconut Gelato in the freezer.

And then I would be sad.

 

Q: How do you find your inner strength?

P.S. One more thing about the Vinyasa class I took yesterday at BE THE CHANGE ... I haven't taken a Vinyasa class in a while (6-8 months?) ... and the thing about Vinyasa classes (for me, at least) is that they remind me I have a body.  The next day (or a few hours later ... or sometimes IN the class) I become VERY aware that I have one ... I have shoulders.  I have a navel center.  I have quads.  And then I'm reminded why Vinyasa Yogis all have such a beautiful physical form.  You can't use your body this way and NOT have a beautiful form.  I think I'm going to like adding Vinyasa back into my life.  

it's official! Kundalini Yoga lands in Bozeman!!!

082410.  The yogini in me is thrilled to report that I am officially “on the schedule” teaching five classes a week at THE BEST YOGA STUDIO IN BOZEMAN … starting September 7^th!!!

 

As many of you know, I took classes at Be the Change over Christmas last year, signed up for their newsletters, and met the owner just a few short weeks ago.  I am not ashamed to admit that I have fallen in love with the community that Jessi Smith and her gang of teachers is building. 

Be The Change Yoga typically offers Vinyasa classes (a very different style of yoga than Kundalini), but you know my teacher Harijiwan’s theory … “just add yoga!” 

And Jessi has kindly created an opening to bring Kundalini into the space!

Speaking of the space … it is beautiful (physically and energetically), and I am honored to be included on the roster.

For those of you in the Bozeman area (and for any of you who might visit one day), here’s my teaching schedule for the Fall:

 

TUESDAY

6 am - 7:15 am     Sadhana

1 pm – 2 pm         Mommy & Me (and daddies, too!)

 

WEDNESDAY

6 am – 7:15 am    Sadhana

 

THURSDAY

6 am – 7:15 am    Sadhana

1 pm – 2 pm        Kundalini Yoga (all levels)

 

I’m hoping to be able to offer New Moon meditations once a month, as well… and maybe a few other special meditation and yoga classes... but let’s start at the beginning, shall we?

 

Q: Did you notice the full moon and find peace in the lunacy?

 

riding lessons ... the fun starts now!

081910.  Today’s the day. (Ackkk!)

The day I finally take my first step into the Cowboy's world.

 

 

And yes, I am a little anxious.  (I wonder if that's why I had a stomach ache all night?)

Even though I’m pretty confident that today I won’t actually get on a horse.  (My guess it will be more about “catching a horse” and putting a saddle on him/her, etc.)

But I have to wear cowboy boots. (I secretly love this.  In fact, I wish I could wear my cowgirl hat, but I don't want to look like I'm trying too hard.  I already sort of feel like a poser :)

And drive out to some ranch in the middle of nowhere.  (It's only about 20 minutes from the house ... not far from where our horses are ... and with a view of the Spanish Peaks ... it's going to be GORGEOUS!!!)

To meet a cowgirl of epic proportions. 

Who is apparently “gorgeous and whip smart and tougher than most of the men the Cowboy knows.” (All of a sudden I'm in a loop of When Harry Met Sally ... remember when Marie was describing Harry's girlfriend?  "tall, thin, big t***.  Your basic nightmare.")

Who the Cowboy is “sure I will love.” (How’s that for pressure to like someone?)

And come face to face with how much I really don’t know.  (Which is challenging for someone who thinks that riding a horse should be an intuitive thing.)

But I know there’s a lot to learn.

And I can tell by my defensive attitude about the whole thing that it’s more important to me than I'd like to admit.

So I am setting the intention now to leave my ego at the Cottage and enter the experience with an open mind and an open heart.

And I promise to take pictures …

 

Q: Have you done something that scares you, lately?

over the river, and through the woods ... to the parking lot of the library

081810.  Sometimes the LO falls asleep in the car.

Sometimes it’s on the way to the market.

Sometimes on the way home from the Post Office.

Pulling out of the driveway.

And sometimes pulling in.

And I don’t like to wake her up because I think if she’s falling asleep, she must need the sleep.

So many an afternoon I find myself in the car for an extended period of time.  I’ll drive to the horses.  Or, I’ll head toward Bridger Canyon and enjoy the solitude of no cell reception.  Sometimes I go to the Sola Café drive-thru for an iced something or other.  But most days, I find myself in the parking lot of the public Library.

(My view from the parking lot.  I really love it here ... I gotta say)

But no matter the circumstances, if she’s still asleep when we reach our destination, I need something to do.  Sure … I could use the time to read a book (if I could remember to keep a book in my bag).  Or I could use the time to write my own book (I do keep a little notebook handy).  But I’ve recently found a tutorial on youtube that’s given me a great new skill …

It’s meditative … it’s fun … and at the end of it all, I’m going to have a scarf!  

(Do cowgirls knit?  Or yoginis?  This one does!)

Q: Have you learned anything new, lately?

the thing about being quarantined ...

081310. I’d be lying if I didn’t say being quarantined in the house isn’t challenging.  We've been back for five days and we've only been to visit the horses once.  And lucky we got to the grocery store before the chickenpox storm blew in ...

So the thing about being on quarantine is ... it's a little isolating and a tad lonely, with limited visits from the Cowboy’s pre-screened (they had CP) family, and the contractor (also had CP) who’s set to start fixing up the cottage.  (You might recall that the house was hit pretty hard by a hail storm before we made our sojourn to Los Angeles, so all the windows on the west side of the house are boarded up with plastic and plywood.  Makes for pretty dreary afternoons, no matter how beautiful it is outside.)

But it has given us the opportunity to get to know the house and the yard a little better.

We’ve been doing more unpacking.  Getting a little more organized.

And look what we discovered in the front yard yesterday afternoon!

When we left in July, this tree was covered with flowers, but I didn’t think twice about what fruit it might bear.  So beautiful.

P.S. to update you on the progress of my detox ... I've lost 3 of the 5 lbs I gained in SoCal, so I'm realizing that being even a little off-kilter and not perfect in my adherence to the plan is better than nothing!

Q: What do you see in your world that reminds you there’s beauty?

Counting down ...

080210. One day until SC returns and our house-sitting ends – back to the Silver Lake sublet. 

I have mixed feelings about this … I miss SC, but her home is awesome and cozy and bright … and we love her puppy… it’s been a great week.

I think, if it were up to the LO, we’d be bringing Sadie home so we could even out the girl-boy ratio in our house. 

Six days until the LO and I head back to Bozeman.  More mixed feelings: We’re very sad to leave the Cowboy in Los Angeles … but it’ll be good to get home and get back to swimming lessons, horses, dogs and yoga with Sammy. I can’t believe how fast these weeks have gone by.

8 days until I go on the "sub" list as a yoga teacher!!!  Before I left for Los Angeles, I met the owner of Be the Change Yoga in Bozeman ... and happy day ... she is AWESOME and excited to be able to offer Kundalini Yoga to the community.  I start teaching for real in September.  But I go on the injured reserve list as of August 9th.  If you're ever in Bozeman, join me for Sadhana!!

10 days until I start riding lessons. I’m more nervous about this than excited at this point … I’d like to go on a trail ride with the Cowboy and the LO this fall, but I’ve been told it “depends on how I do?!?!”  Grrrr

(this was the only picture of me and a horse that I could find ... the LO was not quite 3 months old here ... my hair was a lot longer ... and I was still carrying some "baby weight" ... I'm really appreciating the jowls ... on the horse AND me :)

22 days until the next full moon. It’s the Green Corn Moon … which makes me think of Green Corn-Sweet Corn tamales … which makes me happy.  I might have to try my hand at making tamales in honor of the Green Corn Moon.  I’ll let you know how it goes.

33 days until the Cowboy gets home! Can you say "Bliss?"  Pure bliss.

82 days until we’re back in SoCal for the Claire & Danny wedding!  And the LO spends her first weekend away with my SuperMom!  Woohoo!!  Yikes!!

135 days until Christmas!

Q: What are you counting down these days?

the perfect shade of green ... (and no, I don't mean envy)

072210.  A long time ago (a few weeks, at least), in a magical land far far away called Montana, the universe was apparently dealing with some “issues” and needed to let off a little steam (in the form of a freak summer hail storm).

And the Cowboy’s cottage was caught in the melee.

It sort of looks like someone was using the side of the house for target practice, doesn’t it?

In its wake, the storm left blown out windows.  Glass everywhere (inside the house and out).  Roof slices on the ground.  And 2 ½” ice pellets strewn across the ground.

 

It was a little nutty.

And thankfully, the LO and the dogs and the yogini were not in the house when it happened.  

We were in the car driving home from the Post Office. 

Safe and sound (minus the shattered windshield and dented hood).  Actually, I think the only one who even noticed the storm was me … the LO was fast asleep and the dogs were fighting among themselves … (is it wrong that I don’t miss carting the dogs around each day while we’re here in LA?)

So now that a little time has gone by … and the insurance adjusters have done their adjusting … and the contractors have done their contractual assessing … now comes the fun part: picking a new color for the house.

I realize it’s not my house.

But I do get to live there.

And I’ve been asked for my opinion.

And even if I hadn’t been asked, I probably would have had an opinion.

But I’m happy to have the freedom to express it.

Because keeping opinions in can be challenging, you know?

And I would like to live in a green house.  I don’t know about you, but when I see a green house, I just want to go in it.  They’re just so inviting and warm and welcoming.  Now, not every color green draws me in.  Lime green doesn’t do it for me.  And forest green can have too much blue in it for my personal taste. 

But pea green? 

 

Grey green?

A rich swampy green? 

 

Mmmmm … I like it.

So I’m on a quest to find the perfect shade of green.

And it started today on my walk with the LO (which is when I took the above photos). 

We’d like to present the Cowboy with the perfect green before we head back to the Big Sky state.

So please feel free to send me green pics.  Because I’m hoping different shades of green are popular in different parts of this beautiful country of ours … and I’d love to see what green looks like where YOU are!

Q: Are you having fun, yet?

and away we go!

071210.  I’ve been thinking a lot about this trip back to Los Angeles. 

People I want to see (the Cowboy!!!, the superMom and superStepdad, the superStepSis and her family, and friends, friends and more friends, please). 

Places I want to go (Golden Bridge for yoga, the Zoo so the LO can see zebras in person, and Tender Greens for the best carrot cake muffin top ever made). 

And things I want to do (family, friends, yoga, carrot cake … I couldn’t ask for more… except maybe a day at the beach)

This was a very excellent day.  I wouldn’t mind experiencing a day like this again.

The thing is … if I let myself … I could totally over-think myself into a frenzy: about my old job … about the family and friends I left behind … about the cost of visiting LA and all the things I want to do while I’m there.  Yogi Bhajan said that we have 1,000 thoughts ever time we blink our eyes.  Some of the thoughts become part of your conscious mind.  Some part of your subconscious.  And Some part of the unconscious.  No matter how you slice it, that's a lot of thinking.

But these past few weeks on my own in Bozeman have definitely given me the opportunity to meditate, slow down my thoughts and really clear out some of the "maya" (that’s the yogi term for getting caught in the day-to-day blah blah that consumes so much of our time and energy).

My teacher Harijiwan said we can "vibrate with the cosmos" by playing mantra.  I've been doing that, too.

So I thought I'd share one with you ...Ek Ong Kar sung by Snatam Kaur.  She has an amazing voice.  I hope you enjoy ...and it's available on iTunes if you like it. :)

t-minus 4 days ...

070910.  It’s been a long time since I visited Los Angeles.

Actually, our trip next week marks my first trip to Los Angeles as a “visitor.”  Because my first trip to Los Angeles in 1995 was to move there.

So I’ve actually never been tourist.

Which is a crazy feeling.

Because, in the immortal words of Miranda Lambert in her song “House that Built Me,” “you can’t go home again,” from her album Revolution.

 

I know.  I know.  This very young country music star wasn’t the first one to say it.    But she says it beautifully, and what kind of cowgirl would I be if I didn’t share my newfound country music infatuation?

Go ahead … click the link … it really is a beautiful song.

NOTE: I’m guessing you’re impressed with my country music knowledge.  Because you probably haven't seen her on Good Morning America ... or the Today Show ... or Ellen Degeneres.  Yep ... this is an obscure piece of country music experience that happens when you move to Montana and only get a few radio stations that aren’t filled with evangelical blah blah (please read the sarcasm ... please).

It’s a funny thing … packing to go back to Los Angeles.

I just got here.

I’m barely getting my sea legs.

I’m not quite done unpacking the dishes.

I’m definitely not done unpacking my shoes (most of which are still in storage, and I have to go there today to find something to wear to Sammy’s play tonight!).

And now I’m up and leaving again.

It’s only a three-week adventure, but I like waking up in a quiet sleepy town with the sun bursting through the windows at 5 am. (Montana is way North of anywhere I’ve ever lived.  The sun is up really early in the summer.)

And I’m going to miss our new daily routine.

I’m going to miss yoga with Sammy (although with both of our schedules, we haven’t been doing enough.)

I know the LO loves her independence here, and I do, too.  

(yes, I've posted this photo before ...but I like it ...) 

I love going out to the horses in the afternoon to give the dogs a run for their money.

And I think it’s neat that the lady at the bank already knows me by face and name and asks about the Cowboy whenever I stop by.  She gives the LO a lollipop (which the banking lady calls a sucker) and the dogs get biscuits.  It’s that kind of small town.  I’m starting to understand why the Cowboy loves it so.

All that said ... anyone for Little Dom's?