DIA

Today we (my sis, our 4 boys and Nikki) went to the DIA. We made it through almost the entire museum, had lunch and made puppets. I am so whipped I can hardly move. My left knee is killing me, not sure why. I need to do more yoga! I have been out of the loop for a week and I am really feeling it. I am so pleased that Christmas was so nice and peaceful. Have a chance to seek some culture this week:) My students are the best it the world! I got a beautiful mirror from Dubai from a special yoga friend today. Her mom got it for me while on vacation there. She went through the trouble of picking it out and bringing it all the way back here! It was so nice of her to think of me.

Nice day out

I had a great afternoon. I attended a Christmas Party with the dance teachers that work at the studio that I teach yoga at. We had a nice lunch at Rocky's, then we swapped secret Santa presents. Miss Jill went to Lucy for my gift, she is so awesome! I met Miss Peggy, who is a fellow yogi and Mr. Kest fan. She is so pretty and tiny! Gawd, I felt like an elephant next to her. I am lucky to know so many nice people. I am always an optimist and people prove me right time and time again. My back is finally feeling better (it's been really sore since Wednesday). It's so cold my nose and fingertips have permafrost! Please stay warm and drink lots of tea!!

A thought on attachment, that little inconvenience that keeps us from seeing and accepting the truth. Attachment plagues us in many ways including: expectations of what others should do (as if they are psychic), the ensuing disappointment that is a product of our maladaptive thoughts and demands, clinging to the anger that is produced, the sense of entitlement regarding what society and the world at large "owe" us, the inability to accept situations for what they are to be at peace with whatever is.

Let life happen, take it for a joyride!

Smile and sing really loudly or my favorite is to do "pirate talk" at the grocery store when I'm shopping with the kids. Just have fun and relax!

Hello out there, anyone gonna plow this?

This is the main road through which we must drive to reach our subdivision. It snowed on Friday, still no plow!

Salutations

May the love and Light in your life serve as a constant reminder of how lucky you are! Merry Christmas, Happy Hannuka, Happy Kwanza and a peaceful New Year to all!

Love, Tricia

Merry Christmas

Nikki and the boys decking the halls

Frankemuth Fun

7 axioms to live by

My teacher shared these truths with us, and with his permission to share I set them out to the universe for all those who seek greater insight.

I developed a mnemonic deice to remember them, so they are in a new order but none is more important than the next, it is LEFTYEE

Laughter and play are life's fountain of youth
Exercise and rest are essential for good health
Fear and pain are life's greatest teachers
Touch and intimacy are basic human needs
You are exactly where you should be in your life and in your practice
Everything is connected
Everything is impermanent

Let it snow, Let it snow, let it snow!

Horray! The plow company finally came to dig our sub out! I tried to drive to the highway in the morning and got stuck several times. I am so glad that LTF decided to let instructors cancel classes if they couldn't make it to the club! Every time Vic snow blows the sidewalks, the snow just fills back in. We have over 2 feet in our front yard! My yoga program is finished, I am so thankful for my family and their support. When I got home on Wednesday night, there was a candle on the island counter. I turned the light on and Vic jumped out and yelled "surprise" there was a huge congratulations banner, champagne, chocolates and a big Lucy bag (my fav yoga clothes store). I started to cry harder than I already was. He asked why I was crying, I said I felt so loved, my back was killing me and I'm so tired I could die. My "holding it togetherness" over the past three months just fell out like a waterfall. We sat eating chocolate and drinking champagne. He said the boys tried to stay up but fell asleep two hours earlier. They even helped clean their toys out of the family room! Vic got me a jacket from Lucy, he actually went shopping, at the mall and picked out a really cool jacket the fits me like a glove. He by the way doesn't shop much, never at the mall! That was a really special effort on his part.

Quote of the Week

When you are inspired by some great

purpose,

some extraordinary project,

all your thoughts break their bonds;

your mind transcends limitations,

your consciousness expands in every direction,

and you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world.

Dormant forces, faculties and talents

become alive,

and you discover yourself to be

a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be.

~ Patanjali
Responsible for coding the yoga asanas in the Yoga Sutra ancient texts

My experience with yoga school

1. It has been way more normal than I could have imagined (visions of treacherous poses and strange chanting were no where to be found).
2. I am completely taken aback at how much I have allowed myself to change and grow.
3. I am so absolutely thrilled at the prospect of the rest of my life being even better than it was because of this experience.
4. Really understanding and appreciating the impermanence of life is a gift, as one doesn't dare take a minute for granted.
5. It has been the most difficult endeavor I have ever embarked on and lived to tell about my journey.
6. I am really sad it is coming to an end, which really surprises me due to the fact that I really hated it for a while!
7. If my teacher had told me that I could/would be able to undergo such an amazing transformation in 12 weeks, I would have told him that "I didn't think so". Luckily I didn't limit myself and had no expectations.
8. I am happy I presented my teacher with a "tabla rasa" (blank slate) upon which to write his wisdom upon.
9. I am so eternally grateful for the friendships we forged during this experience. I am blessed and filled with joy to call these people my friends.
10. I am grateful for the equanimity I have developed and how it has helped me in so many ways (emotional stability, less impulsivity, more concentration and focus and a clearer and broader, more horizontal approach to daily life).

I feel so open and aware and quietly alert. I feel completely in control and have a new found ability to really stop and think before I act! Wow an old dog can learn new tricks!!

Thank you Mr. Kest, Jason and all the teachers who have inspired me and allowed me to attend, observe and assist with classes. Your shadows are tall and I humbly walk in them as I tread toward new experiences!

In Love and Light~
Tricia

Cooking tip

I made a huge batch of miropoix (celery onion, carrot and garlic) and sauteed it for a while with olive oil. I used half to make bean soup and saved the other half for fried rice that I am making tomorrow. All the messy work (food processor) is done once and I can whip up the rice tomorrow a little faster.

What this teacher training had taught me

Where to begin?

I am exactly where I am supposed to be.
Meditation and breath control are real tools for self transformation.
I am truly blessed to be able to learn these and many other truths and to share them with others.
Concentration and focus are improved when one opens themselves to growth and introspection.
I am a small part of a large equation.
Calm mind and body are linked by calm breath.

My new nephew Cody!

Beautiful view to share

Vegan pumpkin muffins

I made these for my fellow yogis in training. I changed my original recipe to vegan choices. Our palets have been accustomed to low sugar foods for a while, so I barely use any sugar. An old friend told me that they needed more sugar, my response was "my kids eat them without it, so why should I add it in?" You may want to increase the amount of sugar to 1/2 c otherwise they may not taste good to you. Eventually if you reduce the sugar in your diet, you won't miss it. Yesterday I made these with a 1/3 c of brown rice syrup instead of sugar. They were moist and delicious.I use almost all organic ingredients, but these work fine with conventional foods as well.

Vegan Punpkin muffins:

preheat oven to 400 degrees

1/2 c oats pulverized in blender
1 1/2 c whole wheat flour
1/2 c ground flaxseed
1/2 c coconut
1/3 c sugar
2t baking powder (rumford brand)
1/2 t salt
8 prunes and 1 c almond milk and one avacado pulverized in blender
1/3 c oil (expeller pressed if possible) I use sunflower, safflower, olive or canola.
3 t cinnamon
1/2 t nutmeg
2 t vanilla
1 15 oz can pureed pumpkin- not pumpkin pie filling

Optional crumb topping to be sprinkled over tops before baking4 T smart balance spread 6T flour1/2 t cinnamon 3 T sugar. Mix until crumbly.Mix all wet in 1bowl, mix all dry in another. Dump dry into wet, mix until just blended. Line muffin tin with liners, add a scoop in each . Makes 24 muffin. Bake 400 for 20 to 25 minutes.

Enjoy!

Tired

I am so beat I want to lay around, but my lovely family trashed our home so badly this weekend I have to clean! So on that thought, off I go...

too nice for nasty thoughts

I can't think of anything!

A new chapter

Well, I; am nearing the completion of my program and I have very mixed emtions. I am sad that it is ending but so happy to have more time to practice and expolre my connection to yoga. I plan on taking many classes over the Christmas break and beginning to tackle teachbacks. I am excited to begin teachig the Hockey families in Brighton. The players have taken to it so amazingly and I feel so blessed to have the experience and ability to work with them. So as this little bird nears the edge of the nest, ready to take the plunge I look back with no regrets!

How to let your Ego go.

How to reduce attachments and suffering

If I only had 24 hours to live essay

If I only had 24 hours to live essay

Another thought provoking question from Mr. Kest!

Wow, what a question to answer! Who would ever want to know that they were going to die in a matter of a day? This question makes me a little sad for those who don’t have a chance to say goodbye to those that they love or who have not made right what they did wrong against another person before they die. I would spend my last 24 hours kissing and hugging my kids, my family and my friends. I would tell them how much I love them and how they all made me such a better person. I would not eat or sleep, but would take an opportunity to appreciate every last little nuance and special attributes of those that I love. I feel that every day is a gift and every second a new opportunity to share the goodness in my life. I would live my last 24 hours like I live my life now, to the fullest! I am blessed to appreciate the present and I would be present to the last minute. I would not lament on my impending death and waste time regretting what I did not do. This is a good thing to think about and to ask yourself what would you do? If one’s answer is radically different from what they are doing on a daily basis, they might want to rethink their choices in life.

Busy days!

We went to Bronner's and Frankenmuth after my two classes yesterday. We had a lot of fun and are really feeling the Christmas Spirit. We went to see the Christmas Carol at Meadowbrook with out friends and their kids today. My friend Peggy got front row seats for the kids, we were right behind them. At one point there was an explosion with a really bright flash that nearly scared me to death. It was a really nice production, the kids loved it. Then we went out for dinner. I am so beat and really need to study so I'll say Adieu.

Great book with tons of recipes.

Vegetarian split pea soup

If it comes out well , I'll post the recipe.

Too much fun.

I am having a blast! School is going so well and I'm actually sad that it is ending shortly. My fellow yogis are amazing and wonderful people and I am so blessed to be able to share this experience with them. Look for the goodness within yourself, share it with others and have a good laugh every day!

Shaking the Full Moon Funk

Wow, that Full Moon last week really messed me up. I spoke to a few people about it and they told similar stories of how things just didn't work well last week. I'm just getting back to normal. Just take a step back and relax when life goes astray. Sometimes it isn't in your control.

Yoga meals

I've been sharing the concept of yoga meals with my family during the past 8 weeks. It is where you develop a deeper awareness of what you are eating, a deeper appreciation for the food that you have and heightened awareness of how foods taste and feel in your mouth. I had a pear for a yoga meal. It was a perfectly ripe, absolutely juicy succulent morsel. It was so absolutely delicious I was in heaven. Take time to really appreciate your food. Close your eyes, smell the aromas, feel the juiciness on your palet, and enjoy what mother nature has made for you.

Long weekend

I have taught 7 classes in the past 50 hours. I am a bit tired, although I have to say I get so much energy from the friends that gather to practice. I love how the snow looks as it clings to the branches. Enjoy the beauty of the season.

Nasty thought of the day: It freaks me out to think about how many people don't wash their hands after using the restroom then touch the door to leave. ( I watched a woman literally splash two drops of water on her hands then walk out). More germs are spread doing that than if she didn't wash at all!!! I trained my kids to wash their hands well, then use a piece of paper towel to open the door.

Nasty little pic of the day

My little grumpy baby. He used his ball as a pillow!

busy day, late posting

I had the luxury of time today. I actually dusted the banister and staircase spindles! Oh what joy to have a few hours to myself! I got a voice mail from a fellow instructor. I just got the message today so I called right away. It turns out it was from yesterday (At&T step it up people). We started taking yoga and nearly an hour later I felt that I knew him for many years. It's funny how people can connect at a really tangible level despite not ever speaking face to face. I told him his enthusiasm for yoga reminds me of what I must sound like when I speak to others. I told him he's my yoga twin.

My thought of the day is actually a question:

Do you change your perception of a person once you actually get to know them, even if you prejudged them?

In this case he admitted that he thought I was stuck up (we attended the same meeting once). I was surprised to hear that because I didn't talk much. It goes to show you that it is dangerous to assume that you know anything about a person without getting to know them. He said he would have never thought that we could have had such a great conversation. I said "Why." Give people a chance to share themselves with you, then find the goodness in them.


In love and light~ Tricia

Nasty little thought of the day

In the spirit of dark humor, I will share my nasty thought or picture of the day.

Today's selection:

If your husband complains about how much money you spent on groceries, convienently run out of toilet tissue, and face tissues at the same time. Shrug your shoulders and say" but honey, I'm watching the grocery budget!";~

Check out this article, an interesting take on life

Simpler, Greener Lifestyle Creates Wealth, Happiness
By Faiza Elmasry Washington30 October 2008
Elmasry Report Read by Faith Lapidus - Dialup - Download (MP3) Elmasry Report Read by Faith Lapidus - Dialup - Listen (MP3) Elmasry Report Read by Faith Lapidus - Broadband - Download (MP3) Elmasry Report Read by Faith Lapidus - Broadband - Listen (MP3)
Sharon Astyk is a stay-at-home mother of four children. Seven years ago, her family was barely getting by on her husband's salary as a teacher. They decided they could live better by simplifying their lives. As VOA's Faiza Elmasry tells us, the Astyks represent a small but growing number of Americans who are paring down and cutting back and, in doing so, finding financial relief and a measure of happiness.
Astyk says when she and her husband realized they were never going to be rich, they tried to figure out how to live as well as possible Sharon Astyk still remembers how difficult life was when she and her husband got married more than 10 years ago."We were graduate students living in Boston in the United States and living on a very low income by the standards of the city," she says. "We were used to getting by in the city on very little money. One of the things we began thinking about was how hard it was to afford to eat well when you were a low-income family. "We started saying, 'OK, we're never going to be rich.' My husband was a teacher. I was staying at home with our son. We started asking, 'How can we live as well as possible?'"
Moving to the countryside and growing most of their food was the answer They found the answer in leaving Boston and moving to rural upstate New York. "One of the ways we could do that was if we could consolidate our housing with our extended families," she says. "In the United States, this is not the norm the way it is in other parts of the world. Generally speaking, everyone has his household. Everybody lives separately. But my husband's grandparents were getting to a point where they could no longer manage things on their own. We bought a house with them in the country, and we cared for them until the end of their lives."
Family Strives For Simplicity by Producing Own Food, Sharing, Conserving
In her book Depletion and Abundance: Life on the New Home Front, Astyk explains how her family created a simpler lifestyleAstyk explains how her family created a simpler lifestyle in a new book, Depletion and Abundance: Life on the New Home Front."What we started doing was something that was quite normal in the U.S until maybe 50 years ago and is still normal in many parts of the world," she says. "We started producing more of our food. We started sharing resources with our family and bartering with our neighbors. We tried really hard to stay out of debt. That meant when we didn't have enough money to do things, we just didn't do them."That lifestyle, she notes, is a more environmentally friendly one."We only have one car for our family, which is unusual," she says. "That means when my husband has the car, I don't have one and I'm home with the kids. We just walk places or we bicycle or we don't go anywhere."
Green lifestyle can save the planet and make us richer, Astyk saysThe family also worked to reduce carbon emissions from their use of energy and other resources."We divided it up into seven categories: electricity, transport fuel, heating and cooling energy, consumer goods, water and others," she says. "And we've gotten to 80 percent reduction in every category. We're getting much and much closer to the use of energy that people in India or China are using right now." Recycling is another way the Astyks save money and resources."When something broke, we could say to our neighbors. 'Oh, do you have one? Can we borrow it?' And we could offer something in return to them," she says. "It was very simple to find sources of things that were being either thrown away or underused, or people were willing to share."
Environmentally Friendly Lifestyle Becoming More Affordable
Money expert David Bach says the key to money is not what you make, it's what you keepSuch an environmentally friendly lifestyle really does help people financially."The key to money is not what you make. It's what you keep," says David Bach, author of Go Green, Live Rich: 50 Simple Ways to Save the Earth. "When you go buy things today, one of the questions you should ask yourself is, 'How long will this last?'" he suggests. "Because so much of what we buy can last longer than we actually use it. My grandma used to use things forever. The longer you use things, the less money you spend. This is really an important time for Americans to do two things: simplify your life and save more."
Go Green, Live Rich: 50 Simple Ways to Save the Earth Bach says that over the years, the environmental lifestyle has become more affordable."For 10, 20 years it's always been if I want to buy something 'green' or organic, it costs more," he says. "It [doesn't] anymore. Today, because consumers are demanding green products, mainstream companies are coming out with these products and actually lowering the price because we're buying them."
As Financial Crisis Deepens, More Americans Scale Back
Growing numbers of people already have started to adopt a greener, simpler lifestyle, Astyk says.
"That's really wonderful, and [it's] not only in the U.S., but all over the world," she says."There is the Compact, which started in the United States on the West Coast, which has people buying only used things and leading a much simpler life. There is the Voluntary Simplicity Movement started by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robins that have million of members all over the world.
More people are interested in growing their own food, according to Astyk "There are really a lot of people who are trying to figure out how to live a decent life in a world that is shifting. I think as the costs of energy and food and other basic things have risen, there is more and more interest and more and more sense that not only might this be a good choice for reasons of pleasure or environmental reasons, but we may have to live like this. "As the financial crisis deepens here, I think Americans are going to live more like their grandparents or their great-grandparents, and there is a lot of interest in finding out how to do that."Astyk says living a simpler life has another benefit for her family, beyond the financial aspect. It's helped her children see how they can consume less, save more and create a more meaningful life.
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Cold, early morning

I woke up at 4:50 am. I felt pretty good, rolled out of bed and got ready for class. I had enough time to make two cups of chai for our road trip and I was off. My car was so covered in frost, that I could only see out of a two square inch section of the windshield. Your senses are really heightened when you need them to be! I got to Nikki's house to pick her up and we were off. We always laugh about how crazy it is to go to class so early, thank God I have her to go with or else I'd still be hitting the snooze!!! She made cheese pie and brought some for us. She is so awesome (it is fantastic by the way). We got to the Center by 6:10, we ran in to escape the cold. I slipped off my coat, my second jacket and my nightgown (I was so cozy I couldn't bear to take it off) and I shivered as I stepped out of my shoes onto the cold stone floor. I put my practice shirt on and jogged toward the studio door. Just as I expected, my warm cozy cocoon. I rolled my mat out in front of the teacher's and noticed that it wasn't Johnny. The first thought was that Milla had the baby...I was right! I'm not sure who led the class but she was good, as are all the teachers. I felt like slacking because of my back but I didn't. I feel so much better after a practice than before it. I am really loving this early morning ritual. It makes me so much more appreciative of the experiences I am allowed to partake in. I have found my way home. I feel so different than I did before. I feel so free, I don't worry like I used to. I just feel really happy.

Find some happiness today!

Love and Light~ Tricia

Hope you're having a geat day!

I've been too busy to breath lately and need to catch up on things around the house so I'm slacking with my homework this week. I'm having a blast teaching new stuff that I learn at my teacher training, I hope you like it too.

The sun came up and the birds sang.........

As with everything in life, no matter what happens the sun still rises and the birds still sing. At least that is what I hope John McCain can appreciate today. What a beautiful day, I'm so happy that so many people are thinking positive thoughts and are hopeful for a better future. I truly believe that we as a nation will heal divides and work together to make our homeland the bestit can be.

Election Day 2008

Wow, people are out in droves, companies are giving out freebies and the smell of change is in the air. We need to realize that we must be the catalyst for change as the government only has so much power to influence our choices. Hopefully who ever wins we will be blessed with a safer and more just country. Get out and vote if you haven't!

Yoga Dedication of Merit

I originally posted this last October 27. It is worth re-posting.

Yoga Dedication of Merit
May all beings have happiness and the cause of happiness. May all beings be free from Suffering and the cause of suffering. May all beings never be parted from freedom's true joy. May all beings dwell in equanimitity, free from attachment and aversion.

Almost Christmas!

Wow, where did 2008 go? It's almost Christmas. Looking ahead to New Year Resolutions, try to make one now and see if you can stick with it until the New Year. I think we tend to set ourselves up for failure when we resolve to change something without a system of support in place first. My daily resolution is to act with kindness and patience. Every day life throws stuff my way that either isn't in my control or I don't have time to deal with it. It's my thoughts and my actions that are in my control. What can you resolve to improve today?

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2008

Ghosts and Goblins are out tonight! Have a spooky night! Too funny Lani, I just read your comment from yesterday and we were on the same wave length as far as new flows. Your good energy is in the air. Concerning losses in the stock market, There may be a silver lining, it's just not readily apparent yet.

I am at the halfway point in the journey to my 200 hour RYT, I have been able to share what I learn with my friends in class and I am extremeny thankful for their willingness to open their lives to change.

Success and happiness are not achievable, they just become as a result of giving of oneself and asking for no favor in return. How can we help others and ourselves as well? Look for a way to give something back in an annonymous manner. Surprise someone who needs some uplifting.

Sometimes I feel like we live in a vaccum, separate lives barely connected by a brief hello and a wave. I call friends I haven't seen in a while who live far away, we catch up then we fade again. Life is full of ebbs and flows, like waves rolling and crashing. Take time to reach out, you'll be glad you did.

Love and Light~ Trish

A comment! Horray!!!

Please let me know how you feel about the posts and share your thoughts on life!

Today I went to Follow the Yogi in Birmingham at 6:15am with my study buddy Nikki. Yes folks, that's right the old nights owls got their tushies out of bed at 5 am for class! Keep in mind that we had a crazy hard class for 4 hours the night before, and didn't get to bed until 12am! I try to go at least once a week, but I'm going to go twice a week as much as possible. Now that all this info is "jelling" as Heather my classmate said, I feel really excited to go more as I'm "in the know" and not totally lost and confused. Then Nikki and I stayed for meditation and to observe a class taught by Jane. It was a great class, she has such a great style and voice. She told us to adjust people as needed and walk or stand. I loved it because I could change my angle of perceptions and views during the class ( I was seated during the other classes that I observed). A student thanked us for assisting and said the class likes it when "we" (teachers in training) are observing as they get more hands on attention. That was great to hear, as sometimes people may be like "AAH okay who are you." That's the great thing about taking this class at the Center, the students know that the teachers in training need to participate and observe and are supportive. I am really happy for the first time since September! It has been such a hard and frustrating process. As Friedrich Nietzsche said "That which does not kill me makes me stronger"! I can't agree more.

My yoga kitty Gucci

This is Gucci, he is Nikki's cat, buty I've emotionally adopted him. He plays with me when we practice yoga at Nikki's house. He is so cute and fuzzy!

Off to class again

Hi Lani!!!!

We're on the 6th week of class and I think we're venturing into Vinyasa tonight. I finally feel caught up. Man's search for meaning from Victor Frankel is a really thought inducing book.

I have a question for you:

How can you change one aspect in your life that you view as negative?

Plum Market

What an awesome LOCAL grocer! They are from Michigan and try to stock as much Michigan grown food as possible. Check out their website www.plummarket.com.

Silence completed

What an interesting experiment. Relying on writing notes and hand gestures got old really fast so I took a nap to stem the headache rising in my brain. It's as if taking releases pressure or something. The kids were more supportive than Vic who has lost his patience with the program a week or two ago. So much for being supportive, it sounds good until your life is interrupted.

Day of silence, with the family!

I am completing my day of silence as part of my yoga program. Wow, getting the kids to do their homework and chores with notes is really fun! You learn a lot about non-verbal communication in times like these. My 8 year old is getting really good at reading my handwriting. He made me little flash cards to hold up to request things or to say "no" or "yes." He is so sweet!

Anniversaries

3 years of yoga, 1 year of blogging! Time flies when I'm having fun!!

Witch's Night Out

My Sister Sue, Heather and I went to the Witch's Night Out at the Heavenly Scent Herb Farm in Fenton. It's one of my favorite places to visit. It was a great time out and my hat won one of two prizes for the best witch's hat. I had a tree a graveyard and leaves scattered all around. It looked natural yet spooky. It was a nice time, and we met some nice new witchie friends!

wow, how tiring

I am so happy to learn so much but at the same time so exhausted! My friends, family and the friends tht I instruct are so wonderfully supportive! Thank you for all of your well wishes and smiling faces!

Vinyasa on the brain

We're working on Ashtanga and I've got Vinyasa on the brain. It's interesting how challenging it is to learn this new style. It's clicking in slowly. I am now coffee free for 8 days, and almost headache free. I drank over one pot of coffee a day for 18 years. I still drink tea that has some caffeine in it , but a fraction at best (white tea has 20% of the caffeine of a cup of coffee).

Question of the week

My yoga training classes have homework and this question was from week 1. It is a great point to reflect on. I'll share mine, please feel free to click comment and share yours as well.

Your question may be what is your higheat aim and how does it relate to your current awareness building activities ie, religious studies, self help or awareness activies or goals and how your are achieving them.

Question #5, What is your highest aim and how does it relate to your yoga practice?

My highest aim is very simple but very difficult to achieve. It is simply to live in love. My view of humanity, society and the greater causes of our times have deteriorated to a shock fest of immorality, gluttony and excess. My greatest joy and my reason for living are to serve God. I know this is not possible if there is negativity and anger in my thought process. Living in love is my simple mantra to keep my thoughts clear, to trust, to love, to nurture, care for, share and be thankful for all of my blessings. Where there is great light, no darkness can overcome it. Love and light are goodness and peacefulness, freedom from fear and doubt. All ancient religions and philosophies have the same basic precepts that revolve around proper conduct. These basic rules lead to happiness and goodness because the person and society have the basis for a good life, free from drama, anger and negativity. My yoga practice has brought this realization to life for me. I no longer derive pleasure from shopping for stuff that I really don’t need, because none of it ever made me happy. Inner peace and tranquility make me happy. Yoga gives me the tools to tune into my inner goodness. My journey in life has and will have me meet and share experiences with many different people. I hope to leave everyone that I meet a little better off after our paths cross.

Living in love~ Tricia

Politics and yoga

A student of mine had 2 Obama 08 stickers on his yoga mat. I thought of how desperate people are for hope that life can get better in this country. Sadly, government officials are only puppets for powers greater that they admit to.

Meditation weekend

I went to my first teacher training this past Wednesday. We went on a noble silence meditation retreat from Friday at 8pm to Sunday at 9am. We sat in meditation for 14+hours and made no eye contact, gestures or speech for 36 hours. The stillness and sense of peace, and openness were undeniable. I wish everyone could experience this. It was like all the layers of defenses were peeled away, lack of comfort, companionship, food, laughter, happiness, ego, sleep, worked to break one down to a primal level, allowing the mind to open, broaden. I maintain this sense of calmness and restfulness that is very liberating. During mass at church I could focus so much better and not get distracted. Every word meant so much more and went deeper into my mind.

seasonal summer salad

Yoga magazine ran this recipe in the latest issue. It is very light, delicious and cleansing.

1 cup frozen peas
2 zucchini
1/2 cucumber
8 asparagus
2 spring onions
8 little gem lettuce leaves
for dressing
6 radishes
1 T chopped chives
1 tsp coarse mustard (prepared)
juice of 1 lemon
1/2 cup grapeseed oil
salt pepper

Chop zucchini in pieces the same size as the peas, chop asparagus likewise. Boil water and blanch peas, zucchini, and asparagus. Boil on medium for 3 minutes. Remove from water and plunge into ice water. Drain. Mix oil, mustard and lemon juice add to all veggies and toss to coat. Salt to your taste.

Organic Vegan lunch

Baked tofu, brown rice, black beans, yellow squash, onion, bok choi and zucchin. This is so delicious and really good for me!

Guy's deodorant that really works

Alex tested and passed with flying colors. 5.99 at Whole Foods on Orchard Lake and 14 mile

What a week

I leased a new car this week, so much of my time was spent with my great friend Deanna, she helped me test drive cars and we picked out a Mercury Milan Premier in sparkly black. I got it on 9/10. My birthday was 9/11 and I was feeling quite spoiled. I haven't celebrated my birthday since the 9/11 attacks so I decided to go backward, you know a year younger rather than a year older. I am now 22! Hey it works for me. I've had a few interesting encounters with people and have quickly forgotten them as my new mantra is "this soon shall pass." My friend Nicole had her twins on 9/10 and my sister in law is 4 months pregnant. Babies are in the air, or maybe it's the water! I am teaching, reading and really enjoying the rain! I am so blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life. The circle of goodness and light continues to grow. I had like 12 great hugs today, everyone needs a great hug day. Make one for yourself this week. Look people in the eye and say hello like you mean it and care.

Peace love and light~ Tricia

Stain remover that really works!

My family was headed to A2 to get Alex some school shoes from Launch last Sunday. I ate a granola bar dipped in chocolate on the way there. I happened to look down at my seat and saw a chunk of melted chocolate on the seat near my leg. I wiped it up and forgot about it. My eerily correct gut instinct kicked in and caused me to think "what if there was more chocolate on the seat?" I lifted my right leg up and gasped as I looked at the back of my thigh. There was more chocolate, and it found it's way on the back of my kakhi shorts, a three inch long smear of chocolate. It looked like, oh I don't know maybe poop! Had it been on my knee, no biggie, but on the back of my leg! AHHH!!! I frantically searched the truck for a baby wipe, or anything to get it off. Nothing! I can't walk around Ann Arbor with a brown smear on the back of my leg ! Damn Then I remembered seeing a stain wipe I got at the Plymouth Green Fair in my little pocket of my purse. I got it out, praying that it would work. Amazingly, it did. All the chocolate came out instantly and it left no watermark. The wipe was so big and saturated with cleaners, I folded it back over and put it back in the pouch. I later used it again on Garrett's spaghetti stain like 4 days later. I am so happy to find something that really works! They are available at Better health for 2.69 for 5 or at Whole Foods 2.99. These are worth every penny!

Day at the Fall Festival and park

We went to the Plymouth Fall Festival and then to McClumpha park and the kids played in the stream (trying to catch minnows and frogs) and at the play structure for 3 hours!

My tomato from my garden, it's so juicy

A wonderful first day!

The kids loved going back to school, they like their teachers and the mix of kids in their classes. All is good! I made a really awesome salad for dinner, I'll post the recipe tomorrow. I ran into a fellow mom at pick-up time who came to some classes I taught at LTF a while ago. We discussed her desire to loose weight and to regain tone in her stomach after having 4 kids. I encouraged her to watch what she ate (told her about not eating the white stuff {white flour and sugar, hydrogenated fats and high fructose corn syrup} and colorings and preservatives) and to do a good blend of workouts. I haven't seen her in a while and was shocked to see that she lost 44 pounds. When I asked her what she did, she replied "I stopped eating the white stuff." I am so proud of her, she looked amazing. More importantly, her health will be positively impacted by avoiding the white stuff and other junk in our diets.

Calm before the storm

I have this eerie feeling that my present sense of boredom is about to erupt into a torrent of activity. The kids are heading back to school, I am beginning my 200 RYT program, basketball season will come quickly in October and the holiday season follows that. I am usually quite active and have not been able to do my usual level of activity over the past few months due to my knee pain. I feel great now and the sedentariness of the past few moons have led to this build up of energy that is gnawing away at my psyche! I feel like a caged bird, at least I have enough sense not to try to fly.

Prime Massage

I had an amazing massage today from Sue McDowell. I've been teaching yoga at Prime for a few months now and everyone raves about Sue's massages. It's unlike anything I've ever experienced. She is amazing! Prime Massage is located at 5 and Levan next to St. Mary's hospital. The phone is 734-432-0576. My yoga classes are Saturday 9:20 am, Monday 9:15 am, Wednesday for Seniors 9:15, and Thursday at 6pm. Increasing demand is leading us to add more classes as needed.

Namaste~Tricia

Heirloom tomatoes

I got some from Whole Foods and they are unbelievably fabulous! I don't like tomatoes, but I couldn't stop eating these. They are so fragrant, juicy, and bursting with flavor it's as if I've never had a tomato before. These don't even resemble regular tomatoes. Their flesh is compact, juicy and really smooth, whereas other tomatoes are grainy and have a spongy texture. The seed pulp is perfectly balanced and not runny and slimy like hothouse tomatoes. Go out and get some while they are around! Hillers also carries them.

PT is going well and my knee is coming along, although it still feels as if it's going to explode when I extend my knee straight. Yoga school is in one month and I am so excited I can hardly wait!

A new chapter

As I close a chapter in my life, a new novel springs forth. I am blessed with abundance, in every sense of the word! I have finished the saga of the Hockey Players in Brighton, it was more like an epic seeing that I am not a morning person and I had to be in Brighton at 8am! I loved every minute! They are such a great group of kids and I am amazed with the growth and dramatic increase in flexibility that they achieved! I am preparing to get the kids off to school and I am dragging my heels with ordering their uniforms. What am I THINKING?

Namaste~ Tricia

A New Earth

I finished this book on Saturday night. It took me way longer than I usually take to read a book because so much of it was so deeply relevant I went back an re-read pages throughout most of the book. I have never read a book that was so dense , like a fruitcake! It is almost as every word was necessary and relevant, making yet another poignant statement. All I can say is WOW! I am for once speechless.

Just being

No pretenses, no ego, no agenda. Just being present, finding joy in surprising places and allowing happiness within yourself is the key.

Peach jam

A New Earth

My latest new read is right on track with my thought processes as of late. If only I could just put a funnel in people's ears and pour this stuff in! I highly recommend this book to people looking to enlighten themselves.

More peach jam!

I made 15 more jard of peach jam today, it's absolutely stunning! The saturated juicy peach flavor just jumps on your tastebuds. Vic said if it wasn't homemade he would think it had a flavor enhancer in it. All it has in it is peaches, pectin, lemon juice, butter and organic sugar. I've eaten 4 tablespoons of it and I want more!

I hope you are having a great day!

If you aren't, do something to change your perception of what is not good about it.

Northville Farmers Mkt $20

One month until school starts!

I don't know about you, but my kids are bored. They can only go swimming, attend art fairs (they love them) and play golf so much, oh what a terrible situation to be in! I can't wait for school to start, the summer reading and homework is really putting a strain on me! They hate "working" on school stuff during the summer and try very hard to get out of it. I'm adding more classes to my schedule in Livonia, I should be at 8 for the August 2nd to Sept 27 session.

YEA!!!

Great news! I had my interview with Johnny Kest at the Center for Yoga today, and I was accepted to the 200 teacher training program. I am SO excited! I can't wait to share all the new things I am going to learn!

Love and Light! Tricia

Immense

It's the only word that can describe how stressed out so many of us are lately. The challenge is to get a grip on what we can control, prepare ourselves for various situations and stay optimistic. I've got to get back to my news diet, only a small amount of CNN and a healthy dose of print/Internet coverage. I'm not nervous about my meeting with Johnny Kest tomorrow, I can't wait to find out more about the program, and to know if I get in. I've been on eggshells lately.

Happy Day

The majesty of my purple cone flowers in full bloom, GORGEOUS!!

HAPPY 11th Birthday Alex!!!

My awareness of the goodness in my life and in life in general is enhanced evermore by the words and feedback I receive from others. I have been so lucky to hear about and share great news, successes and challenges that people face on a daily basis. I always say that if things are bad they can be worse. If something negative happens, it is usually for a reason (although it may not be readily apparent). It's hard to see this and accept it, but ultimately you are only in control of a small part of your existence. Our circle of influence is just that a circle, some are bigger than others. I can influence my family but they have the free will to choose. Peacefulness and happiness are attainable and enhanced by our ability to be flexible and go with situations. A friend told me that she appreciated that I encourage people to see and appreciate the small, free, and ever present parts of life and the world that should be noticed more. She told me that she agreed that happiness is a state of mind and that it is an internal attribute, but that without God in our lives we are lost. I completely agree. My strong foundation and sense of happiness comes from knowing that I am okay, I'm just fine. I want for nothing and appreciate what I have (I'd love a new kitchen, but I'm happy that I have one). Our church sent supplies and a group of people to serve as a medical service unit to a huge dump outside Mexico City. One hundred thousand people live in this dump. Mothers forage through trash to find food for their children; and cook it in a tin can, in their cardboard shelter. Makes me really appreciate what I have. Material goods make one comfortable but not happy. Reach into your inner child and connect with fun and simple things that bring a smile to your face.

Love and Light! Namaste~Tricia

skinny jeans

I finally got a pair of skinny jeans. I hesitated because I thought they would make my rear end look too big. They don't, so I got them, they look good with a tunic length shirt NO mom jeans for me! I am so excited about the Ann Arbor Art Fair this week! We're going on Thursday afternoon. I love people watching in A2 it's always just as good as the art! They boys and I went to A2 last Tuesday and we had our first Bubble Tea (it's cold milky tea with tapioca "bubbles" ). It was way too sweet,but the bubbles are fun (kind of chewy). We went to Pinball Pete's, Middle Earth, Treasure Mart, Kerry Town (cool spice market on the second floor) and Whole foods.

HAPPY 4th of JULY

What a fun night! We watched the huge firework display from our back yard (I was in the hot tub). We're enjoying the sun and fun this weekend. Have a great weekend! See you next week!

Vegetarian?

Well, the one thng that detox did was make me really aware of how food makes me feel. I am so happy! I have no sugar cravings and do not want to eat meat. I thought going vegetarian would be hard, but it's easy and really satisfying. I found lots of great recipes and new ways of preparing old favorites without meat. Yea!

Earth Science almond aloe moisturizer

This smells really good and is light. It's $10 at Whole Foods.

ipod

my ipod has taken up too much of my time lately. I have been compiling play lists for my c lasses and I spent 4 hours on it today.

Good News

I have two good things to be really happy about but I don't want to jinx them>>>

Yea!! Day 21

I'm having a great day and am so happy to have some free time to catch up on my reading and kitchen experiments! I'm off the detox for the most part, but I still eat very little to no meat, no sugar and only 1 cup of coffee a day! I feel more relaxed and just better overall.

Ha! last day of school

We made it! My legs have been sore since Wednesday, we did lots of leg intensive poses during my 2 LTF classes. I can hardly sit! However, it feels really good to feel that muscle growth. The baby rabbits ate all of our sunflower sprouts! We had over 30 and they are all gone! I am really so appreciative of the blessings I have in my life. That's all for today. May life's blessings be more apparent and appreciated everyday!

Great idea

Begin a tradition, such as First Monday of the month clear out all old papers and magazines to the recycle bin.

Pledge to buy and eat a new item from the grocery store. I LOVE kefir and would have never known until I tried it.

Go to the library and check out a magazine that you have never seen (photography, fishing, crafts, etc) enjoy learning something new.

Become more attentive to your family and pets. Surprise them with a special treat,and make them feel pampered when they have a hard day.

Add a comment on another great idea, just click on comments at the bottom of this screen.

SUN!

It was really here! It was so beautiful this afternoon, all the rain made me think of the 40 days of rain in the times of Noah. I am so excited about the summer and having more time to spend with friends and family. It's getting harder to not eat bread, I am so sick of what I have been eating, except for the fruit and veggies. I am enjoying them more now than before. I had an artichoke and turkey sandwich with black bean soup for lunch. I was feeling really tired and kind of spacey, I think I needed protein. It's hard for me to eat the same thing twice in a row, so I'm running out of options. I'm going to have to dig out my vegetarian cookbook tonight to plan a new set of dishes for tomorrow.

Detox day 14

No sugar cravings, I'm doing fine! I'm eating a lot of veggies, made the best hummus ever! Vic said it's better than La Shish used to make. I'm eating fruits and barley for breakfast, hummus veggies and rice crackers for lunch and more salads for dinner. I'm really taking advantage of the beautiful organic produce that's available. I got a new cookbook on Malaysian and Singaporian foods, it looks exotic and healthy. We almost bought a parakeet today. They looked so cute, but the girls said they bite, so I decided to pass.

Last week of school

I am not craving sugar but I did eat some chocolate today. Vic bought it for me for our anniversary and I've not had any since he gave it to me on the 4th. I'm a little stressed. It's the kid's last week of school and the summer work schedule needs planning. I'm working a lot, the kids have a lot of required summer work and I need to set our schedules.

Jicama salad recipe

Jicama is also called a Mexican potato. It is very mild, but has an amazing crisp, fresh flavor that goes well with anything. Jicama and avocado work well as the smoothness of the avocado contrasts the crispness of the jicama and the Balsamic vinegar.


*Select a firm, solid looking jicama, with no surface blemishes. about 12 ounces, if larger, slice it in half and cover with saran wrap. Don't refrigerate the jicama. Use the next day.

To serve 4 people,

Peel skin off and julienne jicama, about 4 or 5 cups is good

slice and dice 3 roma tomatoes , add to bowl

dress with 2T olive oil and 2T white balsamic vinegar (regular can be used but it darkens the jicama), sprinkle with sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste.

peel and slice one huge avocado, add to bowl and gently toss to coat.

serve promptly, don't refrigerate this, it ruins it. ENJOY!

Jicama, avacado and tomato salad

Rainy day

Enjoy a nice cup of tea, a warm blanket and a good book tonight.

My beautiful dinner at Andy and Peggy's

Detox day 8

I am sleepy! I ate too much and it makes me tired. I have to have 1 cup of coffee with soy or almond milk in the morning, but with NO SUGAR!!! This is a huge accomplishment for me , down from 3t of sugar per cup, and tons of cream (about 7 cups of coffee a day, down to 1)! I ate a banana for breakfast, 1/4 of a cookie for lunch and for dinner a glass of kefir, rice and veggies, cauliflower, a small bowl of tomato / roasted red pepper soup. I am so aware of how food makes me feel now! I gulped the kefir before dinner because I was so hungry, it is dairy but I don't care when I'm starving! Kefir is about the best dairy you could consume so I don't feel so bad. It is a probiotic "yogurt like" drink but I like it much better than any yogurt smoothie I've tried. It has 10 active probiotics and is great for your Gi tract. The point is BEING PREPARED! If I had known and packed a lunch I would have been fine. Overall I am doing much better than I imagined I could! I don't miss anything! I can see how this can re-adjust your bodies chemistry to work better (insulin receptors adjust to low levels of sugar in blood stream and cravings stop). This is exciting! Yes Sue, our bodies deserve this!
Namaste!~ Tricia

Picture of the monster cookie

Monster cookies

I made gigantic chocolate chip cookies yesterday. I had contractors working on the house and my boys love a great cookie after school with a big glass of milk, so I made them. I ate 1/4 of one for lunch today, and felt pretty bad because of the sugar but I had no lunch and was starving (Garrett's field trip included a lunch at the park and I wasn't informed, so I was unprepared!). They are so good it should be a crime! My friend Kelly was sitting with us noticed the cookie and asked for the recipe so here goes:

Feel free to share this recipe, just give me credit as I developed the recipe.

I use all organic ingredients , or as much a possible, so I don't put "organic" in front of every item.

preheat oven to 375

In the bowl of a electric mixer, cream the following:
3/4 cup of sugar
1/4 c brown sugar
Sweet dairy whey can be used to substitute part of the sugar, it's from Bob's Red mill
1 stick of unsalted butter
1T vanilla, BUY the best you can afford...it is well worth it! Nielsen Massey is my favorite, although not organic, it is fabulous.

Stop mixer and scrape down sides then add:
2 eggs
1T almond extract, the best is Simply Organic..it smells so good I could wear it as perfume!~
mix well then add:

Please sift these together first:
1c oats that are pulverized in the blender
1 c whole oats
1 c All Purpose flour
1 c golden flax seed meal
1/2 c c raw wheat germ
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt ( I use sea salt or ground kosher)
mix until blended but not too much

add: 6 oz milk chocolate chips and 6 oz semi -sweet (each 6 oz portion is 1/2 a bag)
1/4 c white chocolate chips
1c chopped walnuts
1/2 c sliced almonds

Mix well and using large scoop,place 4 on a baking sheet and bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes
They weigh 4 ounces (4 inches across and an inch high) each and are nice and soft in the middle.

CRUCIAL step: do not over bake!! They should be golden brown and just set on top. They will be dry if over baked.

Enjoy! Share one with a friend!

What I ate part 2

I've been eatinga lot of vegetables, fruit, barley with berries and almond milk, herbal tea, oatmeal, quinoa salad, apple slices with peanut butter, soy and almond milk, trail mix (Trader Joe's Simply The Best Trex Mix is good). I've also eaten eggs, rice crackers, more vegetables. Dried cherries and raisins have replaced my candy for sweet fixes. My biggest problem WAS sugar... WAS... I don't need it anymore. I'll ask my sister for the details of the detox book that she has and post it asap.

The key is to be prepared. Don't allow yourself to be caught with nothing good to eat.

Namaste~ Tricia

Detox day 6

I've been completely free of sugar cravings and have really enjoyed the freedom from cravings in general. My complexion is really improving! My sister has the book that explains the effects of the foods on the body and why you avoid them during detox. Excessive sugar intake increases insulin which leads to excessive oil production. I've noticed my skin is brighter and clearer. The sad truth is that sugar is bad, organic, honey, maple syrup...it doesn't matter it's all bad:( The detox options are stevia powder or agave nectar (like honey in consistency) neither of these increase the flow of insulin which means they don't spike your blood sugar, This is a good thing!

2 Quinoa recipes

This is from wikipedia: Quinoa was of great nutritional importance in pre-Columbian Andean civilizations, being secondary only to the potato, and followed in third place by maize. In contemporary times this crop has come to be highly appreciated for its nutritional value, as its protein content is very high (12%–18%). Unlike wheat or rice (which are low in lysine), quinoa contains a balanced set of essential amino acids for humans, making it an unusually complete food. It is a good source of dietary fiber and phosphorus and is high in magnesium and iron. Quinoa is gluten free and considered easy to digest. Because of all these characteristics, quinoa is being considered as a possible crop in NASA's Controlled Ecological Life Support System for long-duration manned spaceflights.[5]

You can buy quinoa in bulk at whole foods or in bags at health food stores. Measure the amount you need then put it in the pot and rinse it very well. I soak it for 2 minutes then rinse it 4 or 5 times to remove the saponins (form of soap)which make untasty to birds and bugs.

Amy B's recipe as follows:
Quinoa with peas and scallions

1 c. of quinoa (may sub brown rice)
1 c. of orange juice (I just use the sections of 3-4 oranges and squeeze the juice)
1 c. of chicken stock or water
2 t. ground cumin
1/2 t. of sea salt
2 t. olive oil
2 cloves of garlic minced
1 c. frozen peas thawed
3 scallions chopped
1/4 c. chopped basil
4 T. chopped cilantro
zest of 1 orange

Combine quinoa, oranges, stock, cumin and salt. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer cover till all the liquid is absorbed. 15-18 minutes for quinoa and 45-50 minutes for rice. Heat oil in a saute pan and saute garlic, peas and scallions for about 2 minutes. Add pea mixture to prepared quinoa. Add in basil, cilantro and zest. Serve warm or cold.

I usually double this recipe. Enjoy.


I changed the recipe to accommodate what I had on hand:

Quinoa with peas and scallions

2 c. of quinoa (may sub brown rice)
3 oranges peeled and cut into small sections
2c. of vegetable stock
2 t. ground cumin
1t Garam Masala (spice section)
1 t. of sea salt
4 t. olive oil
1T butter
4 cloves of garlic minced
2 c. frozen peas thawed
6 scallions chopped

Combine quinoa, oranges, stock, cumin and salt. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes, covered until all the liquid is absorbed. Heat oil in a saute pan and saute garlic, peas and scallions for about 2 minutes. Add pea mixture to prepared quinoa. Serve warm or cold.

I had a big bowl of this after class today and felt surprisingly full! Some fresh strawberries and a little bit of spinach chapati too.

Namaste! Tricia

Don't know what day it is...ha ha ha Day 5

Well. giving up sugar and caffeine are easier than cheese! I feel sleepy but relaxed and calm. I need to extend my time by a few days to take into account the "weaning in time." I'm really liking barley with almond milk, nuts and berries. It is really satisfying and pretty balanced nutritionally. I'm making a quinoa salad for my sister when she comes over today. Thanks to Amy B. for the recipe. We are going to see Sex in the City, I was at Bunco last night. I won a really cool Pottery Barn shadow box. I love it! Thanks Colleen!

Go outside and enjoy the beautiful day!!!

Namaste! Tricia

Day 3

Being the realistic person that I am, I knew that this detox would be very difficult. It is. I allowed myself 3 days to "wean" off the caffeine, lest I would have the most humongous headaches. I am finally past the sugar, bread and caffeine cravings but I'm very tired from teaching 4 classes yesterday. My sister has been in court for her job the last 2 days and is doing better than I. I'm really proud of her!

AHHHHHHHHHH

I miss my coffee!

21 day detox ...day 1

So my sister tells me that she is beginning a 21day detox program on Tuesday (today) I say I'll do it with her and her friend at work. I am not yet a vegetarian, but am heading there (I generally consume very little meat) I do love coffee, chocolate and cheese, pasta and an occasional bag of healthy cheese curls. I for see my biggest hurdle with the food part being the cheese. I have a cheese stick with some whole grain crackers almost every day for a snack or lunch. Caffeine is my hugest hurdle overall, realistically I am going to wean myself off over 3days otherwise my brain will explode! Here are the detox guidelines: No dairy, refined sugar in any source, meat, fish, alcohol, caffeine, gluten (wheat). I have had only a half cup of coffee with almond milk today. I am off to cook some barley and make a salad for lunch! Wish us luck!!! My sister and I are commenting on this goblogger blog about our daily success and stuggles. Come back and wish us luck!

New tea

I got Organic India's Orange mint and Passion Fruit. They are both good, but don't let them brew for too long. My friend Ann gave me Sweet Rose to try. It is so mellow and smooth. Her sister got it in California, I couldn't find it a Whole Foods but I'll keep looking.
Namaste~ Tricia

Beautiful day and a great dinner

We went to our friend's house for Dinner on Saturday night. It was such a perfect, beautiful day and we had the most beautiful dinner, I didn't want to eat it as it looked so nice. I ordered my books on how to learn Latin today. It's my summer project.

My bio

My life is a journey, I hope to share a little with you to let you know where I’m coming from. On January 8, 1997 when I was 3 months pregnant with my first child, my Jeep was rear ended while en route to my job at the 6a rehab unit at U of M Medical Center. The accident left me with severe whiplash and terrible back pain. I worked in back pain rehab, had back pain rehab (several times) and knew what I had to do to help myself. I couldn't break the vicious cycle of chronic pain, trying to get in shape to help the pain, and frustration at my failure. I gained 60 pounds with my first pregnancy, as a result of the chronic pain limiting my physical activity. I lived with severe, often debilitating pain that led to massive muscle spasms and skeletal misalignment. My PT told me that my spine had the rigidity of a 90 year old woman’s, I was only 26! During labor with my second child, three years later, the epidural failed due to my spine being so out of alignment. I struggled with weight gain and a lack of energy, asthma and frequent tendon injuries. I was literally a physical mess. My husband had traveled internationally quite often over the past 10 years, so I played the single mom role quite a bit. This lifestyle led me to take time away from my counseling profession three years ago. I have focused my energy on my children and the community in which I call home. Up until 39 months ago, I was a very sedentary, out of shape, in pain, stressed out mother of two sons, and two dogs. That was until I found fitness yoga classes. I have devoted much time and effort during the past few years to learning and ever expanding my practice. However, I claim to know nothing as I have so much yet to learn. I finished the 200 hr. level teacher training at the Johnny Kest Center for Yoga and have become a fan of Ashtanga yoga. I continue to look for ways to expand my knowledge and an excited to share yoga with so many wonderful people.

My Yoga practice has evolved into my own mini rejuvenating break from reality. It’s become a way to balance volunteering at school, play dates, kids soccer and football games and all the other things that consumed my time and left me feeling a little drained. I often tell others that you can only give as much as you have, then you begin to feel empty. Yoga fills me up, it allows me to focus on myself. I almost felt selfish at first, kind of like “ Am I doing something completely for myself?” Anyone who is a parent, caregiver, or busy professional can attest to the need to refill yourself, so you can continue to give. The positive beliefs that formed the practice of yoga are beautiful and inspiring. The focus on breath control gives one the ability to remain calm in a sea of turbulence. Richard Rosen, a well respected Yoga teacher and author writes about a journey to the land of Self. Yoga gives me the tools to take this journey and make the most of it. Namaste

Gratitude

Telling someone that you appreciate them can really make their day! Thank you!

mother and baby rabbits

I'm doing laundry in the mudroom and the dogs are going crazy. After a few minutes or so I go into the family room to see what is going on and I see a rabbit next to the window and back of the garage. I look closer and see 4 little bodies under her. She was nursing her babies. I called the guys over and we joked about how "fierce" our dogs were that the mother rabbit choose to make her "nest" right by the house. We watched as she cleaned them and cared for them, the kids were amazed that she didn't flinch when the dogs barked on and on. The little ones looked very healthy and so cute! As much as despise them for eating my hostas and flowers, I have to say they are so adorable, and hungry like the rest of nature. Look a little closer and enjoy lifes little bits of joy !
Namaste, Tricia

Fried rice and yeast cleanse

I made awesome fried rice (Alex's favorite) we stopped at One World Market and picked up razor thin sliced pork and udon noodles yesterday. I used organic brown rice and lots of quickly sauteed veggies and the pork. We use Braggs Amino instead of soy sauce, as it has much less sodium.

We talked about sugar cravings after my 8:30 class today. I mentioned how I curbed my sugar cravings by taking Yeast Cleanse by Solaray. As our yeast levels grow in our bodies we crave more sugar to feed them. This capsule contains herbs to "reduce" the amount of active yeast in our bodies thus reducing the cravings. It really worked for me.

My awesome smelling shampoo disks.

Where I'm reading my book