tonight.....

Tonight Andy and I came home from a warm and welcoming stay in eastern KY to a big blue house.....
with light
heat
tv
computer
and all other things we've come to associate with modern day living.

Don't get me wrong. I am not a high maintenance kinda gal. The place we stayed in Tulum, Mexico a few short weeks ago.....no electricity. None. And I loved it. Every. Little. Bit.

But it's cold here in Jan. The first night in with no power. No biggie. Andy and I cuddled. I read by candlelight. Went to bed early. I would almost say I enjoyed it.

The second night in it was much colder. We added an extra blanket. Cuddled more closely. Reading by candlelight was no longer fun.

The third night in we were doing that thing where we held a little flashlight above our mouth and went, "ahhhhh" only to see our breath as if we were standing outside in the cold. We added another blanket. Stuck our heads under the blankets when we got really cold. Bedtime was getting earlier each night. I was tired of eating out and my eyes hurt if I tried to read by candlelight.

The breaking point was waking the next day and feeling like I had been beaten with a big rock. My neck, shoulders and upper back were aching badly. So I called and bumped my meeting in Hazard to Friday. I phoned my brother to see if he could get Andy and I an appointment for a massage. We deserved it after all. Andy and I packed a tiny bag, laptop, and with dogs in tow we made our way to Hazard, then to Whitesburg.

My family took great care of us. Spoiled us with hot drinks, good eats, good conversation, cozy bed and best of all......a hot tub.

And now we're back.....and happy as clams. We've got a bunch of work to do to clean up, but nothing could dampen our spirits tonight.

~If you are still without power, know that I'll be thinking of you. This has really been a tough time and my heart goes out to all of you.~

all classes held today (thursday)

Yay! I'm so happy to be at the studio today. It has lots of little luxuries that I don't currently have at home.....heat, light, comfort. You know, all the small things we normally take for granted. :-)

The main roads all seem to be clear. The drive into the studio is fine. Just be careful on the side road leading to the studio (where Starbucks is). It's still a little icy.

If you're like me and ready to get back to a sense of normalcy, then join us for yoga class this evening. Both classes are being held as scheduled.

Stay warm, cozy and as comfortable as you can.

studio closed again today

I'm at the studio now. Was preparing to teach, but it's getting really messy out there! I just feel better making this call, knowing that everyone will be safe in this winter wonderland. I know it's making a big ol mess but my gosh it is beautiful. Even saying that without power at home in the bg blue house!

Sending warmth and smiles to each of you. :-)

yoga classes cancelled for tuesday

I just feel better making this call. It's really icky out there. So please enjoy your practice from the comfort of your own home. Light a candle. Set an intention. Do what you feel your body needs. Breathe. Finish with more breathing and sitting. Read something inspiring. Write about how you feel.

Lots of options. Maybe on a day like today you've got enough time to do all. Maybe you have time to do one. Something is better than nothing. I thinnk so anyway.

And if you are like me and can't help but dream a little of warmer days, then consider coming along in July to Mexico for our annual yoga retreat. It's my intention to get at least ten people this year and we're over halfway there.

Think summer is too hot for Mexico? I've been in January, April, July, and September. Mexico is always good. Trust me. In July you get over two hours more of extra daylight, which makes it super nice.

I know a few people that are taking the direct flight from Cincy to Cancun. It's way too easy. Way too convenient. So if you come along we'll set up a carpooling group to the airport.

Thinkin' about it?
Click here to details on the website.
Click here to read about Maya Tulum, where we stay.
And lastly, I'll take you on a little tour. Come along with me.......

the need to preserve

Ok, I get it universe. I can't be it all. Can't do it all. It's not even noon and I've gotten two big wake up calls. The biggest one being missing a meeting that is super important to me. I was convinced it was next Monday at 8:30. Not today at 8:30. Wow, still can't even believe I did that. I thrive on being prepared and even early to meetings. I felt bad. Really, really bad.

At the same time it's a wake up call, that again I've been doing too much. I'm seeing the need to decide where I really need to dedicate my time and energy. I want to do the things that I love very well. Not half assed.

I find myself saying "yes, yes, yes" to too many things and too many people. I need to establish more boundaries. I need more balance. I know this. Now I need to make decisions to work towards it.

I'm sharing something personal like this because I believe there are lots more of me out there. There are lots of us doing way too much. Maybe it's because we can't say no. Maybe it's because we're afraid to say no. Maybe we fill our calendars because it makes us feel good in some weird distorted way.

Yesterday was my first day off in 16 days. That's just crazy. So today, as of 11:24, I will not be working for the rest of the day. Well Andy and I are gonna try and get some coat hangers hung at the studio for your sake, but that can't wait.

For today I'm gonna relax in the ways that I want and need. Know that for today I can quit striving and know that everything will be fine. I invite you to find the time and do the same.

soon to be latest & greatest yoga teachers of lexington

"As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others."
~Bill Gates

We just finished our second weekend of yoga teacher training at the studio. Wowsers (yes I said it). They are amazing. I know I use that word fairly often here. But they really really are amazing.

All of them.

I've been wanting to write about our training group for the last two weeks. The moving out of a studio and into a new one sorta got in the way of that, so here I am two weeks later.

First off, our weekends are long and they are intense. Between practicing, practice teaching & adjusting, we're talking almost six hours of kick your asana over the course of two days. When we're not practicing we're sitting on the floor. Talking philosophy, anatomy, ethics, techniques, methodology and more.

Not on couches.
Not on chairs.
Not on those beanbag things.
We're talking a blanket. Or a meditation cushion for the lucky ones.
Have you ever sat on the floor for almost seven hours over the course of two days?
It's not easy.

And you know what? They do nearly all of it with a smile on their face. Really. I'm amazed by their eagerness to learn and teach. They are funny, insightful, inquisitive, thoughtful, compassionate, and so much more.

Do you know how much I love hearing,
"I just learned something new about myself."
"That's so interesting. I never thought of it that way."
"I just had an 'aha' moment."

And I feel like I learned just as much as they did this weekend. Leading a yoga teacher training is not something I take lightly. It's a BIG job, a BIG role. So I make every effort to bring my best. And it thrills me that this group is matching that by bringing their very best.

Yes, a really great group of yogis. I'm already in awe of them and feel so privileged to share this journey. I have no idea how I was chosen to be the lucky one standing before them, sharing what I love. No clue. I just know I want to continue doing.....whatever it is.

A HUGE thanks to all you teacher trainees. So looking forward to the next six months.

the small voice

Trust the still, small voice that says,
“this might work and I’ll try it.”

~Diane Mariechild

Wondering what might happen if we listened to that small voice more often.

sunrise and sweet treats

Today I took a little trip over the hills and through the woods, not to grandma's house but to meet my sister in Richmond at Starbucks. When I drive this back way to Richmond there is always a spot that I love to see.

A little hill.
White fence.
Matching barn.
Always picturesque.
And with this mornings sunrise and a dusting of snow it was so very beautiful. I pulled over to take a few pics like so many other times.


I got to cross the river on the tiny ferry that only fits three cars....or sometimes four if you've got a box like mine. This morning the fog was hovering above the water and some geese were splashing about. Sorry I didn't get out to capture it. It was cold. But trust me, if too was beautiful. :-)
Made my way to the Starbucks where I had absolutely no intention to get a sweet treat.....just a tasty drink. But when I saw their seasonal scrumptious looking cupcakes, I couldn't resist. Neither could my sister. So we split a double chocolate one and a vanilla bean. They were both delicious. But the chocolate takes the cake....the cupcake that is.
And the rest of my day was equally satisfying and yummy. Hopes yours was too.

hOMe sweet hOMe

As you can see the move yesterday was a complete success! Moving on the coldest day of the year couldn't even bring me down. Although I have to say that poor Andy was the one making the trips back and forth moving things while I organized. Teresa, Sarah and Emily all came over and helped out yesterday which so very nice. Have I told ya'll lately that I have the MOST amazing and special yoga teachers around? Yes, it's true. They are truly lovely.

This whole process would never have happened without the help of family and friends. It took just over two months for the transformation. While we didn't do any major renovations, everything that was completed was done by myself, family, and friends. It was a labor of love for me....and the others labored because of their love for me (that and my persistence).

The first class at the new space was great. I was glad everyone seemed to find the space ok.....even without any signage. The sign peeps couldn't come out yesterday as it was "too cold". The only mis-hap was the coat rack sliding out of the wall when one too many coats was placed upon it. Hey, if that's the worse.....it's a mighty fine day.

Twenty two yogis showed up for the 9:15 class this morning and at the old space we would have been oh so tight and cozy. In this space we had room to let our "swan dives" be as wide and open as needed. And for the practice we spend a lot of time making circular movements and moving around on our mats in all directions. I thought it was appropriate for the new sorta circular space.

Everyone was super sweet and excited to practice in the new space. I was reassured when a few people told me they were a little nervous about the size of the space and "all those mirrors", saying that the space felt so cozy and peaceful. A number of people said the space will make then even more likely to get in for yoga class.

Which was one of my hopes with this new space. You see, we have the absolute best yogis joining us at Barefoot Works and they (you) deserve nothing but the best.
I was ready to have a space that will
inspire,
uplift,
and motivate you.

I was ready to have a space that will be
peaceful
zen-like
and comfortable.

I think we've achieved that.
I hope that you enjoy this studio and this space half as much as I do.
I think it's quite magical.
Enjoy........

one last time

Today I turned right at the Rite Aid, one last time.
Today I was anxiously tried to heat the studio, one last time.
I paid rent to Patchen Village, one last time.
Today I pulled my yoga mat, along with two blankets & blocks, inspiring read, and journal underneath the vent (for more heat of course) and did my practice one last time.
I taught two vinyasa classes, one last time.
Gave hugs, smiled, greeted you at our cozy space, one last time.

I can't even decide how I'm really feeling at this point. It's a very odd and interesting feeling. Not necessarily good, nor bad.

I'm ready to move forward and completely dedicate my time and energy to just one space. The "in between" time has been a process, and it's been work. It's thrown me off just a bit (ok maybe a lot).

Figuring out the new studio space, physically getting the studio ready, keeping people in the loop, letting people know of the move, keeping up with classes, teachers, and students, creating new packages, paying bills, figuring out tax mumbo jumbo, brochures, website info, teaching private sessions, staying inspired and consistent with my own practice, and trying to keep the studio stocked with tp. Throw in the holidays, a trip to Mexico, starting yoga teacher training, and prepping for one in Hazard, and well......you get the picture.

Luscious chaos of sorts.

I like to credit myself as totally being a gal completely able to "go with the flow". But things like this kinda poke me in the side, and say "oh yeah really." Then I remember my tendency towards control with certain things.

Then I lean into the ickyness, take a deep breath, give thanks, and move forward.....one more time.

change

All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another. ~Anatole France

I can't believe that tomorrow is the last day of teaching in the current cozy ( I prefer this to "small") studio! I've got my list of to-dos, Andy is taking the day off, and others have been sweet enough to offer assistance.

If you can come out today or tomorrow for one final class at our current studio then you totally should. This is both an exciting and bittersweet move. I'm excited about the change, the growth, and the possibilities that await us in the new space. At the same time, I've grown to love this current space.....leaky ceiling and chilly place that it is at times. I've put much love into this space and I'll be leaving it behind to embark on a new studio journey. All in all, I'm ready for the change and the uncertainty that comes along. Nothing quite like change to shake things up once again!

~The pic is where I had a lovely massage in the jungle of Tulum. Nothing like getting back to nature.....and getting a magical massage at the same time!! Check the spa out here.

isla mujeres & tulum, mexico 2009

moments like this

In moments like this, it's easy to understand and know that we are so much more than what we see, touch, smell, hear and taste.

In moments like this, it easy to understand and know that we are so much more than what we do for a living.

In moments like this, it easy to understand and know that we are so much more alike than we are different.

In moments like this, it easy to understand and know that there is only one place we all call home.....mother earth.

In moments like this, it easy to understand and know that we all unique and individual people, yet one of the same.

Happy to be home. :-)
Mexico always does a world of good for my soul.

sweat lodge, shamans, and ruins

We´ve been in Tulum since about noon on Sunday. I´ve been doing yoga on my own plus taking class. I took a yoga class where we´re staying (Copal) yesterday. It´s great cause the yoga is included in the stay. Many of the places here in Tulum offer yoga and meditation. So again, I heart it here. I´m taking a yoga class later today at Maya Tulum.

Yesterday I had the great experience of getting a holistic massage with Fabian at Maya Tulum. It is my fave massage with my fave therapist (who also happens to be a third generation shaman). Jeanne and Tracy will agree that he alone is enough reason to travel to Tulum. Today I´m having a treatment with another shaman at Copal. From what I hear and read, he´s even better known than Fabian. I shall see today. ;-)

We got up early this morning and got to the Tulum ruins just before they opened at 8:00. Unlike the last time I vistited, it was not crowded, so hot that my camera decided to die, and I didn´t get lost. Tracy you would have been quite happy with today´s trek. It made for a much more sweet experience. And I got some great pics to share. Love this sacred land......

Joel, Rhonda and I are enjoying this rare chance to travel and connect on this level. Joel loved sharing Isla Mujeres and I love sharing Tulum with them. Everyone seems surprised when we tell them we are siblings taking a trip together....and more surprised when they learn that our spouses are at home! Thanks again Andy. ;-)

I know that Teresa, Sarah, and Emily are taking great care of you guys at Barefoot Works. I´m so excited to get back and get going with teacher training and the new studio. I´m officially ready to roll into the new year!! Great things are in store. I´m so very sure of it........

Adios!!!

hola from isla mujeres!

Hi All,

It´s been two sweet days in paradise! My brother (Joel), sister (Rhonda) and I arrived safe and sound Thursday just after 1:00. With a direct flight straight from Cincy to Cancun, Joel and I decided that it´s way too easy to get here. But we are so very lucky for it!

We´ve been hanging out in Isla Mujeres the last two days. Yesterday was an all day beach day. And with the Caribbean waters literally at your feet, it´s easy to chill on the beach all day with a good book in hand. I´ve been reading Iyengars Light on Life and really enjoying. Not considered a beach read to some, but any yoga reads is always a must for me. doesn´t matter where I am. Love it all just the same.

Joel and I went to Om Lounge last night to enjoy drinks and reggae music. Such fun and the place was amazing. I´ll have to dig up some pics and post at a later time. Just imagine the most beautiful lighting, all sorts of circular designs everywhere, loads of cool people, and happy music. And the mojitos were fabulous!

today we rented a golf cart and explored the island. The island is only about five miles long, but we managed to make a whole day of it. Stopping off to take pics, enjoy fresh pineapple juice overlooking the Caribbean, lounging on the beach, enjoying more good eats, and scooting around town.

I´ve managed to fit some yoga into my trip. Rather than schedule my day around my yoga practice, I´ve been fitting it conveniently into my day. Yesterday I practiced some postures while we were on the beach and today I woke early and while the others were sleeping. I rolled my mat and practiced some sun salutations. I think the ujjayi breath may have woke them up. But it was time to greet the day and get going.

Tomorrow we´re gonna have breakfast, pack our things up, take the ferry back to Cancun, and hop a bus to tulum! Yippy! My home away from home! Can´t wait!

I hope each of you are enjoying 2009. It is off to an amazing start and I fully intend to carry on the rest of the year with a sense of excitement and gratitude.

Off to drink iced coffee and write in my journal. Have a sweet day!!!