a brand new look!!

I'm so very excited to have the new website finished AND a beautiful blog to match! I got home late last night after teaching and the drumming workshop (which both were outta this world cool, watched the mini version of Michael's memorial, went upstairs to check email and checked to see if the new website was up yet. When I saw it I nearly did a flip!

After a couple days of calling Blue Host and Go Daddy, and what felt like a trillion emails to my old graphic designer the new site up sitting pretty in the world of web. It's been a process as I hadn't planned a whole new website but I am beyond thrilled with the end result.

Retta has been amazing throughout this process. We've met at Panera by the studio, Panera close to my home, chatted before and after classes, she came and took photos, and we've exchanged more than a trillion emails. If you ever need a website I so highly recommend her. As you can see she's quite talented. And the time and effort she takes to really get it just the way you want it is simply astounding.

This yoga retreat page is my most fave. It's one of my fave Tulum pics and one of my fave quotes. I recall asking Retta quite tentatively, "Any way you can make this into a postcard and include this amazing quote?" I think I had actually grown a little fearful of making requests with my previous folks (hence the change). She excitedly says, "Ooooh that would be cool! Let me work on it." And she did. And it's perfect. I love it. And Retta. She's truly a website goddess. Gush. Gush.

I really feel like this website represents myself, the studio, and our yoga community a little better. I was forced to sit down and think again about what we're trying to do here and who we're trying to attract to Barefoot Works. Writing the intro for the flash slideshow was fun. I debated on several things here. Quotes, long passages, or a blurb by me. Went with the blurb and still got to use the quotes that you find sprinkled about the website and the passage here. I love the colors. Love that we actually have pics from the studio, pretty pics of the teachers. We have a couple new pages, one for a yoga therapy program, private sessions, and one for studio rental (we're hosting our first yoga/book club event in August!).

We have a handy FAQ page along with the handy "guide to yoga at Barefoot Works youtube video. You can find us on facebook, twitter, and youtube from the homepage. AND my second favorite page is the Love Letters page. You have to see it from the homepage, scroll on down. That was another request for Miss Website Goddess...."Can we use this quote from Addie and make some sorta fun image to link from?" And it's so very perfect! Love the Love Letters.

OK I'll quit with the new yoga website excitement. Cause I still got Tulum to be excited about! Yay! Leaving on a jet plane early in the morning. Don't know when I'll be back again. Kidding. I'll be back in two weeks. On the 23rd.

If I didn't see you last night (with the packed out yoga/drumming class) I didn't get to say "bye" and give you a hug. So I'm sending one out via long distance. From me to You. And You. And You. I'll miss you (honestly), but looking so forward to being in my favorite place of all. Appears that "favorite" is the word of the day. :)

Be happy. I'll catch ya in a couple of weeks.
xo,
sharon

PS - I'll probably blog a few times from Tulum, so check in!

PSS - If you have any trouble viewing the new website or blog please let me know.

the sweetest things

beach books?

OMG, a whole week has passed! Crazy.....Lots of stuff going on these days and sadly I just haven't had time to hang out with Miss Blog.

But the very important question is....If you could take only one book to the beach, what one book would that be?

I'll have some extra time in Mexico this year and I'm hoping to get a good amount of reading in. I would LOVE to hear some of your faves!!

Have a sweet day. Don't forget that class is tomorrow at 6:15 and set to drumming. So cool! Come on out, even if you don't usually attend class on Tuesday evenings. I'm hoping to see a lot of you yogis! And following class is a workshop from 7:30-9:30!

introducing lexingtons latest yoga teachers

"Our similarities bring us to a common ground;
Our differences allow us to be fascinated by each other."
~Tom Robbins

I am so very proud of each of you and stand in awe of your beauty, strength, and wisdom. xoxo, sharon

More words to come.....

yogis tribute to farrah and michael

yumminess

It's the close of what has been a real treat of a day for me. In thinking about why, it was mainly because I got to really immerse myself in yoga today. The past few days I've been busy with random, trivial to-dos. Doing the things that aren't exactly my faves, but very necessary as a small biz owner.

But today....today it was all about the yoga!

I taught class this morning at 9:15. I really enjoy teaching this class. It's usually a great group of gals and we always have a fun time. Plus it was Tracy's birthday (Happy B-Day!). So I treated her by playing her "favorite cd" and we ended up doing lots of her fave poses. Everyone was chitty chatty oh so happy before class and that it made to sense to focus on our light, our goodness. And heart openers seem most appropriate.

And Louise brought the yummiest champagne raspberries that I shared with the class after practice. Hmmmm, wish I'd saved some for tonight!

I met with the teachers and we had a nice long two hour lunch where we talked about what else....lots of yoga. Actually we did chat about upcoming retreats/trips and future ones. We don't all get together often so it's a real treat when we do. They make me laugh. And make me feel proud. And basically feel my heart with gratitude cause I'm lucky enough to be surrounded by such cool cats.

Later I made an attempt to do my practice with my gal Seane. Somewhere between Warriors and Dolphins "we" took a childs pose. Which felt mighty nice. So I stayed. And stayed. And ended up taking a teeny tiny nap there. Decided to wake myself up with a tasty drink from Starbucks. Yum it did the trick.

I had to get on the road and downtown to observe Brian (teacher trainee) teach at the Y. And boy did he do a grrrreat job?! Yes, he did. I sat back and watched, took notes filling in the evaluation. Mostly I wanted to partake myself. He does a great job with the basics of yoga, literally making it accessible for everyone. I was proud of him. He has taken his seat and place as a yoga teacher and it seems to suit him well. Very. Very Nice.

Rushed back to the studio (now I know how you feel driving from downtown to the studio) to teach at 5:45. It was a small and lovely group. The storm was rolling in. The lighting outside and inside was beautiful. We practiced to more chill tunes and took it down a notch. I heart teaching. I always finish teaching and feel so much better. In a way, it's like taking class cause it requires such powerful focus and presence. There is certainly an exchange of energy there.

Which is why I decided to stay and take Sarah's. As did Emily. Cause you know....I didn't exactly get a practice in earlier. Child pose. Nap. Starbucks.

It was still storming when we started class. The universe provided music and a little light show to boot. Sarah is always lovely in life and in teaching. I hadn't taken her class in a long time. I forget how sweet, soothing, nurturing and encouraging she is in her teaching. Again. Makes me very proud.

After class there was totally water cooler talk! I swear. Little yoginis surrounded by the water, drinking from teeny tiny cups. Brand newbies, regular newbies, teachers. Speaking of WII Fit, down dogs, shoulders and such. Little baby frienships were forged as we made our way out into the late evening. Greeted by a great breeze and a beautiful sky.

So tonight I'm feeling again like a pretty pretty lucky gal. Thanks to all of you. :)

wrapping up &starting fresh

I've had a wonderfully productive day. The type of day when you have such powerful, focused energy. And you wonder how much you could do, if you were in this flow...day in and day out. I don't think it's gonna happen. Not for me anyway. It comes and goes. Like the rain and sun. Like the seasons. Like so much in life.

Teacher training is coming to a close. This weekend is our last. It's bittersweet. Part of me is happy to have more time with Andy, the dogs, and the house on weekends. Part of my is excited as these new teachers embark on their own teaching journey. Part of me is sad that I'll never have the nine of them back for our "weekend retreats" to share, grow, and learn from one another.

As we come to a close, I'm thinking of what worked well, what needs to be tweaked, what to add, what to do away with. I'm thinking of a teacher training here in Lexington and a teacher training in Tulum. I'm thinking. And thinking.

The closing of teacher training also means that I'm focusing on the upcoming retreat to Tulum. Contemplating how to make it fun and new for the gals that have already been. Wanting it to be perfect for all the newbies coming this year. And of course, I want all to love it as I do. I sent out a newsletter last week for what to wear, what to pack, and what to expect. Made it official that it's almost here!

I've been working with Retta on a whole new website. With lots more color. And pictures. And content. It's so fresh. And pretty and perfect. I think it better represents the studio and what we stand for. In working on new content, I've been thinking more about the programs, classes, and overall values of the studio. Thinking. Yep. And more thinking.

I'm also taking this "systems" class, which has been really great. It's forcing me to get really clear on the values of the studio, how I spend my time, where I spend my time. It's forcing me to get all the stuff in my head, down on paper. It's forcing me to work "on my business (code E-Myth)rather than just "in my business".

It's exciting to look back and see where I've come from in three years....from teaching yoga in a clubhouse, to 700 square feet in Patchen, to over 2000 square feet in our current tree house. On the days that I feel that I'm standing still with happening, I plan to remind myself of this. And look at these pics of two studio remodels. :)

ahhh june...

Summer is the time when one sheds one's tensions with one's clothes, and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit.
A few of those days and you can become drunk with the belief that all's right with the world. ~Ada Louise Huxtable

the things I learn...

when I simply ask.

Today at my 4:30 class I asked my students (as I do regularly), "Any poses you'd love to practice?" And like many times, they sat and looked at me with kind sweet eyes, and closed mouths.

So I asked them, "why is it that no one really speaks up at this point?" Everyone is so quiet when I ask "that question". And I know you're not a quiet bunch. I overhear your conversations before class. (As a sidenote, the chatter makes me happy.)

Guess what?! I got answers. Larry G. told me that he usually doesn't request because he thinks that the kind yogis behind him might give him the evil eye or silently curese him for requesting "such a pose". OK, so not his exact words, but something like it.

Debbie C. said she doesn't request cause sure enough once she's in the pose and feeling a little lite torture, she'll curse herself for choosing "such a pose".

Seems to me a lot of you are concerned with cursing yourself or cursing the student that requested "such a pose".

Nancy B said she doesn't request cause she assumed that at some point, we'll get to "it" during class. I like that one. It doesn't involve anyone cursing anybody. Including me.

As a teacher I had assumed (yes I know what that makes you and me....clearly it's correct), that it was because students don't want to speak up or speak out. Or perhaps there was the feeling of not wanting to think, and only wanting to be taught.

Seems I was mostly (ok completely) wrong. And leaves me wondering what else I might learn, if only I ask. Hmmmmm......

calling all yogis.....

So the talented Retta (that's her on the right with Shannon next to her at NC retreat) is currently working on a brand new website for Barefoot Works. And might I add....that's is oh my gosh so pretty. When I saw the design I wanted to squeal with delight. Yep. That cool. And perfect for me.

So I'm looking for some fresh testimonials to sprinkle about the website. After all my words only count for so much. Yours go much further. And rightfully so.

If you feel that myself, Barefoot Works, or yoga in general has helped you to lead a healthier, happier and more blissed out life in general....please share.

Things to ponder....
*How yoga has made a positive impact in your life? You know, in the big ways....daily life, work, relationships, body image, self esteem, overall health and bliss factor, etc...
*How you connect with the teachings/teachers?
*How you feel about the Barefoot Works community?
*What you enjoy most about Barefoot Works?

And since I know that some of you are perfectionist, please don't worry. It does not need to be perfect. Just truth-full and heartfelt. That's all.

Please submit them below or email to me at barefootworks at hotmail dotcom. If you do so, I'm happy to gift a free class card to you for your time.

Also, we are taking some photos at the studio on Friday at 4:30. The pics will be used on the new website. If you'd like to come and participate (do what you do best, yoga), please let me know!

So there is a chance to see your name and pic in print!

fresh back!

Andy and I got home early this morning (2:30 to be exact) from a week long merry taking memory making vacation with our friends. We packed a lot of punch into our eight day vacation that included five days at Indian Rocks Beach, day at Sea World, day at Savannah, and a day in Charleston.

Unlike my upcoming trip to Mexico, we were on the move quite a bit. It was fun to be active and explore new places like Savannah with the gang and show fave Charleston to both Andy and Tony. Liz and I actually spent a summer in SC for our graduate internship a few (ok so more than a few) years back. We had spent many a weekends in Charlestown. Our "others" loved it as much as we did.

Highlights of the trip included:
*Exploring Calidesi Island (rated #1 beach by Dr. Beach)
*Shopping John's Pass
*Watching The Hangover (yes it was a highlight)
*Shamu at Sea World and petting a sea ray (after being a little frightened when looking down and seeing them surrounding us while swimming outside the condo earlier in the week).
*Carriage ride in Savannah (seeing and walking on the street ranked Most Beautiful Street in America by Better Homes and Gardens)
*Touring the home of Girls Scouts founder, Juliette Low
*Carriage ride in Charleston (seeing the most haunted alley in Charleston. Charleston is ranked second only to Savannah for America's most haunted city)
*That being said....Ghost Town in Savannah
*Charleston museums
*Shopping The Market

After getting stuck in traffic outside of Knoxville for more than two hours, we made it home just after 2:30. We had some surprise visitors. Fleas. Yep. I know. Very. Nice. And not the guests you want to welcome. Ever. Especially when you've been gone for over a week.

So Andy finds himself taking care of the pests this morning (I know, good guy) while I get some work in. New website update (it's oh so pretty!), coordinating to teach a class and rent space for a sweet student/yogini, finalize fall dates for Hazard Teacher Training, check in with the teachers, respond to inquiries from new students, corresponding for yoga at work job, read the assignment and check in for online systems class I'm taking, and now getting ready to go to Whitesburg for the night. Be back in time to teach my class tomorrow.

So here we are.
Vacation #1 is over. So thank-full to have a great husband and two amazing friends to share that with. It was an unforgettable trip. So much good and funny stuff happened during our trip. Makes me laugh out loud just thinking about it!

Glad to be back home and looking forward to getting into the swing of things as it's a big time. Our 09 teacher training ends next weekend! Crazy. And the Mexico retreat is less than a month away. (Still two spots left!!) So there is much prep work to be done there.

Alright, I'm off to Coffee Times to list the most important things I must do this week then making my way home for the day.

Looking forward to seeing ya'll in class! I've missed you so. :)

PS - Haven't downloaded pics just yet, but will soon enough. I'll be sure to share the good and funny ones!

hi, it's me....

Just a little note to say "hi" and that I miss you all! I just got an email from a friend who said, "It's been quite over on your blog....just wanna make sure you are well."

So sweet. And funny to know that friends get a little worried when it's quite in blogland. She is not the first.

I just enjoyed my fifth day of sun and fun here in Florida. I'm here with Andy, my BF Liz and her boyfriend, Tony. We all made a pact to spend minimum time on the cell phone and Internet. We've all done amazingly well. I have to admit that it's been nice to unplug. I spent a lot of time with my trusty laptop, but the time apart has done both of us well. Plus I'm super excited to get back to work!

Tomorrow we're off to Orlando to Sea World, then up the coast to Savannah, then to Charleston. Yea, I know....pretty cool! Planning to get home Sunday night or Monday.

As I sit here typing the I have the Travel Channel on. I looked up and the little blonde beach gal (Bridget's Sexiest Beaches) is highlighting Tulum, the beautiful beach, and temalzcal. Hard to believe that in exactly ONE month I'll be there with the lovelies.

Yay for summer.
Yay for beach.
Yay for good friends.
And good times.

Hope the week has treated each of you well. Looking forward to getting back into the swing of things and teachin' some yoga!

contentment

Contentment....
I love the word.
I love the idea.
I love the practice.
And that's what it is for me.
Always
A practice.
It's a big, juicy part of yoga.

It's been something that has eluded me most of my short life. Sometimes I find myself running so far ahead. Thinking so far ahead. Thinking of the next thing on the horizon. It takes a conscious effort on my part to step back. To say, you know what, "I'm ok with things as they are. I've done a pretty good job here.

I can relax. I can take a deep breath and know that for today "this" is enough. Maybe I don't need to strive and grasp for today. Maybe I can appreciate where I've been, look forward to the journey ahead, and know that the universe will guide me in the right direction. If and when I remain open to receive. I don't have to have all the answers. And it's OK. There is something so very reassuring about the idea of that.

Contentment. Yes it's been on my mind. Wondering what it means for you and how it applies to your life today? Do share....

We're having a great workshop at the studio tomorrow night....World Peace Yoga & Diet. Come spend three hours with other splendid souls. Details here.

i love yoga teacher training....

I haven't had a chance to write about our most amazing yoga teacher training weekend ever! Ahh, it was so wonderful to lead. So wonderful to be a part of. So wonderful to witness.

There was lots of laughter, more than a few tears, many aha moments. There was prenatal yoga, ecology of yoga, chanting of yoga. There was yin yoga, pranayama, and meditation. Sitting in the sun, hanging with the tree. And singing....Beth graced us with her beautiful voice. Wow. Shelli led us in chanting. There was even some dancing at the closing of Saturday. Courtesy Michael Franti of course.
Friday night I drove home in a trance like state. There were actually a couple of times when I thoughts to myself, "pay attention Sharon....passing cars." No radio. No cell phone. I didn't want to disrupt the tender state I was in. In leading the teacher trainees through a few exercises to move closer to their authentic self, I discovered such valuable information about myself. It was a big moment for me when it all clicked and made sense. This is only one of many reasons that leading teacher training is right up there with my favorite things to do/be a part of.

I went home and showered, and went immediately to my journal where I continued to pour my heart out for about twenty minutes. Really, my mind was going so quickly with thoughts that I had to record. I had to get it down to go back and remember when I was unsure. When I needed to be reminded of why I must do what I do. My hand was moving so quickly to keep up the pace of my mind. Ultimately I fell into a deep slumber and slept sound till the next morning when I got up and we started it over again.

Starting it all over again....we're actually winding down with the training. We'll be finished at the end of this month. Seems pretty crazy. I'm already getting emails from people wanting to do the training next year. I have a hard time thinking of that now. I am so in love with this whole group. Love. Each. One. Of. Them. I am oh so proud of each and every one. I continue to be amazed by all nine of these individuals. They are strong and open. They are inspiring and bold. They are smart and driven. They are remarkable. And pretty damn funny.

Love fest 09 continues....

hello yogis

Hi All! Just a quick post to remind all that the Monday night yin yoga class is on hiatus through the summer. There is a chance we'll add it back to the schedule come fall. Beginning this Wednesday Sarah will be at the studio to guide all you yogis through class.

I'll be starting a class this Wednesday in an effort to continue to get all my stuff together. Looking forward to getting going on this systems class. Our call will take place during yin yoga class. Plus I've been teaching four to five classes on Wednesdays and while I loved it, I found myself getting home at 8:00feeling a bit whipped. So this works out perfectly!

Off to Richmond to babysit the three nieces while darlin' nephew goes to Cincy for some "not so much fun" appointments. Happy thoughts and juicy energy for the little one. And my sis.

Wishing all of you a wonderful Monday!

PS - No we don't normally dress our dogs in our t-shirts. That was when we had the awful ice storm and were without power for way too long. Poor doggies got so cold. I came home and found Andy had dressed them in UK shirts (of course). And we had to drive them around at times to keep em' warm. Yes, a rough life they live. :)

barefoot works yoga do's....

yoga with seane corn

Spending six hours in the car driving on Saturday was so worth the three hour workshop with Seane, practicing yoga between Sarah and Leah, and the great conversations I got to share with Sarah in the car. Just put two yoginis on the road for a few hours and there is bound to be thoughtful, reflective, fun conversation.

And now I find myself crushing on Miss Corn even more. I've been fortunate enough to learn from a few of our "yoga masters"....Seane remains my fave. Maybe we shouldn't have faves. But can't help it here! I love being in her presence. She is grounded, and fun, human, likeable and relatable, she's honest, compassionate, and like the word she uses often....she is fierce.

She spoke of the idea of not having a teacher. Yes we have people to learn from as we don't know it all. But no one knows our past, our struggles, our hopes and fears quite like we do. We are our very own guru. Kinda cool way of thinking I believe. The self help books, the blogs, the teachers, the travel and other peoples stories will only take us so far. It's up to us to go that extra mile....or as far as we wish.

She spoke of "seeing past the stories and seeing the soul". My fave thought to ponder for the day. How much this world would be different if we didn't get caught up in our own stories and the stories of these we know (or think we know).....if we could see past the likeness, and the difference, past the labels, and see deeply into the goodness, the lightness and brightness of the soul.

So today I'm setting an intention to see past the stories and see the soul. I invite you to join.

Wishing each of you a super happy Tuesday. It was a great weekend, but I'm really happy to be back at work.

my miss corn crush

Sarah and I are driving to Indianapolis EARLY tomorrow to learn from my yoga crush, Seane Corn. I told Andy today, "Ya know, there aren't many people that I'd spend six hours in a car for, but a couple come to mind.....Jon and Seane.

When Andy and I lived in Houston, he drove me to Dallas (on a school night) to see my major crush...Bon Jovi. It was about ten hours in the car in one day. And since living in Lexington, he drove me to Columbus and back (on yet another school night) to see Bon Jovi. Again. He is a sweet husband and understands my need to crush. And dance. And scream when I see my not so long ago big haired band sing to me in the stands. :)

And this long day in the car will be a much different one. Sarah and I will most likely spend most of our time talking yoga. On the way there I imagine I'll share with Sarah all the things I love about Seane and her teaching. On the way back we'll reflect on the workshop, yoga, and life in general.

And in between we plan to do a little shopping. Hope each and every one of you have a safe and happy weekend. Enjoy.....

the sweetest thing

Ask me where I've been this week and I'll say that I've been spending as much time as possible swooning over this little one......


She arrived Monday, May 18th....one day before my birthday. I love the idea of celebrating my birthday with the birth of this little gal, Zoey Hazel Rose.

The other Rose kids are equally excited about the arrival of a new family member. At least for now anyway. :)

Thank all of you for the birthday wishes. It was truly a perfect day. Little bit of family time, little bit of "me" time, good times with Andy and two dear friends.

And the BEST (made from scratch) strawberry cake one could possible wish for. Thanks Liz for always spoiling me with such a de-lish sweet treat on my birthday.

It's gonna be a grand year. I just know it. :)

this yoginis life

This life I've been living is a well crafted dream mixed with a little luck and a lot of determination.

This life I've been living has brought me closer to my husband, my mother, my peers, my students, the clerk at the store, and the strangers on the street.

This life I've been living cracks my heart open a little more with each passing day. Leaving me more open. More vulnerable.

This life I've been living has taught me the value of understanding my mind, my patterns, and my habits.

This life I've been living has taught me that I'm more than what I do for a living. I'm more that the house I own and the (box) car I drive. More than my possessions. Much more than a yoga pose.

This life I've been living has shown me my strengths and my weaknesses. My joys and sorrows. My confusion and my will to seek clarity.

This life resembles the one I've thought about, dreamed about, wrote about and hoped for with my whole heart. The one I shared with my husband, brother and friend.

It's not a life full of riches or extravagance. It's a life filled with clutter and chaos, mixed with a bit of confusion. It's a life filled with connecting, loving, sharing.

If given the chance, there is very little I'd change in this yoginis life.

Wondering about the life you've been living. Care to share?

good karma cause

We are selling these sweet bracelets at the studio made by Abby, age 12. Abby's mamma comes to the studio and she's in our teacher training.

Making and selling these friendship bracelets is part of her service project for her Bat Mitzvah. And guess where 100% of the donations go to??? Florence Crittenten Home, our very own "we love to support local nonprofit".

It's a suggested donation of $6. Mine has my fave spring-ey pastel-ey colors....pink, purple and green. I even made a wish with mine and I'm sure by the time it comes off the wish will surely have come true. :) We've already sold a few and there aren't many left so take a look before and after class.

We have more fun, fabulous and free events lined up for the weekend:
Come snack and stitch this sunday at noon. Newbies are welcome. Sarah and Emily are heading this up. Believe it or nt, I've been somewhere other than here each time they've had it, but I hear it's great fun. So gather your yarn and needles, bring a snack, and come socialize and stitch.

This coming Sunday (the 17th) we also have our community yoga class from 4:00-5:00. Please tell others that may be interested in coming!

leisure life + lunge love

Ah it's been a good week. Really good week. Seems that things have slowed down a bit for me. Or maybe I've slowed the pace down. Or maybe I've slowed down.

Who knows? Who cares? Just feels good. Andy and I spent time celebrating over the weekend in Owensboro. Little nephew we hadn't seen, celebration of mothers, celebration of births. We got home Sunday evening and both needed some "me" time. I walked to the coffee shop, sat in my fave seat by the window, and wrote in my journal. And drank a yummy soy vanilla latte.

I continued the play day into Monday. Did some work in the morning and early afternoon. But then I took time off when Andy came home at 4:00. We walked the dogs, dined on the porch, went to the library. Simple things that I love. Adore. More and more these days.

I've so loved teaching my classes this week. Finding that when I have more "space" I come to my teaching feeling fresh and with a fresher perspective. Taught three classes today and relished each one.

Shot the following video this morning and shared this sequence in a couple of classes. I love lunges. Yes we do them often at Barefoot Works. So good for the body. I hope you enjoy.

virtual yoga retreat?

I have what I believe to be a pretty great idea, so I wanted to throw it out there to all of you and gauge an interest.

Retreating to Tulum, Mexico for yoga is such an amazing experience. I have always felt that we should all be so lucky to get to experience it. But for whatever reason, we all can't. Sigh.

So I've been debating what the next best thing might be? How can one get the benefit of retreating, but staying at home? How can one dig deeper, peel the layers, nurture oneself, grow, and have fun at the same time?

I think by participating in a virtual yoga retreat. I haven't worked out the details, just have a bunch of ideas. Before I dive into this, I wonder if you yoginis have an interest.

Ideas so far....
~Daily emails for inspiration and intention
~Yoga Practice with Sarah Powers DVD (love this one)
~CD of guided meditation and relaxation from me
~Six days of practices, explorations, fun stuff compiled in a workbook for your retreat week
~Additional resources for each day

Add ons for the retreat week could be local massage, tea party, etc....

If you have an interest, please share with me what a perfect virtual yoga retreat might mean for you. Feel free to leave a comment here or on facebook or twitter. Or email me.

Thanks so much lovelies! Have a beautiful Monday!!

day for mamas

Andy and I will be leaving shortly to go to Owensboro for the weekend to spend time with the fam. I have the new Yoga Journal waiting patiently in my car. Undoubtedly I will prop my feet up in the dash, flip through the pages once for a preview, then come back and re-read the articles of most interest, then go back once more to finish. It's a process.

This weekend I'm celebrating....
My brother's 35 birthday on Wed.
My mom & dad's 38th wedding anniversary on Thursday
Sis-in-law's birthday Friday (today)
Mom-in-law's birthday Saturday
And mama's day on Sunday.

As you can see loads to celebrate.
Not to mention the birth of little baby Zoey that we're (or should I say my sister) expecting next week. I heart May. Plenty to be thank-full for.

Wishing each of you a super sweet weekend. Love to all.

reminded

Tonight I am reminded....
about what really matters.

It's about living big.
And loving even bigger.

It's about connecting daily,
To yourself, your loved ones, and strangers too.

It's about the little moments
that mean so much.

It's about being kind to one another.
And knowing we are all interconnected.

My prayers, your prayers,the whole worlds prayers
All drift and soar in the same universe.

It's about my truth.
And your truth.

Living
Loving
Connecting
And knowing
Even when it seems impossible.

todays reading....

"The Poet Comments on Yet Another Approaching Spring"

Don't flowers put on their
prettiness each spring and
go to it with
everything they've got? Who

would criticize the bed of
yellow tulips or the blue
hyacinths?
So put a

bracelet on your
ankle with a
bell on it and make a
little music for

the earth beneath your foot.
~Mary Oliver

PS-That's Mary in the photo above, a sweet gal from my yoga teacher training in Hazard.

why barefoot works

I've been getting this question quite a bit here of lately. This morning I was scrolling through the older posts of my blog (I want to turn my blog into a little book for myself so if any of you techie gals has any tips do let me know) and found this.

I find that I spent (and still do) a lot of time really thinking deliberately about myself, my life, teaching, yoga, the studio, and all of you. Way before I had yoga students, I was thinking about the type of students I wanted to surround myself with. It has clearly worked. I couldn't have dreamt up a better group of inspiring people. Always hoping all the way to the seat of my soul I get all of "this" right....or as right as I can get it for right now.

So here it is....a little story about Barefoot Works and how the name came to be.

When I was a young girl growing up in a rural area of Eastern Kentucky, my siblings and I could step out of our front door and into an untamed world of magic and imagination. Countless days and times, we would come home from school, run onto the front porch just to take our shoes off and escape outside for hours. Walking barefoot with the soft moist grass beneath my feet was a joyful experience that allowed me to feel complete freedom. My siblings and I were more at home in nature than our own home. We were completely surrounded by the most magnificent mountains and it was here that we learned that we could do anything and be anybody. We set forth with impossible challenges, risked everything, and always played for keeps.

Years later I stumbled upon yoga. In a yoga class just outside of Houston, I took my shoes off and for an hour and a half I stretched, twisted, and balanced on my bare feet. It was here on my yoga mat, that once again I discovered the same blissful barefoot freedom that I had experienced in my younger years. Yoga is a creative and joyful expression that nurtures my body, mind and spirit, much like the mountains of eastern Kentucky. Upon returning to Kentucky, I made a decision that I would find a way to share my love of yoga with others. This creative vision resulted in Barefoot Works. A deligtul yoga studio located in Lexington, KY. I invite you into a soulful space where I hope you can rediscover your very own barefoot bliss.

So the question to you....what's your story? It's just like they say, "Everybody's got a story, what's yours?"

what's essential?

So I'm back from a wonderful training in Yellow Springs with Miss Judith Laster. Boy does she know her stuff?! I still have loads of yoga anatomy and physiology swirling in my head.

I'm not rushing straight into teaching all the goodness that I've learned. Giving myself some time to digest the info and practice it myself. What I do know is that she knows the poses....really knows them from an anatomy standpoint. But it also makes sense and it feels right which is the most important thing to me. Some of it is quite different than how I have practiced. In a good way.

One of the things I took away from the training was the idea of asking the question "What's essential right now?" Judith posed that question and I am so very intrigued by it.

Someone after class today asked what was "the best thing that I learned?"

My answer....that sometimes the stories we tell ourselves are not true.

I'll explain more later. Have a sweet night.

remembering

I remember my first yoga class, or what I consider my first "real" yoga class. The timing was right. Something in the universe was propelling me in the direction of a yoga mat. That much I am certain of. I did something I wasn't doing a whole lot at that time.....I listened.

I made the call to make a reservation. I like many who frequent the studio for the first time had no clue exactly how all this yoga stuff worked. Sure I was fit. I had been going to the local YMCA for a couple years. But one never really knows exactly what happens inside the doors of a yoga studio.

Crazy thoughts ran their course through my mind....
Will I have to chant things I wont understand?
Will I look silly trying to contort my body in ways it will not want to go?
Will I be the only newbie? Or will there be others like me?

At the studio I was greeted by a nice gal and surprise....I was surrounded by many other people just like me! Imagine that.

All new people at this studio were required to attend a free introduction to yoga class. It was actually a lecture/discussion and a chance for us to ask questions. Like, will I have to chant things I don't understand?

I was convinced and signed on. I attended my first yoga class that same night.

And you know what? I don't recall a single thing that we practiced. Not even one. I am sure there were some triangles and tree poses. But that's not what stands out in my mind.

The memory that I most vividly recall was how connected I felt to my body, my breath. I experienced a certain amount of acceptance. Of everything. All of a sudden this little yoga mat became a safe place that I could bring my confusion, pain, and fear. As well as my hopes, dreams, and joys.

I felt a great love affair from this very first class. Yoga did for me what kickboxing, spinning, aerobics, and running on a treadmill could never do. Yoga guided me to a place of stillness and awe where I could listen, learn, and fall in love with my body, breath and soul.

I just realized today that I've now been teaching yoga longer than I worked at my "real day job" post graduate school. That is a very cool feeling. I'm going on five years of teaching. And the love affair continues.

PS - I'll be away being a student of yoga till next Wednesday. Very excited to be away learning Yoga Anatomy with Judith Lasater. I'll be communicating via Twitter. Join me here.

office yoga

Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io

Breathe, move, stretch, smile and enjoy a little office yoga led by me. :)

say yes

Listen then go give someone a hug and tell them you love them. :)

Found on Jen Lemen's blog.....

happy earth day!

What a beautiful day to celebrate earth day?! Consistent sunshine all day long makes a gal quite happy. Thanks to everyone who brought such beautiful plants to share at the studio today.

Wonderful to know that you had a part in adding to the greenery at the studio. Some brought plants from their garden and others purchased. Leah brought violets because that's "what her family always gives." Awww so very cool to know that we now have violets at the studio.

In today's classes we planted seeds of intention, reflected on our earth values, I read aloud "The Lorax" (a fave), and gave packets of seeds out to everyone.

I invite each of you to give thanks for the beauty that surrounds us everyday....such delight above our heads, below our feet, and all around. We just have to stop and take notice.

Happy happy earth day. Let's the continue this celebration of the earth, shall we? It's like Valentines Day. We don't just show our love on this one day. It's year round, or life round. Don't ya think?!

Enjoy my friends. Love to each of you!

PS - The image is from my vision board. Thought it to be appropriate for today.

random bits

The workshops with visiting teachers Tom & Daphne were great!! I got my yoga groove on and felt the affects the next day when I went into "cow" tilt. Hello tummy! Must have been the song long yogic crunches we did! Felt good to feel sore.

I had the pleasure of teaching Teresa's Sunday Yoga For Stress Relief class for only the second time. That was fun. It's so different than what I normally teach. We had a theme of "Expanding the Circle of Compassion". Good stuff.

We had out first Community Yoga class. It was raining cats and doggies, but we still had eight people come out and enjoy the hour long class. And we raised $65 for the Florence Crittenton Home! Not bad for the first go round. We'll have this every third Sunday of each month. Spread the word!

I added caffeine and some dairy back into the mix today. It's been a week. Going another week without sugar cane. To get my "sugar" fix I just made chai rice pudding with agave nectar. It's sitting on the stove now cooling. Can't wait to have some hot tea and dig in. Yum!!

I'll be donning the cowgirl boots tonight and doing on a date with Andy. Having dinner and seeing Texas country Pat Greene at The Dame. YeeHawww.....

Bought two new fun cotton-y skirts at Tar-jay yesterday for Mexico. It's was exciting to make the first purchase for summer and Mexico. Getting more people to choose to come along this year which is truly a thrill for me! I just want to share this place with every yogi! Thinkin' on coming along? Airfare is so very low right now!! My brother and sis-in-law bought impromptu tix to Mexico and will be at Maya Tulum next week for a little rest and relaxation. Lucky souls!

Just made reservations at a darling country inn 10 minutes outside of Yellow Springs for my yoga anatomy training starting this weekend. I hear that Yellow Springs in "one of the coolest small towns in America". Can't wait to check it out. Crystal has given me the local scoop on the cool town. And all the good food and sweet coffee shops are partial reasons for adding dairy and caffeine back into the diet!

Making my way to Louisville in the morning for some yoga and time with my best yoga bud Shelli to plan for upcoming retreats and studio stuff. I do heart planning.

That's it for me! Hope you had a great weekend and wishing you a glorious week. :) Hope to see you at the studio.

thank-full

That pretty much sums up the past few days. I just got back from the coffee house where I enjoyed chamomile citrus tea and some time writing in my journal.

I'm not sure if it was the week off last week or this two week cleanse that I'm on, but I'm feeling quite inspired and deeply thank-full.

*Andy and I got to spend time together plus we got hang with his parents and brother which we hadn't for a while. It felt healing to just be with them fully.
*My house. I love it so. And I'm making a clear effort to keep the clutter away. Also doing the same for my car. Finally realizing that being surrounded by "stuff" is not so conducive to feeling peace-full.
*Babies galore! My sweet friend Kristy had a beautiful baby boy, my sis-in-law is having a bod, and my sister is having a girl in less than a month! Zoey Hazel Rose, how sweet is that name?!
*I love my job. I mean I really love it. I had a new gal this week and after class she came up to me and said "I can tell that you really love teaching." Wow. That blew me away A Lot. That I am lucky enough to be surrounded by such awesome peeps like yourself puts a smile on my face. I feel like such a lucky gal!
*We're halfway through yoga teacher training and I can't even explain how proud I am of all the trainees. You just wait....they are gonna knock your socks off by how wonderful they are. Such sweet souls that have forged great big bonds over the past few months. I'm thankful that I get to share the entire yoga picture with them.
*I'm almost over with day day four with no sugar (cane), caffeine, or dairy. I gotta tell ya, I'm feeling like a million bucks! I'm not sure if this is the "honeymoon" phase. I keep waiting to wake up and feel like a raging mad woman cause I haven't had coffee or chocolate. It hasn't happened yet. I've woke feeling refreshed and excited to start the day. Maybe there is something to eating all this fresh, live, earthy food? I'm determined to figure out which foods fuel my body best.
*We have two fabulous yoga teachers from Nashville teaching at the studio this Saturday AND I get to be a student!
*The sun came out today! And it's gonna be sunny for the next two days! After this winter, who couldn't be thankful for that?!
*AND I bought my ticket to Mexico AND I'm staying for two weeks! A week to lead the retreat and a week to retreat myself. Hip, Hip, Hooray!!!

Have a wonder-full Friday!

spring cleaning

It seems that I have misplaced my planner...and today encountered my first ooopps when I showed up for a meeting that is actually scheduled for Thursday. I wondered why the place was so darn empty!

So now I have a little time before I go meet with my Mr. Tax Man. I'll be oh so happy when that's done and over with. The combination of being really busy and really procrastinating has resulted in me spending lots of hours looking/typing/analyzing numbers on Quickbooks. I've already decided that when I write the check to Uncle Sam I'll do so with a smile. No sense in writing a check and mumbling and grumbling about it. That's what I figure anyway. :)

I'm into my second sugar and coffee free day. Yay me! We have lots of Easter candy all over the house. Andy's sweet mom brought us our Easter baskets so for two days I had my fill of sugar and chocolate. I've been using my juicer and blender to make tasty drinks and eating fresh and whole foods. Also writing down what I eat and journaling about how I feel physically, mentally, and emotionally.

A few other gals from the studio are doing their own cleanse and we've been emailing one another with how it's going. It's great to have that support! I think that spring is such a good time to clean everything up. Planning to do some de-cluttering and organizing at the house also.

It was so great to have almost a whole week off to spend with Andy and family. I'm at the studio feeling so happy to be back and looking forward to teaching and seeing you guys and gals this week! Time away has done me well. :)

We're having the workshops with Daphne and Tom this Saturday. That's Daphne above....looking all cute. If you can come, please do so! You can register at the studio or online here.

We're also having our first community yoga class this coming Sunday at 4:00! Bring yourself and friends to a free/donation based yoga class!

food and rest

Andy and I had a few fabulous days in Asheville with the doggies. It was just what the doctor ordered. Got to spend time with Andy, eat the best food, browse some lovely shops, and REST. Do nothing. I even watched American Idol!

We visited some old faves and new places for me:
Malaprops....and yes I bought another book
Early Girl
Chelseas Tea Room
Woolworth Walk
Barleys Taproom....where we watched the NCAA championship game....with loads of NC fans.
Rise and Shine Cafe

See the theme? Lots of food!

The coolest thing I did was have an ayurveda consult at Blue Lotus with Vishnu Dass. It was so great. I felt very empowered walking away with my very own recipes, concoction of mixed herbs, and an ayurvedic spice cooking kit.

Glad I did all that eating in Asheville. Starting Monday, I'm going on a two week sugar FREE diet. No sugar....of any kind. I'm stating it here cause I know that you all will hold me accountable. Or I'll hold me accountable just cause you know. ;) I was planning to do a spring detox after getting back, but after learning more about my needs and my dosha, seems this would be the very best thing for a sugar cravin' gal like myself. I'll keep you posted on how it's going! Wish me luck...

Andy's parents and brother came into town last night. I'm going to continue to play....we've got a trip to Cincy for today and Keeneland for tomorrow. I was in bed when they got here last night, but I saw several baskets on the table. Better get to eating some chocolate before Monday!

Have a beautiful weekend!!

little getaway

Boy what a weekend?!!

Spent the last two days with the yoga trainees here at Barefoot Works.
Love them.
Each and every one.
Our weekends full like a full fledge yoga slumber party.
With lots of sitting on the floor of course.

Left tonight at 6:00 to go to a sweet little boys birthday party.
Made a dash for last minute things for tomorrow's yoga training in Hazard.
And goodies for mine and Andy's road trip to Ashville. (The pic was taken last fall when I was in Asheville).

Just finished printing certificates, notes, poems, articles, and other goodies for tomorrow. It's our final meeting in Hazard.

Then Andy, myself and the doggies are makin' our way to the hills of NC.
No big plans.
In fact I just went to see where exactly we where staying.
We'll eat too much, play, rest, read, shop, hike, and frolic.
But mostly.....
I'm looking forward to spending time with my little family...

Gotta get to packing! I'll see you next week.
Feeling refreshed and ready to go!!!

digging deeper

The Uses of Sorrow

Someone I loved once gave me

a box full of darkness

It took me years to understand

that this, too, was a gift.

~Mary Oliver

When I Am Among the Trees

When I am among the trees,

especially the willows and the honey locust,

equally the beech, the oaks, and the pines,

they give off such hints of gladness.

I would almost say that they save me, and daily.

I am so distant from the hope of myself,

in which I have goodness, and discernment,

and never hurry through the world

but walk slowly, and bow often.

Around me the trees stir in their leaves

and call out, “Stay awhile.”

The light flows from their branches.

And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say,

“and you too have come

into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled

with light, and to shine.”

~Mary Oliver

Both can be found in Thirst"

I shared both of these readings this week and had requests to put them here. Enjoy Danielle and Anne Dean.

I love Mary Oliver. I love how she uses the physical world as a path and invitation to grow as humans beans. ;)

Have a sweet weekend.....

happy april

It's April 1! The very first day of my favorite month of all. I love everything about the transition from winter to spring. Love that the trees and flowers are blooming, love that I spend more time outside, love that it's time to pull the flip flops out, love the walk the dogs more, love to hike, love to lay in the grass, love to sit outside and drink coffee, and eat dinner on my porch. All signs that spring is here! Plus it's my anniversary month. :)

We're officially a fourth of the way into the new year. If you were in my classes this evening we spent time reflecting on how we've spent our year and how we want to move forward into the next three months.

This weekend will be the end of my five week marathon teacher trainer schedule. So I'm looking to do some playing in April! Gonna push myself out of my comfort zone a little. Get out and do things for me (and Andy) a bit more. So I'm going to be participating in a book club, looking to find a dance class to take, and I just made reservations for Andy and I to spend three nights in Asheville next week.

Hoping to start doing more cooking. Cooking is something that I enjoy, but my schedule makes it a little of a challenge. But it's still totally do-able. I just haven't put it high on the list. My friend and I are doing a CSA, so for about six months I'll get yummy fresh and organic produce. Yummy! That should inspire me to cook more. Also debating the idea of a little garden with a few herbs and veggies. Maybe keeping Barney alive at the studio should come first?

Also planning to do a detox in April. This week I took my first trip into Morris Book Shop (OMG, loved this gem and Anne Dean works there on Sundays). Went in with the intention of only browsing. Came out with three shiny new books. One was the Raw Food Detox Diet and I'm hoping to give this a try in April.

So that's what's going on here to shake things up a little. Here about you...are you shakin' things up this spring?