Sisterhood is PowerFULL

This week has been packed with the power of sisters. I have such amazing sisters (all womyn)! The week started with a sisterhood dinner which is an idea that was inspired at the yoga retreat early July. A few friends and I met for an evening of cooking and sharing a meal while engaging in thoughtful conversation. All meals are to be nutritious, healthy, seasonal and of course scrumptious. At the end of the evening each womyn gets the recipe. The host changes at each dinner (we chose once a month) and the host decides on the recipe and has all ingredients ready for the womyn to begin cooking at 6:00. It is easy to get swept away in our busy lives and not stop to truly enjoy our sisters, but by having this at least once a month I allow myself to be a small piece of the powerfull sisterhood.

So the Tri/Yoga Bingo Challenge will begin Monday, August 8. The intentions of this challenge are to 1) support triathletes/athletes, 2) do one thing a day that scares us 3)Sweat 4) support a healthy lifestyle and most importantly 5) support Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. It is $10 to participate and the winner will win $50...whoop, whoop! All you have to do is exercise.

The activities involved in the challenge are 1) Enjoy your activity With A Friend 2) Yoga 3) Run 4) Swim 5) Your choice of activity 6) Tri Something New 7) Bike/Spin --- There are 30 spaces to be marked off in all. More than one activity can occur in a day, but not of the same activity (one can not mark off 3 runs, but one may mark off yoga, run and bike in a single day). The activity needs to occur for at least 30 consecutive minutes to count. The participant that blocks out the card first will win $50. I will send all the guidelines and card to you via email so please provide me with your email. I will send instructions on payment which will go directly to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I am currently decorating my card and will post soon.



Last night I made the most scrumptious dinner ever (yes, I am dramatic)! It was the best stir fry made with soba noodles (Gluten free: Although I don't really even know what gluten is...but apparently some people are really allergic to it!) and tempeh...yummy=)

I diced and chopped every last vegetable we had in the fridge (zucchini, baby carrots, bell peppers, onions and kale). Sauteed these veggies in coconut oil and terriyaki sauce. Oh, and I put in a few cashews which totally made the meal.



Yummy! I didn't feel that it was extremely filling though, probably because I had a long run and could have eaten my hand, but after I inhaled this I ate greek yogurt with a tablespoon of nutella.


Sorry, this is so out of order, but this is the beautiful place setting at the sisterhood dinner. Isn't it pretty?

The training team included my blood sister, Christie and my two eldest nephews, Justin and Kyle. The crew rode their bikes while I ran (actually jogged slowly). This was a super tough run for me. I felt extremely sluggish...booo! Oh, I purchased a Garmin! And loovvvveee it! oh, yah...this means I am hard core...tehehehehe


The training run ended at the Ashland Dog Park where we met Alistair and Ntombi. I love this dog park as long as dogs aren't whizzing on my leg.



We loaded up in the subaru and drove fast to Dragonfly where Coconut French Toast, Rosemary potatoes, rosemary toast and eggs awaited me. Oh, and coffee. We waited over an hour for the delicious food and then inhaled it within minutes once it arrived. I love long run days...

Happiness comes in 3's

The hubby and I were able to spend a weekend away with my family for our nieces 3rd birthday. Oh my, I have never laughed so hard. These two young ladies are quite the characters. Oh, and the cake was delish!! I actually had dreams about this super moist chocolate cake last night.

Visiting my sister Paula is always a treat as she lives on a ranch and I get to spend time with various animals. I love goats and will have a goat one day. I think a goat will get along very well with Ntombi (the pup). Anyways, my sister recently bought several goats and my nephew, Jacob, will be showing one at the fair this year. Aren't they cute?



The bounce house. There is something about this house that brings out the inner child. One can let loose and get a lot of exercise laughing and jumping. I highly recommend this as an activity. I burned a whole lotta calories in this baby.

Addie, the entertainer. She makes me a smile=)

I also fell in love with Snow White, who happens to love the strawberries in the garden. Isn't she cute?




I just love this photo. Can't you see the goat and Ntombi playing in the backyard together. Seriously, we can make goat cheese and have endless goat milk.

We made it home Sunday evening to a staunchly smell. Ms. Maggie had some illness while we were away and pooped in the back room - it was like projectile poop! And of course this disaster made its way to my yoga mat. Ughh...we spent the evening cleaning poop and yoga mats.

I have spent a big part of the evening creating a TRI/Yoga Bingo Challenge for us, but it isn't quite complete yet. I had to send it to my sister for editing as I am excel challenged. Stay tuned...you definitely want in on this challenge.

Gifts Come In Many Forms

I am hoping this isn't a pattern that I let days and days go by without posting, but I have been up to some pretty amazing stuff. I can't remember whether I told you about the ring that I wear on my ring finger being tarnished at the mineral baths. First, the herstory regarding the ring...I was given my grandmothers wedding ring as a gift from my mother. My grandmother passed away several years ago, but before she passed she had lost her wedding ring so my mother and I purchased another one for her. It is very cute, but I'm not sure it was ever her style really. My grandmother was long, lean and matter of fact. The ring we purchased for her was more my style than hers it looked like a flower with a diamond in the middle. Well, when Alistair and I decided to marry my mother gave me the ring. I had the ring sized and wore it graciously. Then I lost some weight and the ring is far too big to stay on my finger so it sits in my jewelry box. I must admit that for some reason this ring never felt right on my finger. Unaware of the reasons why I have chosen not to have it sized again and wait for the reasons to come to me or to know who's finger it will feel right on. Maybe one of my nieces? If you haven't realized I am really big on feelings. Things have to "feel" right for me to pursue them. I then wore a special ring that is really only special to me because it symbolized being true to myself always even in a marriage. I have worn this ring for several years always revering my independence and strength as a womyn. Well while I was at the yoga retreat a few weekends ago I forgot to take off my ring during a soak so when I saw the silver turned to some other color I began to panic and think of ways to polish it. Within seconds I knew that it was time to let go of this ring and find a ring that symbolizes partnership. Yes! I think I am finally ready to give myself completely to my relationship. Sometimes these things take time=) So, I came home and the search began. Alistair and I looked at rings together. I found one or two that were nearly $1000 dollars (clearly unaffordable) and we settled on....

An Oregon Sun Stone. It is beautiful and it symbolizes partnership. I have never been the traditional diamond gal, but certainly appreciate the meaning behind diamonds, I appreciate even more originality and growth. This is original and it shows a whole lotta growth by ME!


Friday I started with a green monster (spinach, flax seeds, carrot juice, banana, blueberries and a splash of greek yogurt). I change the ingredients all the time and it always taste stellar. It fills me up for most of the morning which I am grateful for.

I then had an interview which I bombed due to my nervous nature. I literally felt like I could not breathe. I finally calmed down about half way through it...LOL...I love that I am so sensitive to the world and its people! I then ran on the treadmill for 4 miles and rode my bike for 7 miles.

For dinner I prepared a pasta bake. I boiled the noodles and sauteed onions, mushrooms and bell peppers. I mixed all together with cream of mushroom soup and poured it into the glass dish. I topped it off with Barbara's shredded wheat cereal (crunched) and a little asiago cheese. I cooked at 375 for 40 minutes and voila. It was delicious...it was missing some seasoning which can easily be added. I am so proud of myself for mixing things up. I normally follow recipes to a T, but I didn't even have a recipe I just went with what felt good. Yeah for growth in the kitchen.

For dessert a little gelato...yum, yum!

Saturday morning Alistair and I took the pups for a hike up Roxy Ann. I am not really sure of the distance, but it is uphill. I am training for the Mt. Ashland Hillclimb which is 13.1 miles all uphill. it is a doozey, but beautiful. So anyways, I ran up Roxy Ann which took about 4o minutes and then ran back down and back up till I ran into Allie and the pups (about half way). I then walked back down with the crew. Poor Maggie (the 12 year old golden retriever) looked worn out. Allie tried to carry her, but she didn't like it. We then got back to the house and I rode my stationary bike while watching a movie. I can't remember the name but it was something "Darkness" with Mel Gibson. it was really good. It captured my attention for almost all the movie which is really hard to do. I am thinking I may have some adult form of ADHD...maybe.



View of Medford - where I live.


After my workout I inhaled a cucumber, sprouts and cream cheese roll. This was eaten in 3 seconds...seriously-)


This morning I woke at 6:30 with the plan to run 14 miles while Alistair biked along my side. He didn't wake until 8ish and I was raring to go. When I began to ask about our leaving time he did not look happy and told me he wasn't sure he was up to the task. I walked away from the conversation sad and feeling let down. Instead of enjoying the great outdoors I set out on the treadmill. I ran about four miles when Alistair came in and told me he was ready to go. YIPPEE!!! The great outdoors and my jolly partner. We did 7.5 miles on the BCG. Here is the thing I forgot to put on deodorant...no biggie...I am use to smelling bad...YES, BIGGIE my armpits began to chafe at mile 4. I had red marks and I was in pain. I have never encountered this before --- Seriously, Armpit chafing...So I ended the run early at 7.5 rather than the additional 10 I needed to make my goal. ah, well, another lesson learned.

So, I came home put on some vaseline, grabbed the dogs and headed to the dog park. Last time I was at the dog park a poodle pee'd on me (and I didn't even have bad body odor) I was curious what today's adventure would bring. It was uneventful -- thank goodness. The pups enjoyed the water and playtime.

We then went to the market and spent $100 on groceries. I am in the process of incorporating only whole and natural ingredients in my cooking and kitchen. This can be a bit of a costly transition, but one that is well worth it. I buy a little bit each time I go to the market. I just bought SUper Natural Cooking Cookbook by Heidi Swanson and am learning a lot.

I even splurged on fresh cut flowers which is something I rarely do. Maybe once a year. They look gorgeous on my dining table, yes?


I am also in the process of organizing. Yeah, look at what I did...
And this...

We have decided to turn our laundry room into a pantry and put the washer and dryer in the garage. I am really excited for this to occur, but not so excited about the process. Alistair thinks it will be easy, but I have my reservations. Anyone have any idea if this will be difficult or as Alistair says simple? Oh, how I dream of a pantry to put all my whole and natural ingredients and canned goods.

Hard and Soft

Oh my...it has been far too long since my last post. A lot has happened in the past 10 days and yet not much has changed. I went to Mt. Shasta for a yoga retreat with six fabulous womyn plus me. We practiced yoga, soaked in healing water, sweat a lot, participated in my second sweat lodge, and looked deep within myself. It was a very rich experience. I came back from this experience absolutely exhausted; not so much because of the physical work, but mostly because of the mental work that I completed. I came back to reality with direction and intention for MY life.

I need to share that I was so caught up in my feelings and thoughts that I often forgot to take photos. It is okay, because this weekend was for me and I will never forget the images. However, I did want to share as much of the experience as possible with you. I suggest you take a trip to this magical space and have your own journey...but, here are a few photos I captured.

the A-frame housing seven super womyn.

the river.



the cold plunge...brrrr....under 50 degrees

more of the cold plunge. the cycle is 10 minute soak in hot mineral bath, sweat in sauna (wood stove heat) for as long as you can, then plunge into the water and repeat 3 times.


I had to photograph this license plate...don't you just love it?

Unfortunately, that is the end of the photos:( This was such a transforming experience for me. I wish I could articulate what I learned about myself and relationships, but it is more of a feeling that I have rather than something I can verbalize. So, through my posts you will be able share this journey with me. It is truly exciting and so very scary.

I made it home on Sunday around 2:00 and ventured out for an independence day barbecue. For the first year ever it truly felt like I was celebrating independence, but for many different reasons than many other Americans out there. There was personal freedom that I was celebrating. I met some new people and everyone I spoke to said that "I had a glow" - yes, that is how I felt.

It wasn't until Thursday that I was actually able to engage in real exercise again as I was thoroughly exhausted. I was in and out of reality. I ate very well and enjoyed my own yoga practice this week. I ventured to the farmer's market and bought spinach tamales for lunch and dinner. These are the very best...

I have been reading about Ayurvedic philosophy. It has taught me my dosha (constitution) which is vata kapha and that I need to eat specific foods to keep my dosha in balance. It is brilliant. It has really taught me about respect for my food and when you respect the food that gives you life, one begins to have a different relationship. A relationship of respect leads to eating only what you need, cooking with intention, and valuing the food that gave its life to sustain you.

A meal made with love will fill you with love...that is why only those that love you should cook for you...

Chickpeas, quinoa, sauteed mushrooms and onions over spinach...yum, yum!

Yesterday, Alistair and I went to a friends wedding. It was outdoors and quite beautiful. I felt the need to share dinner which came in a box. This was a great idea, however, I fear to think of all the garbage that came from this meal. Each item was in individual containers and there were many items...looks cute though, yes?


the centerpiece.



the wine.

This morning I woke with a little exhaustion from the three glasses of wine I consumed. My run has not yet happened, but I know it will. I think I may take a little nap first with my two lovely puppies.

This week I will focus on creating balance between the hard and the soft and letting go of attachment to any outcomes. I decided to apply for a new position within the same agency that I work for. It is a position that would fit my schedule with school perfectly. I am trying to find that balance of caring deeply yet not at all. That if I don't get the position (which is most likely the case) I will not doubt myself, but trust the process. I am really working on trusting the process and being okay with outcomes AND letting go of expectations. Knowing that it is all part of the master plan. finding the perfect balance between hard and soft...

Yoga Bliss

Hello, July! Well I am busily trying to prepare for my weekend away in Mt. Shasta at a soulful yoga retreat...http://www.sukhayogaretreats.com/workshops.html I went last year with my amazing friend, Margot, who happens to be in Costa Rica this time around. It was just what I needed to brush off the residue from the year prior and here I am ready for rejuvenation. I will be back July 4 with lots of photos and hopefully encouraging words.

Have a safe and fun weekend.

Blessings.