Sahayoga-Life at the Yoga Retreat

Onward I Go

2012-02-02T14:51:00.000-08:00

This week has been quiet unsettled to say the least. The Animal Control has found 3 new dogs and one beautiful male Lab who wasn't very streetwise, almost got hit today. He cowers and shows signs of being smacked and so, I hope his owner decides not to find him and the caring girls at the Animal Control can find him a more loving home.
Many individuals have expressed the lack of sleep and how they are struggling in the night hours. I am sleeping like a log so I am happy that the unsettledness has not hit me in the same way.
As many of you know, I have been looking after my granddaughter in Kingston these past few months. As Michael has been travelling and will continue to do so for the next while and because the weather is unpredictable this time of the year, I have been relieved of my duties as babysitter. Although my heart should feel some sense of relief in that I won't have to white knuckle drive in the dark any more, I don't. I feel like I have let someone down. In my journey to help my son and also my husband, perhaps the person I am most letting down, is me. Taking care of everyone else's needs makes it easier to avoid doing your own work. So starting today, I am getting back on track. It's retreat time again and there is much to do. I will continue visiting Kingston on a regular basis because when I am in Kingston, I love being with my granddaughter. I love being there when she wakes up and I love when we head out on our travels together.
This year of the Dragon has come in with a lot of anxiety about..the good news is that spring is just around the corner.

Dwelling Here Now

2012-01-28T07:29:00.000-08:00

This is a beautiful blog reposted from the Dwelling Here Now Blog..it is entitled Courage to Walk on Water - I hope you take the time to read it from end to end.
There comes a time when the solid ground we walk upon dissolves. Tried and true methods for navigating life as if we were dwelling on firm terrain no longer work. No matter how hard we try or how much we love, our reliable maps and compasses, insightful knowledge and beliefs, precise formulas and techniques fail. The lines connecting people, places and events vanish. Our actions don't produce predictable results. We can't get a grasp on things. Not only has the rug been ripped from under our feet, the floor is gone too. We find ourselves adrift with no land in sight. The solid earth has liquified. We are living in a watery world.
Our first response it is to flail about, desperately attempting to grab something that's not moving. We look for fixed reference points to tell us where we are. We search for clear signposts to guide our way. The watery world, however, has shimmering milestones and undulating pathways.
Everything is swirling, rising, falling, rolling. Nothing is graspable or clearly defined. The separate billiard ball world we're used to has melted into an ocean that continuously heaves and breathes. It's bottomless. It stretches beyond all horizons.
It's time to sink or swim. So we start paddling. Maybe we embrace the challenge and have some fun splashing about in the waves. We carry with us the solid ground belief that we are separate from the watery currents, howeever, and our arms tire from the effort. Our bodies remember we are not dolphins; we were made to walk upright. But, we've be told that walking on water is reserved for saints. It only happens in the mystical realms of miracles.
We realize there's no alternative. The only way to find food, shelter and clothing is to step onto the shifting currents and find a trail across the roiling foam. Treading on water is counter intuitive, to say the least. It takes a powerful suspension of disbelief to stride through the rippling seascape. That's what life calls for these days. The analog world we have inhabited for thousands of years has been swept away by the digital tide. Everything is out at sea. The only way forward to to summon the courage to walk on water.

A Wonderful Weekend All Round

2012-01-23T04:43:00.000-08:00

I am happy to report that on Saturday, rescued Marley went to his new home (thanks to the anonyous bloggers both in the County and out for your kind comments). There is a twist to his new environment and my husband and I had to do some deep pocket soul searching however we are hopeful that this is a good home for Marley.
Almost 1 1/2 years ago, another wandering male Lab (who continues to wander) Diesel, was taken off the island by a couple who felt that he was not being properly cared for by his owner. Diesel was gone for approximately a month and in the end, was brought back to the island, to go back to his old ways. The farmer is not concerned with keeping Diesel contained so we had mixed emotions about someone taking Diesel as he looked well cared for when he returned.
Fast forward to Saturday - I was in visiting Marley who had become far too attached to me when a couple came through the door inquiring about Marley. They said they had a place on Big Island and immediately I knew them as the individuals who had removed Diesel from the island over a year ago. At first, I told them that I knew the story of Diesel and that I had mixed reactions about them taking him. I also knew that they were dog lovers, that they in fact, had had a 16 year old dog Branson, whose back had failed him, leaving his back legs paralysed. They did physio on him, ultrasound and in a last ditch effort to give him a good life, back wheels so he could be mobile. For me, this is a good indication that they do care for dogs.
So taking Diesel was in my mind, just the same thing as I had done in a way, taking Marley from a tied barn and rehoming him. In the end, we asked Animal Control to release him to the couple, to his forever home. Everyone had tears including the Animal Control girl who had become close to this beautiful boy.
Sunday was spent out on the ski hill. I am not a skier and in fact, haven't been on skis in 2 years. 2 years ago, I was on them for a day and before that, 8 years ago. Michael purchased my skis for me 20 years ago, so that I could join him in one of his most favorite sports. He grew up on the ski hills of Collingwood and is in fact, a beautiful skier and natural skier. I didn't start until my 30s and I for the most part, find it fairly terrorizing to ski across ice in January at 55 years of age. I am committed to getting new skis however, shorter and fatter as when we move west, we will be close to some of the best skiing in Canada. I don't want to miss out on all that fun!!!
This week, I am back to my babysitting job. I need to rest up today in order to be able to make it to Wedneday!!! We may be wiser at 55 but I can tell you, the bursts of energy are short and sweet.

Marley

2012-01-16T03:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a busy day with dog rescue. Thank goodness the weather held - bright, sunny and -18 to start. The owner of Marley brought him just before noon. Although he smelled "doggy", he was a calm boy. He was also thinner by perhaps 20 lbs, than he would normally be. Our 3 dogs were fascinated and not disturbed by him however as he is not neutered, his main intent was to mount whichever girl he could, therefore after much deliberation, it was decided that he could stay with Animal Control until we found his "forever" family.
If you know of someone who is looking for a male Lab, he is a beautiful nature. He isn't a barker, he will let you put your hands in his mouth...he is a typical Lab. He doesn't charge to get down the stairs or jump out of the car - he waits for a command and he knows all of his basic commands well.
Today I will be taking him for a nice bath at Teri's Pets. They have a self serve dog washing business and with rescues, they allow him to be done for free. Also today, we will call the vet and make arrangements for him to be neutered. I am a firm believer in neutering animals..there are just too many looking for homes and so, Michael and I will incurr the cost of this procedure, thereby making him more adoptable.
Although I am not doing retreats through the winter, it seems that between my granddaughter and the dogs in my life, I have a very full life. The pay may be nothing but I will tell you - the fringe benefits are great!
If you know of someone who has room in the hearts and house for this beautiful boy, please call me!

Maybe the World is Going Crazy...or Perhaps it is Just Me

2012-01-15T05:50:00.000-08:00

Today is a beautiful sunny day on Big Island with a low temperature of -18 degrees C. I am feeling in a bit of a foul mood and so I am hoping that I can choose another frame of mind sooner than later.
There has been a bit of an ongoing saga with a male yellow Labrador named Marley, his owner, his owner's ex-husband, us and then...Animal Control. The short of it is that the owner left her residence (which is owned by her ex-husband's parents) mid-December with the bottom line being that there were 27 unsecured guns and ammunition in the house. She left with her 3 children and left behind and tied to a doghouse, a beautiful almost 2 year old male Labrador called Marley. With Marley, there is apparently another dog called Snoopy however to date, I have not seen this beagle anywhere. We have driven past the Lab tied up outside for the better part of a month and so, last week I called Marley's owner and asked what was going on. I then offered for her to get him and surrender him to us, so that we might - a. get him in from the cold and b. get him a stable home.
After waiting all day yesterday for her to call, she informed us at the end of the day, that there was shooting going on and that she wasn't going near the place until perhaps this morning. I didn't personally speak with her and could not get her on the telephone later. I have not seen Marley in the past week and so, I am hoping he is still alive. For the record, when they are shooting - we hear them and yesterday, no shots fired.
When speaking with my mother this morning, I was giving her an overview of the situation. She is not a. a dog person and b. a person who does not get involved with speaking up. So you could imagine how the conversation went. Why don't I mind my own business? I might get shot. I have 3 dogs of my own to look after, etc. etc. etc. Then after our conversation, my husband asked my why I even share the information with my mother.....and so, I suppose that still, most of the world (my world) prefers the theory of if you don't say anything and don't get involved, then things will get better.
I suppose that my sister and I are lucky that we live in the time period we do now, because if we didn't, we may not have lived to see our 40th birthdays. I am angered when people choose to stay silent and pretend something isn't happening. We won't change attitudes unless we show them a different way. And if people want to stay silent, let them. Don't whine about things not changing. But I choose a path that says we take care of everyone and everything that needs help, especially those that cannot help themselves. In the meantime, I will rescue the dog if I can and find it a home. I will neuter him if I need to and pay for his shots, should he need them. I don't do this to feel better, I do it because it is the right thing to do. So if it is easier for my mother to sit in her retirement centre and do her jigsaw and not care about dogs or street people or if it is easier just to bitch about these things from a warm comfortable environment, who am I to judge it. Just don't tell me it's wrong.....because I know differently.

Winter has Arrived

2012-01-12T04:19:00.000-08:00

We have risen in the early morning, to the decks being frozen like a skating rink. The rain is still falling and after Michael tumbled down the stairs, we have had to put de-icer on the steps so that the dogs could safely make it down for their morning constitution. I am grateful that there is nowhere I have to be today and so, it will be a good day to take care of me - yoga, meditation and infrared sauna.
My son will be travelling to Saskatoon sometime today and there will be four of them travelling by car from Kingston to Toronto so I hope they leave extra early as the roads on the Weather Network are lined in red.
I have started on a regime of taking large doses of Vitamin D. My muscles have been spasming involuntarily for a few months now and even my toes are curling up in protest. After changing diet, water intake - all things that I thought related, nothing has changed. Chiropractics and accupuncture have failed to release the cramping for any length of time. My daughter in law asked me how much vitamin D I took and I recalled that I had stopped taking it on a regular basis because there was some in my regular vitamins....but not nearly enough. As well, this summer I spent mostly dodging the strong rays of the sun in my effort to keep hot flashes at a minimum and so, I am now optimistic that this could in fact, be the missing link. It will take a month or so I'm sure, to feel the results of what I am doing but I am optimistic to say the least.
In February, I am heading south to Florida, to visit a dear friend who winters there. I will have five days of girl time in a senior park and I am looking forward to line dancing, walking and just general R & R. A different kind of holiday for me but I am quite convinced it is exactly what I need.
Yoga class on Big Island started last evening and my loyal students arrived with much optimism and energy. It was a lovely class because we have a wonderful, easy connection with each other - like being wrapped in a warm fuzzy blanket.

This weekend is a free weekend for Michael and I which means, we have no commitments other than to breathe. Perhaps we will make a trip to Miss Lilly's - a local coffee shop and bookstore, where a cup of latte and a chocolate croissant are always available. Next week, I will be back to watching my beloved granddaughter and also, celebrating my oldest son's 34th birthday with him and his little family. I have missed being at my sons's birthdays most of their adult life and mainly, because of the physical distance. This year, I was able to celebrate Andrew's 32nd in Portland Oregon and now Derek's 34th in Kingston. A gift to be sure!

Back to Routine for the New Year

2012-01-09T06:45:00.000-08:00

The vacation is over and today is the day for me to get back on schedule. For the next few months, I will be looking after my granddaughter for 2 days a week and I am excited for all the adventures we will go on. We have mastered the trip to the grocery store and coffee shop. I now would like to add swimming and library to the mix. Her mom will be teaching at the university and her father is in a 2nd heavy seminar so the goal is to keep things as smooth as possible.
I am just getting over the nastiest cold I have had in years. I am amazed that the body can produce this much mucus on an ongoing basis. My regular tactics of neti-pot and gargling have done nothing to aleve the situation however it has been a good test for my immune system.
My new to me lathe is now in place for me to start practising woodturning..I only need tools and some wood now. I start back to teaching yoga on Wednesday and Michael will be travelling soon to the west so I will be busy, keeping his business on track in his absence. Added to this, will be new training for our dogs on the ecollar. We are hoping that it gives us better control of our Labs.

Derek Jenna and Laurel

This year is going to be an exciting one..I can feel it in the air. Nothing seems the same as the years prior to this - not even the weather. No snow and sunshine - what a switch to January!

Retreats are starting to fill in for 2012 and although I will not be doing as many as in previous years, they will be on a more intimate level. Life is full of surprises!

New Years Eve..the Morning of

2011-12-31T03:50:00.000-08:00

The last day of the year is finally upon us. It is hard to believe just how quickly time goes by. I am up early still with the effects of my first official cold in years and after several coughing episodes, I have decided that sleep is elusive. Michael has already been working in his office for a few hours.
I have had my oldest son Derek and his wife Jenna and baby Laurel visiting for the past few days. Laurel also arrived with a nasty cough and glazed eye however she has been a happy trooper through the whole of our visit. Yesterday the kids went for a relaxing facial and Michael and I with Laurel in tow, went to do our shopping for New Years. The first stop was to Canadian Tire for a warm mist vaporizer, several new filters for the other humidifiers and a variety of other product. Next was as stop to the grocery store where I put Laurel in the sling and happily, she watched a variety of County characters come and go. Although she was not pleased with the idea of going back into the car seat, shortly she went to sleep. I am amazed that one parent can look after a baby and yet, Michael and I were like a tag team.
I am not sure how she has slept last night but she was still up when I retired at 9:30 p.m. I am sure she will make it for the New Years soiree tonight.
My sister and her husband and son are expected to come today as well as my childhood girlfriend who now lives north of Kingston, and her husband. It will be a casual vegetarian affair with lots of card and board games. I am hoping that I feel well enough to stay up to the end but I know with this crowd, that should I decide to retire early, they will carry on.
2012 is going to be an exciting year. I am hoping that our retreat centre sells and if so, we will be heading west. There are so many possibilities every day, for us to learn something new - to pay attention to the things we might need to change and to listen to the voice inside us.
Happy and Blessed New Year to each and every one. May you realize that your dreams are within reach.

December 27th - Waiting for some Weather

2011-12-27T08:08:00.000-08:00

Today is a grey quiet day out, perfect for me to lounge around in my pyjamas (no I haven't gotten out of them since the 25th) and to catch up on my reading. It has been a very quiet holiday so I am enjoying my time and looking forward to Derek, Jenna and Laurel arriving on the 29th. New Years will be a festive time with them here, along with my sister, her husband and youngest son and my childhood friend and her hubby. I hope Michael and I can make it to midnight but if we can't, I'm sure everyone will bring the new year in regardless!
The 24th and 25th were spent primarily relaxing, drawing up the plans for our new spot in the Kootenays, cooking and baking, and long walks with the dogs. The weather has really been wonderful although I hear a storm is blowing from the Prairies and we may catch some of it.
On the 29th, I will be picking up my wood lathe so that I can practise making wood bowls, etc over the winter. This will be one of my new hobbies once I move.
I am feeling grateful for all of the beautiful people in my life, for all of the profound experiences I have had and for all the possibilities for 2012. I have noticed that I am hitting a middle age pace and somehow, I am content with that. It is enough to have a strong body that carries me through each day.
A very Happy New Year to all of my family and friends. Enjoy each day with the fullness that life offers us and be thankful to be living in these amazing times. Om Shanti

My Rant for this Rainy Day

2011-12-15T06:03:00.000-08:00

I don't usually use my blog as a place to rant but today is a different day. On a good note, my son Derek has an important interview in Ottawa this morning which I am putting almost all the white light I can around...saving just a little for Michael.
And here is the rant. Yesterday Michael left for Winnipeg from Toronto, for a very important meeting which he had a presentation to do at 10 a.m. today. I usually book him Air Canada - they have many flights and have been great to fly to the west with. I decided that I would book him on Westjet. The plane was late leaving Toronto as the pilot's seatbelt would not work (that should have been the first clue). They changed his seat and eventually got underway. The plane however, did not land in Winnipeg due to an icy runway and continued on to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (a little out of the way, I might add). From there, they sat on the runway, refueled and eventually left for Calgary. All Air Canada flights flew into Winnipeg last night but Westjet decided to put everyone up in hotels and make arrangements for today - Thursday. Since there was utter chaos in the airport, Michael decided to get his own hotel room (quelle surprise). He found out though, that there were Olympic wrestlers who needed to get to Winnipeg to be weighed and so, they would be flying him out at 9 p.m. today. Coincidentally, his flight back to Toronto was booked for 330 p.m. today....see the problem? He would not only miss his flight, he would miss his meeting.
Enter me -I got him a ticket booked on Air Canada for this morning, early, heading for Edmonton and then Winnipeg. I got his meeting time changed and then called Westjet back. Since Michael forgot to tell them I had full access to his account, they couldn't really help me. I tried to call him but he had his telephone ringer off.....so I booked him a flight home on Westjet for Friday (the earliest time he could get out), paid for the flight and the very polite Westjet girl said she would call him at 5 a.m. her time before her shift was over and get the two other flights cancelled and book him on the Friday one and then, I could cancel the one I booked.....whew....do you see where this is going?
She called this morning and seemed to get it straight except that when the confirmation came, he was still booked onto the flight to Winnipeg this evening. I spoke to him and he asked if I would straighten it out. I suppose at this moment, he has jumped onto the Edmonton plane and shut his phone off.
I called Westjet back and Nicole, the super rep (that's what they are called) saw the error and said to get Michael to call her back and give authorization so that I could take care of this matter. Unfortunately his cell phone is off and so, this will be an ongoing saga.
I have had about 2 hours sleep through it all, I ran out of soy milk so the coffee is black, the power is flickering off and on and so, lighting the stove would be a very stupid idea right now (auger won't work). Dogs haven't been walked (they don't seem to mind just as long as I don't run out of food).
Michael is schedule to fly back from Winnipeg tomorrow morning and we have a dinner party for 6:30 p.m. The big joke was that Michael was going as the Invisible Man and this may become a reality yet.
All I can say is "Thank God for Yoga"!

December 14th-In Holiday Mode

2011-12-14T03:41:00.000-08:00

It is now Wednesday and I have been in a rather non-working pattern for a few days. My body has been in rebellion mode, with aching and spasming muscles, so much as that I had a visit to the doctor's office yesterday for a checkup. She is at a loss and so, complete bloodwork and urinalysis has been ordered. If you know anything about me, then detective work is my specialty. This latest aches and pains have completely stumped ....until now. I started digging through old paperwork and remembered that a few years ago (2008) I had had live blood analysis done in Picton. I was told that my blood was too alkaline and that I needed to get back on coffee to acidify my system. I had been off coffee for over a year at that point. Since I loved coffee, that was wonderful!
Of late, I have cut sugar (acidy) and coffee (acidy) and so, I had an aha moment yesterday that said get your blood acidy. One of the side effects of a too alkaline system is muscle spasm and soreness. Bingo.
So today, it's sea salt water, more coffee and anything acidy that I can get into my system. I am already feeling better!

December 6th - A Restful and Reflective Day

2011-12-06T12:00:00.001-08:00

Today I am moving rather slowly. It is grey and cooler out and it was a very busy week. My daughter in law and grandbaby came for a visit for a few days. On Friday, we attended the Jingle Bell Walk in Kingston which was very festive and fun (the lights were just slightly disappointing). On Saturday, Michael and I visited with Michael's daughter Tanya and although it was cold out, it was bright and sunny so we made the most of it! Sunday the beloved Wellington Dukes played hockey and Monday, I was back in Kingston having accupuncture and a visit with Laurel again.

I purchased a new Address book today, partly because I feel I am at a new junction in my life and also because I have crossed so many names out along the way, it was getting confusing finding things. The last address book was started the year I separated from my first husband, which was over 25 years ago now. In the address book, I found the name of a beloved childhood friend who I had grown up with and had huge history with. Her mom had been a close friend of my aunt's in Cochrane Ontario and also her mom had been my father's school secretary for a number of years. Our families were intertwined in many ways and she was like a sister to me. Laurie worked at City TV as a makeup artist for many years and my last visit to Toronto, she had left for another position and no one there could tell me where she had gone. When I found her name in my book, I called and had a wonderful conversation with the love of her life and he gave me her cell phone number. When I called her, she started to cry. We were so close for many years and she is the type of close friend that I will never forget. Her parents both passed away early from cancer and Laurie for most of her life, seemed to be the head of the family. Time and distance have passed between us and I am looking to touch heartstones with her once again, before Michael and I head west.

Our retreat centre is officially for sale and we have officially bought property (bare land) just outside of Castlegar BC. It is our hope that the retreat sells quickly and we can move on to the next part of our lives.

We will be having a quiet Christmas here at home, just the two of us however some members of our family including our youngest granddaughter, will be joining us for New Years. This is a time of rest and reflection for many, including me.

Friday Morning - Baby Asleep and a Rainy Day

2011-12-02T07:37:00.001-08:00

It is the end of another busy week and in a just a few hours, we will be heading to Kingston. My daughter in law Jenna and my granddaughter Laurel have been visiting while Michael has been away. It has been a relaxing visit and Laurel and I have officially made two jaunts out in the truck - one to Picton and one to Belleville and everything went as smooth as silk.
I had forgotten how exhausting and how much work having a baby around can be and I get the good parts of that. She has been a delightful baby and in just a few short days, has picked up more new things along the way. One of the things surfacing is her temper. It is actually quite comical when she flails those little arms and legs. She has figured out every toy on her exersaucer and her jolly jumper has about 1000 miles added to it. I will miss her once again, when she goes home but Monday I will see her again.
We are heading to the Jingle Bell Walk in Kingston for some nice family time and even Michael will attend this time. Who knows -maybe one day he will dress up as Santa!

Post Retreat - With Love and Gratitude

2011-11-27T12:07:00.001-08:00

This past weekend has almost come to and end....the guests have left and even Michael has departed for a hockey game and so, it gives me much quiet time, to clean up and to reflect on just how grateful I am for this life.
With a somewhat heavy heart, and only because it may be the last time an official retreat will be held by Michael and I, I am reflecting on the journey in my past and the path of the future. It was an honor this weekend to host 8 wonderful women who are repeat guests and with them, 3 new individuals who fit into the weekend like a much loved blanket. Lots of laughter, a few tears and all love was the theme of the 2 day retreat and I don't believe anyone was disappointed. If being together wasn't enough, one of the guests was a professional Bollywood dancer and so, we had a beautiful show Saturday night followed by lessons in the art of Bollywood. Michael also played his guitar and sang for us - the first and last time he will do this at retreat - a gift.
I am amazed how far we can open our hearts if we allow the light to creep in. And so, it is my deepest hope that whomever dwells in the retreat center when it sells, they have a vision that is similar to mine - to hold space for healing. All is possible. Thank you Peeps.

After the Storm

2011-11-23T03:05:00.001-08:00

It is early Wednesday morning - too early for most people to even think of rising. Here I am - full of hope for a new day! It was a night full of ups an downs as we experienced our first storm of the year. The power was out for almost 4 hrs but by then, we were snuggled deep under the covers so hardly an inconvenience. Our retreat centre holds the heat well and upon rising, we have lit the fire and with the snow outside, it is magical.
This weekend will be the final retreat for 2011 and visiting will be some of my favorite guests. I have sets of sisters coming, long time heart friends, a few new individuals to put in the mix. I am grateful that I have many guests that return again and again, each still finding something for them each time.
Yesterday I had a great day with my little granddaughter who lives in Kingston. We visited in the morning and after lunch, had a long walk which has become our pattern...Laurel sleeps and I travel to the various shops - coffee and otherwise, in the area.. I realize that all too soon, this time in my life will change again and so for now, I embrace it fully.
Next week, Laurel and her mom will come and have a few days here, keep me company and we will generally chill while Michael is travelling once again. We seem to get into a good pattern together - easy conversation, easy meals and we manage to get things done as well. Friday is a Christmas walk to see the lights with Derek, Jenna and Laurel and Michael has agreed to attend (he is not a fan of Xmas and all the drama of it). Saturday we will see Michael's daughter Tanya for a Christmas visit in Montreal and Monday, I will be back in Kingston.
I believe there are many things in life to hold our attention and some days, I wish there were more than 24 hours. If this is a sign of retirement, I'm going to have to get myself a set of roller blades!

Winds of Change

2011-11-14T12:23:00.001-08:00

My sister has written a powerful poem entitled Winds of Change and so, I hope she won't mind that I will use the same title for my post. 11-11-11 was celebrated in true Linda style and on that day, I was in Nelson BC, purchasing land for our next home. It was truly a synchronistic event and as the cosmos lined up, I was paying attention. Of course, the plan was set in motion a few weeks prior.
I had found a property on Mountain Ridge Road, just outside of Castlegar BC and close to my favorite haunt of Nelson. The video looked promising however after an inspection by a septic inspector, we realized that it was too steep, too narrow and not the property we wanted or needed. The search then sent me again, to Mountain Ridge Road and a private sale by a man who owned quite a bit of land in this area. A kijiji search and private land search during this time, pointed me right to the most beautiful piece of land on that mountain. It was owned by a beautiful woman Leeza and her husband (whom I have yet to meet) . She and I connected immediately and today, I am sure I have a new heart friend in the west.
We visited the property together and the rest is history. The property will become ours the end of November and when the retreat is sold, the next part of the journey will begin. As a couple, we are excited of building and creating. We are looking at Mandala Homes, owned by Lars and Rachel. Circular in structure, the energy moves in a beautiful way.

Life is what we make and what I know for sure, is that we can reach the farthest shore, should we decide to swim.

Friday Afternoon - Cold and Bright

2011-11-04T13:32:00.000-07:00

For a girl who is supposed to be in her downtime now, I am simply amazed at the many things to do and how time is spinning right along! I was up and ready for action early. Michael usually walks the pooches except today, he had his own downtime scheduled so I was up for the challenge. It was a beautiful morning and before I walked the girls, I brushed them and clipped their nails. Oh - and washed their beds. I want them nice and shiny before I leave. Lilly and Georgia have been especially itchy and so, I am going to try and put them on a kibble. I think they are getting too much soy and eggs......it seems like an ongoing challenge.
As I was vacuuming the floor, I realized that I had a tiny chip out of my front tooth. And so, I scrambled to bath, dress and get over to Deseronto to have Jan my hygienist sand it down before I left...no dentists in today! I also needed to get more new dog food for the girls so I thought I would be smart and drive to Napanee rather than go all the way back to Picton.......too bad for me. No dog food in Napanee so back to Picton. Armed with new dog food, Benedryl for the itching and a sanded down tooth, I made it home just after 1 p.m. Feed the girls, feed myself and time to lay down for five minutes.
Tonight is the Wellington Dukes' hockey and I am feeling less than enthusiastic at going to the game. It means that my pyjamas are going to have to come off and I will need to get redressed and add makeup to the plan. Oh well.....a nice date with Michael and tomorrow - plans for dinner and a movie. We will see.

Indian Summer and a Celebration of a Life

2011-11-02T15:23:00.000-07:00

Today was an extraordinary day in this part of the universe. The sunrise was glorious as seen in this picture that my sister took on her way to college. Our Bay of Quinte looked like a mirage with fog hovering just above the water's surface. The temperature reached 17 degrees - amazing for November 2nd.

I attended my cousin Cindy's mother-in-law's funeral today in Port Hope. She was 63 years of age. Over 30 years ago now, she contracted the Hep C virus through tainted blood and needed a new liver badly. The past two months, her health has failed and in the end, she did not live long enough to receive a new piece of liver from her son Tim, who was the best match for her and had decided to become the donor. Judy had lived in Prince Edward County many years ago and with a failed marriage, left and moved on, eventually meeting a wonderful man John and spending the rest of her years in Port Hope. We heard beautiful heartfelt stories of her love of life. Dancing, card playing, laughing - endless love abounding. And so, although it is deep grief for the family and especially the 3 grandchildren who will not be able to grow up with her, there is a deep legacy of a life well lived.

The Last Big Retreat of the Season Ends in a Blissful State

2011-10-30T12:02:00.000-07:00

This weekend marked the end of the 2011 season of retreats at Sahayoga. A large group of Astanga students lead by Mark Morra and Sandy McHugh came and were absolutely delightful to have here. What a wonderful way to end the month and despite the weather predictions of the weekend, the sun is still shining and it's a beautiful day. I am working feverishly to get the bedding washed, dried and back on the beds. The 5 washrooms have all been scrubbed clean and in a little while, Michael and I will walk the dogs and then....off to the tub for me!
November 25th will be the last open retreat for the season and I have a great group of what I would call "repeat friends" coming and so, I can say - it's been a beautiful year.
I will be heading to Nelson BC on November 8th and my prediction is that I will purchase property on the 11-11-11. For those that know of my draw to Nelson, I will say that the time is now. I have found a beautiful piece of bare land on Lion's Head Mountain. The woman who owns it sounds wonderful and when I speak to her, it's like talking to an old friend. I will know when I arrive, if it is the place to build the "dream home" or not. Michael and I have taken on 3 builds to date - all for the love of business. It is one of my dreams to build us our own home - a private space in which to nest until such time as we will move closer to a town in our golden years.
Another dream of mine would be that someone with a passion for yoga and in particular, owning a yoga retreat will purchase Sahayoga. It would be a shame to close the space as a retreat centre, since there are not many of them left in business and it is such an important place to practise and heal. We have listed our property with a couple of real estate agents from Durham Region. I have known Jacqueline since well, she was born. Her parents and my parents started out together in Whitby, living in the same complex. My sister Sandy was born and just a few hours later, Jacqueline arrived. I know she will do a great job for us and if selling is meant to be, it will happen.
Sahayoga will continue to be in business for 2012. A few of the retreats that will be schedule are Best Friends Weekend - always a popular one, a vegetarian cooking weekend and a Couples retreat. Should a sale ensue, then it is my hope that a) it still remains a retreat centre and b) the love continues.
It is time for me to move on to the next experience - whatever may come.

Tuesday Early Morning

2011-10-25T04:08:00.000-07:00

It has been a whirlwind week so far and so, today I will spend cleaning the yoga room and progressing on getting ready for a large retreat. This will be my last big one for the year and perhaps forever....it remains to be seen.
I have my flight booked back out to Nelson BC which for anyone who knows me, my home away from home. We have found land deep in the mountains which is for sale at a reasonable price (BC certainly means bring cash). It will be a quick trip in to see the property and get the dream going in my head which is how Sahayoga came to fruition and how the next property will turn into reality. This one is in the Vallican Valley which is about a half hour or so out of Nelson. Michael and I have always built with a purpose and that purpose has been business so before I become too old to realize the dream, I need to get moving on it.
The next part of this dream is that the yoga retreat will be sold and hopefully become someone else's dream. It is a great business and has the potential of being busy on a more full time basis. I have done busy and now, I am enjoying a more part time life so that I can travel and also look after my granddaughter in Kingston. They will only be here for the year and so, now is the time. If we move to Nelson, I will be only 9 hours drive from my son and other granddaughter so I believe it is a winning situation.
People ask me why I would want to go west and here are a few of my answers; clean water, clean air (Nelson is one of the ten top places in the world for clean air) good wholesome food, more trees than people and in the summer, no screens on the windows because very few bugs. I am ready for this experience! Of course, I will leave some of my dearest friends behind but I am only a short plane ride away.
Last night, our Island Book club went out for dinner and to see a movie called "Project Nim". It was a great change from our usualy get together. I don't know what I was thinking the movie was about, perhaps a comedy about how a baby monkey was raised by a human family, anyway, it was about a monkey named Nim that was taken from his mother as a 2 week old infant and raised by several people was an experiment. In the end, they realized he was a wild animal and hence caged him. It was sad and in the end, there was one guy who fought to have him freed. I can tell you that there wasn't too many dry eyes in our group - we are all animal lovers!
Michael is travelling in Western Ontario once again. He is almost at the end of his travels for 2011 and things have been a nice pace for the two of us. 2012 is just around the corner and as usual, there won't be a dull moment.

Friday Evening - Pre-Hockey and Post-Kingston

2011-10-21T15:31:00.000-07:00

I have been away since yesterday, having a sleepover in Kingston with my daughter in law Jenna and my granddaughter Laurel. We got quite a bit done and yet, had some really good downtime as well. I am lucky to have a great relationship with my son's wife and I think it is just as important as the relationship I have with my son. We are similar in many ways and yesterday, someone thought she in fact, was my daughter. It was lovely to wake up and have a beautiful smiling baby waiting for me. I haven't been overnight with Laurel since she was about 3 weeks or so and now, she is just over 5 months...the time is flying. I felt like of lonely leaving today and so, look forward to my next trip there. Next week, I have a large retreat which will require all of my attention. Michael is travelling so busy, busy, busy.

This evening, I will be going with Michael to watch the Wellington Dukes play against Peterborough, the city of my birth. I need to gather some positive energy as my soul tells me that pyjamas and a good book are in order this evening. We haven't had a night out in a while so off we will go.

Fall is quickly coming into fruition with rain and the coolness that fall brings. My flagpole at the road snapped in the windy weather of last weekend so it will be lowered and taken down permanently.

This weekend, we will spend it mostly around the retreat centre - me cleaning, Michael working - just the everyday simple living.

Thanksgiving Monday

2011-10-10T03:50:00.000-07:00

We have been blessed with a beautiful holiday weekend - lots of sun and warmth for our bones. It has gone by all too quickly, as most days do. Friday - we headed to Cambridge, Ontario so that I could be ready for my glider ride on Saturday morning.
The traffic near Toronto was craziness and it reminds me just how lucky I am to be living and working where I do. I was feeling rather tense when I arrived at our hotel room and beside us, two little white dogs that had been left in their room, decided to bark at whatever moved near their window. I had done the Isagenix cleanse the prior Wednesday and unfortunately, my entire bowel decided not to respond, so between the drive, my system and the barking dogs, I was ready to hide in a cave. Needless to say, Michael patiently kept me moving forward. We ate at a lovely Thai restaurant and I could feel myself settle.
Saturday morning, we were up bright and early for breakfast and the short ride to the Sosa Gliding Club in Hamilton. There, my pilot John gave me the ride of my life. He is also an aerobatics flyer so we dipped and spun through the skies like a sparrow diving for flies. It ended all too soon.
Afterward, on to my good and dear friend Marg's new home, for a beautiful lunch and visit. She has moved recently to Cambridge and this trip afforded me a visit. After lunch, we headed to Whitby, for a quick visit and dinner with my mother and my brother and his wife. We arrived back home at 9 p.m. and I was ready for my bed.
The grass has been cut and we are now in motion for the upcoming retreat with Kat Mills - a fabulous teacher from Ottawa and student of Vishvketu. I will make the biscotti today and clean the treehouses and yoga room. It is a short work week so I cannot afford to play too much. Friday will be here before I know it.

Thursday - Elections and Babysitting

2011-10-06T04:27:00.000-07:00

I am up bright and early. Today is election day and also, I will beheading to Kingston to see my little girl! I am on Day Eight of the Isagenix Program and today is the measuring day and weight calculation day. So far, I have dropped five lbs. I am not doing measuring. I can go by the way I feel. The muffin top has abated and my gramma arms are looking better so - so far, so good.
I am heading to the poles early and then, onward for a day with Laurel. It's going to be bright and sunny which means that we will be outside for a lot of our visit. I have been making dog food up ahead of time so I will have enough for the weekend. Happy Thanksgiving!

Hump Day....Coasting on Cleanse

2011-10-05T08:15:00.000-07:00

Today is Day 7 of the Isagenix Program and today is a cleanse day. I will be having a shake for lunch as I don't think depriving of food is in the cards for me. I am a little lightheaded and pounding the fluids in. All in all though, I feel good. I am getting lots of work done and staying busy so I don't have to think about what is going in my mouth.....all I am thinking about is what is going in my mouth! Teaching yoga tonight and general R & R this afternoon.

Day Six - It's a Beautiful Day

2011-10-04T06:55:00.000-07:00

I am now into Day Six of my 30 Day Isagenix progam and I feel great. The most amazing thing is that I do not wake up hungry. I have not had an afternoon nap since I started the cleanse and best of all, I do love the taste of the products. Tomorrow I will be doing a a cleanse day all day and then, we will see what we will see. Michael is also going to get on the program as he is suffering with back pain and he has a weak core so he will be a good candidate to give it a whirl. The catch will be keeping him off his ice cream and potato chips.
Thursday I will be spending with my granddaughter this week and if the weather clears, I will be gliding over Cambridge, having a look at the fall leaves on Saturday.
Another fly in the ointment for me has been that I have been on bioidentical hormones for about 2 years now. They have made an absolute life change for me. When my last ovary was removed, I launched into spontaneous menopause. Hot flashes every 15 minutes, I could feel the rage in my body. I was not sure even my marriage would survive. Dr. Blake Gibb, a beautiful bioidentical doctor in Oshawa changed all of that. He drew blood and after a few visits, prescribed a combination which came in a cream, that literally has transformed my being. I currently am taking an estrogen,progesterone, testosterone dose once a day and the hot flashes are gone, my moods are steady and much more, I am feeling great.
The balances in my body are giving me the moreness of who I am and for that, I am thankful.

Monday Morning - Day Five of Cleanse

2011-10-03T06:18:00.000-07:00

Today is Day Five of the Isagenix cleanse and I am feeling great. I am not thirty, not dizzy, not hungry - in fact, energy levels are very good to excellent. Today I walked the dogs for my exercise and had a nice sauna after. I weighed in at 135 which is 5 lbs. down and the normal weight I had carried for the past few years. The best part is that the bloat and the muffin top is slowly shrinking. Michael commented that he thought he was getting a belly and I would love to see him do this program - at least get the sugar out of his diet and he is contemplating it. Between his back and his headaches, he would do wonders to clean the crap out (first you have to believe you have crap in).
Diesel, the dog who was stolen off the island last fall and then was returned, is laying at my feet. He visits daily now and looks for a ride home but as I told the owner, I am keeping him next time he comes. I think he is just a lonely Lab and is really a people person. He wasn't interested in going to the office with the other dogs so he is laying at my feet. I have beds to make and cleaning to do but all in good time, I suppose. Dogs teach you to slow down and stay in the moment.

A Rainy Sunday - and Day Four of the Cleanse

2011-10-02T06:29:00.000-07:00

Today is Sunday and we are getting our fall weather - rain and grey today. It is a good day for just lazing around although later, Michael and I will take a trip over the bridge for shopping in Belleville. I am on Day 4 of the Isagenix cleanse and I am feeling great! I start the mornings with a little yoga, a little sauna, a warm bath and then, my shake. What I a noticing most, is that my belly, where I carry a lot of my weight, usually feels cold to the touch..even in the summer. The bloat is done and my belly is warmer. I suppose this is an odd thing for most but for me, this is quite a little miracle. I am drinking way more water and taking regular vitamins so if a program such as Isagenix creates this type of behavior in me, so be it. I haven't officially looked at any weight drop as yet - that will be after a week. Usually there is a cleanse day on Day 7 and I am not commited to this as yet. I don't have lots of weight to lose - I just need to get back on track and get the vitamins in and the sugar out.

2nd Day of Isagenix 30 Day Cleanse

2011-09-30T03:28:00.000-07:00

Each year, I try to do a deep cleanse for at least a week. Typically, I eat lots of sugar through the summer and so, I find I feel better if I give my body a break once in a while. I realize that the jury iis still out on whether individuals should or even need to do a formal cleanse. For me, it is a way of getting myself back on track.

I have chosen after much research, to do the 30 Day Isagenix Cleanse. My good friend and fellow yogini Lara Marjerrison, a raw foodie from Kingston (via Toronto) uses this product religiously and has done a pile of research on the subject of nutrition. She will coach me through this journey. As well, I will commit to a very regular yoga practise and also, the infrared sauna which sits in the lower level of Sahayoga, waiting for me. This is also an excellent way to detoxify your body.

Yesterday was Day 1. At one point, I felt a slight dizziness (which signalled me that my intestines were moving a little faster than normal) but other than that, no headaches, no hunger. This morning, I have visited the washroom a few times. I feel bright and alert and ready for the day. My apologies to those who follow my regular Sahayoga posts. I feel it important to post the good, the bad - whatever I experience to my regular peeps and to whomever may be considering cleaning up their diet.

Post Retreat Blessing

2011-09-28T12:49:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, after very busy and somewhat harder than normal retreat, Michael and I headed to Kingston, to pick up Jenna and Laurel, to then visit his nan and have a five generation picture taken and then home to the island. Michael left for Sarnia early Monday morning and so, it was a quiet week here. I think (perhaps my imagination) that Jenna and I have a good relationship. We seem to like pretty much the same things and so, the week flew and today I took them back to Kingston. The house feels vacant, except for the 3 dogs, the outside sound of crickets. I teach yoga tonight and I am feeling like I should be climbing under the covers for a little R & R. After getting completely soaked on this early morning dog walk, I think I am in for another dousing. It is very humid and the rain will be welcomed. Perfect for sleeping!

Monday Morning Post Retreat-No Booze - Not Happy

2011-09-26T03:30:00.000-07:00

It is early Monday morning and all is calm-laundry is being done, granddaughter is still asleep and the dogs are laying at my feet. My heart was heavy after yesterday's group left, when I found a 4 page note from a retreatant who was clearly, not happy. Each retreat teaches me what to do differently and although I haven't had a disgruntled customer in a few years, they do come from time to time. This retreat guest worked Friday and because the group had a 3 hr drive here on a clear day, she drove through rush hour traffic in the rain. She arrived just after dinner with 2 other guests and parked her car in front of the entrance. I let her know that she would have to move it after dinner as she was blocking the fire exit. When she came in, I gave her the registration form to fill out and told her not to fill the entire form out, just print her name and sign it....her response was "you've got to be kidding me". I wonder what hotels, motels, anywhere she has been to, that allow her to come on in, not register and just carry on.

Prior to retreat, the retreat organizer informed that guests that we were a meat, scent, smoke and alcohol free environment. She brought liquor and snacks to her room, took down 3 glasses and got ready for a Friday evening party. Another guest reported the liquor to me and since the organizer was uncomfortable asking them to remove the liquor, I was the one that had to inform her that it needed to be removed. ...she was clearly not happy.

At 11:30 p.m., I got up to use the washroom on the main floor since our upstairs was occupied by guests and chatter echoed up the heating vents. I went downstairs and low and behold, the disgruntled guest and her fellow roommates were having a discussion. The door was open and they were clearly not ready to settle. I told them that they needed to either go to bed or they were welcome to go up to the yoga room and continue their discussion. I went back to bed. In the morning, a few guests thanked me for shutting down the chatter that was keeping everyone from their sleep. The guest informed me in the letter that my behavior kept them from sleeping. ??????? They were considering leaving.

The next morning, the guest in question was one of the last individuals up for breakfast. We have recently replaced our coffee pots and one of the new ones has a funky lid. It is a slow pour and if you loosen off the lid, then the coffee comes pouring out all over you and everything else. I watched as the guest unscrewed the lid and I knew what would happen next. I told her not to unscrew the lid because the lid would fly off. In hindsight, I wonder she would have been happy wearing the coffee.

One of her many comments is that I have too many rules and say no too many times and that they needed to be treated like adults. I am not even going to address this.

I am not quite sure where the breakdown occurred in this particular individual, what she didn't understand about no liquor and why she felt she should not be considerate of the entire group. One never knows what state someone is in when they arrive but clearly, this one had her own agenda which looked like a girls party weekend at a Casino. She said she came for a relaxing yoga weekend. Michael wanted her telephone number so that if he chose to go to a boozy yoga weekend, then he could give her a ring.

What people forget sometimes, is that this place is our sacred space, it is not a hotel and in retreat, we are not the only ones to be catered to. There were excellent teachers here and excellent yogis and for that, I am grateful. I am sure there is a belief that they are paying huge money to be here...for the record, they are paying $98.50 for the meals, snacks, accommodation and use of facility including the infrasauna for the night. There isn't a B & B around that you can stay in for this price.

Sahayoga is not in the business of catering to groups that want to party. The majority of our guests come to practise yoga, meditate and get off the beaten path. If all of our guests had this attitude, we would have closed the doors long ago. Although I am not always tactful, I do not compromise the space for individuals who are truly wanting to be in retreat.

Thank you all of my former guests who have supported my vision. I am here for you in service and love.

Another Beautiful Day and the Hornets are Here

2011-09-21T11:23:00.001-07:00

It has been just a wonderful, peaceful, beautiful day on this Wednesday. It is warm and now cloudy but still - great! The downswing is that the hornets flying around are reminding me of a bad movie. It will be interesting when the city folk arrive Friday, whether they will embrace this part of country living or not. Michael is away again this week but will be home in time for this weekend's retreat. I have my veggie stock done, my pumpkin granola, the non-perishable shopping and all the cleaning I can do, until I move the dogs down to their hideaway tomorrow morning. I have still the veggie and perishable shopping to do and it will be two cart loads for sure and then, Thursday evening and Friday - cooking, cooking and more setup.

After this weekend's affair, we will be heading to Kingston to pick up Jenna, my daughter in law and Laurel, my newest granddaughter. They are coming for a visit for a few days and it will be great to have them here. Michael is heading out of town for the week so the company will be appreciated. Hopefully Jenna can get lots of work done and I will take Laurel and the dogs for many, many walks on the island.

At the end of the month, it will be my dear friend Marg's 65th birthday. She is just finishing her trip to Scotland and when she returns this week, she will be moving into her new home in Cambridge. It is a much smaller house than her last - I believe both her and I are working on a plan to reduce and simplify. I will visit her in a few weeks, when I go on my glider plane extravaganza.

Time is flying by and soon we will be snuggled in for the winter season. I hope everyone enjoys this beautiful fall and get out while it lasts!

Virgo Power

2011-09-18T13:12:00.000-07:00

I am winding down and gearing up from and for another weekend. We had a great group with us this weekend and it felt like having some of your best friends in for loads of belly laughs and sharing. Unfortunately two of our guests had an emergency and left early and that left only Virgos for Michael to deal with. I don't follow the zodiac that much however we were similar in many ways. I can tell you that the place was neat and clean, right down to the dishloading. One of our guests had so many one liners - we laughed ourselves silly. It was an unusual weekend in that the standard schedule for the weekend was put aside and instead, we went a a more casual pace than usual. Michael isn't usually engaged with the groups anymore however he was in with the best of them this weekend. I am thankful for all of the new friendships, for the love and laughter we shared and more in the future.

P.S. On Saturday evening, we watched the movie "A Peaceful Warrior" - a story of spiritual leader Dan Millman's life. Excellent reviews....it was all about the journey.

Friday Morning of This Weekend's Retreat

2011-09-16T07:11:00.000-07:00

It has been a lovely week with lovely weather. I have just finished my cleaning of the main floor which is always the last place to get done and I am having a soy latte just before I start preparing the meals for this weekend and it's guests. Michael arrived back home late last night, after a long drive from Kincardine, where he was training. He will have just enough time at home to look after the dogs and do his laundry and will head for Stratford early next week. We are in a busy time once again and the days fly by, each different in it's own way. We were prepared for a crazy fall and the blessing is that by November, we should be settled in for a quiet winter.

My trips to Kingston have begun and although I am quite worn out by the time I get back home, I do love spending time with my granddaughter and daughter in law. We are seeking some sort of schedule now, so that time will be well spent. Perhaps Laurel and I will go to Babies at the Library. She likes her walks and I need the exercise so we have many miles to go together.

Next weekend, I will have a large group from the western shore of Lake Ontario. It has been organized by a lovely fellow Virgo who came to retreat earlier this year with her daughter. She is a dynamic and multi-tasking goddess who seems to have boundless energy. It will be an interesting weekend with I am sure, lots of laughter and love!

The Daily Grind

2011-09-13T06:52:00.000-07:00

Today is Tuesday and Michael is scrambling to get going on his trip to Kincardine this week. In fact, every week from now until further notice, he will be on the road training - mostly in the west end of Ontario. I have woken up to feeling like most of my weight is in my head. This suggests to me that allergy season is upon us. Lilly the yellow Lab is not helping the situation as she has vomited 6 times during the past 12 hrs - 3 of which I was on duty for. Nevertheless, the carpets are cleaned and shampooed and the fans are whirling them to dry.

I am getting ready for my first September retreat, after a beautiful long summer. I have dusting and vacuuming and scrubbing to do in the lower level - I am thankful that I cleaned up after the last retreat so freshening downstairs is really all that has to happen. All the walls have been freshly painted and the retreat centre is looking spectacular.

Once of my birthday realizations is that I am not getting any younger. What I truly mean by this, is that I am having to bank my energy more than ever. For many years, I have always honoured what my body is telling me and try not to push myself beyond my human limits. These days, I am learning to pace myself better, to do less and rest more. I have a plan about making it to the golden years with minimal aches and pains. Travelling is important to me and I want to be able to continue exploring as long as possible. The retreat business is slowing winding down for the year and mother nature will soon invite me to embrace her fully!

Labour Day Weekend

2011-09-05T07:52:00.000-07:00

This has been an extremely busy week and weekend. First, I turned 55 years old on Friday. Michael and I visited our favorite restaurant in Wellington (East and Main) for a glorious meal. The next day was spent moving Derek, Jenna and Laurel into their 3rd floor apartment in Kingston....3 flights of stairs, no air conditioning and no elevator. By Saturday evening, I was feeling 155 years old. Yesterday I returned for some major carpet cleaning which needed to be done and the move-in shopping. Just a note for your future reference, yesterday is one of the busiest days of the year to shop, besides Xmas.

The apartment was looking pretty cute when I left and everyone seemed to be settling in for the year. Derek will start his Masters in Public Administration tomorrow and Jenna will continue with her PhD. I returned home last night, ready for a warm bath and a quiet dinner.

Today I have made some biscotti, done a load of laundry and hung a few pictures. I have filled the bird feeders and I have no plans of getting dressed today. I know what Labour Day is all about and so, time for a rest!

And the Painting Continues.......

2011-08-30T06:08:00.000-07:00

Since my return from the west, it has been pretty much, non-stop painting...the outside front deck, the trim around the yoga room, the upstairs bathroom and hallway, the downstairs hallway and today - the professional faux finish painter will be coming to do the main living/dining space of the retreat centre. I love the freshness and new muted look -the yellow of the original paint is almost gone.

The weather has been spectacular and so, I need to get doing some gardening in the midst of everything else. My son and his wife and grandbaby are moving to Kingston this weekend and I have promised to make the famous Morning Glory muffins as well as some biscotti and granola - easy food when your life is turned upside down. In September, I will be back in full swing with retreats and Michael will be doing lots of travelling with his job. As well, I will be getting onboard with respect to looking after my granddaughter so that in January, I will have a nice routine down pat. I am excited for this part of my life...always changing and never boring!

August 23rd - A Sunny and Full Life

2011-08-23T09:45:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I have blogged. I've been way too busy to sit down and gather my thoughts into a single moment. I had a superb trip to visit my son Andrew, his wife Sonja and of course, my granddaughter Natascha. Prior to leaving for the visit, I shared the day with my other daughter in law Jenna and my new granddaughter Laurel. We had a nice, relaxing time walking the neighbourhood and generally getting caught up. The evening was spent having a wonderful dinner with son Derek and good friend Ken from Seattle Washington.

Portland is wonderful spot to visit in the summer and we took in as much as we could in the 5 short days I was there - indoor waterpark that was downright fun, outdoor markets, library, a hike to Waclella Falls and of course, a few meals out in some pretty fabulous eatting spots.

I flew back to Toronto overnight, met up with my sister Sandy and the next morning, we headed to one of my most favorite spots in the world - Nelson BC. I had the best time ever with my sister....she and I proved to be great travelling buddies and the trip was easy, relaxing and of course, full of giggles. The weather was perfect and the food - well I've gained 5 lbs on vacation so it is a good job I've come home.

I am into a major interior repaint of Sahayoga and this is proving to be a bigger job than I had anticipated. Every few years, I feel it important to freshen things up and the palette now is done in soft creams and beiges. I have had to learn to paint like many other things and I have a good place to practise on with lots of walls!

Retreat business has finally caught up with the recession and retreats in general, seem to be slower. I suppose it is the sign of the times and it gives me the opportunity to have some downtime.

The weather now is bright and warm in the day with much cooler nights and I look forward to the fall and the splendid colours that will come. Life is good.

The Adventurous Vacation

2011-07-25T05:20:00.000-07:00

On Friday July 22nd, Michael and I took the dogs to the kennel and headed on a mini-vacation to the Tibbett's Point Lighthouse. Sleeping at a lighthouse was high on my bucket list for many years. After crossing over to Wolfe Island by ferry and then to Cape Vincent on a much smaller ferry, we arrived at the lighthouse. It was a lovely location however the rooms were less than favourable and so, we started looking for a room. We looked....and looked...., finally ending up in Alexandria Bay New York which was pretty much like Niagara Falls during the summer. In the end, we crossed back over to the Canadian side and found a room at the Boathouse Inn in Rockport Ontario in the Thousand Islands. There we found an overpriced room which was in need of repair and a evening meal which I couldn't stomach. We were up early the next morning and headed to Gananoque. No room to be found. Next stop was Westport and although a nice guy told us he had space, when we arrived - he had made a mistake and no space available. From there we headed to Coffey's Lock where there was room at an old inn. This was the most run down spot of the weekend and needless to say, onward we headed. In the end, we got a room at the Perth Plaza Motel. The room was simple, spotless and quiet. There was an outdoor pool which was clean and uninhabited. We had a wonderful swim and then headed downtown. I have some family history in Perth. When I was five years of age, I travelled with my cousin Jane and my grandparents to Perth where there was a presentation of a plaque on my great great grandfather's former home. He was a dentist in Perth and Alexander Graham Bell had installed the first telephone in his business. When my youngest son was six and the first year of separation from my former husband, I took the boys to find the plaque and have their picture taken in front of the home.

Micheal and I found the home and I knocked on the door, to see if I would be able to take another picture - this one 50 years later from the original. A lovely couple Jim and Janet Coward invited us in and I had a trip back on memory lane. Although the home had been renovated, much of the original architecture had been maintained.

After a great dinner at Fiddleheads and a great night's sleep, we headed in the direction of home - the only place to be!

July 17th ...and the Work Continues

2011-07-17T05:47:00.001-07:00

It has been quite a busy couple of weeks. Samagra - a mostly meditation group (a little estatic dancing as well) was in for 6 days of Facilitation. This is the hardest retreat to do as 3 meals a day keeps me on my feet from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. They are great at pitching in and cleaning up and I do love their facilitators (especially missing Doug and 6 a.m. coffee time) so in the end, all worth while.

A couple who wanted a quiet B & B came and left...too quiet and no television for the husband. Needless to say, that although we were going to open our space for those who wanted to come to the County and explore on their own - this is definitely not our market. They are so different from the yoga crowd - mostly indecisive and flighty. The work to get ready for B & B (cleaning, grocery shopping and moving the dogs out) does not outweigh the joy of having the B & B crowd therefore, we will do it on a very limited basis.

Yesterday I drove to Durham Region to visit with my sister and her hubby and my mother. The facility in which my Mom lives celebrated their 10th anniversary and so, gambling and an Elvis impersonator were the top billing of the day. We ended with a nice dinner and lots of laughing. Today we are tearing apart the 1750 square feet under the yoga room. Michael is installing a bathroom in his office and the workroom has received a major overhaul. The weather is blistering hot and so, we will be treating ourselves to a trip to Black River Cheese factory for soft swirled ice cream for humans and dogs alike.

Family Time, Vacation and Everything Else

2011-07-04T13:52:00.001-07:00

I have had a very busy few weeks and am gearing up for the Samagra retreat week which will begin on Saturday. Today was spend cleaning the lower level and also purchasing and hanging some beautiful white sheers in the yoga room, to help keep the heat at bay.
I had a wonderful extended weekend with my son Derek who arrived by train on Thursday evening. I had picked up his wife Jenna and my 6 week old granddaughter in Kingston on Tuesday afternoon. The time was easy, lazy, relaxing and I am blessed to be able to spend good grandparent time with Laurel and good parent time with Derek and Jenna. She is an extremely great baby and while she was staying with us, developed her smile. This very joy hits the back of your heart! She slept when we needed her to sleep and had a good schedule for such a little one. She is gaining weight rapidly and there are so many ways she is like her father and yet, her face is her mother's. Such a great combination.

The "doghouse" has officially changed hands and has never looked better. A young armed forces man lives there now with his dog Boon and he has the place shining. I am relieved to put this property in more capable hands. I have plenty at the retreat centre to keep me busy.

It is absolutely summer here at the retreat centre. The sun is shining, the birds are singing...life is good.

Best Friends Weekend - Another Success

2011-06-26T12:55:00.000-07:00

Our Annual Best Friends weekend has come to an end and this year, we had a beautiful mix of individuals. To be noted, were 2 groups of moms and daughters and I feel very blessed to see these special relationships. My very good and dear friend Ken, who resides part time in Seattle and part time in Toronto and Arnprior, joined us once again. He had had a crazy couple of months and so, his goal was to sleep and rest as much as possible. Mission accomplished.
We had a lively discussion about yoga and what individuals felt it represented. We came to the conclusion, that it has become one of the growing ways to make money and that yoga teachers are grinding through "like a sausage mill". We had many good points to hear from everyone and felt that in the end, there is yoga for everyone - whether it looks like classical yoga or not.
Michael was back in the kitchen cooking once again and I feel that our retreat centre has come full circle in the past 8 years. Our doghouse will be officially "sold" and handed over tomorrow, to it's new owner.
My daughter in law will arrive Tuesday with my new granddaughter for a 6 day visit and so, life continues in an ever expanding way. How lucky am I!

The Summer is Here

2011-06-20T09:03:00.000-07:00

It is noon and I am still sporting my cotton pyjamas which is not unusual for those who really know me. I am getting ready for the ever popular Best Friends weekend and one of my friends from Seattle Washingon, will be joining in again this year.
Also my annual visit with a few of my good friends whom I don't see through the year, came to an end Sunday. We had a lot of laughs, a little retail therapy and beautiful weather to keep us comfortable. I have had a realization over the past year, that the retreat business is slowing down not only at Sahayoga, but in fact, all over Ontario. Perhaps it is the high gas prices, or maybe the end of the recession. Regardless of the reason, it has given me great opportunity to focus on where Michael and I are headed as a family and in business. We have recently sold our beloved "doghouse" and it will close in a week. What I have learned from this adventure is that personally, I require smaller space to live in. During the past seven years, I have lived on a sailboat, a bunkhouse, a yurt, a small rental cottage, an RV and the doghouse. So I think it safe to say, that our 6800 square foot facility is too much space for 2 adults and 3 dogs. Of course, it works wonderfully during retreat!
In September, I have committed to caring for my granddaughter Laurel who will be moving to Kingston for a one year term. I will continue with smaller retreats that work well in our space and also continue teaching a weekly class for the residents of Big Island. I am unsure of what will transpire professionally and personally next year but I am excited that change is always in the air!

Monday -Post Graduation, Post Wedding, Post Whirlwind Week

2011-06-13T06:53:00.000-07:00

We have had a busy and joyous past week and are now thankful of a little normalcy. We left for Derek's graduation from Ryerson University on Wednesday and drove into one of the worst wind and rain storms I have ever experienced. It took down power lines and trees in our area and today, our home phone is not yet restored.

We had a lovely day for graduation and our new granddaughter was the best baby in the room! Afterwards, Derek's entire extended family went out for amazing Thai food. That evening, we drove to Michael's parents on Scugog Island, for an visit which was overdue. Another wonderful meal and great visit ensued although I was hardpressed to stay awake until 10 p.m.

Friday morning, Michael and I had a lovely time meandering in Port Perry, a place that I spent many of my childhood summers with best friend Lee. After lunch, we checked into our hotel room and then went to see the movie Bridesmaids and have more Thai food.

Saturday was my niece's wedding. Racheal was a beautiful bride and a good time was had by all. It was hard to believe that Michael and I babysat Racheal no so long ago. We danced into the wee hours of the morning and of course, we were up early Sunday to drive home, switch vehicles and pick up the dogs which were kennelling at "Dogs without Borders" - a superb place to leave your pooches just north of Napanee.

When we returned home, I was in much need of a rest however Michael cut and trimmed and grass and then helped me move more beds. This week will be more moving of furniture from the doghouse to the main retreat centre. I have a funeral to attend later in the week and then on Friday evening, some of my best friends will arrive for a visit. Just another day in paradise.

Monday and Moving Ahead

2011-06-06T13:58:00.001-07:00

Today has been a glorious day weather wise in the County. The temperature is perfect, the sky is clear ......beautiful. This past weekend was spent starting to move furniture out of the "Doghouse". Unfortunately 2 hours into the move, Michael's back gave out and the heavy lifting ceased. I continued, partly because I was upset that I was on my own but also, because I wanted to have closure on this move. Today I cleared all cupboards and moved most of the small items and we will finish the lifting in the next few weeks. The local auctioneer came Saturday and hauled off a trailor load of furniture that we no longer have use for. The kitchen and living room are being repainted (mostly done now) and there is a nice new spacious feeling to Sahayoga. Since my return from India, I am still feeling a little OCD about clutter and in particular, just how much stuff we accumulate however I think I am reducing our living requirements to a reasonable level.
As Michael has been away again, I also have been doing the dogwalking. Somewhere along the way, I have contracted poison ivy on my wrist. I imagine it is from checking the dogs who are walking in it, for ticks.
My son Derek will be graduating from four years of college (Urban Planning) this week and so, I am proudly going to witness him getting his diploma. He will be doing one more year in Public Adminstration at Queens in Kingston and it is his daughter that I will babysitting this fall.
My weekend with some of my best friends is quickly approaching and I am eager to reconnect with this feminine intimate energy. There is much to speak of and share and I believe it will be the last time we will be having this particular event.
Enjoy this beautiful day...it will never come again.

Friday - the end to a Crazy Week

2011-06-03T04:38:00.000-07:00

It is sunny and crisp this morning - a far cry from the earlier temps of the week but lovely, nevertheless. Today I have more running around - specifically to the Town office to visit my local building inspector and obtain a change of use permit for the little building. It's a longer story that I don't even want to entertain talking about at this point!
I have been painting the kitchen and other parts of the house this week, as well as moving the outdoor items from the little house to the big house. My leg is still not working properly since I got bowled over by a neighbourhood dog so I am hoping that after the large furniture is moved back to the retreat centre, I will be doing some resting.
Georgia our newest rescue has also been having her own set of problems. The food which we feed all the dogs, had recently been changed to include pea protein. She has had the worst reaction to it and because the other 2 also have had symptoms, we are going back to a vegetarian diet for them.
I am hoping that in the next few weeks, things will settle down to a nice pace. We have some upcoming visitors, namely my newest granddaughter and her parents, and also a few nice retreats. Summer in the County is always a welcome site!

A Foxy Experience

2011-05-26T06:03:00.000-07:00

Today the Town has come already, to show me where the new driveway for the "doghouse" is to be put. While standing talking, a little fox came out of the woods about 200 feet from us and then walked to within 15 feet and turned into the bush. He then trotted along the ditch and again,came out onto the road and continued on his merry way. The book Animal Speak says that the fox is about the art of camouflage, shapeshifting and invisibility. I am in for an interesting week!
Yesterday was quite an unsettled day and if I hadn't known better, I would have sworn the full moon was out and shining into my soul, shaking things up. The most unsettling event was getting my legs knocked out from under me by a 100 lb. male Labrador named Diesel. He was the subject of earlier posts of mine and his exuberance sometimes, is overwhelming. He zigged instead of zagged and needless to say, I did not physically participate in teaching my yoga class last night. I am amazed that although the body doesn't bounce back as fast as it used it, I am optimistic that I will be able to teach all of the classes this weekend.
Rain is here to stay for another few days and I am thankful that we have had a few days of sun which has allowed me to get the grass cut on both properties. May is almost finished and June will be yet, another exciting month!

Introducing Laurel Abigail

2011-05-21T07:07:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday May 18th at 1:59 p.m., my second granddaughter arrived. Her name is Laurel Abigail and she is another blessing in all of our lives. She weighed 7 lbs 15 oz and she is a long and lean baby. My sister was in attendance at the home birth and so, we have lots of pics. We will be visiting her Sunday after retreat and I am anxious to hold her. Later this summer, her mom would like to have a tree planting ceremony to honour her arrival and so, more planning and excitement on the horizon.

Saturday Morning and a Perfect Day in All Ways

2011-05-21T07:02:00.000-07:00

It is almost 10 a.m. and we are blessed to have Kat Mills (Makata Living-Ottawa) in for the weekend. She is a beautiful teacher and it is a small and intimate group. Kat observes silence from the last evening program until brunch time and it is wonderful, to say the least. It is such a mindful practise and I realize that I have missed this practise in so many ways.
The day is perfect - already 70 degrees, a little breeze with a blue blue sky. The sun is warming, the birds are singing - a glorious Ontario spring. Michael and I stayed under the yoga room last evening with the dogs in the little space which used to house the sauna. I slept peacefully until 5 a.m. I realize that I do lead a fairly nomadic life and I am not nearly as attached to living space as I once was. Life is forever changing in all directions.

Cancer Patients Exploring Benefits of Yoga

2011-05-16T09:08:00.000-07:00

The traditional forms of cancer treatment like radiation and chemotherapy have made the therapy stage difficult for years. Side effects are often drawn out and hard to deal with, especially when you consider these patients are forced to deal with the mental load of having a chronic illness. Luckily, there has been an increased movement to invest in complementary treatment options.
Yoga has quickly become one of the most popular complementary treatment options for cancer patients because it can bring a great combination of physical and mental benefits to help the patient. Another reason why yoga has become so popular as a complementary option is because patients can choose to take part in different schedules. Many will take part in longer sessions once a week. some can choose to participate in shorter, daily sessions in the morning and at night.
The physical benefits are one of the main reasons that people invest time in yoga as an exercise routine and that's no different with cancer patients. Some patients with arthritis use yoga as a way to increase their body's flexibility, cut down on pain, and improve their range of motion. The alleviation of side effects is probably the most valued aspect of using yoga. Research has shown in many cases that consistent yoga sessions during the time of routine treatment can cut down on common side effects of chemo like nausea and vomiting.
The peace of mind and relaxation of the mind are other reasons that so many cancer patients are continuing to use yoga. Yoga is not only a great physical tool, but it allows great time for meditation and peace. A great example of the vlue that this can bring involves mesothelioma cancer patients. This is a type of cancer in the lining of the lungs and abdomen that occurs from asbestos exposure. Many of these patients use yoga during a time of short life expectancy, bringing them tranquility and peace in a time of fear and stress.
The movement in the medical community throughout the last few decades has geared towards increased specialization, which means individuals have more physicians and doctors. While this certainly helps a patient, it often means less spare time and more tests, as well as visits to the doctor. Yoga's ability to allow a break from tests, treatment and stress will continue to make it a great option for complementary treatment.

"Krista Peterson is a recent college graduate and aspiring writer. As a health and safety advocate, she shares a strong passion for the wellness of others in her community. Krista has been practicing yoga for 3 years and loves to encourage others to do so as well. Through her writings, she helps to spread awareness of such issues as cancer and chronic illness and different methods of treatment"

An Early Start to the Week

2011-05-16T03:03:00.000-07:00

I rose this morning at 4:00 a.m. with a banger of a headache and a stuffy nose. This damp weather doesn't agree with my 100% and yesterday, we spent a good deal of time getting wet. We have had an offer on the "doghouse". It is a good one and so, we will see if we can close it. I am enjoying being back up at the big house. There is still so much to do. Yesterday we moved 2 beds from the Zen room and put them in the room where the sauna was ...and moved the sauna into the Zen room. This will give guests more convenience in using the sauna however we will lose two beds on the lower level. It seems though, that retreats this year will be smaller and more intimate which are the ones I love the best.
Today I am heading for my annual physical and then, I will come home and start cleaning for the retreat being hosted by Kat Mills of Makata Living. She is a beautiful teacher and student of Vishvketu and I enjoy everything about her.
My son and his wife are still anxiously awaiting the birth of their daughter. My prediction is that she will be born under the full moon on the 17th of May. My sister will be their doula and they also have a midwife in place so I'm sure this week, I wil become a grandmother for the second time. I have blessings all around.

Work Day Weekend

2011-05-14T03:30:00.000-07:00

We are up early this morning , in the hopes of getting the trim on the "doghouse" done in one day. I have painted 77 boards to be put up and we also will be finishing the back of the cupboards. Also this weekend, we will be moving the infrared sauna from under the yoga room, into the smallest bedroom in the retreat centre. Retreats are generally smaller this year and so, we want to make it convenient for all who come to visit. I have moved back into the retreat centre now full time and the adjustment has been minimal. In fact, I am reminded of the very things I love about the retreat space - the views, the vastness and of course, my yoga room.

My daughter in law Jenna will be birthing my new granddaughter any time now. It is an exciting time for all of us. She will be having a home birth and my sister will be their doula. She also has a midwife in place. She is looking so beautiful and I am glad I have been able to be present during much of these past nine months.
The rain has made it to the island and although it is not the best condition in which to work outside, it is a welcome sight for the flowers and trees. I can almost hear the grass growing these days and with them, the dandelions.

And the Times, They are A-Changing

2011-05-09T03:01:00.001-07:00

I am thankful to be in the quiet this morning...it has been a whirlwind weekend. We had Derek and Jenna's (my son and his wife) baby shower in Whitby. Afterwards Michael and I went to Boston Pizza for dinner with my family and after that, a 50th birthday party for one of Mike's childhood friends. That event was held north of Cobourg. I was glad to get home before midnight.
Yesterday Michael and I cut and trimmed both lawns, got the lawnchairs out and lawn furniture set up and then, emptied the pond and refilled it and fired up the fountain. It feels like summer abounds. Today I will finish weeding the flower beds and then, on to another project.
We have decided after much thought, to sell our small property. Although it has been fabulous to use when groups come and it has kept the dogs and family separate from the business, it hasn't served the purpose for which it was built. This building was to house our entire family and unfortunately Michael hasn't embraced living in this smaller space. Retreats have gotten smaller and so, much of the time, the large retreat centre sits empty. It is for this reason, that we have decided to come back together under one roof and reduce our workload and cost of carrying two.
Although I thought it would be a difficult decision for me since I vowed never to go back to the "big house " again, India changed my way of looking at how we live. Basically, we have too much and for me, it kept coming up that I had all those empty rooms not in use while there were millions of people living on the streets of one of the most beautiful countrys in the world. It will be an interesting time for us, juggling private and public life. It will be a good lesson in observation without attachment.

All I Know is What I Observe

2011-05-04T08:38:00.000-07:00

Just two years ago, I sensed a change in my own particular path and also in the paths of other yoga instructors. There were major changes going on, individuals shifting locations, career paths - you name it. What I am now witnessing is a downswing in the numbers of individuals coming to retreat. The private groups who have attended in record numbers, are much smaller. Michael and I made the decision to build another small place in order to house our dogs and ourselves during busy times.
There is a benefit in smaller groups. Individuals get more one on one time with instructors and although Sahayoga is a large retreat, they get the opportunity to have more space with which to move and retreat in. I have the sense that we are moving back to the days when we first opened our centre. Intimate on every level and in many ways, a better space to rest and rejuvinate.
It will be an interesting year.

The Journey by Mary Oliver

2011-05-02T11:21:00.000-07:00

One day you finally knew
What you had to do, and began,
Though the voices around you
Kept shouting
Their bad advice,
Though the whole house
Began to tremble
And you felt the old tug
At your ankles.
"Mend my life!"
Each voice cried.
But you didn't stop.
You knew what you had to do,
Though the wind pried
With its stiff fingers
At the very foundations,
Though their melancholy
Was terrible.
It was already late
Enough, and a wild night,
And the road full of fallen
Branches and stones,
But little by little,
As you left their voices behind,
The stars began to burn
Through the sheets of clouds,
And there was a new voice,
Which you slowly
Recognized as your own,
that kept you company
As you stroke deeper and deeper
Into the world,
Determined to do
The only thing you could do,
Determined to save
The only life you could save.

The Journey from Dream Work by Mary Olive 1986

The Busyness Returns with Another Great Weekend

2011-05-02T03:28:00.000-07:00

It is early Monday morning and much change is in the air. First - the election will hopefully change the dynamics of our country for the good. I hope everyone votes with consciousness. I had a superb weekend with Somayog founder and teacher Susan Randall, who hails from Wakefield Quebec. Susan lived in Koolu India for 15 years and has brought this dynamic teaching back. It is yoga with somatic movement and is a very intuitive practise - something that works well for me. We will be holding a Self-Care Weekend for Yogis in April 2012. Susan will be one of the presenters and I look forward to having her in our space once again.

After the weekend, I drove to Whitby to attend the bridal shower of my niece Racheal. She is getting married in June and so, there is much excitement in the air. A lot of old and familiar faces attended the shower, including my mother and my daughter in law Jenna who will be giving birth to my second granddaughter in just a few weeks. In September, my son Derek, Jenna and the new baby will be moving to Kingston where I will commence full time babysitting in January. Derek has just completed four years of Urban Planning and most recently, won the Ryerson Urban Planners Award. Jenna has been travelling back and forth to Kingston, persuing her Phd. We are bursting proud of all of their accomplishments and they are an example of what hard work and determination can produce, regardless of age.

Life continues in so many ways....spring is here!

The Day Before Retreat..and All is Well

2011-04-28T03:38:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a beautiful day here on the island. As Michael has been away, I have been doing the morning walks with the dogs and it was such a spectacular day, I decided to walk a little further. The sun was warm, the dew was glistening on the trees and not a sign of wind. We reached 24 degrees and I was hard pressed to do anything but enjoy the beams of light on my face. It has felt like a long winter despite my absence to India. I will welcome spring, including the bugs.
Today I will be heading to town to finish the grocery shopping for the weekend. We are back to the April showers so it will be a perfect day to make cakes and get organized.
There is change in the air concerning people travelling and more specifically, attending retreats. I am wondering if it is gas prices or if the recession is hitting our area. The bed and breakfasts in Picton are predicting a much slower year and so, their 2 night minimum may have to be dropped to one. It has also left me wondering what is happening outside of my little area. Living here leaves me very detached from the outside world - no news, no newspapers - even the largest of stories doesnt find me unless one of my friends calls to give me an update.
For me, it is a good way to live. I pray for world peace and try when I wake up every morning, to make a difference in the world, in a positive way. I am extremely blessed in this lifetime. I am strong and healthy, have a good life with lots to eat, good water to drink, family that cares about each other. This year will see many more blessings - the first will be a new little granddaughter who will be moving close enough to me, that I will be babysitting her for at least her first year of life. I will be travelling to the coast and more specifically Portland, to visit my son and his wife and my beautiful granddaughter Natascha who will be 3 year old soon. I will share in the celebration of her father's 32nd birthday and it reminds me of how many of his important days I have missed.

It is raining today and yet, there won't be a single thing to dampen my spirits!

Another Grey Day

2011-04-21T03:40:00.000-07:00

It has been a wet cold week in the County. Of course, we need the rain to clean and green things up. Michael has been in the North, more specifically Sioux Lookout, all week and so I have been holding fort. Monday started off fairly bumpy but it is evening out as the week progresses. Yesterday I packed up 25 Barbies after I shampooed their hair and redressed them. My friend Gloria gave them to me to have for my granddaughters but in fact, I'm sure I will be the one playing with them.

The retreat centre has had some changes as well. New comforters and curtains, beds moved around and general spring cleaning. I am back teaching a Wednesday evening class and so, it was beautiful to have the warm fire on and be with the women of Big Island. Today I have a meeting with a woman from the Chamber of Commerce and then, it's over the bridge to get coffee and food for the weekend. I am hosting our monthly book club on Monday and since most shops will be closed, I will need to think ahead.

My new granddaughter will be here in less than a month and we are having a shower for her parents early next month. This is the first ever shower that I have hosted (or co-hosted) and so I am excited to a) see my son and his wife and b) see my family and friends.

Time to get walking the dogs. They are a great exercise program and they always teach me to stay in the moment - a good lesson for all.

Another Yoga Show

2011-04-18T03:32:00.000-07:00

This weekend was spent with a new friend and an old friend, my sister. We had lots of giggles albeit the weather was nasty. During the weekend, we covered many subjects - our fears, our dreams - the possibilities of it all! The best part of the yoga show was seeing friends from the past. I had an Akashic reading done which really only told me that I had so much joy in my life, I was on the right path and didn't need any help. All very interesting. Sunday I drove to my post-meeting wrapup with tour guide Kumar and the rest of the pilgrimage group. It was strange to see everyone in their western gear although we all had hints of India on our person. The thing that we all agreed on, was that we had enjoyed just being children, just being in the moment and it has been hard to get reved up again. The title of our journey is to be "India - the Ultimate Meditation". What we also spoke of, was that it had forever changed us in some way. Kumar told us that to travel to India, just the chaos would shake you up enough to force something to move. He was of course, right. This week, I will continue to clean the retreat centre. Michael is travelling once again and I am sensing a little anxiety for him. I will stay cocooned in with the dogs until the weather gets better!

The Loss of Our Pets...a Hard One

2011-04-13T03:45:00.001-07:00

Yesterday two of my friends lost their beloved pets. I met Debra in Nelson BC a few years ago, on my first trip into the mountains. She was on her lunch break and was walking on Baker Street with Satta her lovely little dog. We became instant friends and whenever I tour back to Nelson, Debra and I hook up for lunch. Satta was not doing so well at the end of last year and then rallied until yesterday. He was a cherished friend who will be greatly missed by everyone in Nelson that knew him.

Gloria who is also a fairly new friend, has had many losses last year - her partner, her mom and at that time, Christmas was also failing. Gloria learned to give Christmas an I.V. of fluid to help keep her satiated. Gloria faithfully nursed Christmas and in January, Christmas made a rebound. But Christmas was an older cat and she had been battling cancer for a few years. This past week, she started to fail in a major way and last evening, her battle was over.

I remember when we had to put Brandy to sleep, how we mourned the loss of our beloved friend for weeks after her death, how her sister Shadow became sullen and lost. I don't imagine I will ever be without a pet in my life. I love the "in the moment" state that they always reside. I receive pure joy being with them and I remember that most of my dogs have been rescues, their lives most likely ,had we not found them, shortened by many years.

The hardest part of letting them go is that we are attached to them and so, the remembrance is in all the beautiful memories while they were with us. Let us love them enough to let them go when it is time.

Monday and It's Michael's 49th Birthday

2011-04-11T08:50:00.000-07:00

Besides being a beautiful spring day today, it is also Michael's 49th birthday. We started the celebration yesterday with a wonderful dinner at our most favorite restaurant in the County -East and Main. It is located in Wellington and it's staff, service and ambience are world class. They presented Michael with a beautiful dessert which of course, was eaten promptly.

Today I took his car to have the summer tires put on. Later we will cross the bridge again, so that he can have his eyes tested and get his first set of bifocals. Tonight we will have a delicious dinner complete with a warm blueberry maple bread pudding with lemon sauce and tomorrow, he will leave again for Mattawa. I am thankful for every day that Michael has been in my life, whether the road has been rocky or not. He never ceases to amaze me and I am glad for everything about him.

Friday - More Thoughts on the Direction of Things to Come

2011-04-08T08:19:00.001-07:00

Today is a somewhat sunny, somewhat cloudy day here at the retreat. It will be a quiet weekend. The set of bunks that have resided in the one bunkhouse - will be going to my niece Racheal. These bunks were her brothers's beds when they were small and I'm sure she will be able to put them to good use. We will be celebrating Michael's 49th birthday and quite franky, he has been so busy that I'm sure he would rather crawl under the covers and sleep. The Wellington Dukes are playing hockey this evening and it will prove to be an exciting game, I'm sure. Other than that, I will take this down time to rest and relax and get ready for next weekend - the Yoga Show in Toronto. I will be attending with my sister and a few good friends. What more does a girl need?

The Hard Part of doing Business

2011-04-07T05:28:00.000-07:00

It is Thursday and Michael has been gone all week training with his software, to various women's shelters around Ontario. We are in the midst of obtaining a new mortgage on our home and it is frustrating to say the least. If my first born were available, I'm sure they would ask for him. There is a conflict in that the current mortgage provider believes that we have more commercial space than we really do. I suppose that my website is doing a grand job of making us look like another Kripalu. The real truth of it is that I barely work part time these days. I have had pretty much, the past four months off, travelling with a pilgrimage to India and prior to that, to the West Coast to visit my youngest son and his family for an extended stay. My next retreat will be the end of April and at that particular intensive, we will be hard pressed to have four in attendance. And so, it is at these times, that I wonder if it is time to persue another path and completely close my doors to the public. I know that to do good work, the struggling is the part that makes it all worthwhile but I also know that I am getting older and at this point in our lives, we live a very private secluded life for the most part. My saving grace is that I have personally witnessed incredible transformation and growth from individuals who have visited us. It is with this thought, that I will again sit with patience to see what evolves.

The Dukes Win

2011-04-04T04:14:00.000-07:00

After a wonderfully quiet retreat and a quick cleanup, Michael and I headed last night,

Friday - Ready for Retreat

2011-04-01T09:24:00.000-07:00

This weekend will be my first retreat since my return from Mother India. I feel relaxed and ready for my guests. The food is prepared, the yoga room is ready and the only item left is to turn the heat up. I was excited to see if my teachings have changed since my pilgrimage. I feel that something has shifted - almost a "what will be, will be" attitude. I'm not exactly sure who is coming and really, it matters not. Who is meant to be here, will be. I will be presenting the yoga practise in a more meditative dynamic. I am hoping give individuals a small glimpse of what yoga feels to me. Prior to leaving for India, I was moving simply through each day, grateful for the way my life is unfolding. Physical postures were unimportant, meditation was unimportant - simply being conscious of every second seems to be the state in which I am still residing. On the other hand, my overworked hubby is travelling all over the county, working seven days a week and to date, there is no end in sight for him. I tell him - we create our own realities and the only one who can change us....is us.

What We Teach Our Children

2011-03-30T04:06:00.000-07:00

This week has been a rough one for my husband Michael. He is not the greatest traveller and so, when he gets to where he is going, he prefers clean, comfortable and quiet. Last week, he was in Lindsay and left one hotel for another which in the end, wasn't much better. This quite unnerves him so he was looking forward to this week's hotel room in Cambridge. Unfortunately, the Canadian Ringette Championship was being held in Cambridge and the Manitoba team was staying in the Best Western hotel. It is a mystery to me, that the hotel does not put the team in rooms together, but rather, scatters them among the other guests. The first evening, Michael called the front desk twice and also asked the team and it's chaperones (who were actually worse than the kids) to please quiet down. The next evening was Michael's breaking point. The team came back early, the parents began to drink furiously and it was mayhem. After four calls and many security guard visits , Michael knocked on the door beside him and ask a very drunk woman to please stop the noise. It is my experience that there is no negotiating with an intoxicated person. When I was speaking to him on the telephone, I could hear the loud hall party in the background. What you may not know about me is that I can be calm and assertive when need be...and this was the moment. I called the front desk and told the young woman that they would need to move Michael to a quiet floor, to which she replied that she had no more rooms. I explained to her that from my former line of work, I knew that they had to keep spare rooms and this was the moment she was going to have to use one of them. She put me on hold and within an hour, Michael was laying in his king suite. My thoughts about this incident were that what has happened to respect? Many weary travellers would pull into the Best Western, expecting a good night's sleep. When chaperones are put in charge of our children, can we count on them to be responsible and take care of them? I spoke with a woman whose husband is part of the committee for the tournament and she has informed me that times have changed, that travelling to these events has become nothing more than a drunkfest for some of the parents. At one point, two of the children were holding up one of the intoxicated women so that she could walk. My thoughts are...what are we teaching our children? That it is our right if we pay for a room, we should be allow to disturb whomever we wish to, even after security guard after security guard has asked us to quiet down. How will we teach our children respect for others when we don't respect ourselves?

Thursday - Sun and Ramping Up

2011-03-24T10:10:00.000-07:00

It is a beautiful crisp, sunny day in the County and most welcome. The big snowstorm fell all around us and again, it dodged us. Michael is once again on the road and I am the full time dog parent for the week. I am slowly feeling like I am ready for the 2011 retreat crowd. Many exciting things are on the horizon and many changes in the air.

My mother who suffers from COPD did not make it through this year without an admission to hospital. Each year, she gets a little worse and this time, the medications have dropped her sodium levels to an unsatisfactory place and so, to remedy this, they are giving her oxo cubes and chips (don't ask - I'm adopted). She has made the comment to my younger sister that she hopes that she will live long enough to see both of us as old ladies. We choose to ignore this comment completely as she is feeling pretty mortal right about now and there is no need to put flames on the fire. If anything, she teaches both of us (my sister and I) how we don't want to live our golden years so we plug ahead as non-drinking vegetarians and seek to stay grounded and healthy.

I continue to enjoy my solitude on an almost daily basis. I will be teaching yoga classes in the upcoming months to my Big Island friends and neighbours. It will have an even more meditative component in it this time and as always, I look forward to seeing the students who have supported me here since Day 1.

I am still receiving beautiful pictures of my granddaughter Natascha and am crossing my fingers that they can come home for a visit in June. She is at a perfect age - full of love and light and as sweet as a little girl can be. In May, my oldest son Derek and his wife Jenna will be having their first daughter and I am excited to have another little girl to spoil.

I am thankful for all the gifts in my life.

Beautiful Weekend - R & R

2011-03-20T08:46:00.000-07:00

We have had a fabulous weekend weatherwise. I have spotted several robins and red-winged blackbirds so I would predict that spring is around the corner here on the Island. Michael has been working fairly non-stop this weekend save a sushi date last evening in Belleville and I have been slowly cleaning cupboards and slowly getting back into the swing of things. Tomorrow I will head to Durham Region for a dr's apt, a visit to my mother in the hospital , lunch with a girlfriend and perhaps dinner with my sister. It is much to fit into one day, especially when I have been moving at a snail's pace.
My pulled out wisdom tooth has presented me with a dry socket and those of you who haven't had this pleasure in your life - well just imagine a nail driven through your eardrum and a throbbing face. It's quite like that! I am applying clove oil to the open wound and keeping the pain at bay with Advil. I'm sure in 100 years, I will forget this particular part of my life.
I managed to stay up until 10 p.m. last evening. After 2 hrs in bed, I again awoke, thinking it was morning. I got back to sleep despite the super moon and 5:30 a.m. was a great time to arise. Hopefully I will continue with this pattern which is a more normal snooze for me.
We have many retreats coming this year and I am planning to look at using the concept of Ayurveda . It is the traditional system of India in which you eat according to your particular dosha. (Pitta, Vata or Kapha). I will be looking at making meals that are good for all doshas.
It is a field I have been interested in for many years and so, perhaps my next trip to India and the south will find me taking an Ayurvedic course. Time will tell.

A Beautiful Friday in the County

2011-03-18T06:13:00.000-07:00

Today is the day for me to get caught up on all the things that did not get done earlier in the week. The sun is shining beautifully and the wind is blowing so it is my hope that some of the water dries up. The cabin is vacuumed and the muddy dog prints washed away. Dusting is complete and the 1st load of laundry from my pilgrimage is almost finished.
It was a restless night again. I managed to stay awake to see my hubby come home from a long drive. He stayed over in our little cabin which generally speaking, is not such a grand plan. The snoring forced me out of bed at 4 a.m. which isn't a bad thing - perhaps tonight I will sleep longer.
My sister emailed and said that my mother had been taken to the hospital last night and the verdict as to whether she will be discharged today or not, remains to be seen. She has suffered with emphysema for a number of years and usually has a yearly run to the Emergency Dept. this time of year. My evaluation in the end, is that she is so afraid of death, that she self-medicates until the fear rises too great and at which time, she is hospitalized to clear up her lungs. Although this current condition is now over 2 weeks past, her stubbornness prevents her from seeking help early. My sister and I have learned to save our breath concerning her making a trip to the doctor. It falls on deaf ears and only adds to frustration. What is interesting this time, is that we are not rushing in to save her but rather, feeling compassion at a distance. I no longer wish to enable my mother which was a previous habit.
My new granddaughter will be here mid-May and I am excited for many reasons. One of the best reasons is that my son Derek has been accepted to do his Masters program in Urban Planning at Queens and as my daughter in law Jenna is already doing her Phd there, they will be moving closer to me.
It is interesting to go away and do your own work and then to come back into the world in which you live, to practise. I believe that Kumar my teacher, has given me invaluable lessons which will only help me to grow.

Still on India Time

2011-03-17T00:39:00.001-07:00

It is the third night in a row that I have woken at 2:30 a.m., unable to get back to sleep. This night however, a pounding headache gets added to the mix. Yesterday I had to have my upper left wisdom tooth pulled (no worries, still 2 left!) and so as my daughter in law Jenna said, the banana smoothie did not hold my stomach. I have had a piece of peanut butter toast and now am soothing that with a cup of warm water. I am hoping that in another hour or two, my eyes will become heavy and I will be able to catch a few more hours.
Michael has been gone almost since I arrived home, travelling first to Western Ontario and now, in the north. He will be home late this evening and we will have a quiet weekend to catch up on the past four weeks. When travelling, I trust everything is fine at home and although he was swamped with work, everything was as it should be.
My body felt great being physically active in the mountains, with all the up and down climbing, backpacking - all the walking. Tonight I am feeling rather fragile and so, it shows you just how quick things can turn around. Regardless, my mind is clear and I am thankful for each breath I breathe.

Further Thoughts About India

2011-03-15T04:14:00.000-07:00

I had a dream the evening I came home and when I awoke, I realized a few differences in India. The Westerners seem to do things in block time - so an event has an end and a finish and most likely a special time period. India on the other hand, observes time periods in a longer fashion. They are not watching a clock and sometimes, events can last days, weeks and even months.
We in the West, like specific boundaries around us. If someone gets too close, we get our guard up. In the East on the other hand, there are so many people, that you become used to bodies touching and in fact, there is comfort in this. We tend to not stare so that people will not be uncomfortable. The Indian people look straight into your soul and for long periods. I rather like this way of life.

The Final Comments from a Beautiful Experience

2011-03-14T07:57:00.000-07:00

Today is Monday March 14th and I am back in my little home. The sun is shining, Michael has left on business until the end of the week and everything is unpacked and in it's appropriate place. I want to share my final days of India and reflect on what this trip revealed to me.
First of all, the most challenging part of the 3 week adventure was not the rugged mountain climbing with the goats scampering by, nor was it the fabulous Indian veggie food, white sugar (and yet, I managed to lose a few lbs) or the sheer volume of people and traffic, the most challenging day proved to be the last ride to Delhi from Dehradun, aboard the night train.
For those of you who don't know my past health challenges, one of them is a bowel that will conveniently stop working and completely shut off - usually for a maximum of 2 days. This in fact, happened the last day in Dehradun. My stomach was feeling a little off as I had not realized that my system had shut down. We had a fabulous last dinner which consciously I knew would not be received well in my system. Needless to say, the trip to Delhi is now lovingly carved in my memory forever as the "Midnight Express". I had both ends opening violently and with a help of an Indian toilet that led straight to the tracks, I held on to the water pipe for dear life and really didn't need my sleeper berth.
The long plane ride home was uneventful. The Customs in Delhi decided to confiscate my Tibetan bell however I was able to in the end, put it in checked luggage and it is now safely in my yoga space.
One of first experiences to hit my heart deeply is an experience that I still cannot tell without tears. Perhaps it is because of the sheer love I felt - how one individual could make such a difference in a person's life. The last day in Tapovan, we were walking by a small leper village. Many years ago, Kumar treated many people who were afflicted with leprosy. As we walked by, he recognized an older woman sitting by her doorstop. He called out to her and at first, she didn't recognize him as her eyesight was also affected. She slowly got up and started walking towards us. Kumar leaned over the wall and again, told him who he was. We all witnessed the moment when she realized that it was her beloved doctor from long ago. Her face lit up and with her stumped hands, she took ahold of Kumar's face and with tears and great smiles, they touched their foreheads together and spoke. I wondered how one person could make such an impact on another, that years later, the love we felt and I'm sure everyone in the area could feel, would be still so alive and well.
And in the end, what have I learned about myself? That I am a fairly rugged and flexible traveller. Even at almost 55 years of age, I can keep up the pace when I need to. My meditation practise has deepened, my love of India and especially it's people has increased 1000 times and I have learned that there are many things in our lives that we don't need - how much we really have and how in the end, the material stuff of life is not that important. My eyes have etched the faces and places of India forever on my heart.
Will I go again? Absolutely! I plan to travel next year, perhaps to the south and also, make pilgrimage with Kumar once again. And Suzy - I hope you and Michael will always love french fries! Save some for me.

Friday Evening....Almost at the End

2011-03-11T03:59:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading the beautiful posts from my hubby and sister....I'm not sure how to answer you back on the comments string so...thank you. I'm glad I am missed and in no time at all, I will be back home....less than 48 hrs now.
We have had a full trip and I would have to say that from a personal point of view, the meditation retreat was the most transformational part for me. The rest has provided many lessons, those of patience and compassion and many other things. I have spent much time working on my attachment to material possessions (aka the continuous shopping that we have done and no, I'm not complaining). We will have a final dinner this evening with our cook Nagi and then, Sunjeev will take us to the train station and a new person will accompany us to Delhi.
Today was spent at a Leper's Colony in Dehradun and it was an amazing experience in what compromised people could do, work or beg. These beautiful souls hand spin colourful cotton into an array of products, from scarves to tablecloths.
I am sure everyone is wondering just what I have learned in this insider's pilgrimage to India. One of the deepest lessons I am taking home is that we Canadians are very strict with our boundaries. We keep our walls and fences nice and tight. My own experience is that because I was a shy child and most people haven't seen this side, that I speak to someone and then look away. Every person that you pass in a 3 wheeler, in the van, every store owner and every person on the side of the street meets your gaze. They are connected to a bigger picture and even though most have little to nothing, they smile as if you are the most important person in their life today. I am sincerely going to work on this aspect, so that when someone talks to me, I will try and not interrupt or look away but instead, give them my undivided attention.
Another lesson that I have hopefully learned is to not sweat the small stuff - that there is a much bigger picture to be seen and I want to be paying attention to it.
And so in the end, I can only say that this pilgrimage has been nothing but a lesson in opening up one's heart, so that the rest of my life can always be lived to it's fullest.
Many thanks to Kumar Ji, Suchitra and all of the beautiful spirits who held us in both hands and with their hearts.

The Frenzy of the Dance

2011-03-09T17:45:00.000-08:00

My journey to India is almost at an end for this year and it is of course, ending with a bang! Yesterday my new friend Grace and I headed out for some quieter time together, on a 3 wheeler to what we know as the "Funky Market". It is a place to experience everyday India with it's madness and mayhem. We purchased a few more shawls at rock bottom prices, picked up some more material to have pyjamas made (India is noted for the best fabric in the world), had a coffee out, went to the sweet shop (need you ask) and ended the day with lunch out at a recommended restaurant. We reflected on the retreat and how it has personally changed us.
Between the dust and noise and clogged sinuses, a migrained found it's way into my head so I had a nice rest in the afternoon while the henna ladies decorated the girls on the front porch. Later in the evening, we attended "Holy" which is a nightly celebration from February 12th until mid-March. The women and men hold separate celebrations and it was a frenzy of chanting, dancing, music and of course, a huge outdoor veggie buffet. If there ever was a time I felt life was surreal, it is now. We came back around 7:30 p.m. The rest of the group was reved into high gear however I chose to retreat and chant on my own the rest of the evening.
I want to hold onto the deep peace that I found in the mountains for as long as I am able. It is the very feeling I experience in Nelson BC, when I visit. I understand even more, that my life force and all that I choose to create is within me, and not outside.
Today we will head to Askosha's Edict and the Yamuna River. These places are both holy for many reasons. Tomorrow we will visit a Tibetan village and also a Leprosy colony. Then it will be a midnight train ride to Delhi. Soon it will be all a dream.

Back from the Mountains

2011-03-08T17:31:00.000-08:00

I reluctantly arrived back in Dehradun yesterday afternoon after participating in the best meditation retreat I have ever attended. Pradeep Kumar is firstly, an amazing human and secondly, the most amazing meditation teacher I have ever studied with to date. His patience and wisdom brought me to a place I have been searching for, for a long time. Of course, in the end, that place is always within oneself.
We were at a beautiful retreat centre which sat on the side of one of the mountains, which surrounded us on all sides. The weather was sunny and warm and the night skys spectacular. We had a kirtan with one of the owners, Anaradha and it was this experience that opened my body. Afterwards we sat in deep meditation and the village bell and conch blowing became immersed in my being. I struggled to come out of meditation as this had been the deep experience I had ever had. Needless to say, as we chanted Om Mani Padme Hum the next day and next moved into meditation with the visual of a pink flowered thousand Lotus on the top of our heads, the experience took on a life of it's own. My eyes had been burning in meditation throughout the retreat but now, my whole being was lit. The lotus dissolved my body and with it, huge emotions rolled up the entire chakra system. Where it has left me, I cannot say except that I am at peace with many things and look forward with brimming joy, to come back home.
We are already planning a trekking expeditation through a fairly untravelled part of India next year.
Today will be spend in the funky market in Dehradun following by an evening musical night to celebrate holy. Tomorrow we will head to a Tibetan village and also a leprosy colony. The days are full and I am happy and healthy and look forward to being on Ontario soil by Sunday afternoon. All is well - extremely well.

Resting Day in Dehradun

2011-03-03T23:07:00.000-08:00

It has been a whirlwind trip -the worst part being really high blood pressure after a trip to 8000 feet up the mountains and the best part - India and it's people. When we think the experience is that of a lifetime, the next day tops it. Tomorrow we will be heading to the mountains of Mussouri for a meditation retreat. It is approximately 7000 feet in the air so I will stay away from the salty food at that time. The food has been great and I have had many many vast experiences which I will share once I get back to Canada. All is well and I am looking forward to the quiet, a luxury here.

Back in Dehradun and It's Thursday

2011-03-03T06:14:00.000-08:00

We have had a tremendous and somewhat challenging journey this past week. First stop was Rishakesh and the circus madness of this

Friday - Heading To Rishakesh

2011-02-24T18:04:00.000-08:00

Today is Friday and we are heading to a mountain temple and then to Rishakesh. We are away from the Centre for a week now - eventually up the White Himilayans at 8000 feet. I have had a major breakthrough with respect to my own personal growth. One of a members of the group has been a wonderful mirror for me bringing up all kinds of things to look at and the bottom line is that I am here to do my own pilgrimage and not babysit. That particular thought came to me last night at 2:30 a.m. The Rajiji National Park was amazing - the elephants, peacocks and monkeys were free in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
I am excited for today's trip as we will be free to roam the street on our own. The shopping and long days out have been quite overwhelming as I am not really a shopper. The food has been wonderful and Kumar is a wonderful person and has a fabulous team to keep you moving and informed. I will write more from Rishakesh.

All Is Well and All Is Well - In India

2011-02-22T06:35:00.000-08:00

Itis now Tuesday and I have been emmersed in the Indian culture for 3 full days. The first thing I would report is that this trip is not for the faint at heart. Yesterday was a day full of sensory overload - smells, sights and all senses in overdrive. We left Delhi yesterday, after a morning of power shopping. Singing bowls, clothes - you name it -it's here. The train ride was a one of a kind adventure to be sure. The main focus was on not having to use the toilet however it was unavoidable. I am staying in a separate guesthouse than the main house and it is very adequate. The temperature is a cool 60 degrees at night and we are in Dehradun, a city which sits in the valley surrounded by the Himilayan Mountain Range, the world's largest. There are many lessons to learn and they are rising up to meet me, almost on an hourly basis....the biggest one being patience. I am not finding the frustration in the culture or the lovely Indian people but more so, realizing that I have been fortunate in my life to have a husband who has allowed my wings to spread as wide as they need to.
Tomorrow we will head for a ceremony in Haridwar followed by the trip into the Rajiji National Park where we will sleep in huts. It will be exciting and also very cold in the night but as my voice is almost gone due to the smoke (burning things) and dampness, I think the cold air will be a welcome relief.
On closing, India is a colourful feast for the eyes and the gentle people may not be living the life I do but nevertheless, they welcome me in with smiles and warmth.

Two Days Before the Trip of My Life

2011-02-16T06:07:00.000-08:00

I am now officially 48 hours away from a trip I have been planning in my mind for 10 years and on paper for 6 months. The only loose ends are to make my final farewell calls to family and close friends. My bag is packed with lots of rooms to spare, thank you gifts of maple syrup and local jellies for our tour guides and power bars to keep protein levels where they need to be.
Today is also my 21st wedding anniversary with Michael. I can humbly say that this is the first trip I am heading on in 20 years, where my heart feels his absence already. Perhaps I have had too much down time prior to leaving, to contemplate life at the retreat centre. As always, I understand that my life will change when I return. It is part of the experience.
Recently I read a blog on a man who travelled in the world and his thoughts on why he travelled and what he got out of travelling. As he became less of a solo traveller, he missed the feeling of being alone in the world. This line alone, is what hit me the deepest.
Michael doesn't understand why people have the need to physically travel, when there is internet and books and movies. Even I can't explain in my own words, why I love to do what I do. In my final analysis, I believe that I too, love the feeling of being comfortable in my skin to be somewhere with no agenda. No schedule, no place to be - just a feeling of truly being in the moment.
Of course, this trip is a planned experience - with people and agendas. Kumar has asked us to experience India as a child and so, I will take his good advice and let the powers in charge guide me along in the next 3 weeks. I want to keep an open mind so that the very thing I am in India to experience, will not be missed.

The Last Weekend before My Pilgrimage

2011-02-13T13:56:00.001-08:00

This weekend has been quite similar to the ones in the past month or so - rest and relaxing abounding. It is mild today and so we took the dogs for an extra long hike. This will be the last weekend before my trip to Delhi India where, I am sure my life will change forever. With a trip this significant, how could it not? I am anticipating many lessons that will have to be learned and I am quite sure, the largest one will be patience.
I have not packed my backpack as yet and in fact, an abundance of excitement is void. Kumar Jeeva asked us to go to India and experience it like a child. Therefore still, I have not researched where I am going and what I am doing. I trust that the majority of members in our small group have done enough research for all of us and so, lead me on!
I will be leaving on Friday just before noon, to head to Toronto International Airport. Our flight aboard Jet Airway will depart just after 6 p.m. with one stop in the morning, in Brussels Belgium. The plane will refuel and we will continue on our way, landing in Delhi India around 11:30p.m. Although I will not be emailing at all during this time, when internet is available, I will be blogging here. I wish to be fully emersed in the experience which I have been waiting for, for 10 years. Hari Om.

A Wonderful Warrior

2011-02-09T09:06:00.000-08:00

On Monday February 7th at approximately 7:55 a.m., Lynda Young passed away after a 15 year battle with cancer. She was indeed an amazing woman who fought cancer alternatively with a passion not seen in many. I had the opportunity in the past few years, to get to know Lynda both as a co-worker and as a yoga student from my Big Island class.

It seems that death catches us far sooner than we want it to and it lets us know how fragile life really is. It was her human spirit that carried her at the end and I feel privileged to have seen the best of her.

For anyone who wishes to know this amazing woman, please visit her blog at http://www.cancerfacts-alternatively.com/ There is a lot of information there for those who seek it.

Hair

2011-02-08T14:59:00.000-08:00

I have had an interesting few months with respect to the colour of my hair. For the first time in over 37 years, I have let it go back to my natural colour which was blond when I was 12 years old and is now a mid-brown colour with grey at the temples. I have had reactions from everyone concerning the "real" colour. Some of them are "that's not your real colour" "You look too pale" "I like you better as a blond". Interesting.....even people in town are not recognizing me because of this change. I know that my "realness" in life scares a lot of people - just like my hair colour and some would rather I sugarcoat my opinions or in fact, keep quiet about uncomfortable life situations. But that is not me. So perhaps the analogy of being fake versus real helps people stay in a comfort zone.
Tomorrow I will be heading to the hairdresser to get my hair cropped off for my India trip, not that I don't get it cropped off every month. I will decide while I am away, the future of my hair. For once in my life, I am not attached to it. It doesn't define who I am . Perhaps the best bet would be to shave it off as the supreme form of non-attachment.

Is this the Storm of the Decade?

2011-02-02T07:20:00.000-08:00

Today is Wednesday and many of us are taking today to stay inside out of the elements of this February morning. Although they are calling for the worst storm in 10 years, my thoughts are that this too, shall pass.
I believe that the worst storms are always inside ourselves and we are creatures of comfort, always seeking to move away from the pain. How do we learn to sit quietly, observe and let life roll up for the very lessons we seek? These past few months have definitely given me the time and space to be full present in whatever needs to be learned.
I believe that the gift is in being brave enough to stay present to whatever you are meant to experience, however long that presents itself and then, simply put one foot in front of the other.
What I know for sure, is that there are never any guaranteed tomorrows and so, the work needs to be done now. Be the best you can be.

The Lessons in Life

2011-01-28T05:27:00.000-08:00

Today is Friday and it is a lovely winter day - no wind, soft snow falling and mild temperatures. I will be heading north of Kingston tomorrow for a celebration of the life of Gladys Woods MacMillan who passed away Wednesday evening at the age of 83.

Lee and I were speaking last night, about what a great mom she was. She never raised her voice, swore, showed any signs of anger. Always she was about feeding you and taking good care and loving you for who you were. She saw the good in all people and most of all, I will miss her contagious laugh.

I have many memories of our summers on Scugog Island, at the cottage on Cedar Shores (now named Pine Point). On the warm evenings after dark, Lee and I would go down to the dock, strip off our clothes and swim. Mrs. MacMillan would be waiting quietly on the dock, with towels to give us once we were finished. We would return to the cottage where the hot chocolate and cookies would be waiting for us once we donned our pyjamas.

Michael and I will be travelling Saturday to Inverary to attend a service in her honour. Georgia is still recouperating from surgery so he will take the truck and return home early.

Last Saturday, two good friends from Kingston, Karen and Pam, had a mishap on the Perth Road. The end result was a totalled car, two individuals to the hospital and my friends for the most part, walking away from the accident. The driver who caused the pileup fled the scene and left everyone to their own demise.

Synchronicity is a part of my life and I make note that the the Perth Road was also the road to Mrs. MacMillan's home ,the road of Karen and Pam's incident. I will travel cautiously Saturday and pray for good weather.

Saying Goodbye to One of my Moms

2011-01-26T02:58:00.000-08:00

It is with much sadness but also much gratefulness and love that I write this particular note today. When I was eight years old, a new family moved into our small, tight knit neighbourhood and in this family, a new friend of mine was found. Lee was just five years old, very shy and reserved and to date, she is still one of my very best friends. She continues to live near me and we make a point to stay connected.

Her mother Gladys, was my second mom growing up. She created a safe haven in her home and treated me like a daughter. She never raised her voice to any of her children but ruled her home with love. I still remember the smell of her morning coffee and toast with honey. We spent many summers at their cottage on Lake Scugog where Lee and I conquered many "firsts".

At the beginning of this year, Gladys was airlifted from Florida where she has wintered for many years. They stabilized her and then airvacced her to Kingston. All of her major organs were shutting down and it was thought that she had some sort of virus however, she has continued to worsen and is now waiting to pass on.

I will miss her love and laughter and I am thankful that Lee and I had an overnight with our moms at Sahayoga last summer. We toured the County, went to lunch and hung in our pyjamas, like old friends do. During this trip, we toured back to Lee's home where Gladys and her husband Don had a home as well. We had a wonderful dinner, some good wine (all but I) and laughed until we cryed.

I wish her a peaceful journey to wherever she is heading. My life has been forever changed and I will miss this special mother.

I'm So Ready for Real

2011-01-24T02:25:00.000-08:00

It is the coldest day of the year so far and the stove is working hard here in the little cottage, to keep us warm. I spent most of the night sweating, my body trying to fight off a cold which started it's effects early Sunday morning.
The retreat group was a wonderful one, with many beautiful women sharing their stories and lives with me. At one point, we had an interesting discussion about how 60 is the new 50, and how my generation was living longer and yet, we were still buying into the cosmetic and plastic surgery industry, in an attempt to also look younger. What I realized is not only were these beautiful 25 year old women working far harder than I had ever worked at 25, but in many ways, their bodies were starting to show to signs of stress. The need to work crazy hours in a highly competitive world is having an early toll on them physically, mentally and emotionally. We are the aging, healthy adults while they are pounding in 60 hr work weeks in an attempt to stay on top of their game. It was a great discussion and I wondered just how the pendulum had swung this way. Something to look at.........
The trip to India is about 3 weeks away now and as usual, I remain fairly unemotional about the journey. What I have discovered the past 5 years or so, is that when I go, I go. No emotion, no regrets, no anxiety - I find this somewhat disconnecting and yet, I am very connected to the pilgrimage. While the rest of the group readys themselves reading up about the places we will visit, where we will stay, what medications they must take, etc., I remain neutral and unaffected through it all. I will see where we will stay....when I arrive. Have I read about the areas I will travel to? Nope. I do have a shedule with all of the information but I seem to prefer to arrive and see what presents. Perhaps then, I have no expectations about how the journey should unfold.
I spoke with my good friend April about my passive mental state and she used a line that hit me like a cold splash of water. Perhaps you are ready for real. I am so ready for real.
Real is how I like to live my life, without a mask to hide the me inside. I will share my life experiences with anyone who asks. There have been many times, I'm sure , individuals wished they never did inquire about how I came to yoga and in particular, Big Island. I think any time you share your story, it allows others to perhaps bring theirs to the forefront. With many, it has been buried many years and what I have discovered is that they wish it to remain there. I understand all too well, how painful it is to deal with past issues and put them to rest in a healthy way. I also understand that you can hide the truth for only so long and eventually, your body will not allow the secrets to rest. Illness, depression - our secrets make us sick. So I move forward, willing to be the teacher through all my successes and failures. Lessons in all.
And so, I suppose that at this time in my life journey, with all the painful work I have had to move through, I know 100% that we are our best person, when we are keeping it real. No masks, no armour - healing at every corner.

One Month to India

2011-01-20T04:12:00.001-08:00

The India trip is just under one month away and I received several requests from friends to put them on an email list so that they can experience part of the trip with me.
Just to let anyone know that I will not be emailing during my pilgrimage but rather, blogging the experience as I can and as it happens. I feel it important to stay connected to where I am and the only way to do that, is to dissengage from my regular life.
Feel free to read the blogs as they happen - I will be away from February 18th until March 13th so if you are wanting to book a retreat, book it sooner than later as I will not be addressing the business until after I return.

Saturday Morning

2011-01-15T02:50:00.000-08:00

I have had a great night's sleep and the latte this morning tastes exceptional. The dogs are still sleeping and Michael hasn't made it up for his coffee as yet. Life is like a Zen meditation......
I will be leaving tomorrow morning for Hamilton, for my first and last meeting with regards to the pilgrimage to India February 18th. It will be exciting to meet all the fellow travellers and to reconnect with the Samagra people I already know. Later, I will have dinner with a close friend and my son and daughter in law (their birthdays) in Toronto. Monday I will head to the Indian embassy for my visa.
This month has been quite a resting time for me personally. I have enjoyed just being in the moment, with no plan. Things will change next week however I am hopeful that I can keep this vibe up until at least, my trip. I may be starting a new trend...work less, rest more.

Provoking Thoughts as a Yoga Teacher

2011-01-12T10:27:00.000-08:00

In the past few days, many of us in the yoga community -teachers and students included, are questioning our teachings and how they translate into the world. What happens when a teacher floods their students with all of their energy - have we learned in our personal practise, that we are better serving ourselves first.
Many of us come to the practise of yoga because whatever we are doing in the world, doesn't work for us. Life has become "sticky" and our past is currently still our present.
I myself, came to yoga in my early 40s, physical and emotionally ill from a lifetime of history that needed to be dealt with. I stumbled upon yoga when everything else in my life was failing me. I was failing me. And yoga....saved me.
I believe what happens to a lot of people, is that when something changes us, we want to share the knowledge and wisdom, so that others can benefit as we have. For example, many psychologists move into the field of therapy and in doing so, deal with some of their own ghosts.
Today I sit questioning what is currently happening in the teacher training programs. Are we pumping out teachers for the sake of currency or in fact, are their teachers teaching what we need to know. Self-care should be of the highest on that list. Selfless service is a wonderful thing but if you give it away and don't have any energy left for yourself, how does that serve the greatest good?

Black Bean Goji Berry Salad

2011-01-11T06:44:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a protein packed salad, here it is. I don't plan on typing out lots of recipes but this one is just too good not to share;

2/3 cup slivered almonds

1 -19 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed (or chickpeas)

1-10 ounce can mandarin orange segments, drained

2/3 cup dried goji berries (bulk barn or health food store)

1 small red onion, minced (or whatever kind of onion you want)

1 clove garlic, minced

1 inch fresh ginger, minced

1 cup fresh parsley, chopped

4 ounces feta cheese (if you are making it vegan, leave this out)

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Fresh ground pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Store in refrigerator (or outside these days) for several hours before serving.

A Life Half Lived

2011-01-11T05:01:00.000-08:00

We have had a tragedy rock the yoga community and more specifically, Kingston. Jennifer Leeder, a beautiful young and talented yoga teacher and owner of a new studio, who passed away suddenly on January 9th, 2011. It is an event that will shake all those she touched for a long time to come.

I did not know Jennifer well but I did have the pleasure of meeting her at our retreat centre just before she opened her own studio. She was excited to be starting this new venture with her partner and we talked at length of the pros and cons of running your own business. She was up for the challenge.

Sometimes we do not know the direction our half lived lives take us. Let us pray that her life will not be in vain, that we will remember her dedication to the practise of yoga and be thankful that she touched our heartstrings.

Snappy Weather

2011-01-10T03:58:00.001-08:00

It is rather nippy in the little cottage this morning as I had turned the heat down last night and the temperature as dropped outside. Thank goodness we had decided to put a pellet stove in prior to winter - I may have had to move back to the big house!

Today Michael is heading into the city for work and I am heading over the bridge with the dogs to purchase some dog food. Later I will head to Picton where I will pick up my new boiled wool slippers that a local knitter has made for me. I am excited to get them as I love warm dry feet.

We had a wonderful, relaxing weekend with a visit from old good friends of ours, Rick and Sue. We have known them for 20 years now and although they only live in Cobourg, all of our lives keep us physically apart for most of the year. Rick and Sue are avid sailors and in fact, it was Rick who taught me to really sail, to let go of my fear so that I could enjoy being on the water as a solitary sailor.

A year and a half ago, Rick had a heart attack. He is a builder and has a very active physical life so it was a shock. After his recovery, the idea of being on medication did not sit well with Rick and so, he has weaned himself off the meds and become a vegan. Listening to Sue talk about how this has affected her life, has left me remembering just how it affected my own husband's life when I decided to make a major life change with respect to diet and lifestyle.

For Michael, it was a hard change since he cooked all the meals in the home. Although he saw that my physical health over the years had taken it's toll on me, and now, I was in excellent health, he did not want any change in our relationship. During that time, I had a dream and before we knew it, we were living in Prince Edward County in a yoga retreat centre that we had built.

Rick and Sue have also persued the path of yoga and there have been in fact, many changes and many parallels in our lives. I love how the synchronicity keeps on rolling and how I am able to witness it.

I have just finished reading the book "Travelling Magically" by Dr. Rima Morrell. The book was given to me by my son Derek and his wife Jenna. It was written to help individuals intuitively travel and receive the best possible experience. I recommend it highly. If you like to travel and stay in 4 star hotels and not be immersed in the culture but rather watch it from the sidelines (taxi or beach chair), you may want to pass on this read.

India is only a month away and I hear her calling me already.

Two Recipes Worth Trying

2011-01-08T11:16:00.001-08:00

I have been asked for many recipes in the past 7 years we have been open. I would like to share with you two that I have made today. We are having a vegan feast this evening and so, the Kale Salad is for dinner. The Best-Ever Brownies is being made as a sort of competition between my sister and I. She has purchased a boxed version and I have made mine from scratch. Although the brownies are ringing in at $5.37 for an 8 x 8 pan, I am waiting to hear how hers turn out and if, there is real chocolate and walnuts in the $1.27 version. Enjoy!

Hail for Kale Salad (Marg's recipe)

1.50 bunches of kale (chopped)

4.50 cups of shredded carrots

4.5 tablespoons chopped parsley

1.50 cups raw unsalted pumpkin seeds

1 radiccio (chopped)

Mix the above together in a large bowl.

Dressing - mix 6 tbsp. tamari soy sauce, .75 cup hemp oil, 1/2 cup braggs seasoning, 8 tbsp balsamic vinegar and 2 tbs. dried oregano together.

Pour on the veggies and let sit for at least 2 hours. Enjoy

Best-Ever Brownies

*Preheat oven to 325 degrees and toast 1 cup walnuts (or hazelnuts or almonds) Let cool.

Coarsely chop and set aside.

*Spray an 8 inch square baking pan with oil. In a small bowl, using a fork, stir 1 cup all purpose flour, 1/4 cup cocoa powder and 1/2 tsp salt.

*Using a serrated knife, coarsely chop 6 squares of semi-sweet chocolate. Place in a medium size bowl along with 1/2 cup butter. Melt slowly in microwave. Let cool.

*In a large bowl, whisk 3 eggs, 1 cup granulated sugar and 2 tsp pure vanilla together.

*Using a spatula, scrape in cooled chocolate mixture, then stir until evenly mixed.

*Gradually stir in flour mixture, just until almost mixed. (overmixing toughens brownies). Stir in nuts until evenly distributed.

*Spread batter in baking dish. Smooth top.

*Bake until edges are firm and middle is set, 35 to 45 minutes. Don't overbake. (a toothpick inserted may have some crumbs on it).

Remove pan and cool. Cut into squares.

Dark and Still

2011-01-06T02:56:00.001-08:00

Thursday has started with an early rise, which is not unusual for me. I am still feeling the effects of my colonoscopy which has left me with a bruised interior and foggy brain.

Part of my growth for this year is to continue to leave a smaller footprint on Mother Earth. I am doing my laundry in the offhours , being diligent at turning off all lights not needed and actually, learning to be in the dark more, which actually sooths me.

Today I will finish cleaning the cottage (formerly named the doghouse) and also get up to the retreat centre and make the beds.

It has come into my awareness that Mother Earth is shaking us up, that time seems to be moving at a quicker speed and major events are happening in people's lives. It will be important to stay grounded, especially during these times and focus on whatever your goals are. Always reach for the truth. Sometimes we feel it is better to stay silent than to "open up a can of worms". My belief is that unfinished business is not healthy, that the only time to resolve is now. It takes far more energy to hold on to conflict than to present it and find peace. It is my hope that in 2011, those who have unfinished history, be brave enough to find a way to truly move forward in a more peaceful, authentic way, thus leading a life that resonates more with who you really are.

Even the Birds are Sleeping

2011-01-04T02:01:00.001-08:00

It is very early Tuesday morning and I am up preparing (an understatement) for the day ahead of me. Michael has just given me a wakeup call (5 a.m.) however I have long been awake and shall we say "up and at em". They are calling for a little snow and I am hoping the weather forecast is correct, so that we can get to Oshawa and back by early afternoon.

Today is the day that I will have my routine colonoscopy done. When my mother was just a little older than I, she was diagnosed with bowel cancer and her mother, several years before that. I have been faithful with having this procedure done to check for any signs of cancer since I was 40 years of age however it has been 7 years since the last examination and I find with age, that my body is not happy intaking the citric acid solution that one must drink prior to exam. My shoulders, neck and hips are rebelling with cramps and a headache is looming. There doesn't seem to be any point in putting more liquid into me, however I know that if I don't, dehydration will set in like fog on a warm spring morning.

My older brother and younger sister both have had their test done already this year - both clear. In my early 40s, I changed my complete lifestyle, including moving into a vegetarian diet, and so, I am optimistic that I too will receive good news today.

This is simply another event in a beautiful journey called "life".

Sunday January 2nd - 2011

2011-01-02T13:45:00.000-08:00

Another year has passed with many changes and opportunities. I was grateful to spend the last evening of 2010 with my husband, my sister and her family and my son and his wife. We had a nice relaxing time and although Michael and I did not make it up for midnight, nevertheless the year of 2010 came to a close.
I hope to continue to pay attention to the space between my brain and my heart - the longest 17" in a person's body. My intuitive nature has been well developed over the past few years and I no longer operate much with my head. It has served me well and I will continue to move forward in a compassionate and passionate way.
Today was spent journalling, reading and simply grounding myself back in my space. I have been on the "move" for over a month now and I am looking forward to spending the next few days in a dreamlike state, imagining the possibilities of this new year.
It is my wish for everyone that they reach for their highest potential, that fear takes a back seat to the endless possibilities waiting.

Post-Christmas Bliss

2010-12-28T05:47:00.000-08:00

It is a rather grey but mild morning here at the retreat centre. The east coast of Canada and United States is being bombarded with a horrific snowstorm. Florida is cooler these days and Europe also had been hit previously with unexpected weather. Our universe is slowly changing and it would be unwise not to pay attention. Is it cyclical or have we created what we now see? The answer is unknown.
Today my son Derek and his wife Jenna arrive for a few days of R & R. They have had a busy year - Jenna beginning her Phd in Kingston and Derek finishing his degree in Urban Planning. Amidst all the activity, they are now expecting their first baby, sometime in May. Of course, I am elated to have another grandbaby around. Just before Christmas, I got to spend some wonderful time with my granddaughter Natascha. She is at a perfect age - talking, walking, so full of expression and just a joy. 2011 will be another year full of surprises - I am sure of that.
My ticket is booked to head to India. I will be leaving February 18th with Kumar and the group Samagra. We will be making our pilgrimage to many places in the north and I will return March 13th. I have planned a trip to India for 10 years now and so, my reality will come to fruition early next year.
I am thankful of all the blessings I have received for 2010. In many ways, my last 10 years has come full circle. I look forward to 2011 and all the changes that will come my way.

December 23rd - All is Calm, All is Bright

2010-12-23T05:40:00.000-08:00

Today is a special day for many individuals that I know and today is a very auspicious day for me. Nine years ago, I decided that alcohol had no place in my life anymore. I had given meat up two months prior and 2001 was the start of my own inner journey to peace.
Three years ago on this day, my youngest son Andrew and his wife Sonja, called to say that I would be a grandmother for the first time. I can't tell you how wonderful these words sounded to me. I have just come back from visiting Natascha who lives in Portland and she is one of the greatest gifts in my life.
Fifty six years ago, my mother and father got married in the small northern town of Cochrane, Ontario. Although my father passed away in 1999, I still honour this day as their anniversary Without their union, I would not be here.
It is the busiest day of shopping in the year and I am happy to say that the only stop I truly have to make today, will be the farmers' market in Belleville, to pick up some wonderful coffee. Michael and I will meet for lunch and the day will unfold as it is meant to.

The True Meaning of Christmas

2010-12-20T10:48:00.000-08:00

It is a lazy Monday morning and I am blessed to have a free day to just be - be in the moment, be present, be here now.
After a wild ride to Port Perry for a lively Christmas with the Coopers, Sunday proved to be a day of tieing up loose ends around the house. Michael and I went to town for a few groceries and coffee and tea at Miss Lilly's Cafe and in the evening, watched the final show of Survivor (yes I do love some Reality T.V.)
We have had mixed reactions with respect to the new addition to our family-Georgia. As you can see, it seems that she was meant to be part of our pack. Comments like - you can't save all the dogs in the world and what-you have 3 dogs-what for... remind me that sometimes compassion can be limited. Two of our current dogs have indeed been rescued however we consider that they found us and are constantly reminded of the joy they bring to our lives. Their unconditional love of living breathes out of each of their pores. They live in the moment and regardless of the day they have had, they are always ready to greet you with puppy kisses and smiles. They encourage us to get up and moving in the morning, to enjoy nature regardless of the weather. They help us with our exercise plan and also show us that sometimes a little rest is all you need to change your outlook on life.
As I reflect of all the good in my life, my husband and dogs are definitely at the top of my list.

Georgia

2010-12-17T05:38:00.000-08:00

Life at Sahayoga is never boring and yesterday was no exception. There is a theme that seems to recur in my life and that is, if I plan a big trip, it means I'm going to get a new dog. We have had Diesel visiting with us the past few weeks since his return to Big Island. We return him to his owner after a few hours and eventually he finds his way back for a visit.
I was finishing my Christmas shopping yesterday and as I was driving past the Animal Control in Prince Edward County, I decided to go in and say hi. Sue, Shannon, Karen and Lolly worked very hard in the County, so that pups can be rescued and put in good homes quickly. When I walked in the door, there she was - a beautiful yellow Lab. Her given name was Bella and she was found a month ago, at the side of the road on a cold and chilly day. It appeared that she had been hit by a vehicle however after examination by a local veterinarian, it was decided that her emaciated condition, mange and fleas was the result of abuse. Quickly she was placed in a home where they apparently were looking for a dog. The woman of the house had no experience with pups and so, after a month, she was returned to shelter.
Rewind to yesterday, when I walked into the shelter and found Georgia. At least, that is what we are currently calling her. Georgia - the Road Warrier. She has fit lovely into our environment. She is approximately 1 1/2 years old and so, she is the baby. I am always amazed at the gifts of the universe and this beautiful angel has arrived just in time.