Plants and other thoughts

My plants are blooming.  I am the proud owner of squash, a few beets, carrots, cucumbers, sweet peppers, ginger, and two indoor tomato plants.   Some are in Denver.  Others are in Santa Fe at Tom's house.  Both places the squash has overtaken whatever area it is planted.  I had no idea how squash would take over like mint. 

I have started talking to my plants.  They say it is good for you to talk to your plants and nurture them with words.  I have seen that if you talked to yourself the way you talk to your plants, you would bloom and reap in abundance.  It has only been a few days, but I am committed to testing out this theory.  And my plants are fierce, abundant and thriving.  The indoor plants specifically.

I find myself getting up earlier to ensure that the plants are watered and tended to first thing.  I wish I had taken up this habit years ago.  I would feel more confident in planting.  I would have been more strategic in where I placed things.  Squash definitely would have been further away from the basil, cucumbers and beets.  The leaves have created an immense canopy that is blocking the other vegetables from expanding.  

Lee has one watermelon that is trying to survive.  His corn did not take off.   

New opportunities and possibilities.  I am ready to live a different day instead of the curated life I have led the last few years.  It is time for me to move forward and test out new pathways.  I am fortunate for the life I live and want more.  More entrepreneurship and less working for others.  Maybe other gig work that would lead to other ways to create yoga clients.  Seeing the connections to move forward.  I am thankful.  Make it a great day.  I will have other thoughts later in the week.  I am trying to minimize my streaming and increase my reading/journaling.  It has been a fruitful six months of self-exploration and leaning more.  The aryuvedic approach has been enlightening.   

Yoga Retreat

Join me in Santa Fe October 9th-12th.  I am offering two classes daily, breakfast and lunch, an outing to explore the city and itineraries for you to enjoy.  I believe in yoga and the opportunity to explore cities on your own.  It isn't only the health aspect.  It is time for you, for your well-being, and your tribe.  

Santa Fe is the perfect place to test this out.  There is a mystical vibe, history, culture, food factor is off the hook, galleries and art.  

In the past, I have considered hosting a retreat.  Many times, I have allowed fear to get in the way of what I hope to offer.  I know that people will come and test it out.  Every week in Denver, I feel the vibe grow and expand.  People that believe in me and what I am offering.  It is time to offer a retreat.  The retreat that I envisioned five years ago.

The pandemic affected me more than I thought.  It has limited my desire to travel abroad which I used to do every year.  I have explored other countries, wine regions and foodie cities.  I do have some knowledge of places that yoga would fit right into.  I do not know why I have allowed myself to live the same way, daily.  I am good at the experience of that.  I heard some quote about it recently.  How we should not apply for a position because of lack of experience.  Some people have lived the same day, over and over, for fifteen years.  Does that make their experience better than yours or what you have to offer?  If you don't try, you cannot learn or improve.  I have listened to a ton of podcasts about the successful mind, manifesting the life you want, entrepreneurship, side hustles.  At some point, you have to act.  Take a risk.  See what happens.  

I think I am finally at that point.  Act instead of only researching.  If you are interested in the details about the upcoming yoga retreat, contact me here.  I am excited.  And I do not want to over plan it.  I want people to have flexibility in utilizing their time.  I have never been a fan of vacationing where everything is planned out.  I prefer spontaneity and chance encounters.  I have met lifelong friends from random encounters.  Or eaten at amazing spots asking bartenders where they like to dine.  

It is time to explore and expand.  Cheers! 

Tuesday Temptation

I have done Thankful Thursday.  Why not Tuesday Temptation?

I am tempted to book a trip somewhere, anywhere.  It has been too long.  I cannot wait on Tom to plan something.  He isn't focused on it.  He is more let it happen, when it does.  I am more let's plan something, so I have something to look forward to.  My intention for this summer was to take a road trip to see his dad in Tulsa, see my family in Kansas and Nebraska.  I mentioned it to him, multiple times.  I was hoping he would pick up what I was putting down.  

I know he had health concerns to contend with.  His right hip had been bothering him for five years.  Do not get me started on the stubbornness of men and how foolish they can be with health issues.  Some things will not just go away.  Contrary to popular belief.  So, I don't begrudge him for getting his hip surgery or focusing on his recovery.  However, I am ready for a trip or a road trip.  I know that I have overstated the importance of a trip.  I miss traveling.

Now, I am just taking it into my own hands.  I am planning a road trip to see the Littles in Kansas in August.  I am not waiting any longer.  I am leaning into temptation.  I am looking at 2026 as well.  I am considering a trip to Greece and somewhere else abroad for my milestone birthday.  I am still undecided about that one.  But, I know Sara Jo & Shari are game for attending.

In addition, I am giving into temptations into food.  I see tacos in my future.  Or some oysters.  It has been too long since I have enjoyed some delicious oysters.  Some of the best were in New Orleans for my 40th birthday.  There was a restaurant that is no longer in existence.  Maritza?  I cannot remember the name currently.  The oysters were amazing.  And they offered flights of Amaro.  That spoke to me as well.

I do not want to wait around to achieve things I want to do.  Yesterday, Malcolm Jamal Warner died.  He was 54.  It is a shock to the system.  Especially when I asked a few bartenders if they knew he was, and they were clueless.  I am getting older.  Ozzie died today.  They said something about Gen X being upset.  I do not know if I agree with that 100%.  Sure, I am sad but he is not a Gen X icon in my opinion.  There are others--George Michael, Prince, MJ, Whitney, Tom Petty (even) that were devastating to me when I heard of their deaths.  

Maybe that is the inspiration of my posting today.  I do not want to wait any longer.  I want to lean into what I enjoy doing.  What I am tempted by.  And what I want to do.  

Have a wonderful rest of your day.  Think about your temptations and how to lean into them....

Monday Motivation

Happy Monday!  I am grateful for my "green" thumb.  So far, it's been green.  Yet to be determined.  I planted beets, squash, cucumber and basil in Denver.  Squash, bell peppers, dill and carrots in Santa Fe.  The squash is thriving in both cities.  Some carrots and beets.  The peppers are emerging.  It is still too soon to see how they are taking.  My indoor lettuce is a dud.  Oh, and I have ginger I am trying to grow from another ginger root.  That, too, is a work in progress.  I follow a few influencers and am interested in growing ginger indoors.  I have seen a few techniques on how to prep it.  I am hopeful.

Find a habit and make it yours.  What area of your life would you like to improve?

Health?  Finances?  Relationships?  Communication?  

Personally, I need to restrict my podcast intake.  I tend to listen to political podcasts, and it is affecting me.  I am overwhelmed by the apathy of people.  The alligator concentration camps supported by the current administration and their base is disgusting.  Thirty-two people per cage.  Three toilets per cage.  I have heard accounts that toilet water is what is available to drink.  Can you imagine?  This is inhumane.  And, for what?  Because this administration deems you do not matter.  That you no longer deserve dignity, respect, humanity.

They are racially profiling people.  They are not going after criminals.  Women and children are not criminals.  Farm workers are not criminals.  Day laborers are not criminals.  Restaurant workers are not criminals.  Construction workers are not criminals.  

These are people looking to improve their lives.  

If you are Christian, remember the tenet of do onto others......I am a lapsed Catholic.  I do not apologize for it.  I know my dad is disappointed in me, but I don't care.  I won't follow this hypocritical religion.  Minimizing women.  Suppressing pedophiles in the church.  Tithing people who cannot afford to pay rent. 

I am committed to speaking out, sharing food and building community. 

Healthcare

Healthcare is a joke.  Pay in to the system until you actually need help.  Follow the pre-op procedures and instructions.  Arrive early to minimize delay or disruption.  Still have little control to what happens.

No one wants to hang out in a waiting room.  EVER.  It's irritating.  Having no control on what time or when you will be seen.  I had arranged a yoga session that I thought might interfere with me picking him up.  He did not say anything, but I sensed, that he was irritated.  Like he wasn't my priority.

I waited until 11:15 in the room with him.  Made my departure to teach a class at 11:30. Figured he would be available around 1:30 for pick up.  I returned to the hospital and was informed--I meant to text you to let you know that he hasn't started his surgery yet.  (Really?  You forgot to text me?)

I waited until they came to take him to the OR.  That was 2:45. We arrived at the hospital at 9:45 to check in for his procedure.

I returned at 4:45 to ensure that I could enter the surgical services until.  Sat in the recovery room.  Waited.  Waited longer.  Finally, a nurse came to collect me.

I almost leapt out of my seat.  I was so ready to be out of the hospital.  He looked great.  And lighter.  We did a few post Op procedures and then was talked thought the next few hours.  She was detailed about what pill to take and what time.  She expressed the importance of keeping track of when the pills were taken.  Staying on schedule.  She escorted us out to my car and helped me get Tom into Freya.  I started to leave and inquired about the medication.  Did he have them?  

Big shock.  No.  We did not have the tramadol or oxycodone.  He was told that he should pick them up on the day of the procedure.  Somehow that was ignored during the post-op discussion.  I tried to call the on-call nurse which was silly.  I have yet to be called to determine if we need help.  It is a joke.  Tom made it through to his surgeon.  He reiterated that the pills were available at the hospital.  But the pharmacy closed at 6 pm.  Super helpful, again.  Healthcare reminding me that the system is rigged against normal people.

The doctor called in the prescription to Walgreen's.  We were told it would be an hour before picking up.  I ordered take out and ate with Tom.  Absorbed a few hours before heading to Walgreen's.  The prescription was not filled, and they would only be able to fill two of the prescriptions.  I waited for 45 minutes.  Cherry on top of my shitty day waiting for the healthcare system.  

Now, we still don't have the pain medication two days later.  Walgreens has not filled the prescription, and Tom is hesitant to be an advocate for his health.  I am irritated since I believe he can be more forceful.  Call his doctor and figure out where we can pick up this stuff.  I am more than happy to pick it up at the hospital.

He is fine with waiting.  I cannot continue to force him to do things he is uncomfortable with, and I cannot be his advocate.  We have different styles.  I will respect his wishes.  

There has to be a better way.  People should not be in pain.  The amount of money paid into insurance should alleviate undue pain or waiting.  I cannot avoid my payment due date.  I would be slapped with a fine.  How are they ok with people not receiving their prescriptions?

New appetizers to test out

I want to be more capable in hosting yoga events.  I have a wheelhouse of appetizers that I feel confident making.  I know they are crowd pleasers, and I enjoy them.  That being said, I want to change it up.  I do not feel comfortable only offering the same snacks.  I looked at IG for inspiration.  Started my quest with seasonal appetizers.  Of course, squash popped up.  I have tried a squash salad in the past and it was popular.  This one relied on parmesan cheese and a lemon vinaigrette.  I added chives, basil and mint which helped the freshness factor.  Worked out really well.  I do not have a mandolin to slice the squash consistently, but my peeler works well. 

I like offering charcuterie but in a non-traditional way.  I have offered charcuterie in a mason jar with sun-dried tomatoes, bell peppers, garlic stuffed olives.  This time, I created skewers with bowtie pasta.  A slight change to a crowd pleaser and topped with hot honey.  The hot honey was a wonderful addition to the dish.  Terrific flavor.

The final appetizer was whipped feta with honey.  Definitely the star of the show.  I incorporated cream cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt (instead of sour cream) and a block of feta.  As I do not have a food processor, I was forced to rely on elbow grease.  In my mind, my grandmother and mother managed to create dishes without gadgets or appliances.  I could make this dip creamy myself.  I made it on Monday evening allowing an overnight for the dip to marinate.  It was delicious.  I think most were surprised by how much they enjoyed it.  

I try to balance richness with some light.  I did not want to go too heavy with the post session snacks.  We need healthy snacks to re-fuel the body.  Of course, there was wine and tequila.  That has not changed since I began the Detox to Retox yoga classes.  I love them.  They continue to build momentum.  Started out at a spot on Colfax.  I loved the vibe of the space but eventually moved to a jazzercise studio.  I miss the kitchenette of the initial space, but the focus is yoga.  The jazzercise studio has more space for yoga and better parking.  Especially now that there is road construction on Colfax.  It has been a mess and a daily irritation for me to navigate my commute.  I tend to walk more to avoid the hassle of driving and dealing with other drivers.

I am trying to my hand at gardening this year. Carrots, squash, cucumbers, bell peppers, beets and a few herbs.  There is a gardening plot that my neighbor secured for us to use.  He is growing corn, cantaloupe, peppers and some other items.  He tilled the soil and made it available to use.  I figure why not test out my green thumb?

I am attempting indoor ginger, too.  I have not been juicing for the last few months and found a small piece of ginger that I had overlooked.  The eyes of the ginger are ripe to root and grow new pieces.  I am curious as to how this will work out.  I want to do more domestic to diminish my needing to go grocery shopping.  I am too reliant on convenience instead of homegrown foods.  At least I would know where it came from, how it was treated and enjoy the fresh taste.

Next month, new snacks.  I might add them to my page and here.  I want to continue to grow and learn.  Diversify my skillset.  If you have suggestions, let me know.

Oregon tasting

Happy Saturday!  Reflecting on the previous week.  Some travel, great food and work.  First things first, travel.  I spent five days in Oregon with Tom.  The premise of the trip was to visit the Willamette Valley with the other board members for a research and development trip.  We toured four wineries and explored the valley.  I had no idea how substantial the valley was.  750 wineries.  Somewhat spread out or so it seemed.  One of our bus rides was about an hour from McMinnville.  Typically, it would not have concerned me, but the bus was hot, and the guide did not play music.  I think I was too aware of how bumpy the ride was.  I know that I was not the only one to feel car sick along that drive.  

But let me back up.  We arrived in Portland and resisted to renting a car.  Instead, we took an uber to the downtown area.  Quick bite to eat and a beer.  There was a food truck bonanza.  Offering 20 plus food trucks.  I considered arepas or chips but settled on sushi.  I was happy!  We boarded a bus with the belief that we could arrive in McMinnville in a few hours.  We missed one of the busses and jumped on the next one.  I should have looked into more.  We ended up in a different area of town and hired another car.

Once in McMinnville, we found a local brewery and a market.  Stocked up a few supplies and attended a meet & greet.  Thursday night was open to discover our own dining options.  We were not required to do any board outings.  Friday was all board, all day.  Two wineries, lunch and dinner.  The landscape was beautiful.  We began at Willakenzie Winery.  Outstanding views and great wine.  Small afternoon break and then dinner/tour at Willamette Valley Winery.  Again, gorgeous grounds.  Stunning.  They hosted dinner for us.  Afterwards, we returned to the hotel and enjoyed a night cap.  The opportunity to enjoy tequila continued to elude us.  The town of McMinnville feels boutique and intimate.  Translation, lots of wine and opportunity for beer but the bottle shops are on the outskirts of town.  As we didn't have a vehicle, we were beholdened to what was available to us.  No tequila or mezcal. 

Saturday was a few wine tours and lunch at Dundee Grill.  Dundee is a cute town, and I believe it will be a destination to stay at when there is more accommodations available.  It was kitschy and cute.  We had a lovely wine tasting at Domaine Drouhin and an afternoon tasting at Beaux Frere.  I loved the wines at the last winery.  Beautiful tasting.  

Saturday evening, we checked out a local mexican restaurant.  I liked the salsa, but the entrees were meh.  The margarita was not good.  However, I believe in supporting local and we would not have known if we didn't try it.  

We concluded the night with a gin and tonic at the hotel bar.  Spontaneous meet up with some of the board members to finish the visit.  Sunday morning, we hired another car to take us to Salem.  Jumped on an Amtrak and headed south to Eugene.  Met up with my sisters and had a splendid visit.  Truly thankful for the time with them.  

Reminded me how much I miss travel.  I need to just do it.  No more stalling or freaking out.  I know that there are resources and that money will always be there.

Make it a great day!