Finally - An Exercise Experience to Love!

I mentioned that I was taking a class called NIA (pronounced Neeyuh) and I absolutely love the energy and creative movement! I have a class this evening. I was a bit timid about a "dance class" I have two left feet and as a class member said "my right brain doesn't talk to my left"

I am "releasing" the clumsy, non dancing part of me into a freeform style of movement. Nia's theme: Through movement we find health! The following defines some of what the Nia Technique is all about:

"Can we experience deep physical pleasure, even joy, in a workout? Can a fitness routine nurture exploration of the self and transform the spirit? Nia says yes. Part yoga, part martial arts and dance, this soulful workout incorporates movement from nine systems, including tai kwon do, modern dance, Feldenkrais and others, into an inspiring dance-like routine. It’s performed in bare feet and unrestricted clothing to usually groovy music. And while a Nia instructor won’t urge you to feel the burn, a typical class will get your blood‹and your inspiration—flowing." AMEN and HALLELUJAH!!!

The class is an hour of continuous movement beginning slowly, building and building and ending softly and gently. Nia touches a deep longing in me to move the way our bodies were always intended to move. There is no judgment in Nia...loose your balance...center yourself and keep moving! I encourage you to research Nia...I purchased a DVD called Global Unity to practice with at home. If you are local, Nancy offers classes at Columbia Ballet School on Wednesdays at 6:00 and Sundays at 4:00. She also teaches at Still Hopes Wellness Center on Tuesdays at 6:00

Her movements are so beautiful and she is a patient, kind and generous instructor.

Carlos Rosas and Debbie Rosas Stewart (pictured above) are the founders of the Nia Technique, more information can be found here

I am thrilled to have found movement that I enjoy...that excites me...that I actually look forward to the classes. When you are ready...when you release preconceived ideas of what you can do...when the student is ready the "teacher" will appear! I have found my tribe.

Flashback Friday or Normal is Good!

So after the great "boobie" scare of the last few weeks...it is good to be back to normal...almost! During the dark of the night, the very worst scenario would lodge into my brain and stay there...if nothing else the "scare" made me appreciate my life...the people I hold near and dear.
Please check the girls regularly and get a mammogram!

So...my grandson has been registered for kindergarten and I am not really sure where the time went...I am sharing the photos whereby little one still has a diaper and his shoes on...the cutest ones are of the bare cheeks running through the yard...that boy has always loved water and not wearing clothes...seems like he was born just five minutes ago...playing with the granddarlings brings me great joy!

A few other random thoughts:

I am wondering what the new neighbors with six kids, five dogs, two or three trucks and lots of tools will be building this weekend...last Saturday I woke up to hammering...there were two little buildings erected...I can't see much because for the first time in twenty years there is a privacy fence separating the yards...the house has been added to as well. I remember moving into our house and our backdoor neighbors passing brownies over the fence and how many backyard over the fence conversations we had...our children grew up together...I guess I won't be passing brownies through this fence.

Hopefully, I will be inspired to work on a few projects this weekend! I have started an art journal, a new dance/exercise class (more on that later...love it) apart from the millions of ideas floating through my brain right now I also have the very practical home and yard projects to consider. Actually...I probably should do more than consider those projects...I want some home grown fresh veggies!

Spring excites me...rebirth on so many levels...I am also reminded of my dear friend Dot Dot each time I see the daffodils in bloom...her favorite harbinger of Spring and the poem by Wordsworth!

I wandered lonely as a Cloud
That floats on high o'er Vales and Hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd
A host of dancing Daffodils;
Along the Lake, beneath the trees,
Ten thousand dancing in the breeze.

The waves beside them danced, but they
Outdid the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay
In such a laughing company:
I gazed -- and gazed --but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude,
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the Daffodils

Can you believe most of our "Daffys" down South have almost bloomed out!
What will you do with your glorious Spring time?

Duncan and Friends

Who Knew? That TINY, abandoned puppy has grown and grown and grown and is growing still...as we speak, he eats EVERY thing! Ya gotta love him!

Playing around with a new lense...through the dining room window...

I'm just a wee bit excited...can you tell? Look out world one day I will have mad skillz!

Flashback Friday

Hi Bro,

I always think of you when everything turns from gray to green. How you would show up on a Saturday morning with a fully loaded backpack, snag a snack after having hiked the LONG way from Mom's house to mine. You were always so happy on the trails...I promised I would hike Ranier for you...that mountain was yours to climb...I've done it in spirit many times...We've hiked bits and pieces of the Applachian Trail...I feel your presence in those moments. Those we love are never far from our thoughts...I imagine your heaven full of trails, trees and lots of camping...

(James in yellow bandana...victory...Springer, Georgia to Katahdin, Maine)

Hands

Alas, I will never be a hand model. I have smallish hands with short nails and "Sahara" dry skin! Hands fascinate me...such a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and textures. I covet and admire those hands with long fingers, beautiful nails and graceful movement. My hand gestures are larger than life and I have been known to poke someone in the face when speaking (honor the space around me if you wish to remain intact with minimal injuries) At restaurants I sit on my hands (when not eating or drinking) to prevent knocking over liquidy things!

It is amazing how the brain sends messages to the nerves and muscles in the hand...seemingly without much thinking about it on our part. If your head itches...it is in rapid fire sequence that you reach and scratch the itch. We really don't think...my head is itching...I will lift my hand and scratch it! According to a number of sources and depending on "who you ask" there are 26 or 27 bones in each hand along with numerous muscles and nerve endings.

Looking at my children's and grandchildren's hands as infants I was always amazed by the delicate size. Grasping something becomes their first order of business! Often we take our hands for granted...the basic everyday use...until we injure them or suffer arthritis then we realize just how much we rely on the smallest movement and function. Many struggle with simple tasks...fine motor skills are a struggle due to disabilities. Observing and working with special needs children for many years has given me an appreciation of those abilities and a lasting impression of tasks accomplished with great effort.

My dear husband offers his hand even when I do not really need the assistance...it is a gesture of love. After "stickboy" has played drums for hours I massage his fingers. Holding hands is a gesture of love, trust and intimacy. (even when HE forgets and squishes the gunk out of mine with his bear paws) I adore the feel of little hands seeking my hand for comfort and safety.

Our hands have the power to show great love or great hate simply by gestures. We can lift someone up or knock them down. What do your hands say about you?

A Stitch in Time

Do you remember the hand embroidered pillowcases of old? I loved the beautiful stitching and rainbow assortment of embroidery floss...the variety of stitches that would leave a pattern on your face if you slept on that part of the pillowcase. So close to purchasing a set with a pre-stamped design on them...sidetracked by something else in the craft/hobby shop. I have some serious trouble focusing my attention when surrounded by so many colors and textures!

In my mother's youth she was in the care of some nuns (that is a post for another day) and it was noted that this "tomboy" had a great aptitude and gift for fine handiwork. My mom could embroider the most intricate stitches. She knit beautiful cables and intricate designs for my brother and I. If it involved some type of thread and a needle, hook or needles...she excelled... all she wanted was to play ball, climb trees or garden. I remember the beautiful clothes of my youth and the decorative items Mom made for our home.

this sampler along with the "boy" mate hung in the room my brother and I shared during our very early childhood years. It needs to be cleaned up, pressed and re-framed...I thought one of the granddarlings should have it, however, I am not quite ready to part with it.

Embroidery has been on my mind alot lately, mostly due to the "Gift of Jewels" project hosted by the lovely and generous Se'Lah. I received this lovely hand embroidered card and knitted envelope which by the way is made of the softest wool (you know me I am a fool for textures) from a fellow blogger in Denmark. Imagine my delight receiving something postmarked from Denmark. Since I am of European descent and spent most of my childhood in Germany...it tickled my heartstrings in a way I cannot quite explain! Thank you Se'Lah for making this happen and thank you so much "landanna"!

Bonnie, at Mamma has Spoken received a felted pin and card from me...to which she responded by embroidering a pin full of Springtime! She created the pin using craft items from her stash...very green of her and very generous. I adore receiving cards in the mail...to receive a gift as well...icing on a very lovely cake my friends! A special thank you to Bonnie for sending Spring my way.

If you will excuse me...I am going to find some needles, embroidery floss and a pillowcase or two.