Indie Author Kristie Haigwood

Next week, indie author, Kristie Haigwood, will be featured on my blog. She is the author of Save My Soul and Forbidden Touch. I have read Save My Soul and enjoyed it, and I look forward to reading her next book. Save My Soul is a paranormal love story that is sure to thrill.

3 Weeks (& a day) Gluten Free

OK, so it's been three weeks off gluten and here's my observations:

• I am AWAKE! I'm not tired during the day any longer
• Still have moments of anger that just leave me scratching my head
• No more stomach pain
• Normal bowel movements (TMI, I know!)
• Not hungry between meals--am easily filled up

My biggest concern is perseverating over my inability (at times) to manage angry outbursts. This is not like me. It usually takes quite a bit to get me to explode, but now it's little stuff--really INSIGNIFICANT stuff. Thank God I have a loving family who forgives my foibles. For that I am grateful.

I would love to hear from those of you who have had experience with gluten free diets. Do you experience the same issues? Please share! Enjoy your beautiful day! 

Videos to Improve Balance and Strength

In my last post, Witnessing Change as it Happens,  I touched upon confidence when doing Zumba and other forms of exercise. I have started to take the plunge (hopefully not a face plant!) by practicing arm balances. I remember the first arm balance I ever saw was on the cover of Yoga Journal magazine. It seemed like the most impossible thing I had ever seen. In the magazine, there was this article about arm balances made easy. I was completely mesmerized by the beautiful woman, photographed by Katrine Naleid, who seemed to effortlessly fly into the air. The article talked about relaxing! into the pose. I could only shake my head in awe.

Years later, I am finally able to look at different asanas and see them for what they are. What has changed is my mind, my body yes, but first and foremost, it has definitely been my mind. So today, I really started to try the crow pose. I found it embedded in this video featuring Kathryn Budig. I was amazed at the detailed and slow pace that she instructed her model to move within each posture. It was breathtakingly beautiful. So after really paying close attention to body positioning and precision, I actually floated up into the crow pose! WAAAAAHHHH! OK, so as not to mislead anyone--I held it for a 1/2 second. BUT, it's a start. And true to what Yoga Journal said, it really is all about relaxation. Once I let go, I floated up, but then my lovely ego took over, and I had to sit back. So I am so glad that this pose isn't as daunting as I had initially thought!

This is another great yoga sequence, featuring  Kino MacGregor, in which she teaches us how to build strength to hold arm balances. I had briefly seen videos featuring Kino before, but never really took the time to WATCH! She is a very graceful yogini who has so much knowledge that I can't wait to learn more from. I hope you get a chance to look at these videos. They are really impressive! Namaste.

Witnessing Change as it Happens

It has been two months since I attended my first Zumba class, and I have to say that I noticed today that I did not need to drink as much water during the class as I normally do--I had water left over! I also noticed that my steps to the dance moves became a bit more refined, my muscles a little stronger, and my confidence growing. Each class has been an exercise in pushing my limits. The first few classes I left huffing and puffing thinking, How is this body of 40+ years going to ever get this right? But amazingly (or maybe not so amazingly), I feel myself growing stronger, shining brighter than before.

A friend of mine who comes with me every week made a comment this morning. "How's your pain since you've been gluten free?" And you know what?! I hadn't thought about it all morning! That is a huge change that I missed because you see, my pain wasn't wrecking havoc on my nerves, joints, and muscles! So I didn't draw my attention to it.

Now as I sit here scanning my body, I notice where the pain normally hits, and the areas seem to be tamped down at the moment. Is it the gluten, is it the barometric pressure, is it that my husband, Jeff Whelan, got  wonderful reviews on Amazon for his book Space Orville? Honestly, I really don't care, but I'm glad that I have a good day that will turn into good days or weeks.

And today we will be celebrating our 16th anniversary with my parents. My beautiful boys are excited because Grammy and Papa are treating them to carnival rides all afternoon--as well as treating all of us to pizza afterwards. I am so glad...today is a GOOD day! Namaste.

Hop Aboard Art Game

Hey! Try this out! It's a blast!Visit Dolly at http://allaboutlemon.com/art-game/ to add your flair! Post to your own blog and let Dolly know. She'll do the rest!!!

Hop Aboard!

16 Beautiful Years!

Today I am happy to say, I've been married to my wonderful husband for 16 years. Even after 16 years of marriage, I still find wonder in our marriage and family. We have cherished all the beautiful moments and endured hard ones, but I can tell you for 100% certainty, that I would not want to share those moments with anyone else.

Our day started with a Dr. Who episode (just discovered Dr. Who about a month ago, and I'm hooked!), followed by a chemistry demonstration at our local library put on by The Discovery Center Museum. We then biked to a park we dubbed "The Labyrinth". They have a labyrinth that my kids and I like to walk (me) and run (the boys). I did, however, spend most of the time in the shade doing my yoga. When we arrived home, my mother-in-law dropped off a sheet cake, some dinner in the fridge, and movie tickets to round it out! Wow!

It was a fabulous day to remember and celebrate our 16 years together. I couldn't have planned it any better! Hope everyone is having a glorious day. Namaste.

Yoga and Housework

It seems since summer vacation is here, my yoga practice has changed a bit. OK, let's be honest--a lot! I now have more time in the morning to settle in with  my cup of coffee and read a chapter or two of a good book, then start my day. (OK, here's where I should tell you that this is not my day EVERY day, but one can dream, right?!)

So tonight, while Jeff, hubbie, and youngest son were off to karate class, my oldest and I were like two white tornadoes and cleaned the house from top to bottom. Not only did it get clean, we had fun. This is where my yoga practice really kicked in for me: I became mindful of what muscles I was using when dusting, stretching to reach the not-so-easy-to-reach spaces, and focusing all my attention to the project at hand. AND because I was having fun with my son, time went by so quickly. I have to tell you, I feel really great. Mindfulness is such a wonderful gift I've received from yoga. Namaste!

P.S. Please check out the fabulous review for Jeff's eBook! I was about blown over!
http://www.amazon.com/Space-Orville-ebook/dp/B006JB722S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340250635&sr=8-1&keywords=space+orville

Just Found a Wonderful Blog!

I was reading one of my favorite blogs, Good Life Road, and I came across this blog: A Design so Vast. Lindsey, the blog's author, is so beautifully honest. After reading it for a few minutes, I knew she was on a great journey.

I enjoy blogs that speak from the heart. And these two really do. I hope you will find their blogs as wonderful as I do!

All About Lemon: Art Game

Hey! Try this out! It's a blast!Visit Dolly at http://allaboutlemon.com/art-game/ to add your flair! Post to your own blog and let Dolly know. She'll do the rest!!!

2 Weeks Gluten Free

Today has been 14 days without gluten. I finally am over (knock on wood) the anger and frustration, and I'm actually feeling pretty good. I've lost 4 pounds just by eating gluten-free foods.

I still am not craving sweets, breads, or sugary treats which is a big deal for me. With that being said, I have to share a link with you all. This is the best chocolate cake I've ever made! It's so easy and wonderfully delicious! http://glutenfreemommy.com/no-frills-chocolate-cake/ This gal has an excellent blog. Give her blog a look-see! Have a great Monday!

Review for Space Orville

We have so much to be grateful for in the Whelan household! Through the hard work of my husband, Jeff, he has truly made a name for himself as a published author! I always knew his book would be received if he could just get it published...unfortunately, publishing houses would not take a chance on him. Their loss for sure. Now because eBooks are all the rave, indie authors have found a format to publish their works. I have never seen Jeff work harder or more energetically as he has now. He is all about promoting his book and it makes me so proud to see him shine!

If you follow this link http://jeffwhelan.wordpress.com/2012/06/17/baby-steps/#comment-366 you will find other links that will take you to interviews with Jeff and one book review. It is truly wonderful! Namaste.

BTW, Happy Father's Day to all the deserving fathers out there! Have a blessed day!

Polka Dots Party Bop

You know the drill! Copy from All About Lemon: Art Game,  Add a picture of your own, post to your blog, then notify Dolly, BEAUTIFUL Dolly!


Poppity-Pop Polka Dots!

9 Days Gluten-Free

OK, so I think I'm getting the hang of this. My anger has subsided dramatically and I think I'm starting to feel like I really WANT to eat gluten free foods. Here's the positives I'm noticing right now:

• I'm not craving sweets or carbs
• Normal bowel movements (OK, more info than you probably wanted, but hey! 46 years has done a number on my colon!)
• I'm starting to understand how to cook gluten free, and I'm excited about learning more.

OK, so here are the negatives:

• I've wasted a lot of money trying to get homemade breads just right--haven't mastered it yet!
• I have to make different meals from my family at times, but it doesn't bother me as much as I thought it would (we still eat together!)
• It seems all I can think about is GF diet!

OK, so slowly, I feel I'm getting into a stride. Tomorrow I'm going to make homemade sourdough bread from the dough starter I started about 4 days ago. I hope it turns out OK! Have a beautiful Wednesday! Namaste.

Art Game: All About Lemon

Visit Dolly at http://allaboutlemon.com/art-game/ to add your flair! Post to your own blog and let Dolly know. She'll do the rest!!!

Don't worry, Kitty! I'll save you!

Gluten-Free for 7 days

OK, I lied, I accidentally had gluten in a rye cracker--didn't know rye contained gluten. However, my mom read my blog and wondered how I was feeling. I told her I was still angry and wondered if I were having gluten withdrawal. Well, my mom, doctor-wannabe, searched the internet and found these sites that showed many people with the same symptoms I'm having (some even as I type this): nervousness, anger, depression, and at times, ravenously hungry. It seems that gluten can act as a drug that can be addictive like heroin! ????? What? That sounds insane...but if this is the case, I have got a few more weeks of detox before I can put this all behind me. OK, so here are the links to the sites she sent to me. Hope it helps any of you out there who is trying to go gluten free.

http://www.livingwithout.com/issues/4_8/giving_up_gluten-2024-1.html

http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/topic/68222-withdrawal-symptoms/

http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/topic/88678-anger/

The Subtleties of the Breath

Think about it: Our breath is magical, spiritual, recycled, and wonderfully sustaining. If you allow your mind to think of every breath as inhaling all of Mother Earth, there's no stopping us!

When I went to  Rod Stryker conference in Chicago on March 17th, we ended the morning session with Savasana. I experienced my breath in a way that I've never experienced it before. We were told to follow our breath starting from the crown of our head to our belly. And when the pause in between breaths happened, a delightful swirling of air twirled around in my throat and mouth. In my mind's eye, it looked like smoke swirling around a glass container. I had the image of opening my mouth and allowing the breath to meet Spirit, then travel back through the crown of my head to be recycled. With this image, I became supremely relaxed and profoundly peaceful. 

When I am stressed, I try to recapture that breath and allow it to fill my inner spaces and calm my mind and release tension in my muscles. The breath can be homeopathic medicine and magic all in one!

Lovely Blog Award

I was awarded this blog by my wonderful hubby, Jeff Whelan, indie author of Space Orville. So, I have to wonder, is this nepatism? Not sure, but I really am flattered none-the-less. Now, if I understand correctly, I have to share this with 15 or so bloggers and tell 7 things about myself. So here goes:

1. First and foremost I have the most amazing family in the world. My husband is my soul mate and best friend, my two boys complete me more than I can even believe, and I enjoy every moment I have with them.
2. I have a very fulfilling yoga and meditation practice. Without it my body would be screaming in pain, and my mind would be all aflutter!
3. I teach students who are deaf and hard of hearing. I've been doing this for 19 years. I mostly love my job, and try to remember that on difficult days.
4. I absolutely love the outdoors. My favorite things to do outside are camp (tho' tent camping is getting harder the older I get), walk/hike, and garden.
5. I am a Zumba fan! The longer I attend classes, the better my hips obey me!
6. I'm a lover of creative endeavors. I make jewelry, soap (tho' that's been a few years), candles, and any new crafts I happen to come across.
7. I act in community theater (as does Jeff--and my kids in children community theater). I will appear in the play "The Dining Room" this September.

OK, so here are the blogs I enjoy:
1. Jeff Whelan
2. Teach Mentor Texts
3. Good Life Road
4. Obsession with Books
5. All About Lemon
6. Ponderous Things
7. Suzanne Morrison
8. K.S. Haigwood
9. Lynn Hasselberger

Here's the problem: I do not have any more blogs than this! Sorry, but I have to stick to nine. Oh, well, don't  hurt me!!!

4th Day of Gluten-Free

OK, I'm going to track these changes so I can see where I've come from. First off, it's quite a challenge finding staple items that are gluten free. For example, I use cream soups in some of my recipes--they contain wheat! Some meats contain wheat (what?!) So being a bit discouraged is probably part of the package. But what I do notice is that I'm not bloated any more--honestly, I didn't realize how much I was bloated before until now. I also don't crave foods the way I did before. Hmmmm.....makes me wonder if gluten is like a drug that you can't get enough of.  But here's something that happening that I'm not sure about and I don't like:  I'm angry! Is it because I feel forced into this or am I not getting the "gluten" fix that my body has depended on.

So I'm asking those of you who eat gluten free if this has happened to you? I'm a bit concerned. So I will see how this plays out. (Maybe this is all part of the grieving. I'm not sure...)


Enjoy your weekend, All! Namaste.

Art Game: The Rat Ate the Cheese

BUT HE'S MY FRIEND!!!

Visit Dolly at http://allaboutlemon.com/art-game/ to add your flair! Post to your own blog and let Dolly know. She'll do the rest!!!

Author Interview: Martha Bourke, Jaguar Sun

I have the great pleasure of featuring indie author Martha Bourke. She has written a beautifully-penned novel called Jaguar Sun. What follows is my interview with her. Enjoy!

Tell us a little bit about your YA paranormal, Jaguar Sun. Jaguar Sun is the story of Maya Delaney, a typical sixteen-year-old high school junior of Mayan descent. She’s busy dealing with exams, her soon to be ex-boyfriend and fitting in. But Maya’s got bigger problems. She’s hiding a major secret from her dad and having strange visions she can’t control. In her struggle to figure out who she is, she learns that she is meant to fulfill an ancient Mayan Prophesy and bring forth a New Age on earth. Maya finds herself at the very center of a plot over the transition to take place when the Mayan Calendar ends on December 21, 2012. And on top of that, she and her friends are beginning to develop strange powers. Faced with learning to harness her new abilities in time to bring the world to a positive transition, Maya must reevaluate her relationships, identity, and her place in the world. But will the spirit magic she wields be enough to defeat Toltec, an evil society bent on keeping Maya from her destiny? Or will that destiny destroy her?

Is writing your side job or do you do this full time? Currently, I’m on sabbatical from teaching. So writing is my full time occupation at this time. I hope that will continue. I probably won’t make that decision until after the release of Book 2. I’ve planned for the series to be 3-5 books.

How long have you been writing--what is your inspiration? I’ve been writing since the third or fourth grade. It started with poetry and then short stories by middle school. By high school I was writing novellas for my friends. My inspiration is my imagination, which is very vivid to say the least! I have to do something with it or who knows what could happen!

How did you get the idea for JS? I was a Spanish teacher for fifteen years. So I taught Spanish language and culture. I had always wanted to write a book with lots of Hispanic characters and a strong female protagonist. So my interest in foreign cultures and mythology, and my love of YA came together and JS was the result.

I couldn't help wonder while I was reading: What's up with the mom other than being a dead beat? Are Maya's father and mother Mayan? Will you explore more of their characters in later sequels? I hope so. I want to know more about them. Maya’s loser-mom, as she calls her, is out of the picture completely and will stay there. Maya’s maternal influence comes from her grandmother, Rosa, and that will remain the same. It is possible we will see more of Maya’s father in future books. You never know! Maya’s indigenous roots come from her maternal grandmother. So Maya’s mother would be half Mayan. We know that Maya’s father is at least half Irish from the surname Delaney. He is neither Hispanic nor Mayan.

I love the way you describe the energies that flow around Maya--you're very articulate--it seems the energies are flowing thru me as I read the story. So now my question: have you dabbled in tarot, spirituality, or just researched them. (My guess is you have some experience in that area.) I actually have no real experience with tarot. That was all from research. I love to write YA paranormal books and I love researching for it. It’s so much fun. I am a very spiritual person, with both a Yoga practice and regular meditation. I also have a very strong connection to nature. A lot of that probably comes from growing up in Vermont. So I suppose it’s not surprising that I used a lot of earth-based magic in the book.  

Have you written in other genres? Do you have other books that you have written or are in the process of writing? I wrote one stand-alone novel about five years ago. It’s a Middle Grade paranormal. I doubt it will ever see the light of day, but I think it was an important stepping stone for my writing. I’m more suited to YA. Right now I’m writing Book 2 in the Jaguar Sun Series, Jaguar Moon. It’s due out in the fall.

Where can readers connect with you?

Website: http://www.jaguarsunseries.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jaguarsunseries

Twitter: http://twitter.com/martha_bourke

Buy Jaguar Sun: Amazon Kindle and paperback http://amzn.to/wWLlEu

Smooch From Betty Boop!

A Smooch for YOU, Dolly!

Go to All About Lemon and add your picture to your blog, let Dolly know, and she'll post it! Dolly is so much fun! Enjoy!

Gluten-Free Diet Challenge

Over a year ago, my gynecologist suggested I try a gluten-free diet to manage my chronic pain. I told her there was no way I'd do that! Too many staples that I'd have to give up. But this past year has been a struggle, and I figured, why not. Unfortunately for me, all change has to go thru my grieving filter. Sheesh, it's just a diet for heaven's sake! But, alas, this is me.

So Jeff and I today went to Hyvee. They were having a gluten-free presentation in their club house. We got a lot of ideas, then left the grocery store with $65 worth of gluten-free food (three bags' worth). Jeff can shop weekly and have between 15-20 bags for only $200...we honestly can't keep up that kind of spending.

So if there are any of you out there who have tried or are on a gluten-free diet, please share your tricks/recipes/ideas on how to eat gluten-free on a budget. It seem so exorbitant to just remove a seemingly simple ingredient from foods. AND did you know that soy sauce has gluten, and so do the cream soups that I use in cooking. I'm about ready to scream!

I know there is a way to do this, and now that I have the summer off, I'd like to devote some time to trying out different recipes, making recipes in bulk and freezing, just to cut down on the price a bit.

So there you have it? Any takers on how to do this more efficiently or cost effectively? I'm open to any and all suggestions! Enjoy the beautiful day. Namaste.

Zumba Shoes

OK, what's all the fuss? I'm in my zumba class and I see lots of people wearing these Zumba Shoes . Are they any better than just plain old sneakers? Does anyone reading this blog have an answer?

I have a pair of Nike Air shoes. I like them because they give me the support I need (I also wear orthodics due to my insanely high arches). BTW, these were a b-day gift from my parents--I would never buy such expensive shoes (except Birks, that is!)

There are a couple of moves which are difficult at best (these young whippersnappers that can move like the wind--sheesh!) where my shoes squeak as I move across the floor, and I can't help but wonder if these shoes prevent that? The only thing I can figure out is that they seem to have a thin sole and the Zumba logo on the side.

I'm not one to part with my money easily. If I could wear my Papillio Sandals to Zumba class I would. My feet only work in Birks!

OK, enough of my rambling...I just wondered if this was just a fashion craze. I leave Zumba class sweaty, my heart pounding, and I feel my endorphins having a hay-day in my body. So do I really need to look like a Zumba Goddess? (My guess is no!)

Have a great weekend! Namaste to all!

Indie Author Interviews

It's funny when I look back at my blog to see all the changes it has gone through, and realize, isn't that what life is? Constant Change!!! I thought this blog would only be about my journey through yoga, but really yoga is life...and this is my life!

Since my husband, Jeff, has published his eBook Space Orville , I've had the pleasure to read a few indie authors and I've been pleasantly surprised. One author, Martha Bourke , has written a wonderful eBook called, Jaguar Sun. She has agreed to do an author interview, which I will post in about a week. So many independent authors have promoted Jeff's eBook, and we are so grateful, that I wanted to return the favor and interview some of my favorite indie authors. So Martha, you will be my first!

I hope you all will stop back to read the interview next week! Namaste!