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!