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A week ago Sunday, my Sister, Daughter, and I went to the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, having enrolled in Bootcamp For Goddessess. We arrived with hiking boots, weights and other gear and were pretty wet from unloading bags in the rain, even before we checked in. While we were looking forward to the week long workshop, we weren’t looking forward to the predicted rain all week. Our dorm rooms were small, 6 x 8 I think, very clean, all we needed. All the food in the dining hall was vegetarian or vegan.. tasty. For those who wanted some meat in their meals, they could visit the cafe where food and sweets were available.
As the name of the workshop implies, the bootcamp was for women only. There were 63 women enrolled and while most started out the week as strangers, that quickly changed. By the end of the week we were all Sisters. In the group were lawyers, doctors, social workers and those from many other professions, a variety of lifestyles, races, histories. In the end none of it mattered at all, shed of our labels, our true personalities and spirits were able to shine.
We learned how to embrace each other, support each other, how to be strong & caring, love & take care ourselves. We started each day with a morning hike, learned how to breathe, did Yoga, danced in the rain, worked very hard, cried, laughed, sang, learned a lot.
The hardest part for me was the Sweat Lodge Ceremony on Wednesday night. At times it felt like I was breathing fire, but I stayed in for the entire time without leaving between the 4 different parts of the ceremony as many did to get some fresh air or drink some water. In truth, it wasn’t that I was tougher than others, it was that I feared that if I went out into the cool air, I might not go back in! It was an awesome thing, 70 women or so in a dark sweat lodge that appeared to measure little more than 12 feet across.
Because the ceremony was done in Native American fashion, before we entered the sweat lodge we were asked to meditate and call on an animal to guide us. I envisioned a bright green Dragonfly. It didn’t surprise me at all, for me the dragonfly represents my mother. But, I was very surprised when I then went over to a table where cards were spread and with my eyes closed chose the card with the dragonfly on it. When I sat down an emerald green dragonfly landed on my knee and I smiled, felt like saying… alright already mom!… I’m paying attention!
During the previous days I’d learned that I don’t pray enough, don’t give thanks enough and one of the things we were meant to do in the sweat lodge was to pray. Pray I did, in the dark, sweating like crazy.
Along with the Boot Camp workshop I attended a watercolor sample workshop, one I want to try next year. I also got a massage. Each morning on the way to the Yoga building we’d pass the movement studio where you could hear music and some kind of dancing going on. Every evening we went to bed to the sound of drumming and music from the music hall in the distance and closer to our windows, the sounds of a cricket serenade.
I plan to go back to Omega for some of the watercolor workshops, R&R and who knows what else? And I plan to do Bootcamp 2 in the future.
I was so busy all week that I forgot to take photos till the late in the week. You can see more by following the links to Omega and to Sierra Benders website where you can see a bootcamp video..
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- sis in front of the sweat lodge
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- omega labyrinth 2
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- omega still water yoga center
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- goddesses at breakfast
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- omega dining hall 1
While sitting at the table in the new garden shop/shed/whatever, I looked up to see what at first appeared to be a blizzard. With unusually warm temps, in the 80’s, snow wasn’t possible.
Knowing what it was, I went out to be closer to the cherry trees so I could experience the showers of blossoms with every gust of wind. Some friends and family will sometimes comment that I see things as a child would see them. When the cherry trees are in bloom, is one of those times when I feel like a child who is seeing this for the first time. I am in awe of the beauty, will sit or stand under them to gaze up at the blossoms and love to experience the blossom showers. I noticed neighbors will also stop to enjoy the trees. In fact some have told me that they look for to the trees blooming each spring and if they happen to be walking or driving by when they are raining blossoms, they will stop and experience the showers.
Photos taken yesterday…
The first is of the small Weeping Cherry tree. It is still relatively young and so not yet very big nor dense, but it has the most beautiful pink blossoms. I’ll be picking, pressing, and drying some of the blooms today.
Under the Yoshino Cherry trees. These are the types of trees you see in D.C. The blossoms are a little paler than those of the weeping cherry, but just as pretty and the trees themselves are beautiful with that layered branch way of growing. I’ll be cutting some small branches and taking them to a friend in the infirmary. Last year she came over often to sit on the bench near the trees to enjoy them. If she can’t come to enjoy the blossoms, I can take the blossoms to her and maybe make her day a little brighter.
And speaking of children… last week granddaughter Jess was trying on hats from our collection of vintage hats, to see which one she wanted to wear to Hat Day at school. Grandson Connor had been dropped off very early as his daddy was having hip replacement surgery. Connor was upset at not being able to find a boy hat to wear, something other than everyday hats. I remembered I’d pulled out a chullo hat from a trip to Bolivia so that I could copy some of the stitch designs and use them in a chullo hat I’ll be starting soon. Connor tried it, and it was perfect!
Looking at that smile you can easilly see why it is that children can smile that way. There is a lot of passion in everything they do… they way they experience a shower of blossoms, they way they smile. We can learn a lot from children.
I mentioned Connor’s daddy having surgery. Our son-in-law could use prayers and healing thoughts as he recovers from this surgery and faces the next one. Hip replacements at his age are not common, but we are hoping that once healed he will be able to do all the things he has not been able to do for quite some time, important things like teaching a son about camping and the great outdoors.
I also mentioned the garden house… if you’d like to see photos of it so far visit my studio blog, link in the sidebar.
FOR TODAY (February 2nd, 2009)…
Outside my window.
Dark, cold, but we will be having mild weather today as we did yesterday, a nice change from our frigid temps the last couple of weeks. We are over the coldest month and looking forward to spring.
I am thinking
All that we have going on today. Our daughter is having minor surgery and so we have the kids for the day. Gizzy has an appointment to be groomed … And so it goes…
I am thankful for
That Hubby and I are feeling better after a bout with the creeping crud. That our dog Krystal is recovering from her limp. I think she did herself some damage when she decided to climb a snow hill rather than use the nicely shoveled walk, and then sank and struggled to free herself. She gave me a scare when she came in limping and then crashed flat out on her side at my feet. But, once she was up and around, she was her usual funny princess self, letting me know that she was not happy to be confined to the den. I’m now monitoring food and treats in order to get her back to around 15 pounds. She is a little heavier and it may be the cause of her not being so agile… that and her being a senior dog.
From the kitchen
Not much, still recovering from the crud.
I am wearing
Crazy hair. I washed my very curly hair and then stepped out on the deck while letting dogs out before my hair was dry. There was a strong breeze and it resulted in Very Big Hair. And no, I’m not going to post a photo.
I am creating
I’m still working on my wine colored wool/alpaca sweater, knit in one piece. I finished the length up to the armholes, put the front sides stitches on stitch holders and am working on the back. I’ve spent a little more time this week spinning, dyeing. Right now I’m spinning a silver silk and will be plying it with a single of Jacob/Angora I spun from a blend from Amazing Grace Farm. I need to take some time soon to work on photos of things I’m working on and things to sell, hopefully my camera will cooperate!
I am going
I have several places I need to go, mainly dropping off or picking up people.
I am reading
Still reading… Sabbath… Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest by Wayne Muller. I’m reading only a little bit at a time so that I can study each section and Exercise before moving on to the next.
I also just finished reading Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani.
I’ve started updating my book list on my Reading page, will be adding more books as I come across them. And I’ll be adding comments as I think of them also.
I am hoping
That Steph’s surgery goes well even though it is something minor, it can be painful.
The we survive the grandkids for the day *G*
That we recover from the crud.
That the weather improves so we can get back to working on the new studio/shed/nest.
I am hearing
The crashing sound caused by the sudden change in temps and fast thaw of snow and ice on the roof, some falling through the downspouts, some just falling off the edge of the roof. Every so often the sound makes us jump and is making the dogs a little edgy.
Around the house
Mixed media supplies have been moved back to the studio and seed catalogs and garden plans are getting some attention
One of my favorite
Tiny little trinket boxes that hold jewelry, special stitch markers, etc. Tiny little things just seem to catch my eye.
A few plans for the rest of the week
Get some more studio work done.
Order new dyes for customers who want to do their own dyeing.
Work on items for a March art exhibit.
Get the banner and needle felting supplies ready for Saturday’s guild meeting.
A picture thought to share:
Jeweled Frog & Dragonfly Trinket Boxes
To read more about The Simple Woman’s Day Book, visit her blog. http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/
FOR TODAY (January 26th, 2009)…
Outside my window.
Very cold, has been teeth chattering cold all day.
I am thinking
what to do with the ashes of two of my pets. We still have Dafni’s ashes and today we picked up Yogi’s ashes. Hers came to us in a sort of treasure chest, but his came in a box with a Himalayan type design, very fitting for this breed.
I am thankful for
A caring Vet … and for friends who have shared their thoughts and hugs with us.
From the kitchen
It was mostly leftovers today, healthy eating.
I am wearing
Thick navy blue fleece pants, long sleeve orange/red cotton tee, green thick hand knit sweater. Bright red socks. Nothing matches, but I’m warm.
I am creating
A sweater, knit in one piece using wine colored yarn I spun last year. I spun the yarn too thin for a heavy sweater, finally came up with something that would work for a warm but light weight sweater. The yarn is wool/alpaca and so it will should be warm without being bulky. Being only a little over 5 ft tall, I find lighter weight, finer knit garments more comfortable than heavy one, but they sure do take a bit longer to make.
I am going
I ran out today just long enough to run to the library, now I am going nowhere.
I am reading
Sabbath… Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest by Wayne Muller. A friend has been reading this book and recommended it. I put a hold on it at the library and have just started it.
I am hoping
That we don’t get all the snow that is predicted for this area in the next two days.
I am hearing
House is quiet, everyone working on their own things in other rooms.
Around the house
Some decluttering going on. Some items will go to the pet shelter, some to the thrift shop, some for recycling, etc…
One of my favorite things
A necklace that I have worn for more than 13 years, a cross with little diamonds and a ruby. It was one of the last gifts from Mom before she went to be with her Jehovah.
A few plans for the rest of the week
work on items for a March art exhibit, get things banner and needle felting supplies ready for Saturday’s guild meeting.
To read more about The Simple Woman’s Day Book, visit her blog. http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/
Alexa Roze
Although Mom & Dad are gone, we have many living aunts & uncles (at least 20) and so counting them, this baby is the first of the 5th generation in our family.
Alexa Roze is my nieces first grandchild, was 2 weeks late and delivered by c-section. Mom, Baby … oh and Dad are all doing well. I can’t wait to go meet this sweetie in person and hold her for a bit.
I saw this on another blog and thought that someone read my mind. The things we love were so similar that I could have just posted what she wrote without changing a thing, but I didn’t.
7 Things I love:
* My family… 2 legged and 4 legged… who know me well … and love me … quirks and all. Particularly my husband who has put up with me since we were children. And the grandchildren who let me see things through a child’s eyes.
*My home… where friends and family gather comfortably. No matter where it is, big or small, it is unique and much more than just a home.
* Quiet time in the morning with a cup of coffee or tea, watching the sunrise, reading or strolling through the garden while the dew is still on the flowers… with Him who loves me most.
* Curling up in a comfortable chair … with a good book … no where I need to be.
* A winter day with big fat snowflakes slowly falling gently …. snowman making weather …
* Being creative …. trying something new… a recipe … a new craft … new flowers in the garden … and sharing with others.
* Living simply … doing more with less … finding the little treasures in life.
Several friends have mentioned that they don’t use their ipods because they dislike using anything in their ears and most stations for their ipods are too bulky or require a plug, thus not being very portable. I mentioned I use a small speaker unit for mine and was asked what it looks like… Here it is…
It isn’t very big at all, fits in a large pocket, has very good sound quality and batteries (I like to use rechargeables) seem to last forever. This allows me to take my ipod just about anywhere in my multiple floored house, studio, garden… away from home. Occasionally I will use the ipod with the earbuds, carrying it all in the little bag I made from yarn leftover from a sock project, which to my surprise won a first place ribbon at a fiber festival.
While the ipod is a modern gadget, I find that it is one of those things that simplifies my life. On there I have devotionals, music, tutorials, books and more, all of them free downloads. While there is nothing to compare putting my feet up and reading a good book, being able to listen to something on the ipod while I work is very enjoyable and keeps me from acquiring even more books than I do.
Another thing that helps keep life a bit simpler and uncluttered is the small counter area I planned when we knocked down the wall between the kitchen and dining room. Most of out friends and family liked to hang out in the kitchen with us and combining the spaces allowed us to create a seating /window seat area at one end and the message center area as well as an island for eating or food prep.
The message center is a small granite tiled counter on two bookcases with recycled cabinets above. On the left side of the counter is a slim wine cellar and more storage above for wine bottles. One of the cabinets holds glasses and such. The other cabinet holds coffees, teas, and snacks such as nuts. On the counter sits a wireless lap top, a one cup coffee/tea maker, and a few items we use everyday. When the letter holder fills up with photos, recipes, etc, It is time to clean it out. Artwook by the grandkids or other interesting photos or items such as the apple pencil holder I made many years ago, pencils and a family calendar iare all we need tacked on the wall. Cookbooks are in one bookcase, childrens books in the other. Often a grandchild can be found sitting on the floor looking through the books.
Altough most of the time the counter serves as a message center, it takes only minutes to set it up as a serving area for desserts and coffee bar. I like that I can monitor pc use by grandkids while I prepare supper, read a book, use my spinning wheel, etc.
Outside my window… It is very grey and blustery… feels like January … brrrrrrrr!
I am thinking.… About a son whose Birthday is today…
I am thankful for… a warm house. I did my 2+ miles this morning on my elliptical trainer, just too cold for walking or jogging outdoors…
From the kitchen… Hot pizza! With lots of cheese…
I am wearing… Thin layers of clothing, hand knit wool sweater, hand knit wool socks.
I am creating… Fiber batts for spinning and felting. Also working on personal notes to tuck into Christmas cards.
I am going… Nowhere, it is a good day to stay home and catch up on reading, spinning, knitting.
I am reading… Lots of things, mainly articles in magazines, online, doing a bit of research on several topics.
I am hoping… To hear good news about several family members.
I am hearing… Dogs barking… Our littlest Lhasa, Star likes to exercise her lungs as well as her legs when she is let out. Why is it that the littlest ones are so often the ones that run the show? Silly girl.
Around the house… Granddaughter Jessica says we are beginning to look like a library with the bathroom and laundry room being the only rooms with no books. Can one ever have too many books?
One of my favorite things… Someone gave us a collection of booklets of old paper dolls, uncut. Some are actually paper teddy bears. I remember playing with these types of dolls as a young girl. When I flipped the booklets over to see how old they were, I found the author/artist at the time lived less than 2 miles from us. I hope we can find out more about the person who created them.
A few plans for the rest of the week: sort out a yarn order that arrived today, finish my brother’s throw, start the guild newsletter for December, play with the drum carder, visit the museum in Corning…
Here is picture thought I am sharing…
To read more about The Simple Woman’s Day Book, visit her blog. http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/
Shortly after Mom’s death almost 13 years ago, I found a book about finding oneself after losing one’s parents.
At the time the book helped me to understand some of the things I was experiencing. Still I didn’t agree with most of the things mentioned in the book.
Two weeks ago, Dad passed away. It was unexpected, in fact he‘d had a wonderful day on Sunday, going out to dinner with my brother and his wife. In a way it was a blessing that he went as he did. I’ll always remember him dancing up a storm at my niece’s wedding this summer.
Many came to the funeral including family members we haven’t seen in a long, long time. Some of our childhood friends also showed up. They’d seen the name in the paper and wanted to show their support. Despite the occasion, I enjoyed connecting with them and we will keep in touch.
While the book…Losing Your Parents, Finding Yourself… wasn’t just right when Mom passed, it is now that both parents are gone. The book points out that regardless of our relationship with our parents (good, bad, indifferent, etc…) our lives are forever changed when they are gone, we will never be the same person as when they were alive, no longer someone‘s child. Our role in life changes.
My siblings and I are now the generation that our children and grandchildren look up to, their connection to the extended family and to the past.
And so another change along with the many changes this past year.
I lost my voice 2 weeks ago and still don’t quite have it back, I need to be quiet and now is a good time to be quiet.
Seasons End
Harvesting the last of the produce from the garden is one of the normal signs of transition from Summer to Autumn.
I was able to keep harvesting till just a week ago, covering plants at night until daytime temps were too low to be of much benefit.
This summer’s food and herb garden did not hold much, just a few plants given to me by friends that had little space for extra plants. I’d cleared that space of all plants last fall and so now all that remains is Sage & Chocolate Mint. There are plans to fill that space up again next year, having been able to remove an invasive weed we battled with last year.
The end of growing season, marks the beginning family season, when we spend more time with each other and not rushing around working on outdoor projects, going on trips, enjoying outdoor activities in the community.
This year we have a new Season of another kind. My husband retired last week. He is much younger than most people when they retire, but he is ready to move on, do the things he has not had time for, no more work travel, staying at hotels, lugging a heavy briefcase and laptop everywhere.
He is looking forward to having time to do what he likes to do best, work with his hands, pull out the shopsmith that has been tucked away for years, set it up and put some miles on it. His first project is a large shed that I can use as a potting shed but also as a summer studio facing the garden. I currently use most of the garage with the sheltered patio as my summer studio, once the new building is done that space will be his to use
Another milestone here is not really a personal one, but important to me for many reasons. This Saturday the guild will celebrate it’s first anniversary. We ended the year with 40 members and have been very busy meeting new people, learning new things, participating in demos and other events.. It has been a lot of fun, but also a lot of work.
In order to free up time (my studio work has suffered a bit and so has my writing) make things a little easier and more efficient for everyone, I’ve asked a fellow guild member to take over the discussion/business part of the meeting. I will help, but will have more time to set up workshops, work on the newsletter and guild blog. Saturday I will be doing what I like doing most, teaching the members how to weave using wheat to make small ornaments or favors.
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