Katie's Secret

Fell in love in Key West....

2009-01-31T16:12:00.005-07:00

...with sea kayaking!

Spent an amazing week down in the Keys at a Seminar then stayed on two more days, swam with dolphins, roamed around and landed in Pennekamp State Park (a coral reef park) and decided to head out on a solo kayak adventure in the afternoon. I'd never kayaked before but the fella at the desk assured me I'd be able to do it no problem. The second I sat in that vessel and started paddling, I felt like this was something I'd been born to do. It was so easy and fun and the perfect mix of Zenlike peacefulness and a little bit of danger (yes, alligators do live in mangroves and I was paddling the entire time through water trails in the mangrove...what are they...groves?). It was SO MUCH FUN! Oh and I ran in to a fisherman who told me to look down as I passed him and see the 2 foot stingray resting on the bottom of the channel.

You can see the solitude I was blessed with--hardly saw a soul the entire 90 min. I was out there

"the hand"
That Mangrove was trying to reach out and grab me!

Yes those are my girlie flip flops

Yummy post boating snack. What a gorgeous day.

Charmed

2009-01-14T23:15:00.007-07:00

I recently had a conversation with my father about how my "moneymaking" life has truly been charmed.

How I've never, not once in my entire life, interviewed for a job that I wasn't 100% sure I was going to get. That I always felt my employers were lucky to have me on board (I am typically not so cocky but this is just a true description of my emotion at the time) and I was curious what they were offering me.

Not that I've had such good fortune in every area of my life, mind you, but this area has just been easy. Thank God--I figure it's just one of those karmic "giveaways" that I have taken, but truly need to stop taking, for granted. A lucky charm is always a treasure.

In this vein, I was recently offered another part time job. Once again (as has happened to me at least two other times in my life) a prospective employer has seen a quality in me, unseen in myself, and offered to pay me for something I'd do for free.

In this case, I will be blogging regularly (3 times per week) for Phoenix New Times on "food treasures" I find around town. And they are paying me for it! And everything I purchase toward this will be a writeoff for me! Like finding a fun gadget at a food store, some lovely spices at Penzey's to write about or....drumroll...my new Samsung pink camera en route to me right now!! Yes I will need to take alot of my own photos to use in my entries. As in this blog, I will be taking photos of recipes I try out or food I enjoy in a local restaurant such as this amazing Cashmere martini I had the other day.

Once again, an angel has appeared before me, flung open a door and yanked me through it handing me a paycheck on the threshold.

If you're interested in reading me there, at least for now I will be generally blogging under the Chow Bella heading at www.phoenixnewtimes.com.

Or more directly:

Chow Bella

Aha Moment

2009-01-13T09:48:00.003-07:00

Woke up with one of those "oh so basic" but profound realizations that you almost feel stupid for not getting sooner.

When something is right, it doesn't feel like you have to work hard to obtain/maintain/sustain it.

Or to quote my teacher "if it feels like you're working too hard, you're working too hard".

Simple as that.

Christmas 2008!

2008-12-28T09:59:00.010-07:00

(my eggnog snowflake cake)

What a fantastic holiday season it's been so far. Filled with parties, cooking, fun with family and friends and a great mood all the way around (oh and a funfilled trip to Colorado upcoming for New Year's with a hot man! woohoo!).

Some photos, first of a holiday brunch in my home, then some cookie baking then the holiday brunch with the gals from the office. Cheers!

Galpals in my living room brunchin on down...

The beginnings of my "holly berry" champagne cocktail (secret recipe).

Dad creating a gorgeous shrimp cocktail.
There might be some taste testing going on there too.

The patio section--what a gorgeous day we had

Baking and decorating our family's favorite "Merry Christmas Cookies"

Brunch with the work gals at Top of the Rock. You should have seen the face I made directly after putting this raw oyster in my mouth (all I can say is thank God for the mimosa to wash it down).

A fun time was had by all....:)

And finally, our new tree topper--Marilyn and her flying skirt

Yes We Did

2008-11-06T17:05:00.001-07:00

Hope-o-Lantern

2008-10-29T22:18:00.003-07:00

My Hope O Lantern!

Well, not mine but I used this same template to carve my Obamalantern tonite at Amy's house.

I carved the same profile in the crescent moon but then the word H O P E down the side of it. I"ll take a photo when I find my camera and put my candle in it.

VOTE OBAMA!

Flan...with champagne?

2008-10-07T12:59:00.009-07:00

Being sick at home the last couple days has sent me doing too much surfing (I'm so bored with my own self I will read just about anything). Weirdly or not so weirdly, my stomach has been bothering me yet I find myself jumping from one food blog to the other.

Look what I found (one of the many yummies)! Two of my favorite things blended together in one recipe: flan and champagne! Wow, can't wait to try this. Sounds like a really fun ending to a wine meal--one of which I am planning in the near future.

Look at all the fun bubbles in the photo above.

Her Chef's note there is really helpful as I had this exact problem with the flan I made for my family this past summer--made it in the morning and the caramel was still in the hard stage when I went to invert the ramekins..great tip!

I snagged this delicioso from one of many gorgeous food blogs I've hopped on today. Here's the link to Melissa's right here.

Flan de Champagne

This flan is my variation of a classic Latin American dessert that is usually made with milk.

4 servings

Ingredients:

Custard

1/3 cup sugar
3 eggs, whole
3 egg yolks
2-1/2 cups champagne
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, ground

Caramel

1 cup white sugar

Preparation

Pre-heat the oven to 325F (170C). Butter 6 small custard cups 6 oz or one large and place in a shallow baking pan. Heat one cup sugar in a small pan until syrupy and golden brown in color. Pour syrup evenly into prepared custard cups. Beat eggs, egg yolks and 1/3 cup sugar in a large bowl until thick and pale. Gradually add champagne, lemon peel and cinnamon; beat until combined.

Pour custard mixture into prepared cups. Make a water bath by pouring enough hot water into baking pan to come half way up sides of the custard cups. Bake 60 minutes or until a knife inserted in center of custards comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely. Carefully remove from the water bath. Refrigerate overnight or until ready to serve.

[Chef’s Note: This little custards benefit from a night in the refrigerator so that the hard caramel base can slowly melt into a syrup. They are the perfect dessert for dinner parties because you can prepare them in advance. After removing them from the water bath, let cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate until completely chilled before serving.]

Service Invert flan onto individual serving dishes, letting the syrup run down sides of the
custard.

Have a delicious Tuesday!

Melissa

13

2008-10-03T23:16:00.009-07:00

Justice.

13 years to the day he was set free after rage murdering two innocent people, OJ Simpson is convicted of multiple offenses, including kidnapping and other serious charges. It's being reported the sentences will likely land him in prison for the rest of his life.

Poetic, does not even begin to describe this day.

Rest in peace Nicole and Ron. Prayers and compassion sent out to their families who, I suspect, are finally finding a deeper exhale tonight.

Too dang much fun

2008-09-28T16:46:00.029-07:00

Michelle and I last night/this morning decided we stepped right in to a Sex and the City episode this weekend. The glitz and glamour of the party, our odd little mishaps, our overnight stay at the Mondrian, our personal rickshaw driver who took us back and forth to the hotel including when I was informed I needed to go back and get my freakin ID (in addition to the tickets I had) to just enter the party ...arrrgh, etc.

We had a BLAST, our hotel was amazing--one of the most interesting hotel rooms I've ever stayed in from the white sheer curtains surrounding every single wall floor to ceiling, to the single apple just sitting "on display" in this red lit box thing (were we supposed to eat it? who knows!) to the luxurious toiletries to the FINE soft linens. Wish we could have stayed there longer and not just come back and passed out at 2am secondary to the..errr....fun night we had.

So awesome, great people watching, a long leisurely breakfast at my favorite place The Breakfast Club in the morning (a la SATC) and SO. MUCH. LAUGHTER. Just what the Dr. ordered for both of us. We looked hot even though our shoes were killing our feet and we just overall had the most fun ever. It sure is fun sometimes to just pop in to how the glitterati live and then come home to the comforts of our cozy little lives again.

Michelle did my "smoky eyes" makeup

Absolut Citron had these little scarves all over the party so we grabbed some accesories--Sandra Dee/Grace Kelly (hey, it was hot in there!)

This "bed" was at the entrance to the hotel..we HAD to get some shots on it.

Bodhi, our personal rickshaw driver

Michelle, lounging in front of the huge flat screen TV in our room

"the apple"

The view from our room

Me, the morning after. Pumpkins no longer carriages...sigh...

Party Night!

2008-09-27T14:23:00.009-07:00

One of the highlights of my year is the New Times Best of Phoenix party! My friend is the managing editor there and, because I used to write a column for a now defunct magazine (Justice Magazine), she recruited me for the gig of freelancing for New Times and writing some entries for their "Best of Phoenix" issue. I do get paid for my entries BUT the big deal of this score is the tickets to the party! Wooohooo! I was going to be out of town for it this year and my tickets were given away...BUT...as good luck would have it, even though my weekend plans changed at the last minute, I was able to score two last min. tickets! Yeeee hawww! Thank you Amy!

So my good friend Michelle and I are getting all dolled up and headed out tonite. Check out the shoes I just got to wear....um yeah those heels are at least 5 inches (um, wish me luck on the dance floor--eegads). They go with my new black mini dress..ohyeah we will be bringin it on. And Michelle promised me she's going to give me the "smoky eye" makeup we drooled over Charlize Theron on in that Will Smith flick this summer.

I snagged us a room within walking distance of the soiree at the trendy Mondrian Hotel (thank you Priceline where I saved over 100 bucks on this room!) so we can stumble "home" and not worry about who has to be the designated driver. I mean there will be all open bars and free food stands all over this party, as usual. And Michelle and I will be partaking, imbibing and making merry, you BET. I'm so happy I got to stay here and got back in to the groove...and yeah, found the hot little outfit I will be sporting. Here are my shoes:

Hope to return with some good shots of our evening of fun...that's of course if I remember my camera. Doh!

Miscellaneous food photos

2008-09-26T13:31:00.004-07:00

Just found these little stragglers from my trip in my camera! This was my finished flan with a few fresh Maine blueberries garnished on top. Doesn't my Dad look adorable here? He has retained his cuteness all his life.

Some little lowfat parmesean spinach cups I made. I added some extra egg whites (for more protein) to the recipe and they turned out really good. I ate these for breakfast all last week. Yummy! I may do a rerun on this this weekend. The only thing I would do differently is line the tins with cupcake foils as they did stick even with cooking spray. Here's the recipe:

Makes 4 servings, 2 spinach cakes each

ACTIVE TIME: 15 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 40 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

12 ounces fresh spinach (see Note)
1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese or low-fat cottage cheese
1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
2 large eggs, beaten
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Pulse spinach in three batches in a food processor until finely chopped. Transfer to a medium bowl. Add ricotta (or cottage cheese), Parmesan, eggs, garlic, salt and pepper; stir to combine.
3. Coat 8 cups of the muffin pan with cooking spray. Divide the spinach mixture among the 8 cups (they will be very full).
4. Bake the spinach cakes until set, about 20 minutes. Let stand in the pan for 5 minutes. Loosen the edges with a knife and turn out onto a clean cutting board or large plate. Serve warm, sprinkled with more Parmesan, if desired.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 141 calories; 8 g fat (4 g sat, 3 g mono); 123 mg cholesterol; 6 g carbohydrate; 13 g protein; 2 g fiber; 456 mg sodium; 560 mg potassium.
Nutrition bonus: Vitamin A (170% daily value), Folate (46% dv), Vitamin C (40% dv), Calcium (30% dv), Potassium (16% dv).
1 Carbohydrate Serving
Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 1/2 medium-fat meat

TIP: Note: Baby spinach is immature or young spinach—it’s harvested earlier than large-leaved mature spinach. We like the sturdy texture of mature spinach in cooked dishes and serve tender, mild-flavored baby spinach raw or lightly wilted. Baby and mature spinach can be used interchangeably in these recipes (yields may vary slightly); be sure to remove the tough stems from mature spinach before using.

Weights & Measures
10 ounces trimmed mature spinach=about 10 cups raw
10 ounces baby spinach=about 8 cups raw

MAKE AHEAD TIP: Equipment: Muffin pan with 12 (1/2-cup) muffin cups

The UniBreather

2008-09-21T19:18:00.012-07:00

Ok, yeah that cartoon may be a bit dramatic, but let me tell you, this breathing/yoga issue HAS been drama filled. Thankfully, I just found out tonite I"m not the only one embroiled in the drama.

Where to start....

Well, first off, I take a lot of yoga. A lot. Pretty much every day these days. I know that sounds valiant but really I'm addicted to this form of yoga that's all about relaxation at the moment. Not so much about strengthening or conditioning but releasing. An interesting side effect of it though is that I'm getting incredibly flexible in a short period of time which is somehow making me feel stronger and with more stamina in my dance classes..woohoo!

But I digress...

Back to yoga classes (called Restorative or Yin by the way).

Last week one day this great instructor Michelle, set an intention for the class which was to focus on finding our internal silence as a way to deal with all the intrusions of noise in our day to day lives. A good focus.

Anyway, I became aware quickly that an older woman was in class who'd been there the night before and demonstrated an unusual style of breathing which I found quite distracting. Ok I'll just say it, it's downright annoying to the point of fingernails on a chalkboard. And that's even putting it mildly too.

Oh..greaaaatttt...here I am supposed to be finding my internal silence and right next to me is this lady who's taking these deep breaths, holding her breath for a few seconds, then releasing this loud, audible, forced, stressed sounding exhale. Like the kind of sound one makes when lifting something heavy then letting it go. Or maybe a woman pushing a baby through a birth canal. Ok, that's a bit extreme but you get my drift.

Not just occasionally, mind you, but every. single. flippin. breath. Like a macabre metronome loudly punctuating itself over and over throughout this "relaxing" class. Of course the more I tried not to focus on it, the more it became the ONLY thing I could focus on. I felt like I was gonna lose my mind. I was actually having seriously unkind (to put it mildly) thoughts about this woman! I nearly left the class over it! It was intense.

After class, I called my male friend and vented the whole thing to him. He's so awesome and didn't make me feel more insane for going nuts over a woman's breathing style in yoga. He told me something about how women process sound differently than men do so it made perfect sense that I would react like that (yeah, he's a brainiac and knows interesting trivia like that). He let me go on and on about it and even the next day asked me "was your breathing lady there?" after I went to class. (awwww...yes a man who not only pays attention but cares...what a find). Luckily I had a respite from her...that day.

Which brings me to today. Class was HUGE today. The 3:30 Sunday Yin class for some reason is super popular and I could barely find a spot. But, lo and behold, there she was. The breather. Ugh.

Luckily my mat was all the way across from her and I just decided to do my best to keep working on tuning out external sounds and "find my internal silence". (oh brother)

So of course she started up immediately. The entire room of over 20 people are in silence except the instructor and the quiet hum of the ceiling fans. Not even music. But there she is with her loud inhalations, holding her breath, then the explosive , exaggerated, beyond annoying power-sigh. Ugh ugh ugh! It grasped me again....arrrgh! How does she not know she's the ONLY person the room breathing this way..so loudly, in a room of silence! My mind was racing, wondering if a person at, say, a play like I was last night where they tell you to open your hard candy BEFORE the performance, spent the entire time gasping like that over and over...they would get kicked out of the audience! I know that's a stretch and people should be able to breathe *however* in yoga but this was over the top!

Until.....I saw it. Across the room, I heard a stir. I looked over and this gal had pulled herself out of the reclining posture to sitting with her head in her hand. She was shaking her head from side to side in frustration. I knew EXACTLY what she was reacting to the instant I saw her. She looked two people over to TBL (The Breathing Lady) with a look of pure disgust on her face. Eureka! I had a comrade! I watched her try to lay back down, sit back up again, turn her head sharply in the direction of TBL, shake her head, basically demonstrate all my own frustration of the last two assaults on my audio senses in front of my own eyes. I was simultaneously frustrated myself and relieved that I was not alone, not over reacting to this.

After about 10 min. now I was somewhat obsessed with this gal and her reactions and was not surprised when she tapped her friend on the leg, had reached her limit, grabbed up her things and quietly left the studio. I knew exactly why she was leaving. I had walked up to that same precipice myself. If I wasn't all the way across the room from the door, I might have followed her out to lend some support or really gather some for myself.

Class ensued. TBL continued her freakish respirations. I did my best to keep turning my focus inward and not be stressed out in the one place in my life I go to diminish my stress while also trying not to resent the fact that I even have this struggle in this venue...until....

Toward the end of the class I see the instructor Michelle lean down and give some kind of instruction to TBL and guess what? She stopped gasping! Finally! An intervention! Hope! Halleluiah!

After class, I walk past and see a somewhat passionate conversation happening with this lady and Michelle. Words about "being more gentle" and something about "falling asleep". I didn't linger nor did I care really as it seemed it was at least getting addressed.

As I gathered my shoes, another student gestured toward them then said to me "I feel so bad". I inquired "for what?" and she told me she had called over Michelle during the class to complain about TBL! That she was right near her, that she knew those gals had left over it, that she was "going insane" throughout class and when Michelle was giving us cues about "kind thoughts" she was consumed with homicidal thoughts toward this woman! Another Eureka moment! Another comrade! Thank God! We walked outside and introduced ourselves and I shared with her how I'd felt tortured for two other classes before and had decided to say something to Michelle today after class but then against it as it appeared it was getting addressed. My new friend Rhonda still begged me to share my feelings with her so she'd feel less alone with her complaint so I promised her I would next time I saw her. Ya know we women, we are often not so comfortable with "complaining" much less "confrontation".

Let's hope either TBL gets so offended by the admonishment and finds a new yoga studio to gasp in or accepts the feedback and finds a way to fit in...quietly...ceasing from being the yoga terrorist she'd become.

So we can all find our internal silence again...without the thoughts of wanting to strangle someone's windpipe to get there.

Pink Lemonade

2008-09-14T22:50:00.007-07:00

So I had a frustrating week with my computer situation. With my one and only computer system freaking out on me in various ways, I considered the need to have a backup computer that would be more reliable and allow me to use one specifically for work issues and the other for personal business.

Desperately I started a search only to find a "perfect" new laptop at Best Buy and to storm out in a huff 15 min. later after being told this was only "on display" and no inventory was available there or any of the other stores on that great deal (smelled of a bait and switch deal to me).

So I huffed and puffed over to the dreaded (descent to Hell) Fry's Electronics where, sadly, my 3 year service contract resides. After 90 min. of "help" with Mr. "This is my first day in this dept and I'm so sorry this 10 min. job has taken an hour and a half", I left with my "loaner" (one good thing about this hellacious place).

I didn't get far before noticing the pink sticker on the outside of the loaner box. Then, the yellow SALE sticker showing this was an "open box" item therefore $400 less than the retail price, while still being BRAND NEW. WOW!

Well, yeah you get it--this is my new blush pink Sony Vaio laptop!!! If a designer was asked to evaluate my personality/aesthetic, I swear to God this exact laptop would have been designed just for me. The pale pink color, the fonts on the keys, the soft brushed metal of the keypad, etc. etc. I was in love the minute I plugged it in.

I've definitely fallen out of love with my former laptop and all that came/goes with it, but I do find it functional--the perfect electronic device to take to work without worry of it's getting stolen. Ok, yeah that might be a bit extreme.

Welcome to Ecuador!

2008-09-10T23:14:00.012-07:00

So I decided to take my family and friends on a little culinary journey to Ecuador during our vacation in Maine and took along with me several recipes from this gorgeous blog I've discovered, Laylita's Recipes (see sidebar for link). It was great fun and I cooked off and on throughout the day (between beach naps). The fellas I was cooking for also got totally in to the spirit.

Isn't this a gorgeous display of produce? I used nearly every single element from this basket in my meal.

Beautiful avocados.....to.....

...delicious guacamole!
As you can see, the appetizer course was served on the porch overlooking the ocean sunset.

Laylita's amazing arugula/mango/avocado/red onion salad with a fresh dressing made with fresh squeezed orange juice and other perfect ingredients.

The progression of the centerpiece of the meal--her fish with coconut sauce--what fun was that to make! I loved every step along the way. First I marinated the fish in all these fruit juices and gorgeous spices then it cooks in the coconut milk sauce shown here. YUM

I could hardly believe I found plaintains in a generic grocery store in Maine...wow! These turned out well but I think they could have been alot crisper. I never seem to get anything fried quite right.

The finished plate!

It looked, and tasted gorgeous thanks to Laylita's fabulous recipes/instructions!

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

I made her orange coconut flan for dessert. As I couldn't find a mixer (I later did) , I used the blender to combine the ingredients! You can see the coconut milk layered with evap milk, sugar, eggs, etc. I thought it looked pretty cool before blending.

The finished flan. The shaved coconut "rose" to the top, which became the bottom so it made almost a little crust.

Thanks to Laylita...it sure was a fun opportunity to use her recipes "soup to nuts" and share them and have everything turn out so fabulous!

Buen provecho!

"Excruciating"

2008-09-10T07:15:00.006-07:00

Yes, this is my father.

This year I'd run in to all kinds of fun lobster type gift items and gathered them together to bring to the cottage so every day I presented my father (or my brother or whoever it seemed to fit) with a different present.

This particular evening was the lobster wine charms. Note how he decides to "charm" himself with it. Oh and yes, it wasn't the only time he did that. Every single time someone came to visit, he had to show off his new jewelry. This is the person who raised me. Might explain some things.

So the first day I was at the cottage, I decided to show him the QiGong practice so he would see me run through it one time then I would teach him for the next day. So he sat, right in the same chair he's sitting in this photo, facing me on the picnic table below going through my whole practice (facing the ocean--amazing).

After I've finished, I return to the porch and ask him "So what did you think?".

His response, and I quote:

"That was excruciating to watch".

hahahahahahaaaaaaaaaaa!

He clarified that the movements were so slow (yay for me because I'm supposed to go slow!) that he just kept wanting me to speed up. Interestingly, in the equation of him and me, I'm the fast mover yet I'm totally drawn to this practice and he's totally resistant. Maybe the Universe' way of steering us toward things we need.

He did ask if he could go to yoga class with me this Dec. when he comes out to visit. I think it will be best if someone else teaches him anyway.

We'll just have to see if he shows up with the nose ring.

QiGong on the beach

2008-09-08T12:13:00.006-07:00

One morning while on my beach vacation I decided to head out to the very tip of the jetty there to practice my QiGong. I absolutely love walking along big boulders like this.

Once I got to the end, this was my view back to the beach. And note how "populated" it was that morning (a week day after Labor Day).

Talk about Chi getting stirred up and throwing itself at me! It was pretty amazing honestly.

This was my serene view throughout my entire practice that morning...out in to the expanse.

Later, while resting and reading on one of those boulders halfway back, a man and his son passed me and said hello. As they passed, I heard the older gentleman say "I told you we were going to see a mermaid out here".

Later that afternoon, my father returned from a shopping expedition (knowing nothing about my day) and had bought me a present: you got it, a mermaid ornament.

I love those moments in life.

To the Beach!

2008-08-29T21:10:00.014-07:00

The Monkeyspoon

My room

The view from my bed

I'm excited to be headed back to my family's summer home in Wells Beach Maine for a week of sunshine, cool nights, stars, lots of cooking and partying with my family and friends and relaxation!

I feel like I have alot to celebrate right now. In the world of abundance, alot of things have recently coalesced in terms of paying my car off (after 6 years of car payments--YAY!), in the same month paying off a big chunk of some old post-9/11 debt I incurred to keep my business afloat. AND...my landlords just this week offered me a new THREE YEAR lease at my office at the SAME RATE I've paid for the last three years. That is unheard of I think. I was shocked! And grateful! I don't know if it's the economic climate or the fact that I've spent several years cultivating a good relationship with them but this is a really huge sigh of relief for me in my business life. It trickles down to a feeling of security for all the other renters who work with me and we can all breathe easy for another three years. What a blessing this week!
Also extremely grateful that my business continues to prosper and everyone working there is doing very very well, happy, supportive of each other and overall a fantastic work environment to be in.

I am also exceedingly grateful for my health improving daily. My Dr. has been instrumental in helping me reactivate my thyroid and pull me out of the slump I was in for a longer period of time than I want to remember. My energy has really come back, I feel more alive and vibrant than I've been in a long long time, exercising, eating really healthy, focusing on some aspect of my health every single day. It really feels good. Many people have been commenting on how healthy and happy I look which makes me feel even better! I'm going to be more healthy at 50 than I was at 40! Kind of exciting!

All this and more I want to celebrate with my family...and all of their accomplishments this year too and of course, just being together again in the most amazing place on Earth.

I intend to keep practicing my QiGong (and yoga) right there on the beach every morning facing the ocean and expanding in to the...expanse... ;) Maybe some seals will come to join me.

My Dad even said he wants to practice it with me! Isn't he a trooper?

Cheers!

I'll bring photos when I return.

Hummingbird Chi

2008-08-25T10:21:00.002-07:00

It's been over a week since I wrote. Been very busy here and have added nearly daily yoga practice with my QiGong. I'm on Day 20 here now and a lot has happened since my last entry in my QiGong life. Not the least of which heading back to Tucson last weekend for a more advanced training with Jeff Primack which was amazing and will document in another entry.

First off, I started going to practice in a park near my house where there is a small lake, trees and grass. A refreshing change in the Arizona landscape for sure. Even in this heat, it remains cool under those trees.

So the first time I went, I explored a little bit and found a tree with some even ground underneath and nice shade and a little away from the walking path and began my practice.

It was so nice to be outside! I went along and then my gaze went up to a branch to the right and I saw a small bird. Actually her (I think it was a she but not sure) sound drew my attention. That percussive chirp that hummingbirds make. So I just noticed her sitting on that branch knowing she'd fly off in a moment. They never sit still for long.

Well, not her. No nest or anything in sight, she sat there on that branch for most of the "Around the World" segment and all of the "Push Hands". Somewhere during Around the World, she did fly off but relocated to another branch and sat there still again for the remainder. By herself. Ok, well, with me.

Toward the end of my practice, she flew off, made a circle around where I was standing, then returned to the tree in front of me. Like her own little closing ceremony.

I knew I'd found the right place to practice. I invited some gals I met at the instructor training in Tucson to join me on Sundays so hopefully they will be able to show up sometime. Sunday 9am. Kiwanis park. In case you forgot. ;) This next Sun. I will be out of town though.

So I went back again this weekend but someone was laying under my Hummingbird tree. No problem, I found another spot with actually a better view. I was right near the path of the walkers, joggers, fishermen, etc. so had to get over any self consciousness and just thought to myself "good, maybe they will get the Chi too" and kept right on. So, yup, toward the end of my practice, as I began to rotate in the Push Hands, there I saw him/her. A hummingbird flitting around up in the tree. If there is one or many or a total hummingbird tribe in that park is inconsequential to me. It's still my sign and my companion.

Today is Day 20. I feel good.

Days 7, 8 and 9

2008-08-14T20:35:00.001-07:00

(this image and other Jeff Primack images from www.qigong.com)

I feel like I'm experiencing my own Qi Revolution here right in my own little corner of the world. I've been practicing my QiGong every day since I got back from the training and have been having my smoothies every day as well. My energy level also appears to be improving in that I've also been doing Nia and yoga and had the energy /interest/motivation to do so! I've also not been drinking coffee nearly as often or as much as I had before. Maybe a cup every other day. I'm even forgetting about it! One day (today) I did substitute the breath empowerment for the Level One routine only because I wanted to try something different and I had an hour and a half of yoga this morning. But so far so good! I'm really looking forward to heading back to Tucson in a couple of days to explore the next level of my training w/ Jeff Primack and staff. Just a couple of days away!

Day 6--my cat loves QiGong!

2008-08-11T11:48:00.002-07:00

I noticed the other day that when I put on the DVD and started my practice, my one cat Buddy (who is my shaman cat) came running in to the room, stood up on the couch behind me and started this plaintive meowing. I just kept going but was thinking "dude, what is your deal?" and then he started walking around my feet and meowing until he finally settled down on the couch and started purring.

Ever since then he hears the DVD starting and rushes in to the room and finds a spot near me and quietly joins me. Awwww, kinda cute.

I got up this morning and did my morning practice and then went to the dentist for an intense 2 hour dental appt. fixing a broken tooth. I swear I think the QiGong helped me be more relaxed and the whole procedure went with alot more ease than other dental visits have. I also practiced the QiGong breathing awareness during the procedure so that was kind of cool as well.

Haven't missed a day of practice or my smoothies (pulpies) so I'm kind of proud of myself! Oh and the movements are getting easier and easier on my arms and shoulders...yay!

Days 4 and 5

2008-08-10T12:35:00.001-07:00

Ok so yesterday while doing my morning practice, I glanced over at my TV and lo and behold what I saw sitting on top. Well, just see for yourself.

Jeff Primack rolling hands over an energy ball

My father gave me this figurine for Christmas last year and it sits right on top of the TV I watch my Qigong DVD on.
Pretty cool huh? I love serendipity like this. :)

I actually woke up on Day 4 looking forward to my practice that morning which was interesting considering how much I was resisting it the night before. Maybe this practice is enchanting me in to itself?

Day 3

2008-08-08T22:52:00.000-07:00

Today was a hard day over here. I had a very intense work day today and did not get my QiGong practice in before heading in to work (early) but I did do my smoothie. I was sooo tired and not feeling well when i got home for some reason and ate dinner then fell fast asleep on the couch watching the Olympics Opening Ceremonies.

I made some fabulous (I have to say) lentil/bean curry with coconut milk , sweet potatoes and swiss chard. It was fun to make and threw it in the crockpot before heading to work.

I woke up from the couch at 8:30 and realized it's now or never so popped in the DVD and did my QiGong practice. I was so tired but I was sweating all over...dripping off my face, down my legs, everything! Wild! That's been happening more and more which tells me something is going on w/ my metabolism and all I'm doing is standing there doing these very slow movements.

So, I didn't falter. I kept my vow. I do feel good about doing the entire practice even though I was seriously not feeling in to it.

Smoothie or Pulpie?

2008-08-07T21:11:00.000-07:00

Ok, I get it Jeff. I really get it. Your 3HP blender is the only way to go with this. I tried with my top of the line Kitchenaid blender but it obviously doesn't create the results of your Wonder Blender. But that's ok, I'll stick with my pulp awhile longer for the time being because at least I'm getting my nutrients and some fiber which is better than the-breakfast-which-will-not-be-named I've been eating in the past.

So check out the chronology of my "pulpie".

Note the beets, cilantro, corn, cucumbers, strawberries, blueberries and a blob of coconut oil on top. At all the various stages right up to consumption! :D

Distilled water and organic coconut oil (for the thyroid)

Yes I even put my produce in the zip lock baggies as Jeff suggested (he was well prepared for every level of resistance to this, which believe me, I could serve up them all). That made things alot easier with only one day of prep time!

Before

Half way blended, or rather, pulped.

Ready to drink and chew! ;)

It really is a gorgeous color. It wouldn't have all that pulp if I had the correct turbo blender but I still could drink it all down, with a straw no less! And it tastes good! I forgot limes and decided to eat my avocados outside of the smoothie but I think this was a good start!

30 Days of QiGong

2008-08-07T08:54:00.000-07:00

Just returned from an absolutely life changing 4 day workshop / retreat in the powerful healing art of QiGong with Jeff Primack of Supreme Science QiGong Foundation. This experience was so much more than I ever anticipated, especially with the incredible fee of only $70 for the entire 4 days (wow!). We covered so much ground from some basic QiGong movements/practice to nutrtion to QiGong walking to meditation to breathwork, live music, etc! It was truly life changing for me. I literally felt my health improving in just the 4 days I was there.

One thing that happened was that I commited to practice the Level 1 QiGong form for 30 straight days. That in itself was interesting as I woke up the morning of the last day and told someone on the phone that I had purchased the Level 1 dvd and was intending to try it for 30 straight days. Then got to the workshop and Jeff asked those wishing to further extend the training from the workshop to practice the Level 1 for 30 days!!! Talk about a sign!

So, I drove back yesterday from Tucson where the seminar was held, basically went straight to work so didn't start the practice until I got home.

Jeff is also big on making these wild "smoothies" with a high horsepower blender and having those daily so I am also incorporating this in to my 30 days. I don't have the blender (yet) so am going to make do with the "ultra power" Kitchenaid blender but not be able to include everything..such as the avocado PIT (yes, the PIT) in my smoothies but that's cool for now.

So yesterday picked up alot of ingredients--still looking for the Maca root and goji berries which I may have to order. Spent much of last evening preparing my fruits and veggies in easy bags to be able to pull out in the morning and blend up. I'm very excited to see how my health improves over these 30 days. I'm already feeling pretty good after having recently completed a 14 day fast on the Master Cleanser, dropped about 10 pounds of toxicity from my body. But I'm really really wanting to work on my thryoid problem using some of the things I learned.

So I always figure anything i can do to keep me on target with something that involves willpower I'll do it. Like blogging about these 30 days for one.

Day 2 beginning here. I have a full work day so will be able to do my smoothie and 45 min. forms this morning then see how my energy level changes. Oh and also off wheat, sugar since the fast and well, let's just say limiting my coffee for the moment. I'll see how that desire changes as well...